Serving as the seat of Erie County, Sandusky lies on the shores of Lake Erie in the far north of Ohio. It’s home to one of the oldest theme parks in the United States and numerous family-friendly attractions that include museums dedicated to vintage carousels and the area’s maritime past.
Things to do in Sandusky
In the heart of Sandusky is the Merry-Go-Round Museum, which explores the history and art of the carousel. Relieve your childhood memories as you climb aboard the beautifully restored Allan Herschell Carousel, complete with a band organ playing. A highlight of visiting the museum is watching the skilled carvers and restorers in action as they bring old carousel figures back to life.
On the waterfront is the Maritime Museum of Sandusky, which houses exhibits dedicated to Lake Erie’s history of pirates, shipwrecks and fishing. While exploring the interactive displays, learn about Sandusky’s Underground Railroad history and its ice harvesting traditions, then check to see what’s currently happening in the boat-building workshop.
One of Sandusky’s biggest attractions is Cedar Point, which has one of the largest collections of roller coasters in the United States. You can brave the “Millennium Force”, “Magnum XL-200” or the “Top Thrill Dragster”, each of which has been the tallest full-circuit roller coaster at one point in time. Also not to miss is the “Valravn” dive coaster, which has been designed with stomach-dropping, near-vertical descents.
Getting around Sandusky
Sandusky is just over an hour’s drive from Cleveland and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America. Long-distance trains connect to the Sandusky Amtrak station and buses travel throughout the city. Ferries depart from Sandusky to Ontario’s Pelee Island while the downtown area can easily be explored on foot.