Crystal Beach
The Famous Rollercoaster
Crystal Beach's famous rollercoaster: The Cyclone
In 1927, Crystal Beach Park hired Harry Traver to design and build
The Cyclone, still considered to be the most terrifying roller coaster
ever built. This magnificent thrill ride had an unorthodox track layout,
which twisted and turned at steep angles throughout the entire ride,
torturing its riders. The only straight section of track was the lift
hill and the break run at the end of the ride. The extreme design and
nature of this ride became a maintenance and insurance nightmare for
park management. After 20 years of operation, the Cyclone was removed
and replaced with The Comet, a very tall and long roller coaster that
operated from 1947 until the park closed in 1989. With a lift hill of 95
feet and a length of more than 4000 feet, The Comet was an imposing
structure. What made it even more impressive was that it stood on top of
a concrete base next to Lake Erie. The intimidating sight of the coaster
high above the water’s edge made for an unforgettable on-ride experience
for any patron of the park.
Sadly, after being in existence for 101 years, Crystal Beach Park closed forever after the season ended in 1989. Many of the buildings and rides had been part of the park for decades.