Cedar Point history lives on

Editor's note: Justin Dietz is a Register correspondent representing CPFoodBlog.com and @CPFoodBlog on Twitter. Where do roller coasters go when they die? While anything associated with amusement parks is typically a highly guarded item kept in the hands of the park somewhere in hiding, there is a place that is building out to preserve those favorite memories from going extinct. Located in Plainview, Texas, the National Roller Coaster Museum is constructing a facility to show off those favorite amusement park memories. We recently got invited down to see the facility and some of the iconic roller coasters and pieces of history that guests will get to see when the park opens in the future. Over the years, the park has been acquiring everything imaginable from amusement parks around the world. They were able to save several items from Six Flags New Orleans following the damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005. They also obtained an absolutely incredible working patent model of the original Tilt-A-Whirl — a stunningly beautiful piece of craftsmanship. Of course, where the National Roller Coaster Museum really started to hit home was getting to see some of the rides and pieces from my own childhood memories. For starters, imagine our surprise when we rounded the corner and saw an original ride vehicle from Avalanche Run/Disaster Transport and the giant track. Further down, the museum was able to obtain the Mantis front ride vehicle and a section of track. Remember those days of having to stand up to ride? Also, quite surprisingly, we got to see what I believe may have been the very first roller coaster I ever got to ride as a child. The Memphis Kiddie Park (Cleveland, Ohio) Little Dipper train was also on display and brought back not only personal memories of myself, but also those of our kids who rode when they were smaller. While I grew up loving to visit the local northern Ohio parks like Geauga Lake, Cedar Point and Memphis Kiddie Park, it was quite astonishing to see the massive collection of rides and memorabilia from parks all over the world and thinking about the countless memories those made for guests. Additional items we were able to see from Cedar Point include an original second version of the WildCat roller coaster, plus a staircase and stunning bar made constructed of wood from Mean Streak. What we were able to see just scratched the surface of items still in storage yet to be brought out. When this museum opens, it is going to be a must-visit for anyone that has a favorite memory of fun at an amusement park. While no current opening date has been announced — since they are still in the design and construction stage of development with displays, etc. — guests have opportunities for rare open houses throughout the year. The American Coaster Enthusiasts organization hosts meetings where guests get the chance to tour the adjacent Larson International facility (they make amusement park rides) and the National Roller Coaster Museum. Reservations can be purchased on the American Coaster Enthusiasts website. A very special thanks to the National Roller Coaster Museum and Larson International for graciously allowing us to tour the facility.