Things to Do in Sandusky

Sanduskyis home to Cedar Point amusement park—which is known as “The Roller Coaster Capital of the World” and boasts one of the largest collections of thrilling, gut-wrenching rides in the country! Sandusky is also big on haunted houses and pee wee golf games in the dark. And as far as the food goes in this Ohio town, it's time to dig into some spicy barbecue, fish tacos or a monster pizza named King Kong.

Pee Wee Golf at Ghostly Manor

Ghosts and pee wee golf. Seems like an odd combination, but that's what you'll find if you head to the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center. The Wizard's Journey golf course is all done up in 3D blacklight—you can play the holes while you conquer the dragon in your quest to free the Wizard of Wimblebain. The Ghostly Manor Haunted House is considered one of the scariest haunted houses in the country; it uses lots of glow-in-the-dark paint, animated figures and strategically placed lights. But beware… every once in a while, a live human will pop out and yell or growl to scare the living daylights out of you, and that live human will be dressed in a very gory costume. This haunted house is not something to bring the kids into—having fun doesn’t include creating nightmares.

Coasters and Dinosaurs at Cedar Point

If you love roller coasters, Cedar Point is an ideal destination for you. You can climb aboard the Blue Streak, a classic wooden coaster that makes that traditional clickity-clack sound; or you can try the aptly named Corkscrew, which turns you upside down three times before you're done. Then there's the Gatekeeper, which tops out at 67 mph while turning you upside down. If you're visiting Cedar Point with small children, head over to the family ride section for a spin on the Kiddy Kingdom Carousel or a ride on the Cedar Point and Lake Erie Railroad. And although it may not be Jurassic Park, Dinosaurs Alive is still exciting nonetheless—it is an interactive exhibit where more than 50 life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs live in their own forest.

Merry-Go-Round Museum

You can visit the unique and interesting Sandusky Merry-Go-Round Museum to discover how carousels are restored. As you listen to an old-time band organ and walk past the brightly painted ponies and other animals, you will be delighted to set your eyes upon the centerpiece of the museum—a vintage Herschell Company carousel that is now fully restored. Your ticket into the museum includes a ride on this vintage charmer. The museum has such a wonderful reputation that some of its carousel animals were used in the 2014 Christmas display at the White House.

FISH TACOS, TREATS AND GIANT PIZZAS

Come enjoy dinner with a view at Dockside Café, which is located in the Paper District Marina. The specialty is walleye fish tacos, but you'll also find burgers, fries and salads. You can enjoy beer, wine or cocktails with your dinner, but be advised that only beer may be sold on Sundays. Everything at Bernardi's Family Kitchen is homemade, from the cinnamon-swirl bread served at breakfast to the baked lasagna at dinner. You won't go wrong with a pizza from Chet & Matt's Pizza. If you're having a family gathering, order the King Kong size, which feeds up to 10 adults or 16 children! And fast eaters, take note: you can win a prize if you and friend wolf down the 29-inch pizza in 30 minutes or less.

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