One of the oldest wooden coasters in existence was unfortunately demolished on October 17, 2016 after standing-but-not-operating for nine years. Big Dipper and the Geauga Lake amusement park closed forever on September 16, 2007. This classic wooden coaster was sold at auction for $5,000, but the new owner never relocated the ride as planned. Sadly, the demise of the Big Dipper was inevitable as owner Cedar Fair Entertainment showed no interest in relocating the roller coaster to another park and several attempts to sell the ride failed.
Built in 1925 and originally named Sky Rocket, this classic "out and back" wooden coaster is well loved for its "air-time". The roller coaster's 2,680-foot long track, includes a six-story first drop and multiple, gravity-defying hills that the trains races up and over at speeds of up to 32 miles-per-hour. When it debuted in 1925, Big Dipper, was considered a mammoth sized ride.
| Year | Track | Type | Designer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1925 | Wood | Out and Back | John A. Miller |
ACE Coaster Classic
1925 – Sky Rocket opens after being built for an estimated cost of $50,000.
Late 1940s – Renamed Clipper
1969 – Renamed Big Dipper
1980 – Big Dipper was completely rebuilt.
September 16, 2007 – Final Day of Operation. The coaster remained standing-but-not-operating (SBNO) until October 2016.
October 17, 2016 – Cedar Fair begins the demolition of the Big Dipper.
Estimated cost: $50,000
Train has four cars with three rows each, seating two abreast per row.
Height requirement: Riders must be at least 48 inches tall
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