SANDUSKY, Ohio — After 31 seasons of soaking its riders in a wave of water, the Snake River Falls boat ride is now permanently closed at Cedar Point after its final day of operation on Monday, Sept. 2.
In honor of the ride's final farewell, Cedar Point was selling a commemorative T-shirt and button on Monday only at the General Store in Frontier Town.
The final riders aboard the last boat, however, were given a signed certificate "validating your participation as one of the last public riders in history on Snake River Falls" along with a collector's mug that's not available for sale.
Here's video from the ride's front seat:
Standing at 82 feet tall, Snake River Falls was the tallest, steepest and fastest water flume ride in the world when it first opened back in 1993.
"One of the most unique highlights of the ride has always been the exit bridge that traverses over the flume," according to Cedar Point spokesperson Tony Clark. "Over the years, we’ve had a blast watching riders analyze just the right timing to either avoid, or stand right in the middle of, the next boat’s 1,920-square-foot tidal wave…a second way to enjoy the ride, if you will."
Here's how Cedar Point describes the Snake River Falls attraction:
Snake River Falls packs one serious splash! This isn’t a boat ride for the gentle passerby. You must be willing to face the tide on this wild ride. When this attraction hit the scene at Cedar Point in 1993, it was the tallest, fastest and steepest water flume ride in the world. Hop aboard one of our 20-passenger boats and get lifted 82 feet above the river below. A U-turn around the river brings you to the top of the drop. And before you know it, you’re plunging back down a 50 degree drop at 40 mph. Expect to get soaked by the tidal wave created by the boat during the splashdown. If that wasn’t enough, grab the perfect viewing spot on the observation bridge. A front row angle and it’s a guarantee the splash will cover you from head to toe. This ride’s sure to give a thrill for those who dare the dive!
With the ride now closed, you might be wondering what's next for that soon-to-be-available land in the park. Clark previously teased the ride's closure comes "as we make way for future expansion."
But what's that expansion?
"Of course we can’t tell you that," Clark wrote. "Yet."
Earlier this year, Cedar Point had also revealed that its Snake River Expedition experience -- which is a different boat ride near the Snake River Falls attraction -- was closed and not returning.