Shores and Islands Ohio Thrills Trail...Thrill or Chill?

Take the quiz to see where you rank.

By Sarah Miller Freelance Travel Writer

ot every adventure on Shores and Islands Ohio Thrills Trail will appeal to every traveler-like haunted mansions with zombies and plummeting 205 feet down at 74 miles per hour. Others on the “thrills trail,” however, might push you out of your comfort zone into a new-found sense of wonder and confidence, providing some incredible memories and stories to share.

With summer fast approaching, why not stretch yourself just a bit? Find your sense of adventure at Ohio Shores & Islands (yes, Ohio has islands). Be inspired, and take a fresh approach with ten different challenges. Will you choose thrill or chill--or, somewhere in between?

Quiz: Are You a Thrill Seeker or Chill Keeper? Score 2 points for thrill. Score one point for chill.

Day One: Sandusky

Your first stop on the Shores and Islands Ohio Thrills Trail is at Cedar Point amusement park. For over 150 years, this beautifully maintained park boasts coasters and beachside fun on the shores of Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio. Cedar Point is home to 69 rides, including exhilarating roller coasters like Steel Vengeance® and Millennium Force®, and more. Cedar Point is a mecca for adrenaline junkies, but it has a softer side with train rides and a beachside boardwalk.

What’s your perfect way to visit Cedar Point?

_____ (2 points) Thrill: Ride the world-record-breaking Steel Vengeance roller coaster at Cedar Point. This western-themed hyper-hybrid in Frontier Town will send you on a wild ride. At 205 feet tall, 74 miles per hour, it’s the longest hybrid coaster in the world at 5,740 feet. Drop 200 feet at 90 degrees and topple through 4 head-over-boots inversions.

_____ (1 point) Chill: Stroll Cedar Point’s Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is a relaxing spot to take in the beach – a modern-day take on Cedar Point’s lakeside experience of the past. Dine at the Grand Pavilion, people watch, and take in classic rides like the ferris wheel. Time to find a place to stay. Check in to the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, a huge African safari-themed resort with an indoor and outdoor waterpark. What do you do next?

_____ (2 points) Thrill:. Before snoozing, you decide to plummet down Extreme Rush, a vertical drop, flying through a gravity-defying 360-degree loop and a final splashdown.

_____ (1 point) Chill: Call Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, then book a spa appointment for later. Make plans to hit the lazy river.

Spend your second day enjoying Cedar Point beyond the amusement park at The Sports Force Parks, just about a four-mile drive. Across the bay from Cedar Point, The Sports Force Parks are where travel teams train and play, or just a fun stop to explore on the Thrill Trail.

____ (2 points) Thrill: Navigate the high-ropes course at Sports Force Parks. Take in panoramic views of Cedar Point and Lake Erie as you soar over 25’ in the air over obstacles that test your strength and coordination.

____ (1 point) Chill: Forget extreme sports, gather on the Great Lawn where you’ll find rotating activities like cornhole, movies in the park, and other family-friendly activities. Round out the day with some cool lake breezes and a little water action on Lake Erie. Will you stick close to the shore or soar?

_____ (2 points) Thrill: Parasail high above Lake Erie with North Coast Parasail. Fly solo, or up to 3 individuals can go fly at the same time, a fun group thrill.

_____ (1 point) Chill: Rent stand-up paddleboards and kayaks from the North Coast for a relaxed outing on the water.

Day 3: Sandusky

____ (2 points) Thrill: Walk through one of USA Today’s Top 10 Haunted Houses at Ghostly Manor Thrill Center. Or, prefer outdoor thrills? Just a half-mile drive down the road, Ghostly Manor offers other thrill choices at their Goofy Golf. Climb the new 32-foot rock wall or put the pedal to the metal on one of three go-kart tracks. So, if any of these stoke your interest, add 2 points.

Insider Tip: Traveling with a group? There’s a go-kart track to fit your style. Radical Raceway is a challenge of steep hills with sharp turns and twists. The Big Track offers dual-seater golf carts so little ones can ride alongside adults with a wider track base, perfect for racing competition. Junior Big Track provides wee thrills for kids between 4654 inches.

____ (1 point) Chill: Pick up a ball, and try your hand at some classic Goofy Golf. It’s right next to the go-kart racing. Choose from two 18-hole courses: Old Town is a themed-putting challenge around an old church, water tower, and little houses. The Lost Castle is a whimsical course complete with a huge, walk-in castle complete with rivers and bridges.

Day Four: Put-in-Bay

Time to leave the mainland for a true island adventure. Head to downtown Sandusky to catch the ferry from the Jackson Street Pier. The Jet Express will breeze you across Lake Erie and ferry you over to Put-inBay, the “Key West of the North.” Here you’ll find festive waterside dining, history, and thrills or chills? You board the Jet Express to get to the island.

Where do you sit?

____ (2 points) Thrill: Climb to the top and cruise to Put-in-Bay on the top deck of the Jet Express

____ (1 point) Chill: Sit inside the enclosed, climate controlled center to avoid any wind or water.

You have arrived on the island! Your first stop is Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. The memorial is a tribute to those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812– a celebration of peace between Britain, Canada, and the U.S. How will you experience the monument?

_____ (2 points) Thrill: Stand 317 feet above Lake Erie on the observation deck at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial ____ (1 point) Chill: Stand on the steps and look up to appreciate the monument. The summer sun is heating up, time to head to Put-in-Bay Watercraft Rentals.

Congratulations on a fun-filled island adventure. Time to catch the ferry back to Sandusky, and head to the mainland. As you glide on the ferry, you feel the warm sun and soft breeze as it glistens over Lake Erie. How will you end the day?

____ (2 points) Thrill: Finish off the day with a helicopter tour ride from Paratus Air back on the mainland.

____ (1 point) Chill: Great day on the island, time to kick back and watch sunset over the sparkling lake.

Bonus Points: With so much to do within a short drive, you could easily spend longer than an extended weekend getaway. Ohio Shores and Islands Thrill Trail has “10 Thrills” to experience. If you have an extra day or afternoon, head east to Oberlin, Ohio.

____ (2 points) Thrill: Soar through the treetops at Common Ground Canopy Tours on a 2.5 hour zipline adventure. Traverse over rope bridges with the scenic Vermillion River flowing beneath you.

_____ (1 point) Chill: Wave at your friends on the canopy tour and walk the park’s trails. Well, that’s all 10 stops at Shores and Islands Ohio Thrills Trail. Let’s add up your points and see how you stacked up!

If you score 20-17: You’re an Adrenaline Junkie. Go big, or go home is your motto. You’re the one in the group who’s always up to try something. Your body registers fun, not fear, when it comes to fast and furious adventure.

If you score 16-13: You’re a Perfect Blend of Chill/Thrill. Variety is the spice of life is your motto. You’re up for trying things out of your comfort zone, and you’re comfortable taking it easy.

If you score 12 or less: You’re a Chill Master. Stop and smell the roses is your motto. Your thrills come from life’s little pleasures. Every now and then, step outside your comfort zone. You just might find something new that you enjoy.