Its 294 miles to Chicago, its dark, and we're wearing sunglasses- silver2005's Indiana/Chicago/Cleveland TR and Planning

[silver2005]

So after a year getting back on my feet from various life setbacks, I can finally get a trip planned for this summer.  This go around I'm planning on a mid west trip involving Indiana Beach, Six Flags Great America and Cedar Point whilst visiting Chicago and Cleveland for the first time.  I was initially planning to catch a Reds game in either Cleveland or Chicago, but they're in Cleveland a little before the time frame I want this trip and aren't even in Chicago through June or July.  I'm planning on Holiday World as well (likely 2 days to get Splashin' Safari in), but that'll likely be a separate trip (might squeeze in KK on the way there as well).  I'm still pondering whether to do 1 or 2 days for CP.

As for planning, I am pretty set with Cleveland as I have a lot of college friends in the area to help me with that, but I could use any Chicago tips (particularly good pizza spots).  It'll be a 2 day stay there, one for exploring downtown and one for SFGAm.  SFGAm and IB tips are also welcome, especially trying to do the former in one day. 

[johnjniehaus]

On 2/15/2025 at 4:59 PM, silver2005 said:

SFGAm and IB tips are also welcome, especially trying to do the former in one day

In my experience with Six Flags Great America, the park can be really packed! If you do not want to purchase a fast pass, you will need to arrive before the park opens to rope drop maxXforce otherwise forget it. Then immediately head to the left as most people go up the right side of the park towards raging bull and whizzer. 

 

As for Indiana Beach, I don't have any advice except for have fun! Some rides won't open right away but give them time and they will probably open later in the afternoon. 

[silver2005]

Flash Pass is definitely part of the plan for SFGAm. 

[silver2005]

Here is a tentative itinerary in terms of days of the week as I'm trying to work this around my community band schedule this summer.  I'm trying to only miss one band rehearsal (on Wednesdays) and hit the parks I want on weekdays.   I will have Fast Lane/Flash Pass for the respective parks that have them.   This also has some weather flexibility built in as well.   I will also be doing a different lodging plan for the Ohio part as I want a break from staying in Port Clinton.  Likely staying between Sandusky and Cleveland this time around.

Tuesday- Leave for Indiana Beach and visit

Wednesday- Travel to Chicago, possible half day visit to SFGAm

Thursday- SFGAm

Friday- Downtown Chicago exploration

Saturday- Travel to Sandusky/Cleveland

Sunday- Downtown Cleveland exploration

Monday and Tuesday- Cedar Point

For HW and KK, I'm likely doing KK on the way to Santa Claus on a Sunday and doing HW on a Monday and Tuesday (one day for the water park).

[Diamondback_Is_King]

@silver2005- Do you think Siren's Curse will be open when you visit?

[silver2005]

1 minute ago, Diamondback_Is_King said:

@silver2005- Do you think Siren's Curse will be open when you visit?

Considering I'll be going mid-July, I hope so.  I have more hopes for that than TT2 at least.