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. 

[silver2005]

I have a question about using my pass at SFGAm.  I know the add ons like the meal plan and all season FL won't work, but do I still get discounts on food, merch, and/or parking?  Also, could someone explain the difference between Fast Lane and Flash Pass?

[silver2005]

So one of the ideas I had going into the Chicago portion of this trip was to try and catch the Reds while they'd be there, but unfortunately, they won't be there in July.  There is a Red Sox series the days I'm there, so I might go and see a game at Wrigley.

Though, I now appreciate the seat pricing of the Reds now- $64 for nosebleeds at Wrigley. 

[silver2005]

I think I finally have the full itinerary of vacations done.

Holiday World- June 21-24, plan is to stay in Owensboro and explore the first evening and do HW for 2 days to get in Splashin' Safari.

IB/SFGAm/CP- July 15-23

July 15- Go up to Monticello and visit Indiana Beach

July 16- Monticello to Chicago, likely half day at SFGAm

July 17-18- One day SFGAm, one day Chicago, favoring the better weather day for SFGAm, may do Chicago Cubs game as the Red Sox are in town, will be using Flash Pass Unlimited for the full day at SFGAm

July 19- Chicago to Cleveland- entirely a travel day due to the 7 hour drive

July 20- Explore Cleveland, R&R HOF

July 21-22- Cedar Point

July 23- Back to Cincy

Also somewhere in there will be a day trip to Kentucky Kingdom.  

[silver2005]

Got everything booked finally.  

For the HW portion, I'm staying in Dale, IN as that's where I stayed last time and its more simple than staying in Owensboro.  The plan is to leave on June 28th, explore Owensboro the first day and have 2 days at HW. 

For Chicago and Cleveland, I'm halfway between those cities and the respective parks (SFGAm and CP).  I just need to familiarize with Chicago to be able to stay off the toll roads.  For Cleveland I should be able to wing it.   

Itinerary- Leave and do Indiana Beach on July 15th, go to Chicago on the 16th-19th.  Possibly do SFGAm the day I go there and do a full day there and one for Chicago exploration.  The 19th is a travel day to Cleveland, mainly for the time change adjustment if needed, might visit Port Clinton, at the very least something on Lake Erie that day (not staying in Port Clinton).  Then explore Cleveland on the 20th and CP the 21st and 22nd.  

Just waiting until the week of my trip to scout weather to get my FLU for SFGAm (only getting it for the 1 full day I go) and the R&RHOF ticket.  All parts of the trips are somewhat flexible in terms of dealing with weather. 

silver2005, knocking furiously on wood to not repeat Raven's and Legend's lengthy closures during his last non-HWN visit. 

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

Best of luck for your trip! If you're planning to spend any time in the Loop/downtown Chicago, I would recommend looking into using their metro system. It's not as scary as some make public transit sound, and will let you explore without a car for a little bit. Not sitting in traffic would be a definite plus side. Disclaimer: I've never been in June/July so that might be different from when I was there, and it's your trip so do what you'd like. 

Edited May 26 by Losantiville Mining Co.
fixed a statement

[silver2005]

I'm mostly doing just a sight seeing venture for Chicago and Cleveland.  Of the big cities I've been to, the stuff I mostly want to touch on in Chicago are closer together than, say, NYC, DC or Boston (3 other big cities I've been to).  My bigger issue with Chicago is staying off of toll roads and just getting familiar with those routes.   I'm staying close to US 41, which runs between Chicago and Gurnee and is the non-toll way compared to using I-94.  I'm slightly closer to SFGAm than Chicago, but its still a sub-hour drive for me to both.  

My 2 new parks for me this trip are Indiana Beach and SFGAm.   I'm not seeing the best food options for the later.  

I'm also crossing my fingers on TT2 and Siren's Curse being open when I do CP.   The only other iffy coaster is Maxx Force at SFGAm, I feel pretty confident their new dive coaster will be open.  SFGAm might be 2 days, the day I go from Indiana Beach to Chicago I may go the half day after I get there, and then the full day.  I'm only getting Flash Pass Unlimited for the full day I go.   

[johnjniehaus]

Have fun! Give us a full report! 

[silver2005]

Just out of curiosity, what is the bug situation like in Santa Claus?   Is it just KI that has the cicada problem?