Summit Township near Conneaut Lake in Crawford County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Blue Streak

Ace Roller Coaster Landmark

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, August 26, 2017

1. The Blue Streak ACE Marker

Inscription.
Ace Roller Coaster
Landmark
American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) recognizes Conneaut Lake Park's Blue Streak as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark, a designation reserved for rides of historical significance.

Constructed as part of a major expansion of the property for their 1938 season, Blue Streak replaced the aging 1909 Scenic Railway on the same site. Designed by Edward Vettel Sr. (1885-1952) and builder Charles Beares (1902-1958) of the T.M. Harton Co. and Pittsburgh's famed West View Park, the coaster would quickly become the park's signature attraction.

Blue Streak's basic out-and-back design delivers unexpected thrills with a breathtaking first drop, two classic camel-back hills that provide delightful air-time, and a series of short hills after a speedy turnaround. The 77-foot high, 2, 900-foot long coaster also features a long, dark, winding tunnel as it approaches the lift hill. One of the historic Vettel trains was refurbished in 2002 and placed back into service. Today, it remains one of only two existing examples of this classic coaster designer's work, which utilizes a unique track design composed of multiple wood layers separated into two sections by horizontal cross ties.

Blue Streak was one of the first rides to be named an ACE Coaster

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Classic, which distinguishes those rare coasters that operate in a traditional manner. Beginning in the late 1990s, the future of Conneaut Lake Park was often uncertain. It is through the tireless efforts of community leaders and preservationists that the park continues to exist, while roller coaster enthusiasts hope the Blue Streak will continue to thrill future generations of eager riders.

Erected 2010 by American Coaster Enthusiasts during Coaster Con XXXIII.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1938.

Location. 41° 38.096′ N, 80° 18.971′ W. Marker is near Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania, in Crawford County. It is in Summit Township. Marker is on Park Street, ¼ mile east of Pennsylvania Route 618, on the right when traveling east. Marker is in Conneaut Lake Park, fixed to the coaster station at the boarding queue. Park Street is within the park; no vehicular traffic. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 12382 Center Street, Conneaut Lake PA 16316, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. This Carousel (within shouting distance of this marker); This Tablet (approx. 2.3 miles away); To the Memory of the Brave (approx. 2.3 miles away); Geology (approx. 2.3

The Blue Streak Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, August 26, 2017

2. The Blue Streak Marker

Plaque is fixed to a wall by the queueing line.

miles away); The Ice Industry and the Ice Houses (approx. 2.3 miles away); The Railroads (approx. 2.3 miles away); Erie Extension Canal (approx. 3.2 miles away); a different marker also named Erie Extension Canal (approx. 6.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Conneaut Lake.

More about this marker. Conneaut Lake Park is currently admission-free.

Also see . . .
1. Conneaut Lake Park. (Submitted on August 30, 2017, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
2. Blue Streak (Conneaut Lake) - Wikipedia. (Submitted on August 30, 2017, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
3. Blue Streak - You Tube. High quality. (Submitted on August 30, 2017, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)

4. Blue Streak - You Tube. A slightly newer recording with the approach tunnel roof in place. (Submitted on August 30, 2017, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)

The Blue Streak Station image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, August 26, 2017

3. The Blue Streak Station

The coaster train curves into the station at this end.

Blue Streak Train image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, August 26, 2017

4. Blue Streak Train

The coaster train has just arrived. Passengers will disembark there, then the train will approach for boarding here.

The Blue Streak Departure Tunnel image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, August 26, 2017

5. The Blue Streak Departure Tunnel

Your Blue Streak journey begins here.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2017, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 331 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 30, 2017, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.