The Sky Bird Vertigo lifts riders high above the ground in rotating swings at the New York State Fair. (Katrina Tulloch | ktulloch@syracuse.com)

Looking for a thrill while wandering through the 2022 New York State Fair? Look no further than the Midway.

The historic row is lined with rides of all shapes and sizes that will satisfy everyone from the adrenaline junkie to the scaredy-cat.

The Midway has over 50 rides, including a new addition this year called Superman. Three of our reporters adventured through the Midway to find the wildest rides the State Fair had to offer. (You can watch our video below, too).

Here’s what we found:

The Tea Cup rides remains a classic at the New York State Fair. The rider can control the amount of spin, with a steering wheel in each cup. (Katrina Tulloch | ktulloch@syracuse.com)

Why it’s great: The Tea Cups had a cute “Alice in Wonderland” theme and a very sweet ride attendant. If you have little kids, this is a perfect calm ride to take them on. It’s also a good break from the other high adrenaline rides. You can control how much you spin using a steering wheel in the center. Overall, it’s a cute, choose-your-own-adventure kind of ride.

Why to avoid: This ride is very slow and short. You’re spinning in a circle in a giant cup. There’s not much going on. The wheel you can use to spin faster is also difficult to use and very dirty.

The Landslide requires riders to climb five small flights of stairs to the top. Riders then tuck their feet and legs into a burlap sack and whiz down the large spiral slide. (Katrina Tulloch | ktulloch@syracuse.com)

Why it’s great: This large, spiral slide requires riders to climb five small flights of stairs to the top. Riders then tuck their legs into a burlap sack and whizz down the slide at a quick, fun speed. This is a good one for smaller kids, who still want a bit of speed and height. The ride attendants were friendly, encouraging each rider to go up again. No complicated safety gear here. (Just don’t topple out of the slide.)

Why to avoid it: The sliding sack smelled weird, and wasn’t particularly clean. The stairs are also a barrier, but they provide some welcome exercise before stuffing your face with fried Oreos. Hey, it’s leg day.

Reporters Ben Axelson, Katrina Tulloch and Anne Hayes ride the Sky Bird Vertigo (spinning swings) at the New York State Fair. (Katrina Tulloch | ktulloch@syracuse.com)

Why it’s great: Chill out on the swings here after you’ve done your last crazy ride. It’s pretty relaxing, but still a fun, high-speed time. This also offers the best views from a ride after maybe the Ferris Wheel, and you get to enjoy them for a long time.

Why to avoid it: If you don’t like heights, skip it for sure. This one goes up high. It was also one of the shorter rides so you might want to go more than once.

The Super Cyclone is a classic roller coaster at the New York State Fair Midway. (Katrina Tulloch | ktulloch@syracuse.com)

Why it’s great: It’s the only option you have for a traditional roller coaster. Has some nice drops and decent speed. If you like feeling yourself pop out of the seat, there’s plenty of that.

Why to avoid it: It’s kind of quick. If you’re looking for a price-per-second bang for your buck, this ain’t it. It’s also not the most thrilling ride here, and you probably won’t be itching for a second run.

The Cyclone ride offers a fast-spinning, tilted experience at the New York State Fair. (Katrina Tulloch | ktulloch@syracuse.com)

Why it’s great: The Cyclone was unexpectedly awesome. It seems like it only spins in one direction but then it begins to tilt and the ride picks up. It was not too fast that it was uncomfortable but it gives the expected G-force effect. Fun for people of all ages.

Why to avoid it: The chain that poses as security is a mockery of safety. Luckily, you don’t really need it. It also runs longer than expected so if you have a weak stomach or get dizzy easily, steer clear.

The Free Bird is an aggressively fast and vomit-inducing container coaster ride at the New York State Fair. This photographer did not enjoy it. (Katrina Tulloch | ktulloch@syracuse.com)

Why it’s great: Free Bird is awesome for adrenaline junkies. It’s probably the fastest ride on the Midway. It was controversial among these three reporters but it was definitely memorable. It is a contained roller coaster that goes backward, forward and hangs upside down. Definitely the wildest ride.

Why to avoid it: This is NOT for the faint of heart. Two of our three reporters did not like the experience and needed a long walk to regroup. It’s definitely a ride with a high likelihood to make you vomit or cry.

The Zipper is classic ride at the NYS Fair, almost a violently fast, spinning version of the ferris wheel. A child vomited immediately in front of us before our reporters boarded it. (Katrina Tulloch)

Why it’s great: The Zipper looks daunting. It’s on a rotating conveyor belt that spins on an axis with cages on the outside that each spin on their own axis. A kid was throwing up as your intrepid reporters were getting on the ride. BUT. If you love a loopy thrill, this one is for you. See if you can get the cage to do some extra flips as you zoom around for an adrenaline-packed minute.

Why to avoid it: Are you claustrophobic? You’re pretty packed in that little cage so avoid it if that’s a concern. There’s some wait time while the ride loads up too.

The Superman ride is a new attraction at the New York State Fair. It twists and spins two different ways. (Katrina Tulloch | ktulloch@syracuse.com)

Why it is great: The Superman is the newest addition to the fair’s lineup of rides on the Midway. In the humble opinions of these reporters, it was close to perfect. It loops upside down, spins around and swings side to side. It was by far the safest-feeling ride, with very secure harnesses. You can ride solo or in groups of up to four people. The ride is also a very social experience since everyone is facing each other. You’re all in it together.

Why to avoid it: If you don’t like rides that go upside down, this is not for you! The security of the harnesses also comes with a trade-off. They can be quite tight which was moderately uncomfortable. Overall, it’s tough to say anything bad about it.

Sign up for the NY State Fair Newsletter

Stay up-to-date on all New York State Fair news, food, music, schedules and more with our free newsletter. Get it in your inbox all 13 days of the 2022 fair. Sign up here.

Read more about the 2022 NY State Fair

Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.

Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022).

© 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.

Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.