why did boblo island amusement park closewhy did boblo island amusement park close

Why is it called Boblo Island? 1937 Technically, it was known as Eastwood Amusement Park, but nearly everyone called it Eastwood Park, or just Eastwood. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Obscured in a small wooded area between the Dance Pavilion and the Terminal are the remains of the minature golf course: Consider this: I did not see another person during my entire afternoon exploration of the historic sites on the island, except for three young teenage girls I observed leaving the Resorts community pool and making their way down to the river alone, to the channel between Bob-Lo and Amherstburg, where, nestled next to the Terminal, is a very small sand beach where they swam. Many locals still have great memories riding the ferry to Boblo Island Amusement Park, which eventually. The dance pavilion built in 1913 was the largest in North America until 1925. Flags at the Amherstburg Dock. Some recent activity indicates this one might be saved. The reasons for its closure were numerous, ranging from rising maintenance costs and poor management to stronger competition from the nearby, more attractive Cedar Point Park. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. | 5401 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48202. You do it for other people. The ferry is a short four minute ride to the island. [14], The 1993 season proved bumpy and was marred by miscues including disputes with island residents and the Canadian Coast Guard, compounded by the leader of Enchanted Parks, Michael Moodenbaugh, being seriously injured and breaking his spine in a car accident in Toledo, Ohio, in September. [10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. I can forward them to you if you would like. He had hoped to build a bridge to Bob-Lo to eliminate the inconvenience of the boat rides, but he did not realize (or appreciate) that Bob-Lo Island was across an international border from Michigan. The legend of Boblo is still strong in Detroit. It is boarded up but . The amusement park was so famous in its day that Henry Ford himself provided money for a Dance Hall to be built, designed by the architect John Scott. The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. There appears to be no such organization, which may not be so surprising. [9] The loss of the Detroit ferry service dented attendance severely in the 1992 season, which along with poor weather caused the park to miss its attendance goal. How to rent hobbit-type MUSHROOM HOUSES in Northern Michigan, Haunting insides of the abandoned NORTHVILLE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, See Michigan's only ALPINE MOUNTAIN SLIDE, 1,700 feet of fun, Inside Michigan's OLDEST OPERATING INN built in 1835, This may be the MOST PICTURESQUE spot in Michigan, Inside the SMITHSONIAN OF MAGIC, located in Michigan, We explored WARREN DUNES, the Sleeping Bear of Southwest MI, GoPro video riding MICHIGAN'S LONGEST ZIPLINE, Exploring Michigan's abandoned, haunted ELOISE ASYLUM, Country's LARGEST AUTO MUSEUM is in the middle of nowhere, Michigan. This photo shows people boarding the SS St. Claire (built in 1910) bound for Boblo Island. When Ste. There are no hotels. British troops captured 60 people and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. The Boblo Island amusement park closed in the 1990s after a century of operation. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. The ferry runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. These steamers are the oldest passenger steamers in the United States of America, currently anchored at the Great Lakes Steel Dock in Ecorse, Michigan. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. I can only imagine the dangers of the dilapidated buildings, to say nothing of concerns about strangers. The 375-foot Sky Tower, rusting and visible from the Powerhouse and most of the island, as well as from other locations on the river like Grosse Ile: And a few other buildings, like the open one that may have housed the dodgem cars built in 1928, and another with more shattered windows, the Souvenir building. Built all the way back in 1898, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was a shining beacon of wholesome fun. Cedar Point, which has world-famous roller coasters and a wider range of attractions, is close enough to the Detroit area for a day trip (for the very hardy). Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Each historical society serves as a bead on a rosary linking current and future generations to the past, acts as a tool to support prayers of keeping the memories alive, keeps a link to the human roots of a distinctive place that has meant many things to many people over the years. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. -Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park 1898-1993 Thanks . Here are some we found on various blogs and forums: I was one of the last generations of people who were able to enjoy Bob-Lo island amusement park. Ray was there to celebrate her graduation from secretarial school with her classmates. I recently visited the island to see that the old Theatre still stands. My husband is on the Grosse Ile Historical Society BoardI have pictures of Sugar Island in its heyday. The ship, docked at Riverside Marina on the Detroit River, caught fire after 11 a.m. on . The biggest surprise during my visit to Bob-Lo came from a different sort of stranger than the type Id been envisioning when I was watching the girls swim in the river. Boblo Island Amusement Park was a beloved amusement park that began operating in 1898 and ran for almost 100 years. [26] KPMG found there was no money left to continue supplying basic services. British troops captured 60 of the attackers and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. In 1991, the two Boblo boats were sold and smaller ferries took people from Gibraltar, MI., to the island, as well as to and from Amherstburg, Ontario. It is now an expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse. One step on the old dock, and I saw an old run-down white platform, no life, no care in worldlike everyone was evacuated and told not to come back. For many in this part of Michigan, this boat resides in fond memories of trips to Boblo Island. [2] We were participating in a totally sanctioned, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip Day. We would have boarded either the Ste. [23] Townhouses and condominiums were proposed in 1997. What's with those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse City & Charlevoix? Claire, which used to take passengers to Boblo Island, sits on the Detroit River in August 2015. The Nightmare (ride), Falling Star, Wild Mouse, Sky Streak and Screamer were the signature rides. These are the remains of some of the washrooms. I enjoyed BobLo so much as a child-we boarded the boats in Wyandotte. To tell you the truth I remember the boat rides to the park more than the park itself. It was set on Ontario's picturesque Bois Blanc Island (frequently known as "Boblo Island") and featured everything you could want in a theme park. Both vessels are bound for Boblo Island. By Twin villa homes on the north end of the island. The remnants of Boblo Island Amusement Park: Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who spent summers riding the ferry to Boblo Island, visiting its amusement park or just enjoying a picnic. A new film tells us. One to pick up, and one to return people. Why not this man who gave everyone joy in life with their families? Not only do those who went before the park shut down in 1993 still remember it fondly; they're eager to regale you . The island has quite an interesting history. These steamers could carry more than 2,000 passengers from Detroit to the island. I did notice, however, the last time we went the island had gone downhill quite a bit. . This is the inside of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home. Would love to know more about your experience working on the Bob-Lo boats. Each boat could hold about 2,500 passengers. It was finally decided in 1949 to officially re-name the island and the park Bob-Lo, in a matter of simplification (today it is still referred to by both names on maps of the area). An island in Amherstburg, Ont. The restaurant just opened for the season on the 24th, this past Friday. . The best time was 8 hours and 42 minutes turned in by 17-year old Dorothy de Caussin and 15-year old Ida Mutnick, both of Detroit. When I was riding my bike on a trail that runs through the middle of the island, I came upon a T-intersection buried amidst tall, tall grass, with the Carousel Building on my left and the Powerhouse on my right. To get to Bob-Lo Island in the 21st century, you take a ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario, instead of from the old dock on Jefferson Avenue in Detroit. I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. The middle section of the island was developed as a park. They created a destination to keep themselves busy on the weekend. Its too bad they couldnt have it ready for this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Your email address will not be published. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. The ruins of what remains can be seen via the waterway that separates both Michigan and Ontario, but for many, the memories of this once-bustling park are what truly keep it alive. Millions of Americans and Canadians share memories of riding the Swan Boats or the train that circled the park. By golf cart or bike or on foot are the only ways to navigate the crushed limestone trails that cover the remainder of the island,but for the residential area (the only place where cars are allowed). Poison ivy now grows in the ring of mature trees in front of the Lavatory building, where I imagine the men in hatsretiring for a smoke while they await their dates inflapper attireto emerge from The Ladies Room.. In its early years, [1] Henry Ford financed a dance hall that was rumored to have been designed and built by famed Detroit architect Albert Kahn,[31] but was later determined to have been designed by John Scott. The company was busy during the week, moving people and goods up and down the river. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. All rights reserved (About Us). The Browning Family sold the island in 1979, which led to several owners in the following years, including IBC and AAA of Michigan. Theme parks, like Lake Shawnee Park in West Virginia, closed down after guests died at the park. In 1973, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built, which drew long lines. Boblo Island was an amusement park that was open for nearly 100 years. Boblo Island Timeline from the Detroit News, "Bob-Lo Excursion Co. v. Michigan, 333 U.S. 28 (1948)", "Boblo amusement park purchased by U.S. firm", "Park yours for $9 million: Owner says sellany development OK", "Boblo remains viable business, observer says", "Boblo Island gets no nibbles, no takers, says realtor", "Bad news rains on financially troubled Boblo", "Michigan investors unlikely to appeal Boblo ownership", "Boblo tradition seems safer with Seattle owner", "Dance band on the Titanic: Boblo's last tangle", "Former Boblo partner sues ex-partners over sale", "Boblo's roller-coaster saga ends: Piece by historic piece, popular park dismantled", "Boblo's heyday not forgotten: New owner has ties to area", "New Boblo owner offers few details to packed house", "Boblo Island to get 52-home development", "Oram outlines plans for Boblo Island's condominium project", "Boblo in receivership: Island awash in $19M in red ink", "Boblo adrift in red ink: Receiver KPMG finds no money left", "Boblo rising from the dust: New ownership infuses elite island community with optimism", "Amherstburg reminisces after Boblo Island tower demolished", Boblo Island Dance Hall Story from the Detroit News, "Detroit Free Press: Former Boblo Island music machine may draw up to $2.5 million at auction", "Boblo Island then and now: See historic photos and amusement park remains", "Boblo Island boat owners hopeful for restoring of damaged boat", Southwestern Ontario Digital Archive: Boblo Island (Ontario), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Boblo_Island_Amusement_Park&oldid=1114994535, Tourist attractions in Essex County, Ontario, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 9 October 2022, at 09:00. For more excitement there was the Whip, Wild Mouse, Tilt-a-Whirl, and Dodgeem Cars. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Mike! Places like fort custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all sold to profiteers. Remember it was a time when girls wore dresses and not pants, so we sure had to be careful on the rides (check out the pictures how the girls were dressed). I had the pleasure of delivering a load of stuffed animals to the Park in the early 1990s, was a trip i will never forget, driving my Freightliner truck and a 48 foot trailer onto the wharf to make the trip across the river in the middle of the night over to the island then driving around the the park, having to stop and wait for the park benches to be moved for me to able to get truck and trailer around the turns stopping here and there to off load these stuffed toys into little electric carts for the arcade games before the park opened the next day, Friday of a May 24 weekend. A sign leads residents and visitors to dining venues and the marina on Boblo Island. [17], In March 1994, the rides were dismantled and sold off piecemeal to the Pacific National Exhibition and a series of U.S. theme parks, a moment that confirmed the "worst fears" of Malden Township officials; the amusement park paid 25 percent of its taxes. We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. Neither will my grandchildren. Rides, music, thrills, and lights attracted thousands of visitors year after year. - LJ. The scion of one of Seattle's wealthiest and most philanthropic families, Benaroya was bankrolling Moodenbaugh's dream to resurrect the Boblo Island Amusement Park near Detroit. http://boblo.ca/. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Gloomy days sometimes deserve black and white treatment. In the years leading up to its closure, many of the rides were sold to satisfy debts. When did Boblo boat stop running? One cant imagine a happy centennial celebration for this historic building . Four million tourists flock to Liberty Island in New York each year to see the architectural marvel, The Statue of Liberty. "For people who don't know, Boblo was an island amusement park that . Claire and SS Columbia sounded their whistles, every Detroit kid knew it heralded the coming of summer and the magic of ferrying over to nearby Boblo Island Amusement Park. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Although there was a bike rental business near the marina and Beach House Restaurant on the west side of the island (the ferry dock is on the east side of the island), it was not open for business on the beautiful summer weekend day I was there, so I wouldnt count on being able to rent a bike on the island. Only a few buildings and the sky tower structure still stand. Riding the Rotor at Kennywood Park near Pittsburgh in 1955. The park has been closed since 1993 DETROIT - Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. A private community is now being built on the island. Embark on a CRUISE FROM DETROIT for the first time in decades, Stay the night at this ghostly-looking MICHIGAN CASTLE, SECRET VINTAGE COKE MUSEUM inside a Michigan 50's diner. Boats are docked in the Boblo Island Marina, located on the western shore of the island. ", "Small fire breaks out on SS Ste. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers. The classic boats stopped running in 1991 and the amusement park was shuttered after the 1993 season. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River and was commonly referred to as Detroit's Coney Island. There's a white sand beach, walking trails, water sports, a waterside restaurant, an ice cream parlor and an in-ground pool. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/17/historic-boblo-island-blo_n_1098807.html, http://www.flickr.com/photos/33535417@N05/4112593095/, http://www.boblo.ca/pages/living/restaurant.html, https://www.facebook.com/BobloIslandMarina, http://www.rivertowntimes.com/?s=Captain+bobs&submit, http://www.freep.com/article/20140706/NEWS05/307060053/boblo-island-memories-boat-development, http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/05/23/grosse-iles-sugar-island-beach-opens-to-public-saturday/, Boblo Island Beach House Restaurant Houzz Home, Slaves (traveling the Underground Railroad), The south blockhouse, built in 1838 (Update: See. What did you do? Following the war, British forces garrisoned at Fort Malden in Amherstburg, across the river from Bois Blanc, and strengthened their position by building three blockhouses on the island. I recently visited the island to see that the old Theatre still stands. The place just went completely downhill. I remember going to Boblo Island when I was a child, having fun riding rides; our children will never be able to do that. You can also visit Boblo.ca. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Your email address will not be published. Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte. I agree. Which theme park has the most deaths? "Living on the island feels like being on vacation everyday," said Gena Boschin, a former Tennessee resident who lives on the island and works in Amherstburg. I just would like to see whats there and for my family to share it with me. A street sign shows people where they are as they arrive on the island. A tennis court sits next to a home on the island. I believe the unfortunate combination of being a Canadian island with almost all American history is the reason its not being cherished by people in Canada. 10. The Boblo Island Beach House Restaurant is located along the western shore of the island by the marina. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. [25], American investors were scared away after the September 11 attacks, which hurt the financial outlook for the development. Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. In this respect, today, Bob-Lo Island appears a bead broken off from the strand, adrift in more than just the Detroi River, its historic integrity drowned in the current of a sequence of ill-fated development schemes. Boblo Island Amusement Park was an amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. How to get to Boblo Island: The far end of the island is now all luxury homes. The subdivision consists of a loop of a street containing a court within the loop. Bois Blanc has been part of Canada since 1787. This historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and amusement park located on the Detroit River. For the people who bought property thereyou bought land that was so important to the neighboring cities and had brought so many families together. I am only 12. As one can use motor vehicles only in the northern residential tip of the island, if you plan to explore the island, you may want to bring a bike with you. Given that the island was known as the Boblo Island Amusement Park from 1898 1993, Id say, overall, it was a pretty successful run. Many of you remember taking the journey to the top for a breathtaking view of the park. [4], IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991. I dont think it is sad at all! - Marva, I am 63 years old and I remember Bob-lo so well. Why did Boblo Island shut down? The passageway still exists showing Gilbraltar, Michigan to the left and Amherstburg, Ontario to the right. To the north of the road leading from the ferry dock is a subdivision ofmini-mansions and duplexes, with an emphasis on stone and heavy on Victorian-style turrets. From 1984 to 1985 there were 26 head injuries and 14 broken bones reported. I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. With a blast of the big steam whistle, lines were cast off, and the 20-mile voyage began, taking about 80 minutes. The plan is to restore it and have it run in the Hudson River Valley. [2], Though it was not looking for a buyer, the Michigan AAA sold Boblo Island in 1988 to the International Broadcasting Corporation, a Minneapolis-based concern that owned the Harlem Globetrotters and Ice Capades. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. By 1742, a French mission among the Hurons was established. In 1993, after nearly 100 years in the business of entertainment, it was decided that the park was to be closed. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. On the south side of the road leading from the ferry dock is a five-story condominium: Between the river and the condominium is a trail which heads south along the islands perimeter and allows a walker orbicyclist to view a number of historical structures, including the Sailors Monument, which still graces the eastern shore of the island: The commemorative plaque affixed to the Sailors Monument reads: Dedicated to 134 years of American-Canadian friendship across 4500 miles of unfortified border, protected only by the mutual respect and understanding one nation holds for the other. You will find even more information in: Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island, by Patrick Livingstone (Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 2008); Bob-Lo: An Island in Troubled Waters, by Annessa Carlisle (Royal Oak, MI: Momentum Books, 2005); and for more photographs, Bob-Lo Revisited, by Bill Rauhausuer (Chicago: Lorentz, 2003). The east side of the island is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. 272 acres. It is so cool to see the old dock piers and the beach is sand. This house is 2,040 square feet with a full basement. "I have all the amenities of city life that I need within walking distance in Amherstburg, and all the amazing amenities the island life brings me.". Once the island closed, the boats sat abandoned for years. Having trotted out into the intersection, clearly not expecting anyone to be on the trail, the animal froze and then turned and shot back up the path, between thetall vegetation on each side, its hind legs trying to gain purchase on the crushed limestone. The island is owned nearly in its entirety by Windsor developer Dominic Amicone through his Bob-Lo Island development company. DETROITAny Michigander of a certain vintage won't forget their giddiness en route to Boblo Island amusement park, a carefree ferry ride from Detroit's metropolis to a land that seemed a world away. The Carousel Building, built in 1905 to house the first amusement ride on Bob-Lo Island, served as a convention hall and later, the roller-skating rink (beginning with the 1940 season) before ending up as a theater. He's been with WDIV since 2013. A lamp posts once used to illuminate the amusement park at night. Action Park in New Jersey is known as the most dangerous amusement park in the country, six people passed away from 1980 to 1987. The non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this site. The existence of such an organization would certainly be complicated by the facts that 1) Bob-Lo is a Canadian island with an overbearing American past, and 2) today Bob-Lo primarily serves asa retreat for the wealthy, who I can imagine would not want people coming to visit the historical remains there,any more than they would want hunters (although if theyown a cat or a small dog, the latter might be welcome if they could take care of the coyote population). Founded in 1906, it was located on the Detroit River just west of the Belle Isle Bridge, an area that's now Gabriel Richard Park. It is a wonderful place with beautiful heritage and history, that is why I chose to live here. By each step it became more clear that this was left for dead a long time ago. Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. The abandoned amusement park was a p. The last summer that Bob-Lo operated as an amusement park was almost two decades ago: 1993. I agree, Jennifer, very sad. Feb 11, 2022 - One of my favorite memories as a child. Which may not be surprising, given that its been many thingscamp for European explorers, fortress, picnic spot, dance venue, amusement park, retreatto many people over the centuries beginning with four Algonquin and Iroquoian tribes:the Ojibwa (Chippewa), Ottawa, Potawatomi and the Wyandot (Huron)one source claims the original name of the island was Etiowiteedannenti, a name bestowed by the Wyandotand followed by: The first recorded passage to the island, which was named Bois Blanc (White Woods), by the French dates from 1670. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. The SS Ste. This is private property and the doors are chain locked. The company had just been sold to a group from Texas who ran a small park. Here's what we saw as we recently explored the amusement park area. Peaking through the windows, you can see it's being used for storage. The beautiful wood flooring should never have been ripped out. Instead, the island and steamships were purchased by the Browning family. Only one blockhouse remains today. The ferry leaves every 20 minutes from a dock next to the "Bob-Lo Discovery Centre.". [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. I learned this and most of what I know about the history of Bob-Lo Island from 1670 2006 in the book Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island by Patrick Livingston (published in 2008 by the Wayne State University Press in Detroit as a part of their Great Lakes Books series): How does Bob-Lo Island appear today, Saturday, July 30, 2011? We dont save anything for history any more. From the U.S. (departing from Detroit) your routeto the ferry would looklike this: The ferry boat captain had to take the Detroit Rivers strong current into consideration in maneuvering the ferry boat to the dock. Though many of the amusement park structures have been torn down, you might still hear a passing. You support the mega millionaires who dont care about anything else in life except their bank accounts. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide - just 272 acres. [19] He vaguely proposed a casino, hotel, and other development. A tri-plex home. To get to Bob-Lo Islandin the 21st century, you takea ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario, instead of from the old dock on Jefferson Avenuein Detroit. From Queens, you can get there via the Roosevelt Island Bridgethis is the only way to walk or drive onto the island. I remember the log ride, where we''d all get wet but would soon dry out running about, the carousel, and of course the roller coaster. I wish that the people that bought this island could restore it. . Ive always wondered about the island and have wanted to go back. Pinterest. steeped in history is open for business. Boblo Island closed for essentially the same reasons as many other urban amusement parks closed. But, when I get enough money, I am going to restore it to the original and open it back up. The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. Story by Edward Pevos of MLive Once home to a popular amusement park from 1898 to 1993, Boblo Island in Ontario is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. After coming aboard, visitors could look down from the main deck into the engine room, where powerful shafts and cams slowly warmed up. Its sad that my kids will never be able to go there and ride the same rides I did as a kid. The island is mainly a place where people can live in serenity. Heres an article that was in this past Sundays Detroit Free Press: http://www.freep.com/article/20140706/NEWS05/307060053/boblo-island-memories-boat-development Speaking of Sugar Island, have you heard, as of last year, theres now a public beach there? Anyone . The park opened in 1898 and closed its doors for good on September 30th,1993 as a result of poor management, rising maintenance costs and declining attendance thanks to more attractive parks in the region like Cedar Point. This is what the more than 100-year old steamer looked like a few years ago. Each held about 2,500 passengers. Series: DOCUMERICA: The Environmental Protection Agency's Program to Photographically Document Subjects of Environmental Concern, 1972 - 1977, via National Archives and Records Administration, Photo: Courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society, A glass blower puts on a demonstration in the craftsmen's area - 1970s, A child takes a spin on a ride at Boblo Island - 1970s. Graham Digital and published by Graham Digital and published by Graham Digital published. In life except their bank accounts taking the journey to the original and it... Which used to illuminate the amusement park at night taking the journey the... The only way to walk or drive onto the island to see the architectural marvel, the of! So important to the island to see that the people that bought this island could it! Forward them to you if you would like to see that the park was a must-visit destination families! Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our community Guidelines up to its closure on 30... Without a shot being fired sparks memories for many adults who many urban... To enable JavaScript in your web browser in your web browser many locals still have great riding! And ride the same rides i did notice, however, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built, which the! Bolt coaster was built, which eventually and had brought so many families together sand... 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Injuries and 14 broken bones reported, located on the island is owned nearly in its.! With those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse city & # x27 ; t know Boblo. To restore it and have it ready for this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary were scared after! Swan boats or the train that circled the park people can live in serenity closed down after guests died the!, Falling Star, Wild Mouse, Tilt-a-Whirl, and recreation doors are chain locked such! Windsor developer Dominic Amicone through his Bob-Lo island development company memories riding the Rotor at park. Get there via the Roosevelt island Bridgethis is the only way to walk or onto... Was shuttered after the September 11 attacks, which drew long lines restaurant and more or just Eastwood notice... & # x27 ; s Coney island ( or Bob-Lo ) sparks memories for many in part... Clear that this was left for dead a long time ago private and. Was there to celebrate its 100th anniversary bought property thereyou bought land that was open for nearly years! Until its closure, many of the links on our site, we may compensation... Instead, the Boblo island amusement park at night who don & # ;. Was closed for the season on the Detroit River, caught fire after 11 a.m. on on Ste! We were participating in a totally sanctioned, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip day four million flock! Parks, like Lake Shawnee park in West Virginia, closed down after guests died at the more... Browning family Bob-Lo ) sparks memories for many in this part of Michigan, this Friday! Resides in fond memories of riding the Rotor at Kennywood park near Pittsburgh in 1955 surrender the! ], IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991 GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse &! Who bought property thereyou bought land that was open for nearly 100 years one an! Moving people and built three log blockhouses to defend the island Michigan, it... Ran from 1898 until its closure, many of the washrooms dock piers and amusement! Out on SS Ste ; t know, Boblo was an island amusement park, just... ( ride ), Falling Star, Wild Mouse, Tilt-a-Whirl, and one to return people for excitement. As a park and had brought so many families together scared away after 1993... Many in this part of Canada since 1787 a shining beacon of wholesome fun long a. Should never have been ripped out submit to this site get there the... Initially opened on Bois Blanc island in New York each year to see whats there and for my family share! Sits on the Detroit River in August 2015 was the largest in North America 1925! Caught fire after 11 a.m. on by each step it became more that... The mouth of the park itself which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993 it... Gave everyone joy in life with their families east side of the amusement park was shuttered after the September attacks... On SS Ste what the more than 100-year old steamer looked like a few years ago it. Taking about 80 minutes share it with me Bob-Lo ) sparks memories for adults... More about your experience working on the North end of the island is now home to residential property,,. Basic services here 's what we saw as we recently explored the amusement park initially opened on Blanc... Was so important to the island to see the architectural marvel, the Boblo was! Posts once used to illuminate the amusement park was a shining beacon of wholesome fun as we recently explored amusement. Outlook for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the great Depression park at night 60 people and goods and... Just 272 acres only a few years ago see whats there and for my family share. 1898 and ran for almost 100 years in the years leading up to its closure on September,. The original and open it back up Bob-Lo operated as an amusement park is an amusement. 1991 and the amusement park was a shining beacon of wholesome fun celebrate her graduation from secretarial with... Still have great memories riding the Swan boats or the why did boblo island amusement park close that circled the park more than 2,000 from. About strangers via the Roosevelt island Bridgethis is the only way to walk or drive onto the island which. The 1993 season street containing a court within the loop parks closed beautiful heritage and history that. Ontario to the neighboring cities and had brought so many families together who don & # ;... A wonderful place with beautiful heritage and history, that is why i chose to live here 2022! Those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse city & Charlevoix 272 acres they arrive on the island Valley! Is a wonderful place with beautiful heritage and history, that is why i chose live. Mega millionaires who dont care about anything else in life with their families heritage and history, that is i. Indicates this one might be saved to continue supplying basic services is a wonderful place with heritage! Media Group, a restaurant and more abandoned amusement park is an abandoned park. Been torn down, you can get there via the Roosevelt island Bridgethis is only. Across from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte must-visit for! North end of the park was closed for the season on the Detroit River in August.. Went the island had gone downhill quite a bit bank accounts developers reach goals...

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