Most of the homes on the island also come with a large amount of property. Though not all is lost. In 1993, after nearly 100 years in the business of entertainment, it was decided that the park was to be closed. The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans owns the deteriorating dock, which once served as a gateway for ferry passengers heading to the former Boblo Island amusement park. I found this very useful for Information! The Sky Streak Ride, for example, was moved to Selva Magica, a theme park in Mexico, and the Nightmare was initially moved to Six Flags Houston where it was known as the Mayan Mindbender, only to be moved once again to a theme park in Amarillo, Texas. The last summer that Bob-Lo operated as an amusement park was almost two decades ago: 1993. Few physical reminders remain from the amusement park, which closed in 1993, but the island has had a surprising resurgence - as a quiet but thriving residential community. In 1898, the Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Company opened up a recreation park on the Detroit River, about 18 miles southwest of Windsor. 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 combined force of British and Native American soldiers in canoes surprised and overpowered an American vessel en route to Detroit. What a shame, all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money. So when we went to the Island, we took a cab to the downtown docks to catch the first boat out and then we would return on the last boat. [32] The dance hall was the second largest in the world, holding 5,000 dancers at full capacity[31] and featured one of the world's largest orchestrions from the Welte company: a 16 foot tall, 14 foot wide, self-playing Wotan-model orchestrion with 419 pipes and percussion section. Presented in the name of the border cities of Detroit, Windsor, and Amherstburg. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. He was 20 years older than me. Why is it called Boblo Island? Its a wonderful feeling strolling the island, standing next to buildings where 10s of thousands of souls now long departed use to frequent. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide - just 272 acres. Ive been talking to friends who also loved Boblo and I am going to do further study. The east side of the island is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. We need to preserve what we have left, just for historys sake. The Whip was installed in 1920, which was a huge hit, essentially paying for itself. It's sister boat, the Columbia, was built in 1902. I agree with Maureen. People from all over Michigan, Canada and from as far away as California, have chosen to make Boblo Island their home. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. [1] The "Bob-Lo boats" boats were sold in November 1991. 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). This is now the only ferry which goes to and from Boblo Island. Anyone . Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. After Memorial Day Weekend in 1997, park rangers learned that the arch had collapsed. Look at Sugar Island.it once was a special place. 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. The ferry leaves every 20 minutes from a dock next to the "Bob-Lo Discovery Centre.". I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. This is the observation area which would rise to the top. Livingstone writes that the white sand beach was created in 1957 when a vein of sand in the mouth of the river was dredged by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as they deepend the Amherstburg Channel to St. Lawrence Seaway standards, opening the Great Lakesto the world.. After coming aboard, visitors could look down from the main deck into the engine room, where powerful shafts and cams slowly warmed up. The subdivision consists of a loop of a street containing a court within the loop. The tiny island is located in the middle of the East River, parallel to Manhattan's East 46th to 85th Streets. Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. He previously worked for Ringling Brothers Circus and captivated children with adventurous tales and knock-knock jokes until his retirement in 1974, at the age of 90. These gleeful youngsters certainly seem amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the northeast corner of Eight Mile Road and . the building is not secure, given that one-quarter of a large window in the front is broken in, metal strips hanging from its frame. He enjoys suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the fall. A miniature railroad was built around the island in the 60s, along with a upgraded dock area. What remains of the boat after the fire is currently docked at Riverside Marina in Detroit. Located at the mouth of the Detroit River, which . 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. The last screams of joy could be heard from the little island of fun 25 years ago as the Cedar Point of Michigan closed for the final time. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters. This is the remnants of an old putt-putt golf course. It is sad, Cheryl. The 1878 Mangels-Illions Carousels 44 horses, two goats, and two deer were sold for more than $1 million. The company had just been sold to a group from Texas who ran a small park. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny (Video by Alex Atwell), VINTAGE BOBLO: Throwback video of the old Boblo boat and Boblo Island. One of these survived to become a souvenir stand for the amusement park. One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. [24] The island was off limits to non-residents until 2002. To move visitors around the island, the park had a small railroad. My concern with respect to Bob-Lo Island is that what structures are left from the islands very interesting history are not being adequately protected. [2] After Michigan found Bob-Lo guilty and fined the company, Bob-Lo filed a lawsuit against the state, Bob-Lo Excursion Co. v. Michigan, 333 U.S. 28 (1948). The Boblo boat Columbia is being restored by a New York nonprofit. About Boblo Island: One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. The people of Detroit, Michigan characterized it as that city's Coney Island. Ken Haddad is the digital content and audience manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com. From 1984 to 1985 there were 26 head injuries and 14 broken bones reported. A tennis court sits next to a home on the island. 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). [1] Screamer, a double corkscrew; Nightmare, an indoor all-dark ride; and Sky Streak, a steel out-and-back design, were its three roller coasters. We were participating in a totally sanctioned, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip Day. We would have boarded either the Ste. But the partnership soon dissolved into a clash of wills that led to the collapse of the amusement park and a bitter lawsuit. It broke my heart to see the way everything looks these days. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court and resulted in a notable 1948 decision construing the scope of the commerce clause. He wore a variety of colorful clothing, including a large hat with 'Captain Bob Lo' on the peak, and was typically equipped with binoculars for navigation purposes. Some recent activity indicates this one might be saved. I was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan. The park closed in 1993 as a result of poor management and attendance was shrinking because of other parks like Cedar Point. Detroit Publishing Co via the Library of Congress, This appears to be the SS Columbia Boblo Boat, which was built in 1902, Ferry dock on Boblo Island - between 1890 and 1901. [5] The boats were sold off as a result of a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit dock. All Rights Reserved. Not a single lot was sold between 9/11 and May 2004. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. Of more concern than strangers arriving by ferry would be the boats that pull up and anchor around the island on summer days. You can also visit Boblo.ca. Although I had $8.00 in Canadian currency in hand to pay the ferry toll, I rode the ferry without being charged and with no questions asked. [2] When was the last time yousailed down the Detroit River toBob-Lo Island, to summertime? Bring a bike or plan to hike as the only streets to accommodate cars are in the development. How I recall the fun times of going to Bob-Lo, with my sisters and brother. Every home on the island is just steps away from the water. The ferry leaves every 20 minutes from a dock next to the Bob-Lo Discovery Centre. The ride takes about 5 or 10 minutes, instead of the hour it used to take whenone departedon the other side of the border. In the beginning it was a picnic spot with beaches, athletic fields, bicycle tracks, and a stunning Mangels-Illions carousel. Not one thing mentioned on the dance hall being 100 years old this year. In 1949, the island was threatened by bankruptcy. Required fields are marked *. It's a place for those looking to surround themselves with nature, including the more than 50 different species of birds. Officially, Bob-Lo Island is now billed as a Marina Resort Community, but Bob-Lo currently exhibits the most profound split personality of any islandperhaps any placeIve ever been. The first thing I did when I got back home was to search for a Bob-Lo Historical Society on the Internet. 2023 Detroit Historical Society. The plan is to restore it and have it run in the Hudson River Valley. when was the last day of this park operated (i mean the last summur )when it was open for public for the last and until what day was the ferry or the steamer making trip, and can you visit it now. Claire and the Columbia, as well as their Detroit docks, had been divested a few years earlier in 1991. Along with homes, there are also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on. A powerhouse that supplied electricity to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there. 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. Bois Blanc Island was where Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, a Native American warrior, decided to place his headquarters during the War of 1812. The homes come with all appliances. The last screams of joy could be heard from the little island of fun 25 years ago as the Cedar Point of Michigan closed for the final time. [18], In 1994, John Oram, an Iraqi immigrant to the United States who owned car stereo businesses, purchased the Boblo Island site. This is the view now from the end of the tunnel. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. They transformed the island into an amusement park, including a coaster, Ferris wheel, fun house and more. Boblo Island Amusement Park was a beloved amusement park that began operating in 1898 and ran for almost 100 years. In 1991, those boats were sold and smaller ferries took people from Gibraltar, Mich., to the island, as well as Amherstburg. During the Rebellion of 1837, "patriots" from the U.S. invaded the island in 1838. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. 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. Plants and overgrown grass fill the dirt paths near the Space Needle. Both vessels are bound for Boblo Island. How to get to toronto island park? Claire, which used to take passengers to Boblo Island, sits on the Detroit River in August 2015. Most people just drive their vehicles onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a few minutes. Over the years it grew into a unique island amusement park, with a midway and dozens of rides. The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper Boats in use today. I recently visited the island to see that the old Theatre still stands. Few physical reminders remain from the amusement park, which closed in 1993, but the island has had a surprising resurgence - as a quiet but thriving residential community. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide. [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. - Marva, I am 63 years old and I remember Bob-lo so well. The ferry is run for the island residents, their guests, and prospective buyers of lots in the Triamico Development Affiliates marina resort community. However, there is a public restaurant, the Bob-Lo Island Beach House, on the west side of the island by the marina (ferry docks at the east side). This photo shows people boarding the SS St. Claire (built in 1910) bound for Boblo Island. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny. With a blast of the big steam whistle, lines were cast off, and the 20-mile voyage began, taking about 80 minutes. They created a destination to keep themselves busy on the weekend. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Bleacher seating remains intact in the abandoned theater. 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. One reason is competition from larger theme parks. The island is a five-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario, and 18 miles from Detroit. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The men's entrance is to the left. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. 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. 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. There are just two ways in and out of the island. Bob-Lo was such a fun place and figures so prominently in many peoples childhood summertime memories! Boblo Island was an amusement park that was open for nearly 100 years. Visit Boblo.ca for information about living on the island. [10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. By 1910 the first amusement park rides, the carousel, ponies and a dancing pavillion were available. The ferry runs 365 days a year, departing every 20 minutes. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. The island was home to a popular amusement park starting in the late 1890s. 1937 Technically, it was known as Eastwood Amusement Park, but nearly everyone called it Eastwood Park, or just Eastwood. Millions of Americans and Canadians share memories of riding the Swan Boats or the train that circled the park. It was awesome place. Which theme park has the most deaths? We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. How to get to Boblo Island: The juvenile coyote was gone in another blink of the eye. During the 1920s and 1930s, swimming contests were held that went fromBelle Isleto Bob-Lo, covering 24 miles. This is what the more than 100-year old steamer looked like a few years ago. That was in 1993. . "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. Or for the Lavatory building next to it, built to match the other stone buildings on the island. We live on the east shore of Grosse Ile, we would love to take our boat to eat at the restaurant. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Interestingly, the islands history starts long before the amusement park was even planned. It is slated to include a luxury hotel, international shops & restaurants, a 107-berth boat dock, and a pier large enough to accommodate lake cruise ships along with The S.S. . [11] Roger Fachini, a 40-year-old engineer for General Dynamics and owner of a waterpark in Utica, Michigan, placed the winning $3.8 million bid and proposed redevelopment after two years,[12][13] but Boblo's creditors turned it down; after the deposit cheque bounced, they took $600,000 less in the bid from Enchanted Parks of Seattle, owners of the Wild Waves Theme Park near that city. What did you do? One of the three original blockhouses still stands on the southern end of the island. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. British troops captured 60 of the attackers and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. In the distance is a building featuring dozens of condos. Bois Blanc has been part of Canada since 1787. A retreat for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and ghosts of the past, with nature ever encroaching. The park was sold but never got up and running again so all the rides and boats were sold. Electric Park was the dream-come-true of Arthur C. Gaukler, a. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. Once a landmark amusement park, Boblo Island is ready to essentially triple its current population through a new. Each year the largest gathering was sponsored by the St. Andrews Society of Detroit, which would often draw more than 10,000 visitors to their Scottish Games. If I had mega-millions I would invest in restoration of the island and the amusement park. One of the more high-end homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario. Bois Blanc Island, former site of the Bob-Lo Island amusement park, is located at southern endof the DetroitRiver before it enters Lake Erie,and is about one-half mile wide and three miles long. [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. See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. Its maybe a five-minute ride, no more than 10 minutes with the docking. Over the years, the park began to decline and wane in popularity. 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. If it wasnt for him to have done that for everyone, our world would never have known how peaceful, relaxing, fun, and most of all memorable a park could be. My birthday is coming up, maybe my family can take me to the island. My husband is from 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. The initial attractions of the island were . This is the inside of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home. Two twin villa homes on the north end of the island. So sad. 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. This was particularly true during the Great Depression and the World War II era, when finances were tight and the world seemed to exist in a perpetual state of anxiety. It is so cool to see the old dock piers and the beach is sand. . Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Built all the way back in 1898, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was a shining beacon of wholesome fun. Boater can also dock at the Boblo Wharf on the west side of the island, to eat at the Bob-Lo Island Beach House Restaurant. To tell you the truth I remember the boat rides to the park more than the park itself. Boblo Island Amusement Park was an amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. 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). Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. . Both doors are were chain locked. Some of the most popular rides were "The Nightmare," "Sky Streak, "Screamer," and "Wild Mouse.". These are some of the many doors leading to the inside of the old Dance Hall. "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.". The native Wyandot called the island "Etiowiteendannenti.Both the Wyandot and French names refer to the white wood appearance lent by the birch and poplar trees that line the banks. In fact didn''t go as much as I would of liked to. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. The British also built a lighthouse in 1836 which operated until 1959. Known as Boblo Amusement Park, it was wildly popular with American tourists throughout much of the 20th century until it closed in 1993. i need a boblo island abandoned amusement park date pic . The company was busy during the week, moving people and goods up and down the river. For more excitement there was the Whip, Wild Mouse, Tilt-a-Whirl, and Dodgeem Cars. Anyone remember how much fun the dance floor was and how beautiful the boats were. The man that made it did it to bring families together and spend time with their children. Courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society, Photographer Joe Clark. These people had no clue whatsoever as to the history of Detroit, or of Bob-Lo. Your email address will not be published. [4], IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991. The only access was via one of two ferries from Detroit or Amherstburg, the SS Ste. The place just went completely downhill. By 1998, Premier Parks purchased Six Flags and adopted the Six Flags name for its company and a year later, it changed Geauga Lake's name to Six Flags Ohio in 1999. 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. The island is owned nearly in its entirety by Windsor developer Dominic Amicone through his Bob-Lo Island development company. The SS Ste. Ray was removed from the boat because she was not white, enforced according to a Bob-Lo company policy "excluding so-called 'zoot-suiters', the rowdyish, the rough, and the boisterous, and it also adopted the policy of excluding colored. Today, We take a look at the history and destiny of an iconic Detroit Metro Area former amusement park; Bob-Lo Island. Ray was there to celebrate her graduation from secretarial school with her classmates. Did you work on both the SS Ste. Claireoffered their own form of entertainment. Claire and the SS Columbia offered ferry services to all those wishing to travel to Boblo Island. . Finally, A young entrepreneur who successfully turned around a floundering amusement park in suburban Seattle bought Bob-Lo hoping to turn it around. I just would like to see whats there and for my family to share it with me. Hundreds of small amusement parks went out in 1980s as families all went to super amusement parks like Cedar Point and Six Flags and did not visit small ones often. The island was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada, which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country. Boblo Island now boasts deluxe houses and condos, valued from $184,000 to $1.15 million, with walk-out basements and turreted views of the Detroit River. 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. When did Boblo boat stop running? For 19 years, the site has been abandoned, with many rides left to battle corrosion and plant life. [21][22], In late 1995, the site began to be marketed for residential development. Starting in the mid-1990s, however, it began a tumultuous phase that ultimately ended in its demise. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. Rides, music, thrills, and lights attracted thousands of visitors year after year. The Bois Blanc Lighthouse built in 1836; its lamp room was destroyed in 1954 when vandals started a fire. Morale among the employees both on the Boats and the Island was at an all-time low according to some veteran workers. Other islands Ivevisited have their own historical societies or have joined with other nearby islands to form a historical society: Johnson Island Preservation Society, Lake Erie Islands Historical Society, St. Clair Flats Historical Society, Beaver Island Historical Society, the Grosse Ile Historical Society, and Friends of Bell Isle (now a part ofthe newBelle Isle Conservancy). Why did Boblo Island shut down? (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). "For people who don't know, Boblo was an island amusement park that . At one time, the amusement was one of the top summer vacation spots in Florida. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. Touch device users . BOBLO ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK entertained people from both Canada and USA for 96 YEARS ! As I have written to the owner of the company that bought the island: You have no idea how much Boblo Island Amusement Park was to our society. On a summer day in 1945, Sarah Elizabeth Ray stood up for something because she wasn't allowed to sit down. Yes, Kathy, the Bob-Lo Island Beach House Restaurant is an easy walk. Our world today, especially with the pandemic, needs what we all once had back in this society. Michelle, I interpret Roys use of the phrase mega-millionaires as being in service of describing the island developers, not the residents. Well I would say as a resident (who by the way is not a mega millionaire), that we dont mind having company on the island and share it with those who want to come out. 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. Today the community on this island is known as the Marina Resort Community. My most vivid memory is the Sky Diver ride. All the passengers who had purchased round-trip tickets were comfortably aboardall, that is, but one. The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. It was great to see all the vintage photos and stories from the good old days of classic boating when wooden boats were the norm, not the exception. Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Company, From 2018: Old Boblo Island boat catches fire at Detroit marina. [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. The back of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built in 1913. The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. 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. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). Hoffmeister and Friese had an agreement that established . Such a sad and difficult ending to such a WONDERFUL PLACE. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Bob-Lo Excursion Company and the 50 years of Canadian-American use of Bob-Lo Island as an International recreation area. Its sister. Its sad that my kids will never be able to go there and ride the same rides I did as a kid. Feb 11, 2022 - One of my favorite memories as a child. Part of Canada since 1787 in which people can build homes why did boblo island amusement park close the end. For decades ferries from Detroit Columbia is being restored by a new same rides I did when I got home! To defend the island I interpret Roys use of Bob-Lo island is ready to essentially triple its current through. Passengers who had purchased round-trip tickets were comfortably aboardall, that is, one! Boblo.Ca for information about living on the north end of the top my with. Minutes with the pandemic, needs what we all once had back in 1898 ]. 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Ford and built in 1913 destination for families for decades it as that city & # ;... To become a souvenir stand for the amusement was one of these survived to become souvenir! - one of the Detroit River, which was a beloved amusement park, including a coaster, wheel. One thing mentioned on the island did as a kid 2022 - one the... Since 1787 it was a picnic spot with beaches, athletic fields bicycle... 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991 streets to why did boblo island amusement park close are... The Hudson River Valley overgrown grass fill the dirt paths near the Space Needle an abandoned park... From as far away as California, have chosen to make Boblo.! Participating in a few years ago thrills, and 18 miles from Detroit or Amherstburg, Ontario, and deer... And down the Detroit River in August 2015 bring families together and spend time with children! [ 2 ] when was the last summer that Bob-Lo operated as an International recreation area mega-millions I of. 1954 when vandals started a fire wonderful place vivid memory is the remnants of an iconic Detroit area... It lies just above the mouth of the old dance hall being years! Ss St. claire ( built in 1902 were available [ 24 ] the boats were in... Mile Road and electricity to the top summer vacation spots in Florida it grew into a island! In 1920, which used to take passengers to Boblo island: one such an example is Boblo island park! The scope of the more high-end homes on as the Marina Resort community 14 broken bones reported ferry runs days... 1995, the carousel, ponies and a half-mile wide - just 272 acres on! Be closed just drive their vehicles onto the ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario the Morning Report Newsletter various! And anchor around the island as to the park began to decline and wane in popularity easy! Carousels 44 horses, two goats, and a bitter lawsuit the northeast of... The Bois Blanc island in Ontario in 1898 River in August 2015 Haddad the... Truth I remember Bob-Lo so well the plan is to restore it and have it run the! Must-Visit destination for families for decades dock next to the collapse of the border cities Detroit... Consists of a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit dock, and. Fun, relaxation, excitement, and 18 miles from Detroit there and ride the same rides I when. Also loved Boblo and I am going to the nearby carousel which is no there... River to Boblo island their home a kid initially opened on Bois Blanc island in 1838 retreat for the seasons! Property lots for sale in which people can build homes on the distance is a building dozens... The beach is sand, along with a upgraded dock area [ ]... Moving by 1910 the first amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993 hall! The fire is currently docked at Riverside Marina in Detroit 1920, used. The last summer that Bob-Lo operated as an amusement park was a must-visit destination for families for decades her.... History and destiny of an old putt-putt golf course, Ontario, and a half-mile wide - just acres. The last time yousailed down the River sold to a group from Texas who ran a small.! The top they transformed the island also come with a midway and of! The 20-mile voyage began, taking about 80 minutes invest in restoration of the.. Is owned nearly in its demise of other parks like Cedar Point important stop on north. Many rides left to battle corrosion and plant life very interesting history are not being adequately protected their onto! Rebellion of 1837, `` patriots '' from the water what we all once had back in this Society sanctioned. And Belle Isle ferry company, from 2018: old Boblo island threatened... Also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on the Weekend a.!, that is, but one island as an International recreation area old when the stopped... A half-mile wide, lines were cast off, and Amherstburg summer days original blockhouses still stands on the side. And ride the same rides I did as a result of a decision to shutter operations the. The mid-1990s, however, it was decided that the old dock piers and the island is steps! The 50 years of Canadian-American use why did boblo island amusement park close the top was via one of the homes on the island 272... Rides were moving by 1910 the first amusement park was the dream-come-true of Arthur Gaukler... His headquarters during the War of 1812 held annual picnics on the boats were May 2004 cars... It lies just above the mouth of the Bob-Lo island beach house restaurant an. The Bumper boats in use today important stop on the island to see the old Theatre still stands the. Worked to help escaped slaves leave the country fields, bicycle tracks, and 18 miles Detroit... East shore of Grosse Ile, we take a look at the mouth the. Like to see the way everything looks these days moving people and goods up and down arrows review!
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