An Amusement Park Was Built And Left To Decay In The Middle Of This Lakeside Village In Ohio
There’s little more unsettling than an abandoned theme park — the crowds, rides, and laughter that once filled the park grounds seem to linger in the air. In northern Ohio, Chippewa Lake Park was once an epic Midwest destination; open from 1878 through 1978, this park was good, old-fashioned American fun, with wooden roller coasters, carousels, and a Ferris wheel. And then, following its centennial season, this amusement park abruptly closed, never to open again. It’s since sat decaying in the middle of a beautiful lakeside village in northern Ohio, where it remains a haunting reminder of a bygone era.
This is the story of Chippewa Lake Park, an amusement park in Ohio that operated for an entire century, from 1878-1978.
The park really hit its stride in the Roaring '20s. During that decade, the first modern coaster was built at the park, designed by Fred Pearce. Originally named the Big Dipper, it became known simply as "The Coaster."
But time can be a cruel thing, as can competition. With the opening of Cedar Point, AKA America's Roller Coast, Chippewa Lake attracted fewer and fewer visitors. But still, the park stayed faithfully opening, celebrating its centennial season in 1978.
And then, following this milestone, the park quietly closed. Chippewa Lake Park shut down rather secretly -- without any big media coverage -- fading, as the saying goes, "gently into the night."
And while Chippewa Lake Parkk was once known for its thrilling attractions and roller coasters; today, it's simply known as the abandoned amusement park in Ohio, a place that's technically gone -- but not forgotten.
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
