CLASSIC AMUSEMENT PARKS

The development of amusement parks during the Golden Age was a significant phenomenon, and several notable parks emerged in the Great Lakes region, offering thrilling attractions and entertainment.

SILVER BEACH AMUSEMENT PARK - ST. JOSEPH, MI

Silver Beach Amusement Park traces its origins to the late 1800s when it began as a lakeside resort destination. The park officially opened in 1891, attracting visitors from nearby cities seeking leisure and relaxation by the water.

Visitors could enjoy experiences such as A Chase Through the Clouds, House of Mysteries, or The Figure 8 rollercoaster, which was torn down in 1923, to make way for The Velvet rollercoaster.

What set Silver Beach apart was its picturesque location on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. The park's waterfront location provided stunning views of the lake and created a serene backdrop for a day of family fun.

CEDAR POINT - SANDUSKY, OHIO

Cedar Point is one of the oldest and most iconic amusement parks in the United States. It began as a simple beach resort in the late 1800s but transformed into an amusement park with the addition of rides and attractions.

In the early 1900s, Cedar Point introduced roller coasters like the Figure Eight and Leap Frog Railway, pioneering the concept of thrilling rides as a central feature of amusement parks.

By the 1920s and 1930s, Cedar Point was known for its wooden roller coasters and midway games, attracting visitors from across the region and beyond.

EUCLID BEACH PARK - CLEVELAND, OH

Euclid Beach Park opened in 1895 along the shores of Lake Erie. It quickly became a beloved destination for families with its picturesque setting and diverse attractions.

The park featured a grand carousel, roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and a scenic railway, among other rides and amusements.

Euclid Beach Park was renowned for its signature treat, the Euclid Beach Park Popcorn Ball, which became a nostalgic symbol of the park's heyday.

WHITE CITY - CHICAGO, IL

White City was a lavish amusement park that opened in 1905 on the South Side of Chicago, near the shores of Lake Michigan.

The park was inspired by the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition and featured ornate architecture, landscaped gardens, and a lagoon.

White City boasted attractions such as a roller coaster, carousel, scenic railway, and a Shoot-the-Chutes water ride.

BOBLO ISLAND - DETROIT RIVER

Boblo Island was a popular amusement park located on Bois Blanc Island in the Detroit River.

Accessible by ferry, Boblo Island opened in the early 20th century and featured a collection of rides, including a classic Mangels Illions Carousel and the popular ride, The Whip.

The park was known for its picturesque setting and offered a scenic escape from the city, attracting visitors from both Detroit and nearby Windsor, Ontario.