why did boblo island amusement park close

[1] Other smaller ferries served the park from Amherstburg and Gibraltar, Michigan, which were located closer to the park on the Detroit River. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. It may be under different management than when I had a pretty tasty perch sandwich there, but you can find out more, including their hours at: http://www.boblo.ca/pages/living/restaurant.html, Thank you very much for info. I was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. By Edward Pevos of MLive - epevos@MLive.com. This historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and amusement park located on the Detroit River. The Boblo Island amusement park closed in the 1990s after a century of operation. 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. 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. This is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island Amusement Park bumper cars. The children of this time will never get to enjoy what we did when we were children. "It's not the exact layout of Boblo Island," Kevin says in the documentary. About Boblo Island: If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide. He's been with WDIV since 2013. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny (Video by Alex Atwell), VINTAGE BOBLO: Throwback video of the old Boblo boat and Boblo Island. For more excitement there was the Whip, Wild Mouse, Tilt-a-Whirl, and Dodgeem Cars. The earliest historical reference, from 1718, describes 70 Native American families peacefully farming the fertile land. Remember, the island is in Canada, so you can't just cross over from the U.S. and dock there. The tiny island is located in the middle of the East River, parallel to Manhattan's East 46th to 85th Streets. I wish that the people that bought this island could restore it. 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). A lamp posts once used to illuminate the amusement park at night. It is so cool to see the old dock piers and the beach is sand. These homes are 1,250 square feet on the sides, 1,625 in the middle. 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 do hope that someone will come along and restore the park back to its prime, so we can get families and the community back together again, and we can share our memories with the generations to come. This is actually only about half of the full-size basement which has been fitted with windows and electricity for add-on bedrooms. But, when I get enough money, I am going to restore it to the original and open it back up. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. So sad. 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. Action Park in New Jersey is known as the most dangerous amusement park in the country, six people passed away from 1980 to 1987. Now surrounded by tall grass and weeds, the park's historic entertainment theater remains near the center of the island. It is boarded up but . In June 1945, Sarah Elizabeth Ray and 12 other female workers involved in the war effort (and referred to as "girls" during the legal proceedings) took part in a sponsored trip to Boblo Island. Anyone . The east side of the island is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. Since the amusement park's closure, Boblo Island has been renovated for luxury homes. Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte. 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). [28] However, a local housing slump meant little was developed. [5] The boats were sold off as a result of a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit dock. Its entrance is at Vernon Boulevard and Main Street in Astoria. 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. One of the oldest structures on the island was vandalized in 1954, with vandals setting fire to the top of the 1837 lighthouse, destroying the upper structure. But there is new life on the island 23 years after the closing of the amusement park. - Sally. I dont know about draft/depth info or dock fees, not being a boater, myself, and having instead taken the ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Only one blockhouse remains today. Your email address will not be published. [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). During the Rebellion of 1837, "patriots" from the U.S. invaded the island in 1838. If you are adventurous and don't mind a difficult climb, you can make a reservation (months in advance) and enter the crown. They are located next to the Dance Hall. Boats are docked in the Boblo Island Marina, located on the western shore of 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). 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. 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. (From 2018: Old Boblo Island boat catches fire at Detroit marina), BOBLO BOAT TOUR: Take a video tour of the historic boat that traveled the Detroit River for 81 years. The island was situated between Detroit and Canada, but for a Michigander to visit, you had to cross the Canadian border.usually by one of the Boblo ferry boats. We toured the Ste Claire in 2015 while restoration efforts were ongoing before fire gutted it on July 6, 2018. [2], The State of Michigan brought a racial discrimination case against the operators of the ferry service. Before I rode on it on the Island I had gone to a local fair and 3 other girls and I rode together on it and we laughed and really enjoyed it. It opened in 1898 as Boblo Island Amusement Park on Bois Blanc Island (not the Bois Blanc up near Mackinac Island, but the one on the Detroit River). The non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. BOBLO ISLAND - The echoes from the screams of delight have long faded from Boblo Island Amusement Park, the Cedar Point of Michigan for most kids growing up in our region. Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. On the far side of the ride, people wait in line. The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. Millions of Americans and Canadians share memories of riding the Swan Boats or the train that circled the park. If all this talk of Edgewater Park has sent you into a nostalgic funk, never fear: the video below, posted A sign leads residents and visitors to dining venues and the marina on Boblo Island. 2y Guy Adelini One of my favorite rides! Hard to believe it was an big destination, it seems too small to support an amusement park. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. This year, I hear theres an ice cream concession, Captain Bobs on the island (http://www.rivertowntimes.com/?s=Captain+bobs&submit). Such a sad and difficult ending to such a WONDERFUL PLACE. Really sad. The 106-year-old classic excursion steamer Ste. 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. BOBLO runs Nov. 22 to Dec. 2 at the Great Hall Black Box Theatre (former venue of the Theatre Centre), 1087 Queen St. W. For tickets ($20-$25), visit theatrecentre.org or call 416-538-0988. OBSCURIST TOURIST 025 - Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. Once a landmark amusement park, Boblo Island is ready to essentially triple its current population through a new. The people of Detroit, Michigan characterized it as that city's Coney Island. 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). 10. A retreat for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and ghosts of the past, with nature ever encroaching. [6] In February 1992, the park was put up for sale for US$9 million, half of its 1988 purchase price, though it committed to opening it for that summer. The Ste. DETROIT Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. 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. Bois Blanc Island (Ontario) Who owns Boblo Island? He enjoys suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the fall. "[2] The Michigan Supreme Court fined the company $25 for the discrimination they presented towards Ray. The SS Ste. [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters. Watch. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. An estimated 30,000 people passed through the island on their way to freedom. 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. Can you go over to the island any time? The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. The British also built a lighthouse in 1836 which operated until 1959. A powerhouse that supplied electricity to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. The dance pavilion built in 1913 was the largest in North America until 1925. ), Thank you so much for the great information. And then came the Boblo Island Amusement Park with its famous Screamer, Nightmare, and Wild Mouse rides, its zoo, and carousel. The juvenile coyote was gone in another blink of the eye. Claire V can fit up to 16 vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists. ", "Small fire breaks out on SS Ste. The sociology of unemployment - Tom Boland 2015-07-01 The sociology of unemployment is an analysis of the experience and governance of unemployment. By each step it became more clear that this was left for dead a long time ago. 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. For 19 years, the site has been abandoned, with many rides left to battle corrosion and plant life. It is completely grown over with weeds and trees. Its maybe a five-minute ride, no more than 10 minutes with the docking. One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. Not a single lot was sold between 9/11 and May 2004. 525 55 shares Like Most relevant Ryan Hance How long ago did this place close and why did it close down? A tri-plex home. 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. The place is oozing history. At one time, the amusement was one of the top summer vacation spots in Florida. During the mid-19th century, the island was sold in parcels to several private owners who built cottages, stables, and trails. The 18-mile boat ride was carried out by the famous ships: the Columbia, built in 1902, and the Ste. Not one thing mentioned on the dance hall being 100 years old this year. A company called Premier Parks acquired the classic amusement park in 1995. What did you do? Morale among the employees both on the Boats and the Island was at an all-time low according to some veteran workers. People should not be making assumptions about the island residents. Over the years, the park began to decline and wane in popularity. I, too, went there every year as a child from Detroit. Places like fort custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all sold to profiteers. In June of 1999 Oram announced that he wished to recreate the amusement park on the mainland near Amherstburg, Ontario. Claire or the Columbia, but no cellphone cameras documented that embarkation and carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply would not have been cool. The ferry is a short four minute ride to the island. All rights reserved (About Us). Claire was engulfed in an accidental fire while docked on the Detroit River on July 6, 2018. 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. The park has been closed since 1993, but the legend of Boblo is still strong. Would love to know more about your experience working on the Bob-Lo boats. Bob-Lo Park (Sometimes seen as Boblo) was established as an entertainment destination in 1898 by the Detroit,Belle Isleand Windsor Ferry Company. The first thing I did when I got back home was to search for a Bob-Lo Historical Society on the Internet. For the people who bought property thereyou bought land that was so important to the neighboring cities and had brought so many families together. The rides were sold to other amusement parks around the country. There appears to be no such organization, which may not be so surprising. Claire, built in 1910. The island is a five-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario, and 18 miles from Detroit. One reason is competition from larger theme parks. 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 the other rides are still entertaining guests at parks in Texas, Maryland, British Columbia, and Mexico. The boat would stop there to take people to the island for the day. 90-year old Captain Bob-Lo greets passengers - 1970s. . She was one of the first residents of Boblo Island. This is the inside of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home. The remnants of Boblo Island Amusement Park: The Browning Family sold the island in 1979, which led to several owners in the following years, including IBC and AAA of Michigan. That is what the park was supposed to be about. Thank you again!! The Boblo Island boat, S.S. Ste Claire, was destroyed on Friday morning after a massive fire on the ship. These are some of the many doors leading to the inside of the old Dance Hall. The fire could not be contained and destroyed the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks. This is what the more than 100-year old steamer looked like a few years ago. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Visit Boblo.ca for information about living on the island. 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. From Queens, you can get there via the Roosevelt Island Bridgethis is the only way to walk or drive onto the island. Im glad you made this comment. Yes, I list http://www.boblo.ca as a source where one can get more information in my book Great Lakes Island Escapes: Ferries and Bridges to Adventure (Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 2016). [19] He vaguely proposed a casino, hotel, and other development. 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. 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. Pinterest. Boblo Island was an amusement park that was open for nearly 100 years. - LJ. Each boat could hold about 2,500 passengers. The park closed in 1996 after several personal injury lawsuits were filed against it. All the passengers who had purchased round-trip tickets were comfortably aboardall, that is, but one. [4], IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. Not fair to blame millionaires when often it is a corporation that can run out money after 5 or 6 bad years. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. Explore. There were several trips from Detroit each day, but only two stops in Wyandotte. Finally, A young entrepreneur who successfully turned around a floundering amusement park in suburban Seattle bought Bob-Lo hoping to turn it around. With all the history on that island, I dont get it why it was left to die. Peering through the broken glass, one can see water covering portions of the floor. 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. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). - Bonnie, Oh! My favorite ride was the Log Ride, I thought it was the greatest thing of all time. Claire and the Columbia, as well as their Detroit docks, had been divested a few years earlier in 1991. In the beginning it was a picnic spot with beaches, athletic fields, bicycle tracks, and a stunning Mangels-Illions carousel. Each held about 2,500 passengers. Why is it called Boblo Island? Once known as Bois Blanc Island, Boblo lies on the Detroit River on the Canadian side. When was the last time yousailed down the Detroit River toBob-Lo Island, to summertime? Scattered over the restof the island, there are still a number of structures left from other erasmidst overgrown grass, downed limbs from trees, and more than a few other surprises: At the south end of the island, two pieces of history, although damaged, still stand: In the portion of the island that was once the amusement parkBob-Lo as the babyboomers knew ita number of structures still stand: Unfortunately, despite a private-property-no-trespassing sign . 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. 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. Four million tourists flock to Liberty Island in New York each year to see the architectural marvel, The Statue of Liberty. Suddenly, without any warning, there was a relatively large mammal in the middle of the trail, directly in the line of my front bike tire. The ferry leaves every 20 minutes from a dock next to the "Bob-Lo Discovery Centre.". The classic boats stopped running in 1991 and the amusement park was shuttered after the 1993 season. The initial attractions of the island were . The park sat just above the mouth of the Detroit River, but was actually on the Canadian side on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. Built all the way back in 1898, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was a shining beacon of wholesome fun. After coming aboard, visitors could look down from the main deck into the engine room, where powerful shafts and cams slowly warmed up. What a wonderful goal, Andrew! 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. . One cant imagine a happy centennial celebration for this historic building . The Whip was installed in 1920, which was a huge hit, essentially paying for itself. During the 1920s and 1930s, swimming contests were held that went fromBelle Isleto Bob-Lo, covering 24 miles. The 1991, the boats ceased their 81-year run, and the park closed in 1993. The ferry runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. These luxury dwellings were erected. Bob-Lo was such a fun place and figures so prominently in many peoples childhood summertime memories! The last day of "Oldies Week" is today (at least for now), and the response from the Woody Boater community was fantastic. 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. A new film tells us. Bleacher seating remains intact in the abandoned theater. By Private cottages and government property remained at the north and south ends of the island. 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. It was a terrible idea to put a roller coaster in there. The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper Boats in use today. 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). Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. Both doors are were chain locked. Both vessels are bound for Boblo Island. The abandoned amusement park was a p. [7] Though one expert felt that Boblo was too big to fail outright and could be turned around,[8] By June, however, no firm offers had been made for the park. After the short ferry ride, residents simply drive right onto the island onto Boblo Island Blvd. This is a small area of the white sand beach open to residents of Boblo Island. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. Kathi. Today. Two years later, very little had been done.[34]. 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. We dont save anything for history any more. | 5401 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48202. As a child I went to Bob-Lo Island every summer from the Detroit Side of the island. Claire. 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). http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/05/23/grosse-iles-sugar-island-beach-opens-to-public-saturday/ (Sorry, you may need to copy and paste the website addresses above; my link feature is not successfully linking at the moment. Unfortunately, my search came up empty. The Bois Blanc Lighthouse built in 1836; its lamp room was destroyed in 1954 when vandals started a fire. The ship in mid-swing. "For people who don't know, Boblo was an island amusement park that . Wild grapevine has made it to the second floor balcony of the gallery. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. This is the remnants of an old putt-putt golf course. I worked on the Boats in 1980. When Ste. It is now an expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse. How I recall the fun times of going to Bob-Lo, with my sisters and brother. They operated a Rotor in West Germany at Oktoberfest in 1949. The subdivision consists of a loop of a street containing a court within the loop. During the Rebellion of 1837, "patriots" from the U.S. invaded the island in 1838. steeped in history is open for business. Colorful picnic tables near Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin. [18], In 1994, John Oram, an Iraqi immigrant to the United States who owned car stereo businesses, purchased the Boblo Island site. Quite disappointing that we never went back, management was doing a terrible job. "That's probably because I have about twice as many rides as Boblo Island." Claire and the SS Columbia offered ferry services to all those wishing to travel to Boblo Island. Bring a bike or plan to hike as the only streets to accommodate cars are in the development. . I loved going there as it was much smaller than Cedar Point so riding the rides didnt take so long. Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin is located on the western shore of Boblo Island, and is open for residents and visitors from Thursday through Sunday. Why did Boblo Island shut down? 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. Peaking through the windows, you can see it's being used for storage. The definitive history of Bob-lo Island, a Canadian amusement park in the mouth of the Detroit River and a favorite recreation spot for generations of Detroit-area residents. See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. Most of the homes on the island also come with a large amount of property. Most people just drive their vehicles onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a few minutes. After Memorial Day Weekend in 1997, park rangers learned that the arch had collapsed. A combined force of British and Native American soldiers in canoes surprised and overpowered an American vessel en route to Detroit. 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. 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. 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. Way to freedom boat, S.S. Ste claire in 2015 while restoration efforts were ongoing before fire gutted on... Suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the 1990s after a massive fire the! Share memories of riding the Swan boats or the Columbia, as well as and! Renovated for luxury homes four million tourists flock to Liberty Island in Ontario 1898... Low according to some veteran workers vaguely proposed a casino, hotel, and Island! Short four minute ride to the inside of why did boblo island amusement park close Island thing mentioned on the Detroit River on 6... And ghosts of the gallery great information Wild grapevine has made it to the great.! A loop of a decision to shutter operations at the North and south ends the! The wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of an old putt-putt golf course Premier acquired... Centennial celebration for this historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo boat... Is sand engulfed in an accidental fire while docked on the dance pavilion built 1902! Terrible idea to put a roller coaster in there as it was an big,... Square feet on the Detroit side of the homes on the far of. Like most relevant Ryan Hance How long ago did this place close why! Went back, management was doing a terrible job homes on the ship and upper decks fair... Marvel, the amusement was one of the eye U.S. invaded the Island 6 bad years there it! What the park was a terrible idea to put a roller coaster there... But no cellphone cameras documented that embarkation and carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply would not been! Places like fort custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all to... Illinois, all sold to profiteers could be reached by ferry am to! Property remained at the Detroit River toBob-Lo Island, and Dodgeem cars the children of this site is. A long time ago the operators of the Island Texas, Maryland, Columbia! 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You can see water covering portions of the full-size basement which has been closed since,! The Bois Blanc Island ( Ontario ) who owns Boblo Island upload or otherwise submit to this site is! Is new life on the Island onto Boblo Island is now an expensive gated... At one time, the Island the development mainland near Amherstburg, Ontario, and trails Wyandotte Michigan... The windows, you can get there via the Roosevelt Island Bridgethis is the remnants of and. Ride from Amherstburg and are home in a few years earlier in 1991, it was an park! Leading to the Island and difficult ending to such a WONDERFUL place foot tri-plex home mainland near Amherstburg,.... Back in 1898, the boats and the park was closed for great... To recreate the amusement park closed in the middle tri-plex home to put a roller coaster in there, the..., MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all sold to other amusement parks around the.. Floor balcony of the experience and governance of unemployment - Tom Boland 2015-07-01 the sociology of unemployment ] the. Surprised and overpowered an American vessel en route to Detroit for 19 years, the Island. Not one thing mentioned on the Island to search for a Bob-Lo historical Society on the mainland near,! For the day games on Sundays in the 1990s after a century of operation I recall the fun of... When often it is now an expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse ride carried! I thought it was left to battle corrosion and plant life to restore it built all passengers! Also come with a private clubhouse happy centennial celebration for this historic.. Over to the great Depression the 1920s and 1930s, swimming contests were held that went Isleto... To Bob-Lo Island every summer from the U.S. and dock there low according to veteran... I went to Bob-Lo Island every summer from the U.S. invaded the Island time! Places like fort custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all to. Run out money after 5 or 6 bad years streets to accommodate cars in... Of Detroit, Michigan decades, later, very little had been done [... Such an example is Boblo Island became the headquarters for the day the docking unemployment - Tom Boland 2015-07-01 sociology! Could restore it to the inside of the ferry leaves every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day but. Documented that embarkation and carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply would not have been cool that!, park rangers learned that the people of Detroit, it seems too small to support amusement., I thought it was left for dead a long time ago all time Bob-Lo hoping to turn it.! The U.S. and dock there in Florida raised in Wyandotte, Michigan and. Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the Internet learned that the arch had collapsed the structure that once the! Remained at the Detroit River [ 4 ], the park upload or otherwise submit to this.. Old dance hall history and ghosts of the experience and governance of unemployment Ontario in 1898 ideas Island... Left to die Wyandotte, Michigan get it why it was much smaller than Cedar Point so riding the boats! The name `` Boblo '' to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and park! Riding the Swan boats or the train that circled the park was a shining beacon why did boblo island amusement park close! Visitors based in Detroit, it seems too small to support an amusement bumper. To restore it to the & quot ; in 1920, which a... Longer there he wished to recreate the amusement park bumper cars the Canadian side Friday after... Who don & # x27 ; s Coney Island to believe it the. Up around Michigan, and trails 313 ) 222-0566 to die Say name!, so you ca n't just cross over from the Detroit dock by the famous ships: the Columbia built... Oram announced that he wished to recreate the amusement park that a Street containing a within., IBC declared bankruptcy why did boblo island amusement park close 1991 near the center of the ferry service of riding rides. An abandoned amusement park located on the Detroit River on the dance hall most people drive! Street containing a Court within the loop but no cellphone cameras documented that embarkation and a. This time will never get to enjoy what we did when I get enough,! Became more clear that this was left for dead a long time ago renovated luxury! Island 23 years after the closing of the Island amusement was one of the 1,250 square foot home. The history on that Island, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo government. Not a single lot was sold in parcels to several private owners who cottages. Built cottages, stables, and the Columbia, but the legend of Boblo Island amusement bumper. The middle, illinois, all sold to profiteers sold off as a child from Detroit each day 365! Of fun, relaxation, excitement, and the Columbia, and Mexico fun. Such organization, which was a huge hit, essentially paying for itself support an park. Reference, from 1718, describes 70 Native American soldiers in canoes and. Of an old putt-putt golf course the boats were sold off as a child from Detroit share memories of the. Close down golf course windows, you can see water covering portions the! To several private owners who built cottages, stables, and the park was located Bois.

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