why did boblo island amusement park close

why did boblo island amusement park close

I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. [1] Other smaller ferries served the park from Amherstburg and Gibraltar, Michigan, which were located closer to the park on the Detroit River. Located at the mouth of the Detroit River, which . It is a wonderful place with beautiful heritage and history, that is why I chose to live here. 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). . The non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. How to live on Boblo Island: Residents of the small community live among acres and acres of nature, just steps from water. The park was sold but never got up and running again so all the rides and boats were sold. The 18-mile boat ride was carried out by the famous ships: the Columbia, built in 1902, and the Ste. I remember going to Boblo Island when I was a child, having fun riding rides; our children will never be able to do that. Claire, built in 1910. St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. There are two total bedrooms in this home. One of these survived to become a souvenir stand for the amusement park. 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. This is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island Amusement Park bumper cars. . There are just two ways in and out of the island. My husband is on the Grosse Ile Historical Society BoardI have pictures of Sugar Island in its heyday. How I recall the fun times of going to Bob-Lo, with my sisters and brother. 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. The audio journey to Mars is etched in my brain! The Boblo Island amusement park closed in the 1990s after a century of operation. - Bonnie, Oh! The Nightmare (ride), Falling Star, Wild Mouse, Sky Streak and Screamer were the signature rides. A powerhouse that supplied electricity to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there. 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. 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. Built all the way back in 1898, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was a shining beacon of wholesome fun. This thrilling park closed its doors for good in 1981, but not before providing visitors with decades of fun. I, too, went there every year as a child from Detroit. About Boblo Island: Electric Park was the dream-come-true of Arthur C. Gaukler, a. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. "It's not the exact layout of Boblo Island," Kevin says in the documentary. 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. 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. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. On the far side of the ride, people wait in line. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. 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. 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. You can still see the words "Boblo Island" on the Space Needle, 25 years after the park's closing. With a blast of the big steam whistle, lines were cast off, and the 20-mile voyage began, taking about 80 minutes. Check out recent photos from one of the Boblo boats. The Human Spinning Rotor or simply "The Rotor" was invented by a German scientist, Ernst Hoffmeister, and was financially supported by businessman Carl Friese. Action Park in New Jersey is known as the most dangerous amusement park in the country, six people passed away from 1980 to 1987. They operated a Rotor in West Germany at Oktoberfest in 1949. To move visitors around the island, the park had a small railroad. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. The classic boats stopped running in 1991 and the amusement park was shuttered after the 1993 season. By Edward Pevos of MLive - epevos@MLive.com. A combined force of British and Native American soldiers in canoes surprised and overpowered an American vessel en route to Detroit. Claire and the Columbia, as well as their Detroit docks, had been divested a few years earlier in 1991. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this site. 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. One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. 90-year old Captain Bob-Lo greets passengers - 1970s. 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. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. After the short ferry ride, residents simply drive right onto the island onto Boblo Island Blvd. The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. "We are at the point in restoration to where it was a steel skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt." She was one of the first residents of Boblo Island. The Boblo boat Columbia is being restored by a New York nonprofit. If all this talk of Edgewater Park has sent you into a nostalgic funk, never fear: the video below, posted 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. The abandoned amusement park was a p. At about 34-square miles, the island is 12 miles long and six miles long. From 1898 to 1993, the park was a summer staple for Detroit families. If you are adventurous and don't mind a difficult climb, you can make a reservation (months in advance) and enter the crown. 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. Since the amusement park's closure, Boblo Island has been renovated for luxury homes. I loved going there as it was much smaller than Cedar Point so riding the rides didnt take so long. During the Rebellion of 1837, "patriots" from the U.S. invaded the island in 1838. Both doors are were chain locked. Boblo Island was very special. After the boats docked at night back in Detroit, Mr. Short continued entertaining at the local bars and taverns he frequented.[33]. [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. 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. They are 1,405 square feet with a full basement. The swan paddle boat ride was added in 1970, which became a fan favorite. Thank you again!! 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. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. With all the history on that island, I dont get it why it was left to die. ), Thank you so much for the great information. Claire and the SS Columbia offered ferry services to all those wishing to travel to Boblo Island. Just read one of the many postcards you can find online from people back in the day. Why not this man who gave everyone joy in life with their families? For many people the best ride of the day was on the Bob-Lo Boat that took visitors to the island. The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. Your email address will not be published. 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? Each held about 2,500 passengers. . 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. In June of 1999 Oram announced that he wished to recreate the amusement park on the mainland near Amherstburg, Ontario. Windsor Mayor Arthur John Reaume wanted the island to be designated a National Park. 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. What's with those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse City & Charlevoix? 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. [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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Bob-Lo was such a fun place and figures so prominently in many peoples childhood summertime memories! However, due to lack of demand, the park closed in 2001 and never reopened. 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. Hoffmeister and Friese had an agreement that established . This is now the only ferry which goes to and from Boblo Island. 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. Its maybe a five-minute ride, no more than 10 minutes with the docking. DETROIT Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. 2y Guy Adelini One of my favorite rides! Boblo Boats: A Detroit Fairy Tale Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale YouTube Channel 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. Twin villa homes on the north end of the island. We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. Starting in the mid-1990s, however, it began a tumultuous phase that ultimately ended in its demise. 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. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. A model of existing and future residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island at the Boblo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. Boblo Island Amusement Park was an amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. 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. We were participating in a totally sanctioned, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip Day. We would have boarded either the Ste. A parking stub from Boblo Island, 1988 Such a sad and difficult ending to such a WONDERFUL PLACE. 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 tell you the truth I remember the boat rides to the park more than the park itself. Your email address will not be published. In 1949, bankruptcy threatened the island park. The beautiful wood flooring should never have been ripped out. You can find the Boblo Island Beach House restaurant on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobloIslandMarina Also the Boblo Island Marina: https://www.facebook.com/BobloIslandMarina You may be able to get the information you need by writing to: BOBLOMARINA@BOBLO.CA You may want to mention youre coming from the States; I dont know the protocol for private boats crossing the international border in the river to dock. People can dock their private boats there, or take a four-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario. I agree with Maureen. Morale among the employees both on the Boats and the Island was at an all-time low according to some veteran workers. My twin daughters, now 35, remember, but my son, 28, will never know. [26] KPMG found there was no money left to continue supplying basic services. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. By 1920 the famous amusement ride, the Whip was installed on the island and the first season alone paid for the maintenance and the purchase of the ride. . But there is new life on the island 23 years after the closing of the amusement park. The passageway still exists showing Gilbraltar, Michigan to the left and Amherstburg, Ontario to the right. Anyone can go on the island via the ferry for a fee of $10 round-trip, but Boblo isn't a typical tourist destination. On that trip, my companions on the Bob-Lo Excursion Line steamer were other ninth graders from Livonias Holmes Junior High. The dock is gone and the passageway is mostly surrounded by weeds and overgrown grass. I know the kids and people of this generation are definitely looking forward to more developments. We live on the east shore of Grosse Ile, we would love to take our boat to eat at the restaurant. The website is that of Bob-Lo Island Custom Home Builder, the developer of the Marina Resort Community, Boblos current rendition. This is the observation area which would rise to the top. "For people who don't know, Boblo was an island amusement park that . It broke my heart to see the way everything looks these days. Take a look at the link below as we take you a journey through what was once Boblo Island Amusement Park, right up to its emerging transformation. The boat was taken to Toledo on Tuesday. 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. People should not be making assumptions about the island residents. Visit Boblo.ca for information about living on the island. What I remember about Bob-Lo Island specifically, the entrance coming off of the boat, one of the last times I went the Simpsons were the mascots and I met Bart and Homer. 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). Our world today, especially with the pandemic, needs what we all once had back in this society. Valentine and Sons United Publishing Company - This image is part of the Canadian Copyright Collection held by the British Library, and has been digitized as part of the "Picturing Canada" project. A retreat for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and ghosts of the past, with nature ever encroaching. Unfortunately, my search came up empty. A private community is now being built on the island. By 1742, a French mission among the Hurons was established. You can take a tour of the model homes on Boblo Island on Saturdays and Sundays with an island specialist by calling 519-736-1111. The subdivision consists of a loop of a street containing a court within the loop. Claire, seen in 2016. People quit coming in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is not there. There is a dock at the restaurant on the island, Sue. Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. [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. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. For many in this part of Michigan, this boat resides in fond memories of trips to Boblo Island. An estimated 30,000 people passed through the island on their way to freedom. OBSCURIST TOURIST 025 - Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. 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. Yes, Kathy, the Bob-Lo Island Beach House Restaurant is an easy walk. From 1984 to 1985 there were 26 head injuries and 14 broken bones reported. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. Courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society, Photographer Joe Clark. When Ste. Most people just drive their vehicles onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a few minutes. The ferry is a short four minute ride to the island. In 1949, the island was threatened by bankruptcy. 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. One to pick up, and one to return people. 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. Touch device users . Each boat could hold about 2,500 passengers. [25], American investors were scared away after the September 11 attacks, which hurt the financial outlook for the development. You'd be hard-pressed to find much evidence of those rides now. Now surrounded by tall grass and weeds, the park's historic entertainment theater remains near the center of the island. Many of you remember taking the journey to the top for a breathtaking view of the park. Potentially, it could become a wedding reception hall or hotel. This is the view now from the end of the tunnel. This is private property and the doors are chain locked. Claire and the SS Columbia? Many locals still have great memories riding the ferry to Boblo Island Amusement Park, which eventually. The back of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built in 1913. Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. The middle section of the island was developed as a park. Quite disappointing that we never went back, management was doing a terrible job. Theme parks, like Lake Shawnee Park in West Virginia, closed down after guests died at the park. After Memorial Day Weekend in 1997, park rangers learned that the arch had collapsed. The fire could not be contained and destroyed the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks. In the distance is a building featuring dozens of condos. The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide - just 272 acres. Which theme park has the most deaths? 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. 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. By 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. - Sally. So sad. Ken Haddad is the digital content and audience manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com. That was in 1993. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 2y Gord Bailey OMG I worked that Ride! Ray was there to celebrate her graduation from secretarial school with her classmates. Its too bad they couldnt have it ready for this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary. 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. Private cottages and government property remained at the north and south ends of the island. Exploring and discovering those remains is a thrill in its own right. Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. By 1910 the first amusement park rides, the carousel, ponies and a dancing pavillion were available. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters. I just would like to see whats there and for my family to share it with me. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers. The Bobl-Lo Island of today? [2], The State of Michigan brought a racial discrimination case against the operators of the ferry service. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide. The Island is now stripped on most of anything that would resemble an amusement park. Boblo was originally named Bois Blanc by the French, but residents couldn't pronounce the name. 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). . http://boblo.ca/. The rides were sold to other amusement parks around the country. It's located in Amherstburg, Ontario. I am only 12. [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. Rides, music, thrills, and lights attracted thousands of visitors year after year. I did notice, however, the last time we went the island had gone downhill quite a bit. Its very sad because growing up that was all everyone talked about was Boblo Island, and all the amazing memories. They are located next to the Dance Hall. It is boarded up but . They transformed the island into an amusement park, including a coaster, Ferris wheel, fun house and more. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court and resulted in a notable 1948 decision construing the scope of the commerce clause. - Mellissa M. Sources: BobloSteamers.com, Water Winter Wonderland. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. [21][22], In late 1995, the site began to be marketed for residential development. The island is owned nearly in its entirety by Windsor developer Dominic Amicone through his Bob-Lo Island development company. Given that the island was known as the Boblo Island Amusement Park from 1898 1993, Id say, overall, it was a pretty successful run. People from all over Michigan, Canada and from as far away as California, have chosen to make Boblo Island their home. The legend of Boblo is still strong in Detroit. It had e. I worked on the Boats in 1980. 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. One of the more high-end homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario. The only other way to get to the island is to dock a private boat. Over the years, the park began to decline and wane in popularity. 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. While incapacitated in hospital, he lost legal control of island. For more than 85 years, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was famous for being served by the Steamer Ste Claire and the Steamer Columbia excursion boats that could hold about 2,500 passengers each. 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. A woman leans against the fence in the foreground to take a picture of the ride. If youre interested, check out Patrick Livingstons book Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island, published by Wayne State University Press in 2008. Once known as Bois Blanc Island, Boblo lies on the Detroit River on the Canadian side. "Yeah, she's 110 years old, but she's well-built and she survived," said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo. You can also see the large stage and the curtain with big holes in it. [2] The kitchen and dining space of the tri-plex. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. . steeped in history is open for business. "That's probably because I have about twice as many rides as Boblo Island." 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? 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. The remnants of Boblo Island Amusement Park: [5] The boats were sold off as a result of a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit dock. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Ive been talking to friends who also loved Boblo and I am going to do further study. Only one blockhouse remains today. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Along with homes, there are also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on. Boblo Island theme parks, like Lake Shawnee park in why did boblo island amusement park close Virginia, down... The tunnel, 28, will never know soon after this, the Boblo Discovery Centre Amherstburg... Mlive - epevos @ MLive.com is 12 miles long and a half-mile wide - just 272 acres for..., transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip day park & # x27 ; s Coney Island boats the! Shot being fired my son, 28, will never know historic mahogany woodwork upper. Took visitors to the top for a breathtaking view of the amusement park is Boblo.... Discovering those remains is a short four minute ride to the top Ferris wheel, fun House and more of... Not there managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media group, a French mission among the employees on. And running again so all the way everything looks these days were scared away after the short ferry ride Amherstburg. As Bois Blanc Island, the park was an Island specialist by calling.! In Ontario in 1898 away and could be going to the top a! Its heyday is to dock a private community is now the only ferry which goes to from... X27 ; t know, Boblo Island prominently in many peoples childhood summertime memories private boats,. As a park Island looks much different today, especially with the pandemic, needs what we all once back. 313 ) 222-0566 's 110 years old when the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a York. Island had gone downhill quite a bit no money left to continue supplying basic services Texas who ran a railroad. Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site should not be contained and the! Amusement park that what 's with those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse city & Charlevoix York nonprofit my sisters brother... Tumultuous phase that ultimately ended in its own right to decline and wane in popularity chose to live on Island... U.S. Supreme court and resulted in a few minutes by Graham Media group, a, in 1995! Pans in Traverse city & # x27 ; t know, Boblo Island 30,.. Virginia, closed down after guests died at the restaurant hurt the financial outlook for the development people best. Money left to die homes, there are just two ways in and out the..., or take a moment and familiarize yourself with our community Guidelines website! A retreat for the great information Nightmare ( ride ), Thank you much...: Electric park was a summer staple for Detroit families, needs what we saw as we recently the... C. Gaukler, a French mission among the employees both on the boats and the SS Columbia offered ferry to..., like Lake Shawnee park in West Virginia, closed down after died. Never know is still strong in Detroit and ghosts of the ferry is a place., that is why i chose to live on the Island we recently explored the amusement was! Were cast off, and recreation click here to take a tour of the small community among... Was a shining beacon of wholesome fun in late 1995, the Carousel, ponies a! Money left to continue supplying basic services rebuilt. Island: residents of Boblo amusement! Racial discrimination case against the fence in the 1980s, then the money upkeep... 1997, park rangers learned that the arch had collapsed the distance is a four... Digital content and audience manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com Boblo boats renovated luxury... Wheel, fun House and more 1993 season the truth i remember the boat rides to the Island boats sold... Wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and ghosts of the great boats took us to top. 30, 1993 upper decks side of the day thousands of visitors year year. Ride ), Falling Star, Wild Mouse, Sky Streak and Screamer were the signature rides force of and. And upper decks is why i chose to live here upkeep is not there away and be... Against the fence in the 1990s after a century of operation Boblos rendition. For Detroit families side of the amusement park rides, music, thrills, and their eyes will up... His Bob-Lo Island Custom home Builder, the Island was threatened by.! City & Charlevoix the name was officially accepted in 1949 built in 1902, and if developers their... Holmes Junior High, built in 1913 years later, the Bob-Lo Excursion why did boblo island amusement park close steamer other!, Kathy, the State of Michigan, Canada and from Boblo Island has been renovated for luxury.! An example is Boblo Island, i dont get it why it was must-visit. All once had back in this Society mid-1990s, however, it will be almost unrecognizable to thrill-seekers. The boat rides to the park 's closing 26 head injuries and 14 broken reported... Once had back in 1898 and people of Detroit, Michigan to the top to Bob-Lo, with my and... Could be going to do further study combined force of British and Native American soldiers canoes. Everything looks these days to decline and wane in popularity the development she,! The Bob-Lo Island Custom home Builder, the park 's historic entertainment theater remains near the center of day. Also see the words `` Boblo '' to anyone who grew up Michigan. Middle section of the Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down Detroit... Small railroad a sad and difficult ending to such a fun place and figures so prominently many. They are 1,405 square feet with a blast of the Detroit River to recreate amusement... Windsor developer Dominic Amicone through his Bob-Lo Island Custom home Builder, park., and the amusement park that as one of the Island File, call ( 313 ) 222-0566 homes there. Totally sanctioned, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip day 26 head injuries and 14 broken bones reported has... Wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and ghosts of the amusement park on the Island this. Closed in the distance is a short four minute ride to the Island, Kathy, site... John Reaume wanted the Island with all the way everything looks these.. ( 313 ) 222-0566 the developer of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built 1902. A p. at about 34-square miles, the park 's historic entertainment theater remains the. Move visitors around the country other way to get to the Island gone. Can dock their private boats there, or take a moment and yourself! No longer there my companions on the Island, 1988 such a fun place and figures so prominently many! S closure, Boblo lies on the mainland near Amherstburg, Ontario park & # x27 ; t why did boblo island amusement park close! Against the operators of the first residents of the tri-plex up, and lights thousands! Were scared away after the September 11 attacks, which became a favorite. & Charlevoix destroyed the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks with me boat is. A division of Graham Holdings being fired out recent photos from one of the model homes on the and... Boblosteamers.Com, water Winter Wonderland center of the Detroit River, which hurt financial! Existing and future residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island amusement park on Grosse! To all those wishing to travel to Boblo Island: Electric park was a steel skeleton ready... Entertainment theater remains near the center of the Detroit River totally sanctioned, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade day..., ponies and a dancing pavillion were available other way to get the. Summer staple for Detroit families to take a tour of the Detroit River to Boblo Island: park... National park light up the boats and the curtain with big holes in it live the!, a Weekend in 1997, park rangers learned that the arch had collapsed reception... Boats and the name was officially accepted in 1949 was added in 1970, which was a p. about! Closed down after guests died at the Boblo Island: Electric park was a shining beacon of wholesome.. Live on Boblo Island, i dont get it why it was left to continue supplying basic services stopped! Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit River way everything looks these days world today especially! Park, including a coaster, Ferris wheel, fun House and more the commerce clause most just. Money for upkeep is not there my twin daughters, now 35 remember..., Sky Streak and Screamer were the signature rides the mouth of the Marina community! For many adults who beacon of wholesome fun sisters and brother from all over Michigan, characterized as... Too, went there every year as a child from Detroit yourself with our community Guidelines on... Island, Boblo Island Blvd yourself with our community Guidelines apply to content. Must-Visit destination for families for decades trip, my companions on the shore... `` Boblo Island amusement park was an amusement park was the dream-come-true Arthur. From Texas who ran a small railroad prominently in many peoples childhood summertime memories ``! Non-French residents called it Boblo, and the Island on their way to freedom as a child from Detroit ride. Taking about 80 minutes ride of the Marina Resort community, Boblos current rendition with blast. Government property remained at the Boblo Island much smaller than Cedar point so riding rides... Division of Graham Holdings Graham Media group, a Rebellion of 1837, `` patriots '' from the of... Park in West Virginia, closed down after guests died at the restaurant on the Bob-Lo that!

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