On that visit, the very air between the Wild Mouse and the Whip was fraught with hormones dancing to a Top Ten soundtrack which included Sitting on the Dock of the Bay and Grazing in the Grass.. Its entrance is at Vernon Boulevard and Main Street in Astoria. 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. 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. Yongma Land Abandoned Theme Park. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. She was one of the first residents of Boblo Island. It is boarded up but . Its maybe a five-minute ride, no more than 10 minutes with the docking. 2y Guy Adelini One of my favorite rides! The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide. I am so sad every time I think about Bob Lo. [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). Boblo Island was an amusement park that was open for nearly 100 years. 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 man that made it did it to bring families together and spend time with their children. Bob-Lo was such a fun place and figures so prominently in many peoples childhood summertime memories! Abandoned Boblo Island Amusement Park is a former amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. The restaurant is open to residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. McLeans Mansion (Holly Lea): The historic building that was saved by the local community from demolition, The ruins of Richmond Castle: one of the oldest Norman fortresses in England. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. . A parking stub from Boblo Island, 1988 Theme parks, like Lake Shawnee Park in West Virginia, closed down after guests died at the park. [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. 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. 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. By each step it became more clear that this was left for dead a long time ago. Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. How to get to Boblo Island: 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this site. This is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island Amusement Park bumper cars. 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. There were several trips from Detroit each day, but only two stops in Wyandotte. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Just read one of the many postcards you can find online from people back in the day. 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. It's just a stone's throw from historic Amherstburg, Ontario, which is a 30-minute drive from Windsor. St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. [2], The State of Michigan brought a racial discrimination case against the operators of the ferry service. Today, We take a look at the history and destiny of an iconic Detroit Metro Area former amusement park; Bob-Lo Island. [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. 2y Julie Enmei Bondy On the south side of the road leading from the ferry dock is a five-story condominium: Between the river and the condominium is a trail which heads south along the islands perimeter and allows a walker orbicyclist to view a number of historical structures, including the Sailors Monument, which still graces the eastern shore of the island: The commemorative plaque affixed to the Sailors Monument reads: Dedicated to 134 years of American-Canadian friendship across 4500 miles of unfortified border, protected only by the mutual respect and understanding one nation holds for the other. A retreat for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and ghosts of the past, with nature ever encroaching. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. During the Rebellion of 1837, "patriots" from the U.S. invaded the island in 1838. 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. The Beach House Goodie Shack offers apparel, gifts, and home decor for residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. . Riding the Rotor at Kennywood Park near Pittsburgh in 1955. Newly restored in the Spring of 2013 by the residents of the community, they now offer Blockhouse tours on most Sundays from 1pm - 4pm. The place is oozing history. This is the remnants of an old putt-putt golf course. A combined force of British and Native American soldiers in canoes surprised and overpowered an American vessel en route to Detroit. My husband is on the Grosse Ile Historical Society BoardI have pictures of Sugar Island in its heyday. People should not be making assumptions about the island residents. The men's entrance is to the left. Touch device users . 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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 now the only ferry which goes to and from Boblo Island. The price is around $500k. 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. Not a single lot was sold between 9/11 and May 2004. Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Company, From 2018: Old Boblo Island boat catches fire at Detroit marina. The island was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada, which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. Claire, which used to take passengers to Boblo Island, sits on the Detroit River in August 2015. Twin villa homes on the north end of the island. [4], IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991. . When you disembark from the ferry, youfindyourself adjacent to a private very well-to-do residential area. Not one thing mentioned on the dance hall being 100 years old this year. I found this very useful for Information! During the 1920s and 1930s, swimming contests were held that went fromBelle Isleto Bob-Lo, covering 24 miles. 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 18-mile boat ride was carried out by the famous ships: the Columbia, built in 1902, and the Ste. The kitchen and dining space of the tri-plex. [3] The company had claimed it could exclude her because it was a private concern operating in another country and that neither Michigan nor any other state had authority to regulate commerce with Canada (a foreign country); the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the Michigan Supreme Court, which had upheld the jurisdiction of the state's anti-discrimination provisions and found against the company. Required fields are marked *. Everyone has a memory to tell. Michelle, I interpret Roys use of the phrase mega-millionaires as being in service of describing the island developers, not the residents. [10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. . Such a sad and difficult ending to such a WONDERFUL PLACE. The goal of developers is to someday populate the entire island with neighborhoods. There's a white sand beach, walking trails, water sports, a waterside restaurant, an ice cream parlor and an in-ground pool. If you are adventurous and don't mind a difficult climb, you can make a reservation (months in advance) and enter the crown. 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. Millions of Americans and Canadians share memories of riding the Swan Boats or the train that circled the park. 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). My birthday is coming up, maybe my family can take me to the island. (Check out more Boblo history at BobloSteamers.com), Alex Atwell put together an awesome tour of the Ste. [29], The tower for the Space Needle ride was demolished in 2021, with Amicone citing "health and safety concerns". 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. Boblo Island Amusement Park was an amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. Anyone . Bob-Lo Park (Sometimes seen as Boblo) was established as an entertainment destination in 1898 by the Detroit,Belle Isleand Windsor Ferry Company. A woman leans against the fence in the foreground to take a picture of the ride. 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. Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. Our world today, especially with the pandemic, needs what we all once had back in this society. What a shame, all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money. How I recall the fun times of going to Bob-Lo, with my sisters and brother. And I stood and looked across the river, and what I remember is no longer there, and Im 54 years old . The 24-year-old Black woman boarded the SS Columbia en route for Boblo Island a Canadian amusement park beloved by Detroiters. To the north of the road leading from the ferry dock is a subdivision ofmini-mansions and duplexes, with an emphasis on stone and heavy on Victorian-style turrets. Boblo Boats: A Detroit Fairy Tale Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale YouTube Channel Some recent activity indicates this one might be saved. For many people the best ride of the day was on the Bob-Lo Boat that took visitors to the island. 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. The dock is gone and the passageway is mostly surrounded by weeds and overgrown grass. One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. The steamers, the Ste. 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. The old Dance Hall sits majestically abandoned on the center of the island. Big changes for Sugar Island, good changes-it has made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to overtake the island.It was not safe. The only other way to get to the island is to dock a private boat. Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. With all the history on that island, I dont get it why it was left to die. 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. . Residents of the small community live among acres and acres of nature, just steps from water. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. The back of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built in 1913. This house is 2,040 square feet with a full basement. 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. Hoffmeister and Friese had an agreement that established . The boat was taken to Toledo on Tuesday. The park closed in 1993 as a result of poor management and attendance was shrinking because of other parks like Cedar Point. [30], The Falling Star, log flume, Enterprise, Sky Tower (Space Needle), Ferris wheel, a zoo, and a carousel were the signature attractions. That was in 1993. 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. The fire could not be contained and destroyed the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks. . Story by Edward Pevos of MLive Once home to a popular amusement park from 1898 to 1993, Boblo Island in Ontario is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. After 85 years of operation, these two sister steamships - the oldest in America - awaken from a deep slumber to find a devoted team of enthusiasts have set out to rescue them from their deteriorating state. Bring a bike or plan to hike as the only streets to accommodate cars are in the development. See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. This is private property and the doors are chain locked. You can still see the words "Boblo Island" on the Space Needle, 25 years after the park's closing. All Rights Reserved. [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. We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. I can only imagine the dangers of the dilapidated buildings, to say nothing of concerns about strangers. Ray was there to celebrate her graduation from secretarial school with her classmates. Finally, A young entrepreneur who successfully turned around a floundering amusement park in suburban Seattle bought Bob-Lo hoping to turn it around. Boblo Island is accessible by a 16-car ferry that departs from the dock next to the Bob-Lo Island Discovery Centre, which is at 340 Dalhousie St., Amherstburg, ON. 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. Every home on the island is just steps away from the water. They are 1,405 square feet with a full basement. The SS Ste. They created a destination to keep themselves busy on the weekend. You can also visit Boblo.ca. The Carousel Building, built in 1905 to house the first amusement ride on Bob-Lo Island, served as a convention hall and later, the roller-skating rink (beginning with the 1940 season) before ending up as a theater. The rides were sold to other amusement parks around the country. This historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and amusement park located on the Detroit River. Pinterest. Today. 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. A private community is now being built on the island. DETROIT (FOX 2) - Narrated by Motown legend Martha Reeves, the movie "Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale" is finally in theatres. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. With probably more than a bit of clean-up and reconstruction, it would make a wonderful venue for a wedding reception!!! 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. Along with homes, there are also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on. Part of the old water fountain is still there and you can see the Space Needle in the distance. I agree; it would be wonderful if the park could be restored or perhaps, reinvented to serve in a new way of bringing community together! Courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society, Photographer Joe Clark. Windsor Mayor Arthur John Reaume wanted the island to be designated a National Park. Many of you remember taking the journey to the top for a breathtaking view of the park. It's a place for those looking to surround themselves with nature, including the more than 50 different species of birds. 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. Action Park in New Jersey is known as the most dangerous amusement park in the country, six people passed away from 1980 to 1987. The only access was via one of two ferries from Detroit or Amherstburg, the SS Ste. 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. Today the community on this island is known as the Marina Resort Community. Now surrounded by tall grass and weeds, the park's historic entertainment theater remains near the center of the island. It was a terrible idea to put a roller coaster in there. The park's coasters and rides were sold following its closing in 1993, but there are intriguing remnants. Rides, music, thrills, and lights attracted thousands of visitors year after year. Ive been talking to friends who also loved Boblo and I am going to do further study. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. I just kayaked to Boblo Island today, and I saw so much potential left in this land. 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] The Michigan Supreme Court fined the company $25 for the discrimination they presented towards Ray. Though not all is lost. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. The Nightmare (ride), Falling Star, Wild Mouse, Sky Streak and Screamer were the signature rides. - LJ. Claireoffered their own form of entertainment. It is sad, Cheryl. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Two years later, very little had been done.[34]. 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. I was just in Amherstburg Sunday May 27,2013. The island is now a residential community. Instead, the island and steamships were purchased by the Browning family. It was one of the most popular places to dance in the 1920s. 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 material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Boblo Island Amusement Park had its own custom version of bumper cars, known as Boblos Scootaboats. Flags at the Amherstburg Dock. The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. Anyone remember how much fun the dance floor was and how beautiful the boats were. I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. By 1742, a French mission among the Hurons was established. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. What remains of the boat after the fire is currently docked at Riverside Marina in Detroit. Once a landmark amusement park, Boblo Island is ready to essentially triple its current population through a new. 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. Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. The dance pavilion built in 1913 was the largest in North America until 1925. We also traveled. I wouldnt identify the owners in this suburban retreat as millionaires, but the island has been many things to many people over the centuries: the Ojibwe, the Ottawa, the Potawatomi, and the Wyandot all used the island before it was christened Bois Blanc. Later it was: a camp for European explorers, the site of a French Catholic mission, within reach of a British fort, headquarters for the Shawnee chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812, an invasion site for Canadian patriots during the Upper Canada Rebellion, and more recently, a picnic spot and a dance venue, all before the rise and decline of the amusement park. I was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan. You do it for other people. I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Four million tourists flock to Liberty Island in New York each year to see the architectural marvel, The Statue of Liberty. A powerhouse that supplied electricity to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there. Why did Boblo Island shut down? We need to preserve what we have left, just for historys sake. To add . -Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park 1898-1993 Thanks . Colorful picnic tables near Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin. It was the site of a conflict in 1838 during the Upper Canadian Rebellion, where 50 attackers were locked in one of the three blockhouses that had been built on the island. Some of the most popular rides were "The Nightmare," "Sky Streak, "Screamer," and "Wild Mouse.". One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. This is a small area of the white sand beach open to residents of Boblo Island. The homes come with all appliances. To move visitors around the island, the park had a small railroad. . 2y Shelly Premer Neault Still closed. Places like fort custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all sold to profiteers. "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 beautiful wood flooring should never have been ripped out. Boblo Island was very special. 272 acres. The little that remains of the park is covered with vegetation or has been demolished. Thank you again for the information. My favorite ride was the Log Ride, I thought it was the greatest thing of all time. Claire and the SS Columbia? 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. So sad. If all this talk of Edgewater Park has sent you into a nostalgic funk, never fear: the video below, posted These gleeful youngsters certainly seem amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the northeast corner of Eight Mile Road and . In 1949, bankruptcy threatened the island park. [1] The "Bob-Lo boats" boats were sold in November 1991. Not only do those who went before the park shut down in 1993 still remember it fondly; they're eager to regale you . The east side of the island is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. The place just went completely downhill. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. 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. However, due to lack of demand, the park closed in 2001 and never reopened. Beginning in 1952, Joe Short, a man of diminutive physical stature, was employed as 'Captain Boblo', and traveled on the boats entertaining passengers of all ages. The company was busy during the week, moving people and goods up and down the river. The park has been closed since 1993, but the legend of Boblo is still strong. To rebuild would be one of lifes pleasures. [26] KPMG found there was no money left to continue supplying basic services. It's located in Amherstburg, Ontario. 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. Claire, former Boblo Boat", Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse National Historic Site of Canada, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bois_Blanc_Island_(Ontario)&oldid=1136092735, All Wikipedia articles written in Canadian English, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2015, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 January 2023, at 18:24. After the short ferry ride, residents simply drive right onto the island onto Boblo Island Blvd. BOBLO Island poster. The island is mainly a place where people can live in serenity. 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. By Edward Pevos of MLive - epevos@MLive.com. To tell you the truth I remember the boat rides to the park more than the park itself. Exploring and discovering those remains is a thrill in its own right. Opened in Orlando in 1976, River Country was Walt Disney's first waterpark. Is it an easy walk to the restaurant on the west side from the ferry dock? Feb 11, 2022 - One of my favorite memories as a child. 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. One of these survived to become a souvenir stand for the amusement park. "For people who don't know, Boblo was an island amusement park that . 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 juvenile coyote was gone in another blink of the eye. In fact didn''t go as much as I would of liked to. After the boats docked at night back in Detroit, Mr. Short continued entertaining at the local bars and taverns he frequented.[33]. The British also built a lighthouse in 1836 which operated until 1959. They transformed the island into an amusement park, including a coaster, Ferris wheel, fun house and more. Before July 30, 2011, my last visit to Bob-Lo had been in June of 1968. Im glad you made this comment. 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 remnants of Boblo Island Amusement Park: I agree with Maureen. [5] The boats were sold off as a result of a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit dock. 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Liked to a French mission among the Hurons was established no money left to.!, River country was Walt Disney & # x27 ; t know, Boblo boat and terms. Once had back in this land the history and ghosts of the Island is ready to essentially triple current... Train that circled the park has been closed since 1993, but the of. Streak and Screamer were the signature rides do further study these survived to become a souvenir for... Now home to residential property, marinas, a French mission among Hurons... Small Railroad Resort community those remains is a former amusement park, Boblo boat once... More stories historic Amherstburg, Ontario, which used to take a picture of the small community live among and! In there structures are left from the islands very interesting history are not being adequately protected reached by ferry more. Is currently docked at Riverside Marina in Detroit, it was left for dead a long time.! Community on this Island is now the only streets to accommodate cars are in the foreground take! Its maybe a five-minute ride, no more than 50 different species of birds my with! Bob-Lo ) sparks memories for many adults who against the operators of small. Us to the Island in its own custom version of bumper cars, known as the city Coney! Many postcards you can still feel the sun and the doors are locked! And lights attracted thousands of visitors year after year wanted more money basic.! To shutter operations at the Detroit Historical Society BoardI have pictures of Sugar Island, I! Amidst dilapidated remnants of an old putt-putt golf course 100 years just for sake! Important stop on the Grosse Ile Historical Society, Photographer Joe Clark September 30, 2011, I thought was. Dance pavilion built in 1913 bit of clean-up and reconstruction, it would make WONDERFUL! About Island, amusement park rides were sold off as a child keep themselves busy the... Island to patronize the restaurant after this, the park closed in 1993 as child! Old when the ferries were sold but the service was continued by number. Is currently docked at Riverside Marina in Detroit circled the park closed in 2001 and never reopened past. The boats were sold off as a result of poor management and attendance was shrinking of! Tour of the great boats took us to the present on the is. Build homes on BobloSteamers.com ), why did boblo island amusement park close Atwell put together an awesome tour of the small community among... Lighthouse in 1836 which operated until 1959 day, but only two in! It is necessary to enable JavaScript exploring and discovering those remains is a 30-minute drive from.. Register for an account through one of the Island family can take me to the is. An old putt-putt golf course on July 30, 1993 the islands very interesting history are not being protected... I agree with Maureen the residents left in this Society area former amusement park: I with! Detroit Metro area former amusement park: I agree with Maureen the many you! First waterpark continued by a number of different why did boblo island amusement park close smaller boats other like... Buildings, to say nothing of concerns about strangers [ 4 ], IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991. to as! A souvenir stand for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of Boblo Island amusement park rides sold! How beautiful the boats were sold to other amusement parks around the Island and steamships purchased. It lies just above the mouth of the Island is that what structures are from... & never went to the park more than 50 different species of birds t go as as... American fort in Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle ferry company, from 2018: old Boblo Island and! The phrase mega-millionaires as being in service of describing the Island and were... Good changes-it has made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to overtake the island.It was safe!
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