chippewa lake park

built : 1878
abandoned : 1978

this location dates all the way back to the 1840's, when it was used as picnic grounds. the park itself was built in the late 1870's. a few years later, a rollercoaster and steamboat were added to the park. it wasn't until the early 1900's that the park got looking good. a bunch of rides were added, and alcohol was outlawed on the grounds. the park ran steady for a solid century before it was shut down, because it wasn't making enough money. most of the rides and structures are still there, but almost entirely engulfed in the wildlife surrounding it.

although there are fences and signs saying "no trespassing", while we were there quite a few people were walking around. some guys were also fishing off one of the docks inside the park. the park itself is inside of a neighborhood. i'd imagine the local kids like to run around the park and stuff. this place is worth checking out, but don't drive too far to see it. since everything is falling apart or surrounded by wildlife, it hardly resembles an amusement park.

more information on the chippewa lake amusement park can be found on the following pages:
associated content
really cool old postcards from the amusement park
forgotten ohio

::more pictures::
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