Chippewa Lake Park

History

Chippewa Lake Park was built in the late 1870's. Before it was an amusement park, the grounds were used for picnics dating back to the 1840's. The park's first owner was Edward Andrews, and the park was called Andrew's Pleasure Grounds. The park was used for picnics, dancing, holiday fireworks, and so forth.

In the 1880's, the first roller coaster was put in. A steamboat was also added. But many of the guests were unhappy with the amount of alcohol being consumed at the park. Then in the early 1900's when Mac Beach took over, he outlawed whiskey on the grounds. He added the first carousel, and made many changes that got the park looking good.

The park closed in 1978, a full 100 years after it opened, because the park wansn't making enough money to still operate. Most of the rides are still there, but they're all engulfed in the wildlife around it. Some of the buildings have collapsed, others destroyed by fire. You may recognize some of the pictures below from the old pictures above.

The Ballroom

The ballroom was lost to fire on 6/13/02. This is all that's left of it.

Bumper Cars

The bumper car building collapsed at an unknown time. This is what's left.

Ferris Wheel

Flying Cages

This is what's left of them. The cages are gone. All that's left are the supports.

The Little Dipper

A kiddy coaster.

The Bathhouse

The Hamburger Factory

Past

Present

The Outdoor Theater

The Tumblebug

The Big Dipper

Other Pictures

The sunset view on the lake was pretty sweet.