A lamp posts once used to illuminate the amusement park at night. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny. They are 1,405 square feet with a full basement. These are the remains of some of the washrooms. The dock is gone and the passageway is mostly surrounded by weeds and overgrown grass. Photo courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society. The men's entrance is to the left. Plants and overgrown grass fill the dirt paths near the Space Needle. The 1991, the boats ceased their 81-year run, and the park closed in 1993. 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. Given that the island was known as the Boblo Island Amusement Park from 1898 1993, Id say, overall, it was a pretty successful run. I recently visited the island to see that the old Theatre still stands. Exploring and discovering those remains is a thrill in its own right. Yongma Land Abandoned Theme Park. The Boblo boat Columbia is being restored by a New York nonprofit. [9] The loss of the Detroit ferry service dented attendance severely in the 1992 season, which along with poor weather caused the park to miss its attendance goal. 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. This is what the more than 100-year old steamer looked like a few years ago. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. For many in this part of Michigan, this boat resides in fond memories of trips to Boblo Island. Millions of Americans and Canadians share memories of riding the Swan Boats or the train that circled the park. A combined force of British and Native American soldiers in canoes surprised and overpowered an American vessel en route to Detroit. Look at Sugar Island.it once was a special place. Between my concerns for the submerged rocks of the river and the mortar of history I was climbing over, I thought, what a wonderful place this island would be to explore if you were a kid or teenager and what a nightmare it poses for parents or grandparents of those explorers! By 1910 the first amusement park rides, the carousel, ponies and a dancing pavillion were available. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. I agree. You may have more than a few challenges now that people live there, but I wish you the best of luck! The park closed in 1996 after several personal injury lawsuits were filed against it. - Kathy G. We kids were able to run up and down the stairs on the boat and go to the dance floor. Boats are docked in the Boblo Island Marina, located on the western shore of the island. . BOBLO ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK entertained people from both Canada and USA for 96 YEARS ! At one time, the amusement was one of the top summer vacation spots in Florida. OBSCURIST TOURIST 025 - Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. 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. 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 Boblo Island Beach House Restaurant is located along the western shore of the island by the marina. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. -Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park 1898-1993 Thanks . 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. Claireoffered their own form of entertainment. The Ste. I dont think it is sad at all! It broke my heart to see the way everything looks these days. 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. Gone are the roller coasters, but there are plenty of haunting remnants from Boblo Island Amusement Park, which delivered thrills and family fun from 1898 to September 30, 1993. The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. He's been with WDIV since 2013. It's a place for those looking to surround themselves with nature, including the more than 50 different species of birds. In 1958 the island was the site of joint Canadian-American war games, addressing a hostile force presence with amphibious units from around the Great Lakes. Really sad. With a blast of the big steam whistle, lines were cast off, and the 20-mile voyage began, taking about 80 minutes. Rides, music, thrills, and lights attracted thousands of visitors year after year. . [32], Boblo's Scootaboats, which were very similar to well known Bumper Cars, were a popular ride. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Plant life around the old Space Needle observation tower. 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. When did Boblo boat stop running? - Mellissa M. Sources: BobloSteamers.com, Water Winter Wonderland. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny (Video by Alex Atwell), VINTAGE BOBLO: Throwback video of the old Boblo boat and Boblo Island. The ship in mid-swing. . Neither will my grandchildren. The only access was via one of two ferries from Detroit or Amherstburg, the SS Ste. 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). Only one blockhouse remains today. 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). The dance pavilion built in 1913 was the largest in North America until 1925. Though not all is lost. 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. The boat would stop there to take people to the island for the day. [23] Townhouses and condominiums were proposed in 1997. 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. 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. Colorful adirondack chairs surround a campfire pit near Captain Bob's. The island is a five-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario, and 18 miles from Detroit. Places like fort custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all sold to profiteers. You can still see the words "Boblo Island" on the Space Needle, 25 years after the park's closing. The boat was taken to Toledo on Tuesday. [2] But the partnership soon dissolved into a clash of wills that led to the collapse of the amusement park and a bitter lawsuit. It was in a time when the parents didn''t have to worry about the children. Bois Blanc Island was where Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, a Native American warrior, decided to place his headquarters during the War of 1812. Wild grapevine has made it to the second floor balcony of the gallery. It's docked in New York. Boblo Island was very special. Its very sad because growing up that was all everyone talked about was Boblo Island, and all the amazing memories. 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. 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. To rebuild would be one of lifes pleasures. In 1993, after nearly 100 years in the business of entertainment, it was decided that the park was to be closed. I loved going there as it was much smaller than Cedar Point so riding the rides didnt take so long. 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. [5] The boats were sold off as a result of a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit dock. 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. I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. Today. [26] KPMG found there was no money left to continue supplying basic services. Many locals still have great memories riding the ferry to Boblo Island Amusement Park, which eventually. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers. It was awesome place. 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. 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. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The reasons for its closure were numerous, ranging from rising maintenance costs and poor management to stronger competition from the nearby, more attractive Cedar Point Park. Claire, built in 1910. In June of 1999 Oram announced that he wished to recreate the amusement park on the mainland near Amherstburg, Ontario. The Nightmare (ride), Falling Star, Wild Mouse, Sky Streak and Screamer were the signature rides. The initial attractions of the island were . Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. The ship, docked at Riverside Marina on the Detroit River, caught fire after 11 a.m. on . Is there a safe dock area, in which to leave our boat-(also Draft/depth) info .Is there a dock fee? Boblo Island Amusement Park was a beloved amusement park that began operating in 1898 and ran for almost 100 years. She was one of the first residents of Boblo Island. Peaking through the windows, you can see it's being used for storage. Its a wonderful feeling strolling the island, standing next to buildings where 10s of thousands of souls now long departed use to frequent. Remember, the island is in Canada, so you can't just cross over from the U.S. and dock there. 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. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. Visiters to the marina can visit the small gallery of photographs and paintings of water scenes or rent bikes to explore the island (although what appeared to be the bike rental building was closed on this July Saturday, so perhaps not). 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. After coming aboard, visitors could look down from the main deck into the engine room, where powerful shafts and cams slowly warmed up. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. This thrilling park closed its doors for good in 1981, but not before providing visitors with decades of fun. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. [19] He vaguely proposed a casino, hotel, and other development. On a summer day in 1945, Sarah Elizabeth Ray stood up for something because she wasn't allowed to sit down. They are located next to the Dance Hall. 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