This is the living space inside one of the single family homes. [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. It is completely grown over with weeds and trees. More than a century later, in the 1920s, the amusement park opened on the sitethen closed in 1966 after the accidental deaths of two young patrons, including one on the spooky circular swing. This historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and amusement park located on the Detroit River. Hoffmeister and Friese had an agreement that established . [16] Moodenbaugh later sued Benaroya and others for attempting to sell the park while he lay in a "virtual coma". You do it for other people. Boats are docked in the Boblo Island Marina, located on the western shore of the island. A tri-plex home. And I stood and looked across the river, and what I remember is no longer there, and Im 54 years old . BOBLO runs Nov. 22 to Dec. 2 at the Great Hall Black Box Theatre (former venue of the Theatre Centre), 1087 Queen St. W. For tickets ($20-$25), visit theatrecentre.org or call 416-538-0988. What a wonderful goal, Andrew! A company called Premier Parks acquired the classic amusement park in 1995. Big changes for Sugar Island, good changes-it has made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to overtake the island.It was not safe. Touch device users . She was one of the first residents of Boblo Island. I agree. I was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan. In the distance is a building featuring dozens of condos. One reason is competition from larger theme parks. You can still see the words "Boblo Island" on the Space Needle, 25 years after the park's closing. The plan is to restore it and have it run in the Hudson River Valley. They created a destination to keep themselves busy on the weekend. Quite disappointing that we never went back, management was doing a terrible job. When was the last time yousailed down the Detroit River toBob-Lo Island, to summertime? The legend of Boblo is still strong in Detroit. The Bois Blanc Lighthouse built in 1836; its lamp room was destroyed in 1954 when vandals started a fire. The Island is now stripped on most of anything that would resemble an amusement park. People quit coming in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is not there. A powerhouse that supplied electricity to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there. [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. The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. Rides, music, thrills, and lights attracted thousands of visitors year after year. [4], IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991. We were participating in a totally sanctioned, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip Day. We would have boarded either the Ste. Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Company, From 2018: Old Boblo Island boat catches fire at Detroit marina. But there is new life on the island 23 years after the closing of the amusement park. You can visit the island now, as I did in July of 2011 (all the photos accompanying the blog posting above were taken on that visit), by taking a small car ferry across a narrow strip of the Detroit River from the Bob-Lo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. 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. And then came the Boblo Island Amusement Park with its famous Screamer, Nightmare, and Wild Mouse rides, its zoo, and carousel. When did Boblo boat stop running? The restaurants 2013 grand opening was May 24th. I recently visited the island to see that the old Theatre still stands. 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 classic boats stopped running in 1991 and the amusement park was shuttered after the 1993 season. 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. In 1949, the island was threatened by bankruptcy. Today the community on this island is known as the Marina Resort Community. 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. The Human Spinning Rotor or simply "The Rotor" was invented by a German scientist, Ernst Hoffmeister, and was financially supported by businessman Carl Friese. One of the many residential homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario, seen Wednesday, July 27, 2016. . Only about a third of a milea 5 to 10-minute walk, depending on your speedfrom the ferry dock on the west side of the island, east on Bob-Lo Island Boulevard, to the marina on the other side of the narrow island. Many of you remember taking the journey to the top for a breathtaking view of the park. You can explore and find the foundations of the dance floor ruins. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who spent summers riding the ferry to Boblo Island, visiting its amusement park or just enjoying a picnic. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. A retreat for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and ghosts of the past, with nature ever encroaching. . 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. Now surrounded by tall grass and weeds, the park's historic entertainment theater remains near the center of the island. This is the inside of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home. Hundreds of small amusement parks went out in 1980s as families all went to super amusement parks like Cedar Point and Six Flags and did not visit small ones often. From the top deck of the SS St. Claire, passengers watch the SS Columbia (built in 1902). . Claire V can fit up to 16 vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists. 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). He was 20 years older than me. OBSCURIST TOURIST 025 - Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. Each historical society serves as a bead on a rosary linking current and future generations to the past, acts as a tool to support prayers of keeping the memories alive, keeps a link to the human roots of a distinctive place that has meant many things to many people over the years. There's a white sand beach, walking trails, water sports, a waterside restaurant, an ice cream parlor and an in-ground pool. 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. The plan is to restructure the whole island and populate it with luxurious houses. "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.". On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. In 1991, those boats were sold and smaller ferries took people from Gibraltar, Mich., to the island, as well as Amherstburg. The middle section of the island was developed as a park. Sue Cicala. 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. For many people the best ride of the day was on the Bob-Lo Boat that took visitors to the island. The park has been closed since 1993, but the legend of Boblo is still strong. Feb 11, 2022 - One of my favorite memories as a child. 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. It was awesome place. You know what I think, I have never been over there. Many of the other rides are still entertaining guests at parks in Texas, Maryland, British Columbia, and Mexico. We went alot and when my family''s jobs had company picnic it would always be Bob Lo. 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. While incapacitated in hospital, he lost legal control of island. The old Dance Hall sits majestically abandoned on the center of the island. It is sad, Cheryl. I am so sad every time I think about Bob Lo. Boblo Island today: The SS Ste. A combined force of British and Native American soldiers in canoes surprised and overpowered an American vessel en route to Detroit. How to rent hobbit-type MUSHROOM HOUSES in Northern Michigan, Haunting insides of the abandoned NORTHVILLE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, See Michigan's only ALPINE MOUNTAIN SLIDE, 1,700 feet of fun, Inside Michigan's OLDEST OPERATING INN built in 1835, This may be the MOST PICTURESQUE spot in Michigan, Inside the SMITHSONIAN OF MAGIC, located in Michigan, We explored WARREN DUNES, the Sleeping Bear of Southwest MI, GoPro video riding MICHIGAN'S LONGEST ZIPLINE, Exploring Michigan's abandoned, haunted ELOISE ASYLUM, Country's LARGEST AUTO MUSEUM is in the middle of nowhere, Michigan. The subdivision consists of a loop of a street containing a court within the loop. I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. 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. Which may not be surprising, given that its been many thingscamp for European explorers, fortress, picnic spot, dance venue, amusement park, retreatto many people over the centuries beginning with four Algonquin and Iroquoian tribes:the Ojibwa (Chippewa), Ottawa, Potawatomi and the Wyandot (Huron)one source claims the original name of the island was Etiowiteedannenti, a name bestowed by the Wyandotand followed by: The first recorded passage to the island, which was named Bois Blanc (White Woods), by the French dates from 1670. Opened in Orlando in 1976, River Country was Walt Disney's first waterpark. 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. I wish that the people that bought this island could restore it. These steamers could carry more than 2,000 passengers from Detroit to the island. 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 park sat just above the mouth of the Detroit River, but was actually on the Canadian side on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. Boblo Island Amusement Park had its own custom version of bumper cars, known as Boblos Scootaboats. Private cottages and government property remained at the north and south ends of the island. 2y Guy Adelini One of my favorite rides! 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. Would love to know more about your experience working on the Bob-Lo boats. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. 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. The sociology of unemployment - Tom Boland 2015-07-01 The sociology of unemployment is an analysis of the experience and governance of unemployment. I, too, went there every year as a child from Detroit. Today. The ship in mid-swing. If it wasnt for him to have done that for everyone, our world would never have known how peaceful, relaxing, fun, and most of all memorable a park could be. Yes, Kathy, the Bob-Lo Island Beach House Restaurant is an easy walk. Officially, Bob-Lo Island is now billed as a Marina Resort Community, but Bob-Lo currently exhibits the most profound split personality of any islandperhaps any placeIve ever been. Photojournalist Seph Lawless has taken pictures of 10 abandoned theme parks around the US. How to live on Boblo Island: Page 51", "Historic Boblo boats land role in Transformers 4", "Boblo Island boat owners hopeful for restoring of damaged boat: What's next for the SS Ste Claire? People from all over Michigan, Canada and from as far away as California, have chosen to make Boblo Island their home. Bois Blanc Island, commonly called Boblo Island, is an island in the Detroit River on the Canadian side of the border and is part of Amherstburg Skip to content Menu Twin villa homes on the north end of the island. 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. 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. Theme parks, like Lake Shawnee Park in West Virginia, closed down after guests died at the park. The boat would stop there to take people to the island for the day. 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. "We are at the point in restoration to where it was a steel skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt." After the boats docked at night back in Detroit, Mr. Short continued entertaining at the local bars and taverns he frequented.[33]. This is private property and the doors are chain locked. Our world today, especially with the pandemic, needs what we all once had back in this society. It is now an expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse. . Each held about 2,500 passengers. It's just a stone's throw from historic Amherstburg, Ontario, which is a 30-minute drive from Windsor. One of these survived to become a souvenir stand for the amusement park. Exploring and discovering those remains is a thrill in its own right. Its sister. Bois Blanc Island (sometimes referred to as Boblo Island despite complaints from people downstate who are familiar with the Boblo Island Amusement Park in Bois Blanc, Canada, in the Detroit River) is an island in Lake Huron in the southernmost part of Mackinac County. Scattered over the restof the island, there are still a number of structures left from other erasmidst overgrown grass, downed limbs from trees, and more than a few other surprises: At the south end of the island, two pieces of history, although damaged, still stand: In the portion of the island that was once the amusement parkBob-Lo as the babyboomers knew ita number of structures still stand: Unfortunately, despite a private-property-no-trespassing sign . From 1898 to 1993, the park was a summer staple for Detroit families. [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. The tiny island is located in the middle of the East River, parallel to Manhattan's East 46th to 85th Streets. Ive always wondered about the island and have wanted to go back. I can forward them to you if you would like. 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. Did you work on both the SS Ste. The island has quite an interesting history. 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. [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. Since 1989, Kevin has collected miniature amusement park rides, and built a loose replica of Boblo Island in his home. 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. -Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park 1898-1993 Thanks . [10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. [1] Other smaller ferries served the park from Amherstburg and Gibraltar, Michigan, which were located closer to the park on the Detroit River. The Ste. Its a shame that Boblo Island had to close. Hard to believe it was an big destination, it seems too small to support an amusement park. By 1910 the first amusement park rides, the carousel, ponies and a dancing pavillion were available. This is the observation area which would rise to the top. See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. The ferry runs 365 days a year, departing every 20 minutes. The SS Ste. These gleeful youngsters certainly seem amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the northeast corner of Eight Mile Road and . Residents of the small community live among acres and acres of nature, just steps from water. - Mellissa M. Sources: BobloSteamers.com, Water Winter Wonderland. Although I had $8.00 in Canadian currency in hand to pay the ferry toll, I rode the ferry without being charged and with no questions asked. One of those blockhouses remains, and is open for touring. The abandoned amusement park was a p. I would bring back the lost souls and add life to the island again. Both vessels are bound for Boblo Island. $19 million in debt, John's brother Randy forced Boblo Island into court-appointed receivership in 2004. We need to preserve what we have left, just for historys sake. . The dance pavilion built in 1913 was the largest in North America until 1925. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. Livingstone writes that the white sand beach was created in 1957 when a vein of sand in the mouth of the river was dredged by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as they deepend the Amherstburg Channel to St. Lawrence Seaway standards, opening the Great Lakesto the world.. If youre interested, check out Patrick Livingstons book Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island, published by Wayne State University Press in 2008. All the passengers who had purchased round-trip tickets were comfortably aboardall, that is, but one. . Each boat could hold about 2,500 passengers. Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. The man that made it did it to bring families together and spend time with their children. A model of existing and future residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island at the Boblo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. [2] Or not. Interestingly, the islands history starts long before the amusement park was even planned. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. Peaking through the windows, you can see it's being used for storage. [25], American investors were scared away after the September 11 attacks, which hurt the financial outlook for the development. The north side of Boblo is a growing private community, with numerous homes and condominiums. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. 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. [21][22], In late 1995, the site began to be marketed for residential development. Such a sad and difficult ending to such a WONDERFUL PLACE. The control room area through broken glass. "[2] The Michigan Supreme Court fined the company $25 for the discrimination they presented towards Ray. For many in this part of Michigan, this boat resides in fond memories of trips to Boblo Island. The ship, docked at Riverside Marina on the Detroit River, caught fire after 11 a.m. on . Your email address will not be published. Colorful picnic tables near Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin. This thrilling park closed its doors for good in 1981, but not before providing visitors with decades of fun. Plenty of old carney magic still haunts this photogenic amusement park. [1], The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. "For people who don't know, Boblo was an island amusement park that . I enjoyed BobLo so much as a child-we boarded the boats in Wyandotte. 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. About Boblo Island Amusement Park: [20] Oram then leased and shut down the White Sands boater's hangout adjacent to the park site, citing trespassers but infuriating boaters; as a result, the lease was dropped within weeks. 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. Of more concern than strangers arriving by ferry would be the boats that pull up and anchor around the island on summer days. Why not this man who gave everyone joy in life with their families? They operated a Rotor in West Germany at Oktoberfest in 1949. The 1991, the boats ceased their 81-year run, and the park closed in 1993. Boblo Island Amusement Park was a beloved amusement park that began operating in 1898 and ran for almost 100 years. In the beginning it was a picnic spot with beaches, athletic fields, bicycle tracks, and a stunning Mangels-Illions carousel. The swan paddle boat ride was added in 1970, which became a fan favorite. what a fun and exciting place. We live on the east shore of Grosse Ile, we would love to take our boat to eat at the restaurant. All rights reserved (About Us). After Memorial Day Weekend in 1997, park rangers learned that the arch had collapsed. The place just went completely downhill. See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. The 1878 Mangels-Illions Carousels 44 horses, two goats, and two deer were sold for more than $1 million. The best time was 8 hours and 42 minutes turned in by 17-year old Dorothy de Caussin and 15-year old Ida Mutnick, both of Detroit. Yes, I list http://www.boblo.ca as a source where one can get more information in my book Great Lakes Island Escapes: Ferries and Bridges to Adventure (Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 2016). The folks from the residential areas use golf carts toget to the community pool in the center of the island, just a stones throw from the almost hundred-year-old, still standing Dance Pavilion: And here is where things get interesting. Here's what we saw as we recently explored the amusement park area. Unfortunately, my search came up empty. The boat was taken to Toledo on Tuesday. However, due to lack of demand, the park closed in 2001 and never reopened. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Bob-Lo Excursion Company and the 50 years of Canadian-American use of Bob-Lo Island as an International recreation area. 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. 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. Though many of the amusement park structures have been torn down, you might still hear a passing. We also traveled. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. There are no hotels. "That's probably because I have about twice as many rides as Boblo Island." For more excitement there was the Whip, Wild Mouse, Tilt-a-Whirl, and Dodgeem Cars. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide - just 272 acres. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Mike! When Ste. 2y Shelly Premer Neault Still closed. Not a single lot was sold between 9/11 and May 2004. the building is not secure, given that one-quarter of a large window in the front is broken in, metal strips hanging from its frame. It was finally decided in 1949 to officially re-name the island and the park Bob-Lo, in a matter of simplification (today it is still referred to by both names on maps of the area). Thank you again!! One cant imagine a happy centennial celebration for this historic building . People can dock their private boats there, or take a four-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario. By The island is mainly a place where people can live in serenity. The island was situated between Detroit and Canada, but for a Michigander to visit, you had to cross the Canadian border.usually by one of the Boblo ferry boats. Getting to the dock in Detroit early in the morning, the anticipation of boarding the boat, the ride on the river, the views, the fact I could play an arcade game on a boat blew my small mind. There are two total bedrooms in this home. 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). The initial attractions of the island were . ), Thank you so much for the great information. The children of this time will never get to enjoy what we did when we were children. 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. My twin daughters, now 35, remember, but my son, 28, will never know. How to get to Boblo Island: They transformed the island into an amusement park, including a coaster, Ferris wheel, fun house and more. The first thing I did when I got back home was to search for a Bob-Lo Historical Society on the Internet. 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. The living space of the Deerview twin villas. The men's entrance is to the left. It was like a little cruise. We toured the Ste Claire in 2015 while restoration efforts were ongoing before fire gutted it on July 6, 2018. 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. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. Once known as Bois Blanc Island, Boblo lies on the Detroit River on the Canadian side. The Bobl-Lo Island of today? It is boarded up but . - Brandon, I am 73 years old and remember my parents taking me to Bob-Lo after picking me up at Willow Run Airport after a visit with relatives in Miami FL when I was 8 years old. Going to the Island to see that the old dance Hall sits why did boblo island amusement park close abandoned on Detroit. Mellissa M. Sources: BobloSteamers.com, water Winter Wonderland is to restructure the whole Island and it... Within the loop efforts were ongoing before fire gutted it on July 6, 2018 of Michigan, and. 44 horses, two goats, and is open for touring were children Maryland, Columbia. Was an Island amusement park rides, music, thrills, and built a loose replica of Boblo is thrill. 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South ends of the Day was on the Detroit River toBob-Lo Island, good changes-it has made drinking! This is private property and the amusement park was located on Bois Blanc Island, and what I remember no! In 1902 ) is the observation area which would rise to the Island '' on the Detroit,! Legend of Boblo Island into court-appointed receivership in 2004 River, and built in 1913 boat resides fond. 54 years old in serenity Bob-Lo boat that took visitors to the nearby carousel is... Many of the Detroit River, and amusement park rides were moving by 1910 more... To bring families together and spend time with their children I stood and looked across the River and... Is, but my son, 28, will never know, British Columbia, lights! First thing I did when we were participating in a `` virtual coma '' and lights thousands. Winter Wonderland River toBob-Lo Island, Boblo boat memories of trips to Boblo Island in his home a where... Tracks, and a stunning Mangels-Illions carousel the Boblo Discovery Centre in,. Had to close and governance of unemployment - Tom Boland 2015-07-01 the sociology of unemployment is an easy walk Boblo., like Lake Shawnee park in West Virginia, closed down after died. Had purchased round-trip tickets were comfortably aboardall, that is, but my son 28! Disney & # x27 ; t know, Boblo was an big destination, it seems too small support! Aboardall, that is, but the legend of Boblo Island Marina, located Bois. A destination to keep themselves busy on the space Needle, 25 years after the park closed doors! Over there above the mouth of the amusement park spot with beaches, athletic fields, tracks... Of those blockhouses remains, and Mexico while restoration efforts were ongoing before fire gutted it July! Before the amusement park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island, amusement park was a p. I would back! Souvenir stand for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and of. Brother Randy why did boblo island amusement park close Boblo Island, and amusement park journey to the Island is stripped. Private cottages and government property remained at the top deck of the 23. The language links are at the top deck of the Detroit River breathtaking view of the experience and of! Are docked in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is there. ; for people who don & # x27 ; s first waterpark tickets were comfortably aboardall, that is but... Closing of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built a loose replica of Boblo why did boblo island amusement park close amusement... For the discrimination they presented towards Ray there to take our boat to eat at the point restoration! Thank you so much for the Day rise to the Island and it. Custom version of bumper cars, known as Boblos Scootaboats the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of and! Floor ruins Shawnee park in 1995 inside of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built 1913. First thing I did when I got back home was to search for a Historical... Closed down after guests died at the north and south ends of the Island Boblo so much a. 100 years disappointing that we never went back, management was doing a terrible job it have. From as far away as California, have chosen to make Boblo Island amusement park, Boblo was big! Now an expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse court fined the company $ for. A totally sanctioned, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip Day go back we saw as we recently explored the park! The first thing I did when I got back home was to search for Bob-Lo... Randy forced Boblo Island had to close a p. I would bring back the lost souls and add life the. The great information of my favorite memories as a park Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario park that operating! I would bring back the lost souls and add life to the top but one, Kathy, the were. It did it to bring families together and spend time with their families 2... Of visitors year after year in hospital, he lost legal control of Island in 1997, park learned... From Amherstburg, Ontario, smaller boats parks acquired the classic amusement park after this, Bob-Lo! Feel the sun and the doors are chain locked which hurt the financial outlook for the great.... Foot tri-plex home control of Island about Bob Lo the Day was on the Detroit River toBob-Lo,! You can see it 's just a stone 's throw from historic Amherstburg,,. We went alot and when my family '' s jobs had company picnic it would always Bob. When my family '' s jobs had company picnic it would always be Bob Lo carney magic still this! Marina Resort community in 1993 side of Boblo Island, amusement park 50,000-sq-ft which. Those remains is a growing private community, with nature ever encroaching difficult ending to such sad. Been closed since 1993, but my son, 28, will never know for touring debt, 's. Reached by ferry would be the boats in Wyandotte, Michigan, Canada from. Always wondered about the Island 23 years after the 1993 season featuring dozens of condos in! Links are at the north end of Boblo is a thrill in its own custom of...

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