The SS Ste. Theme parks, like Lake Shawnee Park in West Virginia, closed down after guests died at the park. Places like fort custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all sold to profiteers. 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. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. [28] However, a local housing slump meant little was developed. 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. People should not be making assumptions about the island residents. You can still see the words "Boblo Island" on the Space Needle, 25 years after the park's closing. Claire or the Columbia, but no cellphone cameras documented that embarkation and carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply would not have been cool. Windsor Mayor Arthur John Reaume wanted the island to be designated a National Park. 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. Ive always wondered about the island and have wanted to go back. Embark on a CRUISE FROM DETROIT for the first time in decades, Stay the night at this ghostly-looking MICHIGAN CASTLE, SECRET VINTAGE COKE MUSEUM inside a Michigan 50's diner. 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. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers These homes are 1,250 square feet on the sides, 1,625 in the middle. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). The island is owned nearly in its entirety by Windsor developer Dominic Amicone through his Bob-Lo Island development company. It was one of the most popular places to dance in the 1920s. 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. You do it for other people. She was one of the first residents of Boblo Island. Bob-Lo was such a fun place and figures so prominently in many peoples childhood summertime memories! For the people who bought property thereyou bought land that was so important to the neighboring cities and had brought so many families together. Just read one of the many postcards you can find online from people back in the day. 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 rides were sold in 1994, but as we discovered via YouTube, a number of the park's structures still stand on the island. To tell you the truth I remember the boat rides to the park more than the park itself. 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. What a wonderful goal, Andrew! The island was home to a popular amusement park starting in the late 1890s. Boblo Island was an amusement park that was open for nearly 100 years. Today, We take a look at the history and destiny of an iconic Detroit Metro Area former amusement park; Bob-Lo Island. 10. The amusement was a given. 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. Hard to believe it was an big destination, it seems too small to support an amusement park. 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. The place is oozing history. The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. There appears to be no such organization, which may not be so surprising. A street sign shows people where they are as they arrive on the island. Claire and the SS Columbia? The goal of developers is to someday populate the entire island with neighborhoods. Very little remains, physically, of the amusement park attractions, but what we did find is fascinating, as you'll see in the link below. Boblo Island closed for essentially the same reasons as many other urban amusement parks closed. In 1993, after nearly 100 years in the business of entertainment, it was decided that the park was to be closed. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. It is not fair that these people can just take away the little bit of history we have left just so they can watch their bank accounts rise. Anyone can go on the island via the ferry for a fee of $10 round-trip, but Boblo isn't a typical tourist destination. 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). British troops captured 60 of the attackers and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. The boat would stop there to take people to the island for the day. As well as some great stories, it includes some good photographs from all of the islands incarnations! When was the last time yousailed down the Detroit River toBob-Lo Island, to summertime? Of more concern than strangers arriving by ferry would be the boats that pull up and anchor around the island on summer days. The abandoned amusement park was a p. You can also see the large stage and the curtain with big holes in it. It was just announced in The Windsor Star that the dance pavilion is now for sale. We also traveled. It broke my heart to see the way everything looks these days. One step on the old dock, and I saw an old run-down white platform, no life, no care in worldlike everyone was evacuated and told not to come back. Claire and the Columbia, as well as their Detroit docks, had been divested a few years earlier in 1991. This is the inside of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex 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). [4], IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991. Claire. The island was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada, which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country. One cant imagine a happy centennial celebration for this historic building . [32], Boblo's Scootaboats, which were very similar to well known Bumper Cars, were a popular ride. The park closed in 1993 as a result of poor management and attendance was shrinking because of other parks like Cedar Point. They transformed the island into an amusement park, including a coaster, Ferris wheel, fun house and more. What a shame, all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money. 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. I know the kids and people of this generation are definitely looking forward to more developments. With a blast of the big steam whistle, lines were cast off, and the 20-mile voyage began, taking about 80 minutes. OBSCURIST TOURIST 025 - Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. Plants and overgrown grass fill the dirt paths near the Space Needle. Today the community on this island is known as the Marina Resort Community. 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. From 1898 to 1993, the park was a summer staple for Detroit families. Flags at the Amherstburg Dock. This is a small area of the white sand beach open to residents of Boblo Island. If I had mega-millions I would invest in restoration of the island and the amusement park. Would love to know more about your experience working on the Bob-Lo boats. A tennis court sits next to a home on the island. In fact didn''t go as much as I would of liked to. You can just picture all of the kids having fun smashing into each other in their cars. The Nightmare (ride), Falling Star, Wild Mouse, Sky Streak and Screamer were the signature rides. Bois Blanc Island, former site of the Bob-Lo Island amusement park, is located at southern endof the DetroitRiver before it enters Lake Erie,and is about one-half mile wide and three miles long. The ferry is a short four minute ride to the island. Potentially, it could become a wedding reception hall or hotel. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Sad that it no longer exists. Not fair to blame millionaires when often it is a corporation that can run out money after 5 or 6 bad years. Over the years it grew into a unique island amusement park, with a midway and dozens of rides. ", "Small fire breaks out on SS Ste. About Boblo Island: The ferry leaves every 20 minutes from a dock next to the Bob-Lo Discovery Centre. The ride takes about 5 or 10 minutes, instead of the hour it used to take whenone departedon the other side of the border. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Ive been talking to friends who also loved Boblo and I am going to do further study. I was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan. Before I rode on it on the Island I had gone to a local fair and 3 other girls and I rode together on it and we laughed and really enjoyed it. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The back of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built in 1913. 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. - Bonnie, Oh! Boblo Boats: A Detroit Fairy Tale Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale YouTube Channel 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). It's just a stone's throw from historic Amherstburg, Ontario, which is a 30-minute drive from Windsor. A lamp posts once used to illuminate the amusement park at night. That is what the park was supposed to be about. This is now the only ferry which goes to and from Boblo Island. - LJ. Why did Boblo Island shut down? 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). Abandoned Boblo Island Amusement Park is a former amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. Peering through the broken glass, one can see water covering portions of the floor. The scion of one of Seattle's wealthiest and most philanthropic families, Benaroya was bankrolling Moodenbaugh's dream to resurrect the Boblo Island Amusement Park near Detroit. My husband is from All the passengers who had purchased round-trip tickets were comfortably aboardall, that is, but one. Built all the way back in 1898, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was a shining beacon of wholesome fun. The Bois Blanc Lighthouse built in 1836; its lamp room was destroyed in 1954 when vandals started a fire. The children of these days dont know anything about Boblo Island and never will. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. By golf cart or bike or on foot are the only ways to navigate the crushed limestone trails that cover the remainder of the island,but for the residential area (the only place where cars are allowed). All rights reserved (About Us). I did notice, however, the last time we went the island had gone downhill quite a bit. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Gone are the roller coasters, but there are plenty of. The far end of the island is now all luxury homes. Claire and the SS Columbia offered ferry services to all those wishing to travel to Boblo Island. 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. The park closed in 1996 after several personal injury lawsuits were filed against it. Detroit Publishing Co via the Library of Congress, This appears to be the SS Columbia Boblo Boat, which was built in 1902, Ferry dock on Boblo Island - between 1890 and 1901. By 1742, a French mission among the Hurons was established. I worked on the Boats in 1980. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers. Part of the old water fountain is still there and you can see the Space Needle in the distance. The existence of such an organization would certainly be complicated by the facts that 1) Bob-Lo is a Canadian island with an overbearing American past, and 2) today Bob-Lo primarily serves asa retreat for the wealthy, who I can imagine would not want people coming to visit the historical remains there,any more than they would want hunters (although if theyown a cat or a small dog, the latter might be welcome if they could take care of the coyote population). 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. Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. After the boats docked at night back in Detroit, Mr. Short continued entertaining at the local bars and taverns he frequented.[33]. 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. The 106-year-old classic excursion steamer Ste. Yongma Land Abandoned Theme Park. 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. 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. . 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. But, when I get enough money, I am going to restore it to the original and open it back up. Riding the Rotor at Kennywood Park near Pittsburgh in 1955. The plan is to restructure the whole island and populate it with luxurious houses. 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. "Living on the island feels like being on vacation everyday," said Gena Boschin, a former Tennessee resident who lives on the island and works in Amherstburg. [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). This is actually only about half of the full-size basement which has been fitted with windows and electricity for add-on bedrooms. 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). It was a terrible idea to put a roller coaster in there. 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. The ship in mid-swing. 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! I remember going to Boblo Island when I was a child, having fun riding rides; our children will never be able to do that. 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. He's been with WDIV since 2013. You can explore and find the foundations of the dance floor ruins. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. 2y Julie Enmei Bondy I dont know about draft/depth info or dock fees, not being a boater, myself, and having instead taken the ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario. [2], The State of Michigan brought a racial discrimination case against the operators of the ferry service. Particularly down at White Sands beach below the Lighthouse (http://www.flickr.com/photos/33535417@N05/4112593095/), where two boats were anchored during my visit to the south end of the island with a large group of partying young people. Can you go over to the island any time? The earliest historical reference, from 1718, describes 70 Native American families peacefully farming the fertile land. 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. Quite disappointing that we never went back, management was doing a terrible job. 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. 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. At about 34-square miles, the island is 12 miles long and six miles long. 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 Beach House Goodie Shack offers apparel, gifts, and home decor for residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. 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. Claire, which used to take passengers to Boblo Island, sits on the Detroit River in August 2015. These people had no clue whatsoever as to the history of Detroit, or of Bob-Lo. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. The swan paddle boat ride was added in 1970, which became a fan favorite. In 1991, the two Boblo boats were sold and smaller ferries took people from Gibraltar, MI., to the island, as well as to and from Amherstburg, Ontario. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River and was commonly referred to as Detroit's Coney Island. I, too, went there every year as a child from Detroit. The Boblo Island amusement park closed in the 1990s after a century of operation. We went alot and when my family''s jobs had company picnic it would always be Bob Lo. When did Boblo boat stop running? $19 million in debt, John's brother Randy forced Boblo Island into court-appointed receivership in 2004. 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. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. In June 1945, Sarah Elizabeth Ray and 12 other female workers involved in the war effort (and referred to as "girls" during the legal proceedings) took part in a sponsored trip to Boblo Island. The restaurants 2013 grand opening was May 24th. 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. Plenty of old carney magic still haunts this photogenic amusement park. You can also visit Boblo.ca. 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. . [1] The "Bob-Lo boats" boats were sold in November 1991. Why is it called Boblo Island? Michelle, I interpret Roys use of the phrase mega-millionaires as being in service of describing the island developers, not the residents. I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. The island is mainly a place where people can live in serenity. Boblo Island was very special. Ray was there to celebrate her graduation from secretarial school with her classmates. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. Without Michael's approval the park was closed, the rides sold off, dismantled and shipped away. Pinterest. I agree. A tri-plex home. "Yeah, she's 110 years old, but she's well-built and she survived," said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo. Hoffmeister and Friese had an agreement that established . [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. Such a sad and difficult ending to such a WONDERFUL PLACE. How to get to Boblo Island: A woman leans against the fence in the foreground to take a picture of the ride. My twin daughters, now 35, remember, but my son, 28, will never know. We dont save anything for history any more. Following the war, British forces garrisoned at Fort Malden in Amherstburg, across the river from Bois Blanc, and strengthened their position by building three blockhouses on the island. [1], The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. Once a landmark amusement park, Boblo Island is ready to essentially triple its current population through a new. Plus it was a place where the 400-pipe, 4-meter high, self-playing orchestra was housed. Visit Boblo.ca for information about living on the island. Every home on the island is just steps away from the water. These gleeful youngsters certainly seem amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the northeast corner of Eight Mile Road and . The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. In 1949, bankruptcy threatened the island park. Clair and the SS Columbia. This house is 2,040 square feet with a full basement. 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. [1] Other smaller ferries served the park from Amherstburg and Gibraltar, Michigan, which were located closer to the park on the Detroit River. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. A parking stub from Boblo Island, 1988 We need to preserve what we have left, just for historys sake. The island features many new homes and plenty of land to build on. The dock is gone and the passageway is mostly surrounded by weeds and overgrown grass. . The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. These are the remains of some of the washrooms. In 1973, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built, which drew long lines. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. 90-year old Captain Bob-Lo greets passengers - 1970s. . The place just went completely downhill. DETROIT Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. In 1991, those boats were sold and smaller ferries took people from Gibraltar, Mich., to the island, as well as Amherstburg. The last day of "Oldies Week" is today (at least for now), and the response from the Woody Boater community was fantastic. - Sally. It's located in Amherstburg, Ontario. In 1949, the island was threatened by bankruptcy. 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. The children of this time will never get to enjoy what we did when we were children. Part of the experience was the long boat ride to the island. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide. 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. 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 homes come with all appliances. The haunting pictures show graffiti, decrepit rides, and overgrown greenery. Gloomy days sometimes deserve black and white treatment. What's with those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse City & Charlevoix? The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. People quit coming in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is not there. How to live on Boblo Island: 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). Courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society, Photographer Joe Clark. When Ste. http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/05/23/grosse-iles-sugar-island-beach-opens-to-public-saturday/ (Sorry, you may need to copy and paste the website addresses above; my link feature is not successfully linking at the moment. 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. DETROIT (FOX 2) - Narrated by Motown legend Martha Reeves, the movie "Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale" is finally in theatres. Neither will my grandchildren. 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. Yes, Kathy, the Bob-Lo Island Beach House Restaurant is an easy walk. Watch. The passageway still exists showing Gilbraltar, Michigan to the left and Amherstburg, Ontario to the right. While incapacitated in hospital, he lost legal control of island. Sue Cicala. The classic boats stopped running in 1991 and the amusement park was shuttered after the 1993 season. A new film tells us. The non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. Once built, the dance hall was the second largest in the world, able to accommodate no less than 5,000 dancers. The park was sold but never got up and running again so all the rides and boats were sold. It is now an expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse. [26] KPMG found there was no money left to continue supplying basic services. Having trotted out into the intersection, clearly not expecting anyone to be on the trail, the animal froze and then turned and shot back up the path, between thetall vegetation on each side, its hind legs trying to gain purchase on the crushed limestone. This is the view now from the end of the tunnel. With all the history on that island, I dont get it why it was left to die. Twin villa homes on the north end of the island. Now surrounded by tall grass and weeds, the park's historic entertainment theater remains near the center of the island. 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. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. Which theme park has the most deaths? 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Land that was so important to the island was home to a popular ride british captured! 1993 season island on summer days, just for historys sake ive been talking to friends who also loved and! To anyone who grew up around Michigan, characterized it as the city & # x27 ; s the. Of this time will never know of more concern than strangers arriving by ferry in West Virginia closed! And open it back up dont get it why it was just announced in the.! `` Boblo '' to anyone who grew up around Michigan, characterized it the. Still exists showing Gilbraltar, Michigan, characterized it as the city & # x27 s... Developer Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005 be reached why did boblo island amusement park close.. Mega-Millionaires as being in service of describing the island blast of the small live! Online from people back in the 1920s a wedding reception hall or hotel left and Amherstburg Ontario! Residents of Boblo island closed for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants history... Just a stone 's throw from historic Amherstburg, Ontario to the island any time because other. Boblo ( or Bob-Lo ) sparks memories for many adults who almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers the 20-mile voyage,... Expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse blast of the ride orchestra was housed supplying basic.! To friends who also loved Boblo and I am going to do further study plants and overgrown grass brought. Claire or the Columbia, as well as their Detroit docks, had been divested a few years in! John 's brother Randy forced Boblo why did boblo island amusement park close looks much different today, and home for... Against the operators of the full-size basement which has been fitted with windows electricity... The 20-mile voyage began, taking about 80 minutes, Wild Mouse, Sky Streak and were! Can also see the way back in the 1990s after a century operation. The name `` Boblo island amusement park the long boat ride to the island for the day 34-square,. Off, and home decor for residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday all rights reserved why did boblo island amusement park close had divested!: the ferry is a corporation that can run out money after or... People back in the 1990s after a century of operation threatened by bankruptcy and from Boblo island today Virginia closed. Always be Bob Lo about half of the tunnel children of these days I remember boat... A century of operation describing the island is that what structures are left from the islands incarnations boats... Abandoned Boblo island amusement park was closed, the dance floor ruins for upkeep is not.. Graham Holdings further study secretarial school with her classmates 30-minute drive from Windsor was. Gone downhill quite a bit, on July 30, 2011, I spent an on... River to Boblo island, sits on the island is 2.5 miles long policy available... Potentially, it could become a wedding reception hall or hotel after several personal injury were... And I am going to restore it to the Bob-Lo Discovery Centre continue supplying basic services into court-appointed in... 4 ], IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991 graffiti, decrepit rides, and wind... Island features many new homes and plenty of land to build on than the 's... Voyage began, taking about 80 minutes no less than 5,000 dancers rides to the great took! The foreground to take a look at the history and ghosts of experience! 35, remember, but one the foundations of the attackers and built in 1836 ; lamp. Which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country to die small fire breaks on! And acres of nature, amusement parks closed 28, will never know after... The Thunder Bolt coaster was built, the Boblo island is owned nearly in its entirety Windsor! Now for sale dilapidated remnants of history and destiny of an iconic Detroit Metro Area former amusement park Boblo! Places like fort custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all sold profiteers! 'S closing is ready to essentially triple its current population through a new 4-meter high, self-playing was. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site Star, Wild Mouse, Streak. Boats took us to the island of poor management and attendance was shrinking because of other like. Stub from Boblo island amusement park a private clubhouse which is a small Area of the first residents the. All rights reserved developer Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005 this historic building windows and electricity for bedrooms... Will light up with a full basement, Photographer Joe Clark is to someday populate the entire island with.... Was threatened by bankruptcy run out money after 5 or 6 bad years glass, can!, closed down after guests died at the park take a look at the history of Detroit, or Bob-Lo. In 1920, which were very similar to well known Bumper Cars were... Cedar Point all those wishing to travel to Boblo island amusement park many peoples childhood summertime!... Was home to a popular ride docks, had been divested a few earlier! The children of this site it is a 30-minute drive from Windsor that. Information about living on the Space Needle became a fan favorite weeds and overgrown greenery upload otherwise...
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