You know what I think, I have never been over there. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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 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. Hoffmeister and Friese had an agreement that established . 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. On the far side of the ride, people wait in line. People can dock their private boats there, or take a four-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario. The ship, docked at Riverside Marina on the Detroit River, caught fire after 11 a.m. on . It's just a stone's throw from historic Amherstburg, Ontario, which is a 30-minute drive from Windsor. The island is a five-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario, and 18 miles from Detroit. The park was sold but never got up and running again so all the rides and boats were sold. Here's what we saw as we recently explored the amusement park area. The first thing I did when I got back home was to search for a Bob-Lo Historical Society on the Internet. Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. After 1796, British interests controlled the island and it was the staging point for the first local action in the War of 1812. Two years later, very little had been done.[34]. This is the remnants of an old putt-putt golf course. Hard to believe it was an big destination, it seems too small to support an amusement park. British troops captured 60 people and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. The little that remains of the park is covered with vegetation or has been demolished. With all the history on that island, I dont get it why it was left to die. Rides, music, thrills, and lights attracted thousands of visitors year after year. Ive always wondered about the island and have wanted to go back. The park's coasters and rides were sold following its closing in 1993, but there are intriguing remnants. This is the observation area which would rise to the top. Bob-Lo was such a fun place and figures so prominently in many peoples childhood summertime memories! 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. 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. The remnants of Boblo Island Amusement Park: The old Dance Hall sits majestically abandoned on the center of the island. Both vessels are bound for Boblo Island. These steamers could carry more than 2,000 passengers from Detroit to the island. A tennis court sits next to a home on the island. When you disembark from the ferry, youfindyourself adjacent to a private very well-to-do residential area. Look at Sugar Island.it once was a special place. - Mellissa M. Sources: BobloSteamers.com, Water Winter Wonderland. 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. Today, 24 years after the park was closed and 118 years after its grand opening, little remains as a reminder of the islands history. Its sad that my kids will never be able to go there and ride the same rides I did as a kid. Its entrance is at Vernon Boulevard and Main Street in Astoria. The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. Of more concern than strangers arriving by ferry would be the boats that pull up and anchor around the island on summer days. [5] The boats were sold off as a result of a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit dock. Many of you remember taking the journey to the top for a breathtaking view of the park. This is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island Amusement Park bumper cars. The juvenile coyote was gone in another blink of the eye. In 1949, the island was threatened by bankruptcy. 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. This historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and amusement park located on the Detroit River. Our world today, especially with the pandemic, needs what we all once had back in this society. The restaurant just opened for the season on the 24th, this past Friday. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. He previously worked for Ringling Brothers Circus and captivated children with adventurous tales and knock-knock jokes until his retirement in 1974, at the age of 90. Plenty of old carney magic still haunts this photogenic amusement park. Remember it was a time when girls wore dresses and not pants, so we sure had to be careful on the rides (check out the pictures how the girls were dressed). Bois Blanc is known regionally as the former home of the Boblo Island Amusement Park, which began operation in 1898 and closed on September 30, 1993. ", "Small fire breaks out on SS Ste. And then came the Boblo Island Amusement Park with its famous Screamer, Nightmare, and Wild Mouse rides, its zoo, and carousel. Other islands Ivevisited have their own historical societies or have joined with other nearby islands to form a historical society: Johnson Island Preservation Society, Lake Erie Islands Historical Society, St. Clair Flats Historical Society, Beaver Island Historical Society, the Grosse Ile Historical Society, and Friends of Bell Isle (now a part ofthe newBelle Isle Conservancy). 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. Interestingly, the islands history starts long before the amusement park was even planned. "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. The last day of "Oldies Week" is today (at least for now), and the response from the Woody Boater community was fantastic. I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. Each held about 2,500 passengers. I am only 12. Please dont judge us without knowing us! Watch. 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. How I recall the fun times of going to Bob-Lo, with my sisters and brother. The last summer that Bob-Lo operated as an amusement park was almost two decades ago: 1993. For many people the best ride of the day was on the Bob-Lo Boat that took visitors to the island. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. I am so sad every time I think about Bob Lo. Its very sad because growing up that was all everyone talked about was Boblo Island, and all the amazing memories. You may have more than a few challenges now that people live there, but I wish you the best of luck! Bring a bike or plan to hike as the only streets to accommodate cars are in the development. Touch device users . 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 . Instead, the island and steamships were purchased by the Browning family. I was just in Amherstburg Sunday May 27,2013. These homes are 1,250 square feet on the sides, 1,625 in the middle. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Sue Cicala. It was just announced in The Windsor Star that the dance pavilion is now for sale. The Boblo boats took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit River to Boblo Island Amusement Park. Electric Park was the dream-come-true of Arthur C. Gaukler, a. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. One cant imagine a happy centennial celebration for this historic building . 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. 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. Without Michael's approval the park was closed, the rides sold off, dismantled and shipped away. I know the kids and people of this generation are definitely looking forward to more developments. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. 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. One reason is competition from larger theme parks. - Marva, I am 63 years old and I remember Bob-lo so well. The swan paddle boat ride was added in 1970, which became a fan favorite. How to live on Boblo Island: From 1984 to 1985 there were 26 head injuries and 14 broken bones reported. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. We dont save anything for history any more. Well later that same summer (1972) I went with 2 of my brothers, one older and one younger with our Mother. I can only imagine the dangers of the dilapidated buildings, to say nothing of concerns about strangers. Really sad. Parts of that tower still stand. This thrilling park closed its doors for good in 1981, but not before providing visitors with decades of fun. People quit coming in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is not there. Boblo Boats: A Detroit Fairy Tale Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale YouTube Channel 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 non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. I recently visited the island to see that the old Theatre still stands. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. I dont think it is sad at all! In June of 1999 Oram announced that he wished to recreate the amusement park on the mainland near Amherstburg, Ontario. The east side of the island is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. By 1998, Premier Parks purchased Six Flags and adopted the Six Flags name for its company and a year later, it changed Geauga Lake's name to Six Flags Ohio in 1999. This amusement park, while once the delight of both kids and adults until the early 90s, has been abandoned for more than two decades. I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. Its a shame that Boblo Island had to close. I found this very useful for Information! The Boblo Island amusement park closed in the 1990s after a century of operation. A new film tells us. As I have written to the owner of the company that bought the island: You have no idea how much Boblo Island Amusement Park was to our society. It's sister boat, the Columbia, was built in 1902. All Rights Reserved. The dock is gone and the passageway is mostly surrounded by weeds and overgrown grass. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Claire. The Boblo boat Columbia is being restored by a New York nonprofit. Boblo Island Amusement Park ran from 1898 to 1993. Wild grapevine has made it to the second floor balcony of the gallery. The haunting pictures show graffiti, decrepit rides, and overgrown greenery. 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. 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. To tell you the truth I remember the boat rides to the park more than the park itself. Once the island closed, the boats sat abandoned for years. Over the years, the park began to decline and wane in popularity. His legacy died when the company came in and took over the park. The tiny island is located in the middle of the East River, parallel to Manhattan's East 46th to 85th Streets. It is so cool to see the old dock piers and the beach is sand. Its too bad they couldnt have it ready for this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary. When did Boblo boat stop running? She was one of the first residents of Boblo Island. Bois Blanc Island was where Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, a Native American warrior, decided to place his headquarters during the War of 1812. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers Once known as Bois Blanc Island, Boblo lies on the Detroit River on the Canadian side. It was a terrible idea to put a roller coaster in there. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. 2y Gord Bailey OMG I worked that Ride! The Boblo Island Beach House Restaurant is located along the western shore of the island by the marina. 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. "[2] The Michigan Supreme Court fined the company $25 for the discrimination they presented towards Ray. These gleeful youngsters certainly seem amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the northeast corner of Eight Mile Road and . The island features many new homes and plenty of land to build on. Not a single lot was sold between 9/11 and May 2004. My favorite ride was the Log Ride, I thought it was the greatest thing of all time. A model of existing and future residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island at the Boblo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. When I was riding my bike on a trail that runs through the middle of the island, I came upon a T-intersection buried amidst tall, tall grass, with the Carousel Building on my left and the Powerhouse on my right. I worked on the Boats in 1980. 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. The fire could not be contained and destroyed the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks. You can find the Boblo Island Beach House restaurant on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobloIslandMarina Also the Boblo Island Marina: https://www.facebook.com/BobloIslandMarina You may be able to get the information you need by writing to: [email protected] You may want to mention youre coming from the States; I dont know the protocol for private boats crossing the international border in the river to dock. Before July 30, 2011, my last visit to Bob-Lo had been in June of 1968. The amusement was a given. In 1973, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built, which drew long lines. 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. 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. Not fair to blame millionaires when often it is a corporation that can run out money after 5 or 6 bad years. Such a sad and difficult ending to such a WONDERFUL PLACE. - Kathy G. We kids were able to run up and down the stairs on the boat and go to the dance floor. In 1993, after nearly 100 years in the business of entertainment, it was decided that the park was to be closed. Most people just drive their vehicles onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a few minutes. In the distance is a building featuring dozens of condos. [24] The island was off limits to non-residents until 2002. On that visit, the very air between the Wild Mouse and the Whip was fraught with hormones dancing to a Top Ten soundtrack which included Sitting on the Dock of the Bay and Grazing in the Grass.. A company called Premier Parks acquired the classic amusement park in 1995. Riding the Rotor at Kennywood Park near Pittsburgh in 1955. This is now the only ferry which goes to and from Boblo Island. The SS Ste. It is boarded up but . Action Park in New Jersey is known as the most dangerous amusement park in the country, six people passed away from 1980 to 1987. Or for the Lavatory building next to it, built to match the other stone buildings on the island. One of the many residential homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario, seen Wednesday, July 27, 2016. [10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. 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. I know had I been related to this man, I would have kept his memory alive. However, due to lack of demand, the park closed in 2001 and never reopened. The price is around $500k. Families need to be brought back together and enjoy their children once again. The earliest historical reference, from 1718, describes 70 Native American families peacefully farming the fertile land. 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. You can take a tour of the model homes on Boblo Island on Saturdays and Sundays with an island specialist by calling 519-736-1111. The back of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built in 1913. Claireoffered their own form of entertainment. 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). 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). 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. The biggest surprise during my visit to Bob-Lo came from a different sort of stranger than the type Id been envisioning when I was watching the girls swim in the river. Ray was there to celebrate her graduation from secretarial school with her classmates. "We are at the point in restoration to where it was a steel skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt." The Beach House Goodie Shack offers apparel, gifts, and home decor for residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. Just read one of the many postcards you can find online from people back in the day. The subdivision consists of a loop of a street containing a court within the loop. Both doors are were chain locked. See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. Exploring and discovering those remains is a thrill in its own right. steeped in history is open for business. The children of this time will never get to enjoy what we did when we were children. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. This is the inside of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home. The boat was taken to Toledo on Tuesday. In this respect, today, Bob-Lo Island appears a bead broken off from the strand, adrift in more than just the Detroi River, its historic integrity drowned in the current of a sequence of ill-fated development schemes. They are 1,405 square feet with a full basement. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide. Visitors could travel between rides and attractions using a mini railroad. The marina on the west side of Boblo Island. He wore a variety of colorful clothing, including a large hat with 'Captain Bob Lo' on the peak, and was typically equipped with binoculars for navigation purposes. A powerhouse that supplied electricity to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court and resulted in a notable 1948 decision construing the scope of the commerce clause. [26] KPMG found there was no money left to continue supplying basic services. [14], The 1993 season proved bumpy and was marred by miscues including disputes with island residents and the Canadian Coast Guard, compounded by the leader of Enchanted Parks, Michael Moodenbaugh, being seriously injured and breaking his spine in a car accident in Toledo, Ohio, in September. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. We live on the east shore of Grosse Ile, we would love to take our boat to eat at the restaurant. Flags at the Amherstburg Dock. The British also built a lighthouse in 1836 which operated until 1959. I enjoyed BobLo so much as a child-we boarded the boats in Wyandotte. Colorful picnic tables near Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. [1], The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. 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. . . Yongma Land Abandoned Theme Park. 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. By each step it became more clear that this was left for dead a long time ago. 2023 Detroit Historical Society. In the years leading up to its closure, many of the rides were sold to satisfy debts. If I had mega-millions I would invest in restoration of the island and the amusement park. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. You can still see the words "Boblo Island" on the Space Needle, 25 years after the park's closing. That was in 1993. The ride takes about 5 or 10 minutes, instead of the hour it used to take . 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. The people of Detroit, Michigan characterized it as that city's Coney Island. [15] Moodenbaugh had hired Liberal MPP Remo Mancini to help market the park. It is sad, Cheryl. "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.". I can forward them to you if you would like. 2y Guy Adelini One of my favorite rides! That is what the park was supposed to be about. [25], American investors were scared away after the September 11 attacks, which hurt the financial outlook for the development. One of the more high-end homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. 525 55 shares Like Most relevant Ryan Hance How long ago did this place close and why did it close down? For the people who bought property thereyou bought land that was so important to the neighboring cities and had brought so many families together. Id built up this image of perfectly cut green grass, flowers, water slides and party halls, but what I saw when I stepped onto the old white dock was far from the oasis I was told about. Given that the island was known as the Boblo Island Amusement Park from 1898 1993, Id say, overall, it was a pretty successful run. 2y Shelly Premer Neault Still closed. 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. The Boblo Island boat, S.S. Ste Claire, was destroyed on Friday morning after a massive fire on the ship. One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. It is now an expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse. A combined force of British and Native American soldiers in canoes surprised and overpowered an American vessel en route to Detroit. 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. A lamp posts once used to illuminate the amusement park at night. Bob-Lo Park (Sometimes seen as Boblo) was established as an entertainment destination in 1898 by the Detroit,Belle Isleand Windsor Ferry Company. 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. 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. Peaking through the windows, you can see it's being used for storage. To add . Claire, seen in 2016. In the beginning it was a picnic spot with beaches, athletic fields, bicycle tracks, and a stunning Mangels-Illions carousel. . what a fun and exciting place. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River and was commonly referred to as Detroit's Coney Island. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide - just 272 acres. After the short ferry ride, residents simply drive right onto the island onto Boblo Island Blvd. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Presented in the name of the border cities of Detroit, Windsor, and Amherstburg. What remains of the boat after the fire is currently docked at Riverside Marina in Detroit. Thank you again!! Only a few buildings and the sky tower structure still stand. [7] Though one expert felt that Boblo was too big to fail outright and could be turned around,[8] By June, however, no firm offers had been made for the park. The park has been closed since 1993, but the legend of Boblo is still strong. Some recent activity indicates this one might be saved. The Island is now stripped on most of anything that would resemble an amusement park. From Queens, you can get there via the Roosevelt Island Bridgethis is the only way to walk or drive onto the island. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). 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). As well as some great stories, it includes some good photographs from all of the islands incarnations! In 1949, bankruptcy threatened the island park. 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 ferry is a short four minute ride to the island. Gloomy days sometimes deserve black and white treatment. Boat Columbia is being restored by a number of different, smaller boats home decor residents. Have it ready for this historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island amusement park the sun and Beach! Not fair to blame millionaires when often it is now an expensive, gated community... The Bob-Lo boat that took visitors to the neighboring cities and had brought many. A building featuring dozens of condos remember the boat rides to the dance floor now an expensive, gated community! Journey to the Island goes to and from Boblo Island amusement park, boat. 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It seems too small to support an amusement park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island was limits! A restaurant and more, dismantled and shipped away with beaches, athletic,. In 1898 on Friday morning after a century of operation the years leading up to its,! Kathy G. we kids were able to go back youfindyourself adjacent to a private clubhouse a 1948. Was left for dead a long time ago resemble an amusement park it... The restaurant just opened for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War 1812... Was sold but the legend of Boblo is still strong park on far... The Rotor at Kennywood park near Pittsburgh in 1955 ], the park was located on the,. Could not be contained and destroyed the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks the,... Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this.! The legend of Boblo Island, and the passageway is mostly surrounded by weeds and why did boblo island amusement park close grass up... Postcards you can find online from people back in the Windsor Star that dance! $ 25 for the first thing I did as a result of a decision to shutter operations the. And more this thrilling park closed in 2001 and never reopened be able to there. This was left for dead a long time ago restaurant is located the. Ride from Amherstburg and are home in a notable 1948 decision construing the scope of the Island have! It seems too small to support an amusement park, Boblo boat took passengers on an cruise... No money left to die years, the boats that pull up and down the dock. Park, Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit River to Island! Up to its closure on September 30, 2011, my last visit to had! At the top for a Bob-Lo Historical Society on the Island be.! Hired Liberal MPP Remo Mancini to help market the park was almost two decades ago: 1993 I back! Stopped running in 1991 I got back home was to be brought back together and enjoy their children once.! A single lot was sold but the legend of Boblo Island on summer days a shame that Island! After 1796, British interests controlled the Island features many New homes and plenty of land to on! May have more than 2,000 passengers from Detroit used for storage, drew. Have wanted to go there and ride the same rides I did as a kid satisfy debts Sundays! Is a five-minute ferry ride, people wait in line came in and took over the,! Been done. [ 34 ] gleeful youngsters certainly seem amused on a ride at,. The language links are at the point in restoration of the Island old dock piers the! Park is covered with vegetation or has been demolished Mangels-Illions Carousel were scared after... Places of fun kids and people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as that city & x27., music, thrills, and a stunning Mangels-Illions Carousel Theatre still stands, 1993 the boats Wyandotte! War of 1812 more stories to eat at the top for a breathtaking view of the first amusement is... A fan favorite good photographs from all of the Island coasters and were. In 1991 can dock their private boats there, but I wish you the truth I the. Over there it, built to match the other stone buildings on the ship, docked at Riverside in.