Located on a lake near Medina, Ohio, is an amusement park that has long been abandoned and forgotten. The park, called Chippewa Lake Amusement Park, was once a glorious family fun park. It was in business for one-hundred years and was home to many rides, roller coasters, and other amusements. Now, it has been reduced to a virtual wasteland. The majority of the rides are still standing, but it is evident the park has been abandoned for quite some time. It’s so overgrown with vegetation that it is barely visible from the road. The only indicator of its presence is a shoddy fence and numerous ‘no trespassing’ signs that adorn the park’s perimeter. Chippewa Lake Amusement Park is truly a forgotten treasure.
In 1875, the park was opened by Edward Andrews under the name Andrew’s Pleasure Grounds. At that time, the park wasn’t an official amusement park because it consisted only of a beach and picnic area. It wasn’t until 1978 with the addition of Miss Chippewa, a tourist steamboat, that the park became a true amusement park. Andrews also added the park’s first roller coaster shortly after. Unfortunately for Mr. Andrews, he was never able to establish a popular amusement destination. The park began to deteriorate dramatically.
In 1888, Mac Beach became the new owner of the amusement park. He was responsible for the improvement of Chippewa Lake Park. He cleaned the park up, added new rides and attractions, and banned the sale of liquor in the park. His son Parker Beach began running the park just before the 1920s. The 1920s were the glory days of the park. During that time, there were live shows and bands every night. It wasn’t uncommon for the shows to sell out. He also oversaw the addition of the park’s first modern roller coaster, the Big Dipper. Parker officially bought the park in 1937. He kept the park running successfully into the 1960s.
The park’s final owner before it closed was Continental Business Enterprises. In 1978, the park held a centennial celebration. Unfortunately, Chippewa Lake never made it to its 101st birthday. Once the owners made the decision to not reopen the park, they sold everything they could and left everything else to deteriorate. For many years, it was rumored throughout the area that the park was going to reopen. Many people continued to hold out hope for several years. However, it never happened.
Actually, much of the park still remains to this day. That is, perhaps, what makes the park so unusual and intriguing. It almost looks as though the guests walked out of the park one day, leaving all behind and never to return. Some of the remaining rides and attractions include: three roller coasters, several other major rides, a paddleboat, train track and caboose, restrooms, funhouse, ferris wheel, bumper cars, mini golf, ticket booths, stage, games, flying cages, concessions and pavilions, the lakefront pier, other small buildings and much more. Of course, what remains shows evidence of extensive deterioration. In some cases, fire has even struck the remains of Chippewa Lake Park.
It’s unfortunate that the park has been reduced to what it is to day. The park was once the destination of many fun-seekers. People used to come from all over to eat the food, play games, enjoy live entertainment, and, of course, ride the rides. Now, the park is desolate. It has long been abandoned and forgotten. It is overgrown with vegetation and littered by the many trespassers who come to see its ruins. Despite its condition today, many people like to reflect on what the park once was, not what it is now. Chippewa Lake Amusement Park is truly a forgotten treasure.
