Remember, the island is in Canada, so you can't just cross over from the U.S. and dock there. I enjoyed BobLo so much as a child-we boarded the boats in Wyandotte. About Boblo Island: In June of 1999 Oram announced that he wished to recreate the amusement park on the mainland near Amherstburg, Ontario. By It was in a time when the parents didn''t have to worry about the children. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 2y Shelly Premer Neault Still closed. It was like a little cruise. 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 . I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. 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. You may have more than a few challenges now that people live there, but I wish you the best of luck! There are two total bedrooms in this home. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny. By each step it became more clear that this was left for dead a long time ago. The Boblo boats took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit River to Boblo 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. The far end of the island is now all luxury homes. I learned this and most of what I know about the history of Bob-Lo Island from 1670 2006 in the book Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island by Patrick Livingston (published in 2008 by the Wayne State University Press in Detroit as a part of their Great Lakes Books series): How does Bob-Lo Island appear today, Saturday, July 30, 2011? When did Boblo boat stop running? Ray was there to celebrate her graduation from secretarial school with her classmates. During the Rebellion of 1837, "patriots" from the U.S. invaded the island in 1838. The company had just been sold to a group from Texas who ran a small park. The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. Each year the largest gathering was sponsored by the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit, which would often draw more than 10,000 visitors to their Scottish Games. From 1898 to 1993, the park was a summer staple for Detroit families. 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. The abandoned amusement park was a p. Explore. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. The 1991, the boats ceased their 81-year run, and the park closed in 1993. Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. Residents of the small community live among acres and acres of nature, just steps from water. Its a wonderful feeling strolling the island, standing next to buildings where 10s of thousands of souls now long departed use to frequent. [4], IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991. Feb 11, 2022 - One of my favorite memories as a child. Flags at the Amherstburg Dock. You know what I think, I have never been over there. The ride takes about 5 or 10 minutes, instead of the hour it used to take . Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. I agree. Both doors are were chain locked. 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. I worked on the Boats in 1980. 525 55 shares Like Most relevant Ryan Hance How long ago did this place close and why did it close down? Twin villa homes on the north end of the island. He was 20 years older than me. 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. Since the amusement park's closure, Boblo Island has been renovated for luxury homes. Not one thing mentioned on the dance hall being 100 years old this year. One of those blockhouses remains, and is open for touring. Ive always wondered about the island and have wanted to go back. Part of the experience was the long boat ride to the island. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. Peaking through the windows, you can see it's being used for storage. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. The legend of Boblo is still strong in Detroit. 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. But the partnership soon dissolved into a clash of wills that led to the collapse of the amusement park and a bitter lawsuit. One reason is competition from larger theme parks. Big changes for Sugar Island, good changes-it has made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to overtake the island.It was not safe. This is the observation area which would rise to the top. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. You can also visit Boblo.ca. Colorful picnic tables near Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin. 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. And I stood and looked across the river, and what I remember is no longer there, and Im 54 years old . For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Newly restored in the Spring of 2013 by the residents of the community, they now offer Blockhouse tours on most Sundays from 1pm - 4pm. I dont know about draft/depth info or dock fees, not being a boater, myself, and having instead taken the ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario. A powerhouse that supplied electricity to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there. [5] The boats were sold off as a result of a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit dock. Colorful adirondack chairs surround a campfire pit near Captain Bob's. The 1878 Mangels-Illions Carousels 44 horses, two goats, and two deer were sold for more than $1 million. | 5401 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48202. 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. DETROITAny Michigander of a certain vintage won't forget their giddiness en route to Boblo Island amusement park, a carefree ferry ride from Detroit's metropolis to a land that seemed a world away. . One to pick up, and one to return people. In 1973, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built, which drew long lines. People should not be making assumptions about the island residents. Along with homes, there are also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on. 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. We were participating in a totally sanctioned, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip Day. We would have boarded either the Ste. Touch device users . It was a terrible idea to put a roller coaster in there. 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. One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. The amusement was a given. 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. Bois Blanc has been part of Canada since 1787. [32], Boblo's Scootaboats, which were very similar to well known Bumper Cars, were a popular ride. The Columbia is undergoing restoration. Here's what we saw as we recently explored the amusement park area. Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. Four million tourists flock to Liberty Island in New York each year to see the architectural marvel, The Statue of Liberty. Please dont judge us without knowing us! - Bonnie, Oh! The rides were sold in 1994, but as we discovered via YouTube, a number of the park's structures still stand on the island. We went alot and when my family''s jobs had company picnic it would always be Bob Lo. Abandoned Boblo Island Amusement Park is a former amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. We toured the Ste Claire in 2015 while restoration efforts were ongoing before fire gutted it on July 6, 2018. 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. Really sad. To move visitors around the island, the park had a small railroad. A sign leads residents and visitors to dining venues and the marina on Boblo Island. 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. The living space of the Deerview twin villas. 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. You can just picture all of the kids having fun smashing into each other in their cars. The old Dance Hall sits majestically abandoned on the center of the island. [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. 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. The boat would stop there to take people to the island for the day. But, when I get enough money, I am going to restore it to the original and open it back up. The 24-year-old Black woman boarded the SS Columbia en route for Boblo Island a Canadian amusement park beloved by Detroiters. British troops captured 60 people and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. Not fair to blame millionaires when often it is a corporation that can run out money after 5 or 6 bad years. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. It was one of the most popular places to dance in the 1920s. Is there a safe dock area, in which to leave our boat-(also Draft/depth) info .Is there a dock fee? It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. [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. Each boat could hold about 2,500 passengers. One of the three original blockhouses still stands on the southern end of the island. The SS Ste. 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. He enjoys suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the fall. We also traveled. This photo shows people boarding the SS St. Claire (built in 1910) bound for Boblo Island. Courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society, Photographer Joe Clark. The website is that of Bob-Lo Island Custom Home Builder, the developer of the Marina Resort Community, Boblos current rendition. The steamers, the Ste. Every home on the island is just steps away from the water. 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. Claire, built in 1910. What a shame, all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money. By 1742, a French mission among the Hurons was established. The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. ), Thank you so much for the great information. It is so cool to see the old dock piers and the beach is sand. During the Rebellion of 1837, "patriots" from the U.S. invaded the island in 1838. 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. Founded in 1906, it was located on the Detroit River just west of the Belle Isle Bridge, an area that's now Gabriel Richard Park. During the mid-19th century, the island was sold in parcels to several private owners who built cottages, stables, and trails. Ken Haddad is the digital content and audience manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com. 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. Since 1989, Kevin has collected miniature amusement park rides, and built a loose replica of Boblo Island in his home. I just kayaked to Boblo Island today, and I saw so much potential left in this land. 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. Instead, the island and steamships were purchased by the Browning family. As a child I went to Bob-Lo Island every summer from the Detroit Side of the island. [3] The company had claimed it could exclude her because it was a private concern operating in another country and that neither Michigan nor any other state had authority to regulate commerce with Canada (a foreign country); the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the Michigan Supreme Court, which had upheld the jurisdiction of the state's anti-discrimination provisions and found against the company. [16] Moodenbaugh later sued Benaroya and others for attempting to sell the park while he lay in a "virtual coma". This historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and amusement park located on the Detroit River. 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. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. After coming aboard, visitors could look down from the main deck into the engine room, where powerful shafts and cams slowly warmed up. Michelle, I interpret Roys use of the phrase mega-millionaires as being in service of describing the island developers, not the residents. Now surrounded by tall grass and weeds, the park's historic entertainment theater remains near the center of the island. Places like fort custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all sold to profiteers. The Boblo Island boat, S.S. Ste Claire, was destroyed on Friday morning after a massive fire on the ship. 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. Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. The native Wyandot called the island "Etiowiteendannenti.Both the Wyandot and French names refer to the white wood appearance lent by the birch and poplar trees that line the banks. After the short ferry ride, residents simply drive right onto the island onto Boblo Island Blvd. Finally, A young entrepreneur who successfully turned around a floundering amusement park in suburban Seattle bought Bob-Lo hoping to turn it around. The haunting pictures show graffiti, decrepit rides, and overgrown greenery. Over the years, the park began to decline and wane in popularity. . By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. 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. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. The rides were sold to other amusement parks around the country. The classic boats stopped running in 1991 and the amusement park was shuttered after the 1993 season. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River and was commonly referred to as Detroit's Coney Island. Claire or the Columbia, but no cellphone cameras documented that embarkation and carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply would not have been cool. I agree with Maureen. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers 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. The ferry runs 365 days a year, departing every 20 minutes. The Whip was installed in 1920, which was a huge hit, essentially paying for itself. 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 island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide - just 272 acres. For many in this part of Michigan, this boat resides in fond memories of trips to Boblo Island. These people had no clue whatsoever as to the history of Detroit, or of Bob-Lo. I can forward them to you if you would like. In 1993, after nearly 100 years in the business of entertainment, it was decided that the park was to be closed. 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. 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. Bleacher seating remains intact in the abandoned theater. "We are at the point in restoration to where it was a steel skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt." There were several trips from Detroit each day, but only two stops in Wyandotte. This is actually only about half of the full-size basement which has been fitted with windows and electricity for add-on bedrooms. Visitors could travel between rides and attractions using a mini railroad. The island is now a residential community. Built all the way back in 1898, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was a shining beacon of wholesome fun. - Marva, I am 63 years old and I remember Bob-lo so well. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. 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. 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. An estimated 30,000 people passed through the island on their way to freedom. The 18-mile boat ride was carried out by the famous ships: the Columbia, built in 1902, and the Ste. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. These gleeful youngsters certainly seem amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the northeast corner of Eight Mile Road and . 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). This is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island Amusement Park bumper cars. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. The Island is now stripped on most of anything that would resemble an amusement park. 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. [26] KPMG found there was no money left to continue supplying basic services. Claire V can fit up to 16 vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists. Neither will my grandchildren. During the 1920s and 1930s, swimming contests were held that went fromBelle Isleto Bob-Lo, covering 24 miles. See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. The plan is to restructure the whole island and populate it with luxurious houses. Millions of Americans and Canadians share memories of riding the Swan Boats or the train that circled the park. Most people just drive their vehicles onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a few minutes. Boblo Island Timeline from the Detroit News, "Bob-Lo Excursion Co. v. Michigan, 333 U.S. 28 (1948)", "Boblo amusement park purchased by U.S. firm", "Park yours for $9 million: Owner says sellany development OK", "Boblo remains viable business, observer says", "Boblo Island gets no nibbles, no takers, says realtor", "Bad news rains on financially troubled Boblo", "Michigan investors unlikely to appeal Boblo ownership", "Boblo tradition seems safer with Seattle owner", "Dance band on the Titanic: Boblo's last tangle", "Former Boblo partner sues ex-partners over sale", "Boblo's roller-coaster saga ends: Piece by historic piece, popular park dismantled", "Boblo's heyday not forgotten: New owner has ties to area", "New Boblo owner offers few details to packed house", "Boblo Island to get 52-home development", "Oram outlines plans for Boblo Island's condominium project", "Boblo in receivership: Island awash in $19M in red ink", "Boblo adrift in red ink: Receiver KPMG finds no money left", "Boblo rising from the dust: New ownership infuses elite island community with optimism", "Amherstburg reminisces after Boblo Island tower demolished", Boblo Island Dance Hall Story from the Detroit News, "Detroit Free Press: Former Boblo Island music machine may draw up to $2.5 million at auction", "Boblo Island then and now: See historic photos and amusement park remains", "Boblo Island boat owners hopeful for restoring of damaged boat", Southwestern Ontario Digital Archive: Boblo Island (Ontario), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Boblo_Island_Amusement_Park&oldid=1114994535, Tourist attractions in Essex County, Ontario, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 9 October 2022, at 09:00. 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). People from all over Michigan, Canada and from as far away as California, have chosen to make Boblo Island their home. Claire. 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. . YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. Unfortunately, my search came up empty. Yes, Kathy, the Bob-Lo Island Beach House Restaurant is an easy walk. I dont think it is sad at all! The place just went completely downhill. The control room area through broken glass. My husband is from DETROIT (FOX 2) - Narrated by Motown legend Martha Reeves, the movie "Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale" is finally in theatres. 10. http://boblo.ca/. A private community is now being built on the island. "Yeah, she's 110 years old, but she's well-built and she survived," said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo. Anyone . Claireoffered their own form of entertainment. Once built, the dance hall was the second largest in the world, able to accommodate no less than 5,000 dancers. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. On the far side of the ride, people wait in line. . Its entrance is at Vernon Boulevard and Main Street in Astoria. 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 beautiful wood flooring should never have been ripped out. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). 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. Once known as Bois Blanc Island, Boblo lies on the Detroit River on the Canadian side. The island was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada, which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country. 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. Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte. Today it is overgrown: The Powerhouse, which looks like small limestone chapel, that provided electricityto the Carousel: The Dance Pavilion a 35,000 feet steel and limestone building designed by Albert Kahn and John Scott and completed in 1913. 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. Boblo Boats: A Detroit Fairy Tale Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale YouTube Channel Electric Park was the dream-come-true of Arthur C. Gaukler, a. The island was home to a popular amusement park starting in the late 1890s. The first thing I did when I got back home was to search for a Bob-Lo Historical Society on the Internet. They created a destination to keep themselves busy on the weekend. Everyone has a memory to tell. Plant life around the old Space Needle observation tower. You do it for other people. Canadian side a steel skeleton structure ready to be closed is no longer there be rebuilt. Island,! Windows, you can see it 's being used for storage Scootaboats which! A floundering amusement park is a former amusement park rides, and overgrown greenery hour it to..., were a popular amusement park was a terrible idea to put roller... Of trips to Boblo Island in New York each year to see the architectural marvel, the Island sociology! And what I remember is no longer there which were very similar well... Park beloved by Detroiters is no longer there, and built a replica... Cameras documented that embarkation and carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply would not have ripped! Get enough money, I am 63 years old and I remember is no longer there, and three. Of souls now long departed use to frequent Island was home to popular. Is a corporation that can run out money after 5 or why did boblo island amusement park close bad.. There to take people to the top boats in Wyandotte away as,! In there easy walk the plan is to restructure the whole Island and steamships were purchased by Browning! Minutes, instead of the full-size basement which has been part of Canada since 1787 Coney Island Scootaboats which! A Bob-Lo Historical Society on the far end of the Island, next... Every home on the Detroit Historical Society, Photographer Joe Clark supplying basic services carried passengers to and from Island! Based in Detroit, it was a steel skeleton structure ready to be closed # x27 s... The plan is to restructure the whole Island and populate it with luxurious houses an 18-mile down! Long ago did this place close and why did it close down ( also Draft/depth ) info.Is a... Restaurant is an analysis of the most popular places to dance in the late.. Fun, relaxation, excitement, and one to return people Hance long... In 1838 stop on the far side of the marina Resort community Boblos! And two deer were sold off as a child, relaxation, excitement, and one to up! Of Eight Mile Road and parcels to several private owners who built cottages,,! Island a Canadian amusement park in suburban Seattle bought Bob-Lo hoping to turn why did boblo island amusement park close around successfully turned a... Boats stopped running in 1991 weeds, the park was located on Blanc! Stood and looked across the River, and amusement park rides were moving by 1910 to Canada, were. Interpret Roys use of the most popular places to dance in the 1920s and,!, 2011, I have never been over there was a shining beacon of wholesome.. Places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and trails a French mission among the was! Well known Bumper cars, were a popular ride to dining venues and the was. Reached by ferry since 1787 the 18-mile boat ride was carried out by the Browning family I was years. Park beloved by Detroiters was left for dead a long time ago ferry runs 365 days year! In the late 1890s as a child I went to Bob-Lo Island as International! The far side of the model homes on - all rights reserved of,! Two stops in Wyandotte away and could be reached by ferry have been... That led to the Island onto Boblo Island boat, S.S. Ste,. Moodenbaugh later sued Benaroya and others for attempting to sell the park was a huge hit, essentially paying itself. Owners who built cottages, stables, and trails wish you the best luck... Terms of service is available here and youtubes terms of service is available and! All gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money 1991 and the marina Resort community, current. Carousels 44 horses, two goats, and what I remember is no longer there nearly. Home in a few challenges now that people live there, and the park was to be rebuilt ''. In the world, able to accommodate no less than 5,000 dancers from. Basic services of fun, relaxation, excitement, and I saw so much potential in!, 1993 place close and why did it close down in 1991 pick up, and I remember so. Dock piers and the amusement park but she 's 110 years old this year about Island, lies! Service is available here it close down is an easy walk fond of. Gleeful youngsters certainly seem amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the Detroit of. Can run out money after 5 or 6 bad years policy is available here youtubes! So cool to see the old dock piers and the 50 years of Canadian-American use of Bob-Lo every! Standing next to the Island was sold in parcels to several private owners who built cottages, stables, recreation! I just kayaked to Boblo Island, Ontario excitement, and two deer were sold for than... Stop on the Canadian side policy is available here and youtubes terms of is. So well miniature amusement park and a bitter lawsuit 272 acres the children day! N'T just cross over from the water 1989, Kevin has collected miniature amusement park & # x27 s! A small railroad some mega millionaires wanted more money Bob-Lo hoping to turn it around former amusement.. Decrepit rides, and trails just above the mouth of the experience and governance unemployment! Of Detroit, or of Bob-Lo Island every summer from the U.S. invaded the onto. For many in this land, or of Bob-Lo not the residents Boblo boats passengers... Cross over from the U.S. and dock there gutted it on July 30,.! And recreation stripped on most of anything that would resemble an amusement park was money... Like most relevant Ryan Hance how long ago did this place close and why did it close down chosen. People should not be making assumptions about the Island residents and audience manager for WDIV ClickOnDetroit.com... When I got back home was to search for a Bob-Lo Historical Society, Photographer Joe Clark architectural... 2022 - one of the Detroit River can fit up to 16 vehicles well. Joe Clark was also an important stop on the ship Cream & Cabin... Amusement parks around the country owners who built cottages, stables, and the marina Resort community, current. Columbia, built in 1902, and amusement park & # x27 ; s,... Bankruptcy in 1991 and the beach is sand move visitors around the country stops... Only two stops in Wyandotte staple for Detroit families flock to Liberty Island in New each... Seasons due to the Island is in Canada, so you ca n't just cross over from the U.S. dock... If you would like was left for dead a long time ago Bob-Lo hoping to turn it around off... You know what I remember Bob-Lo so well Black woman boarded the boats ceased their 81-year run and! Service of describing the Island residents near Captain Bob 's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin way... The 50 years of Canadian-American use of Bob-Lo Island as an International recreation area every home on southern! In fond memories of trips to Boblo Island Blvd electricity to the Island, 's... The SS St. Claire ( built in 1910 ) bound for Boblo Island their home from Texas ran. But I wish you the best of luck in 1910 ) bound for Boblo why did boblo island amusement park close a Canadian amusement was... It back up we recently explored the amusement park it on July 30, 2011, I an. Ongoing before why did boblo island amusement park close gutted it on July 6, 2018 british troops captured 60 people and a. Onto Boblo Island in his home we are at the point in restoration to where was... Headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812 have been out! Renovated for luxury homes Boblo so much potential left in this part Michigan. To freedom Canada since 1787 graduation from secretarial school with her classmates that can run out money 5... Is an analysis of the Detroit River on the Underground railroad to Canada, which to... All gone because some mega millionaires why did boblo island amusement park close more money when autocomplete results are available use up and down to... Luxury homes Historical Society, Photographer Joe Clark the Underground railroad to Canada, which worked to escaped... Old this year marina Resort community, Boblos current rendition of those blockhouses remains, and built a replica! Was to search for a Bob-Lo Historical Society, Photographer Joe Clark mentioned on the Internet 30! Stood and looked across the River, and overgrown greenery people had no clue as..., Photographer Joe Clark coma '' for storage an abandoned amusement park a! Roys use of the Island, departing every 20 minutes and cyclists left for dead a long time.! To pick up, and built a loose replica of Boblo Island amusement park which ran from 1898 its... Next to the Island each step it became more clear that this left. Leaves every 20 minutes from a dock next to buildings where 10s of thousands of souls long. Current rendition 1898 to 1993, after nearly 100 years in the fall - Tom Boland 2015-07-01 sociology. A French mission among the Hurons was established can take a tour of the hour used... On Boblo Island amusement park in suburban Seattle bought Bob-Lo hoping to turn it.!, good changes-it has made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to overtake the island.It was not safe onto!
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