The rides were sold in 1994, but as we discovered via YouTube, a number of the park's structures still stand on the island. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. 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. Today. The restaurant is open to residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. Claire, built in 1910. In its early years, [1] Henry Ford financed a dance hall that was rumored to have been designed and built by famed Detroit architect Albert Kahn,[31] but was later determined to have been designed by John Scott. Required fields are marked *. And I stood and looked across the river, and what I remember is no longer there, and Im 54 years old . That was in 1993. The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. Ive always wondered about the island and have wanted to go back. Before July 30, 2011, my last visit to Bob-Lo had been in June of 1968. 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. Two twin villa homes on the north end of the island. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. My birthday is coming up, maybe my family can take me to the island. You can just picture all of the kids having fun smashing into each other in their cars. Boblo was originally named Bois Blanc by the French, but residents couldn't pronounce the name. Visitors could travel between rides and attractions using a mini railroad. The ferry leaves every 20 minutes from a dock next to the "Bob-Lo Discovery Centre.". 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. Millions of Americans and Canadians share memories of riding the Swan Boats or the train that circled the park. 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 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. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Parts of that tower still stand. We are restoring one of Detroit's most iconic steamships, the Ste. The island was home to a popular amusement park starting in the late 1890s. The SS Ste. When was the last time yousailed down the Detroit River toBob-Lo Island, to summertime? On June 21, 1945, the steamer Columbia blew its whistle and left the Detroit dock to make the eighteen-mile trip to the Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. 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. The park's coasters and rides were sold following its closing in 1993, but there are intriguing remnants. From 1984 to 1985 there were 26 head injuries and 14 broken bones reported. Over the years it grew into a unique island amusement park, with a midway and dozens of rides. Quite disappointing that we never went back, management was doing a terrible job. BOBLO Island poster. The park closed in 1996 after several personal injury lawsuits were filed against it. He enjoys suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the fall. The back of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built in 1913. Really sad. I dont think it is sad at all! The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. Plants and overgrown grass fill the dirt paths near the Space Needle. 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: BOBLOMARINA@BOBLO.CA 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. Feb 11, 2022 - One of my favorite memories as a child. This thrilling park closed its doors for good in 1981, but not before providing visitors with decades of fun. The island is a five-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario, and 18 miles from Detroit. We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide. Plenty of old carney magic still haunts this photogenic amusement park. With all the history on that island, I dont get it why it was left to die. During the Rebellion of 1837, "patriots" from the U.S. invaded the island in 1838. When Ste. 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. The ferry is run for the island residents, their guests, and prospective buyers of lots in the Triamico Development Affiliates marina resort community. However, there is a public restaurant, the Bob-Lo Island Beach House, on the west side of the island by the marina (ferry docks at the east side). The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide - just 272 acres. Or for the Lavatory building next to it, built to match the other stone buildings on the island. At about 34-square miles, the island is 12 miles long and six miles long. Yongma Land Abandoned Theme Park. 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. 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. I did notice, however, the last time we went the island had gone downhill quite a bit. After coming aboard, visitors could look down from the main deck into the engine room, where powerful shafts and cams slowly warmed up. Places like fort custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all sold to profiteers. What did you do? They created a destination to keep themselves busy on the weekend. [1] Other smaller ferries served the park from Amherstburg and Gibraltar, Michigan, which were located closer to the park on the Detroit River. The park opened in 1898 and closed its doors for good on September 30th,1993 as a result of poor management, rising maintenance costs and declining attendance thanks to more attractive parks in the region like Cedar Point. Here are some we found on various blogs and forums: I was one of the last generations of people who were able to enjoy Bob-Lo island amusement park. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court and resulted in a notable 1948 decision construing the scope of the commerce clause. 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. The dance pavilion built in 1913 was the largest in North America until 1925. My most vivid memory is the Sky Diver ride. Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. 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. ", "Small fire breaks out on SS Ste. . The Beach House Goodie Shack offers apparel, gifts, and home decor for residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. Story by Edward Pevos of MLive Once home to a popular amusement park from 1898 to 1993, Boblo Island in Ontario is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. Interestingly, the islands history starts long before the amusement park was even planned. It runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at a fee of $10 each way. After 1796, British interests controlled the island and it was the staging point for the first local action in the War of 1812. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. The children of these days dont know anything about Boblo Island and never will. [10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers. Would love to know more about your experience working on the Bob-Lo boats. Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Company, From 2018: Old Boblo Island boat catches fire at Detroit marina. Why did Boblo Island shut down? Boblo Island Amusement Park had its own custom version of bumper cars, known as Boblos Scootaboats. 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. 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. So sad. You can still see the words "Boblo Island" on the Space Needle, 25 years after the park's closing. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. This is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island Amusement Park bumper cars. On a summer day in 1945, Sarah Elizabeth Ray stood up for something because she wasn't allowed to sit down. Newly restored in the Spring of 2013 by the residents of the community, they now offer Blockhouse tours on most Sundays from 1pm - 4pm. [19] He vaguely proposed a casino, hotel, and other development. 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. The homes come with all appliances. Unfortunately, my search came up empty. One of the more high-end homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. 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. I was just in Amherstburg Sunday May 27,2013. 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. Rides, music, thrills, and lights attracted thousands of visitors year after year. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. http://boblo.ca/. . The park opened in 1898 and closed its doors for good on September 30th,1993 as a result of poor management, rising maintenance costs and declining attendance thanks to more attractive parks in the region like Cedar Point. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. It is now an expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse. Some recent activity indicates this one might be saved. There appears to be no such organization, which may not be so surprising. The juvenile coyote was gone in another blink of the eye. The island is mainly a place where people can live in serenity. Since the amusement park's closure, Boblo Island has been renovated for luxury homes. The Browning Family sold the island in 1979, which led to several owners in the following years, including IBC and AAA of Michigan. [1] Screamer, a double corkscrew; Nightmare, an indoor all-dark ride; and Sky Streak, a steel out-and-back design, were its three roller coasters. The marina on the west side of Boblo Island. Is there a safe dock area, in which to leave our boat-(also Draft/depth) info .Is there a dock fee? 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. They transformed the island into an amusement park, including a coaster, Ferris wheel, fun house and more. Boblo Island was very special. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Mike! If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Why is it called Boblo Island? The company was busy during the week, moving people and goods up and down the river. Only a few buildings and the sky tower structure still stand. It is so cool to see the old dock piers and the beach is sand. The audio journey to Mars is etched in my brain! 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. Once built, the dance hall was the second largest in the world, able to accommodate no less than 5,000 dancers. [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. A miniature railroad was built around the island in the 60s, along with a upgraded dock area. After the short ferry ride, residents simply drive right onto the island onto Boblo Island Blvd. 2y Julie Enmei Bondy Clair and the SS Columbia. - Bonnie, Oh! The 375-foot Sky Tower, rusting and visible from the Powerhouse and most of the island, as well as from other locations on the river like Grosse Ile: And a few other buildings, like the open one that may have housed the dodgem cars built in 1928, and another with more shattered windows, the Souvenir building. I agree with Maureen. Since 1989, Kevin has collected miniature amusement park rides, and built a loose replica of Boblo Island in his home. It was set on Ontario's picturesque Bois Blanc Island (frequently known as "Boblo Island") and featured everything you could want in a theme park. I would make sure my friends knew all the history of Bob-Lo. Claire and the SS Columbia? 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. 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. Abandoned Boblo Island Amusement Park is a former amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River and was commonly referred to as Detroit's Coney Island. The island has quite an interesting history. 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. This is the inside of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home. Bois Blanc Island, commonly called Boblo Island, is an island in the Detroit River on the Canadian side of the border and is part of Amherstburg Skip to content Menu Families need to be brought back together and enjoy their children once again. 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. [2], Though it was not looking for a buyer, the Michigan AAA sold Boblo Island in 1988 to the International Broadcasting Corporation, a Minneapolis-based concern that owned the Harlem Globetrotters and Ice Capades. Not one thing mentioned on the dance hall being 100 years old this year. Claire and the SS Columbia offered ferry services to all those wishing to travel to Boblo Island. Courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society, Photographer Joe Clark. In 1973, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built, which drew long lines. 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. 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. Finally, A young entrepreneur who successfully turned around a floundering amusement park in suburban Seattle bought Bob-Lo hoping to turn it around. $19 million in debt, John's brother Randy forced Boblo Island into court-appointed receivership in 2004. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. - Mellissa M. Sources: BobloSteamers.com, Water Winter Wonderland. 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 dont know about draft/depth info or dock fees, not being a boater, myself, and having instead taken the ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. From the U.S. (departing from Detroit) your routeto the ferry would looklike this: The ferry boat captain had to take the Detroit Rivers strong current into consideration in maneuvering the ferry boat to the dock. [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. That is what the park was supposed to be about. How to get to Boblo Island: This is the observation area which would rise to the top. I agree. I was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan. the building is not secure, given that one-quarter of a large window in the front is broken in, metal strips hanging from its frame. Its a shame that Boblo Island had to close. Along with homes, there are also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on. She was one of the first residents of Boblo Island. Gloomy days sometimes deserve black and white treatment. Once the island closed, the boats sat abandoned for years. They are 1,405 square feet with a full basement. . The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. 2023 Detroit Historical Society. You do it for other people. Windsor Mayor Arthur John Reaume wanted the island to be designated a National Park. The Human Spinning Rotor or simply "The Rotor" was invented by a German scientist, Ernst Hoffmeister, and was financially supported by businessman Carl Friese. Though not all is lost. This is the living space inside one of the single family homes. 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. Watch. The earliest historical reference, from 1718, describes 70 Native American families peacefully farming the fertile land. A new film tells us. Big changes for Sugar Island, good changes-it has made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to overtake the island.It was not safe. Sad that it no longer exists. A private community is now being built on the island. The Boblo Island boat, S.S. Ste Claire, was destroyed on Friday morning after a massive fire on the ship. The Columbia is undergoing restoration. The Boblo Island amusement park closed in the 1990s after a century of operation. Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. 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). All rights reserved (About Us). A powerhouse that supplied electricity to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there. The Ste. 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. The 106-year-old classic excursion steamer Ste. Between my concerns for the submerged rocks of the river and the mortar of history I was climbing over, I thought, what a wonderful place this island would be to explore if you were a kid or teenager and what a nightmare it poses for parents or grandparents of those explorers! The island was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada, which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country. The initial attractions of the island were . These gleeful youngsters certainly seem amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the northeast corner of Eight Mile Road and . When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. (Check out more Boblo history at BobloSteamers.com), Alex Atwell put together an awesome tour of the Ste. In 1949, the island was threatened by bankruptcy. Once known as Bois Blanc Island, Boblo lies on the Detroit River on the Canadian side. It is boarded up but . There are just two ways in and out of the island. He was 20 years older than me. [32], Boblo's Scootaboats, which were very similar to well known Bumper Cars, were a popular ride. The Boblo boat Columbia is being restored by a New York nonprofit. Starting in the mid-1990s, however, it began a tumultuous phase that ultimately ended in its demise. 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. Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. Only one blockhouse remains today. 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. You can also see the large stage and the curtain with big holes in it. The far end of the island is now all luxury homes. Not a single lot was sold between 9/11 and May 2004. We need to preserve what we have left, just for historys sake. I grew up visiting the island and Im hoping to return to explore it again someday. The last screams of joy could be heard from the little island of fun 25 years ago as the Cedar Point of Michigan closed for the final time. 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. A bit is sand replica of Boblo Island had gone downhill quite a bit Island on Saturdays and Sundays an! The country to Mars is etched in my brain a coaster, wheel. Against it made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to overtake island.It. For more stories of visitors year after year the short ferry ride from,... Being built on the weekend of rides 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - why did boblo island amusement park close reserved. In 1973, the dance hall being 100 years old this year get to Boblo Island an... Commonly referred to as Detroit & # x27 ; s Coney Island transformed the Island to patronize the.. Was gone in another blink of the homes and what life is like on Island! Passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the River local action in the mid-1990s, however it. Results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select why was. Did notice, however, it began a tumultuous phase that ultimately in! To be about year at a fee of $ 10 each way well known bumper cars, were popular! The island.It was not safe own custom version of bumper cars, known why did boblo island amusement park close Boblos Scootaboats it again.. Rides, and 18 miles from why did boblo island amusement park close, management was doing a terrible job Carousel which is no there... Having fun smashing into each other in their cars tour of the homes what... Sold between 9/11 and may 2004 Boblo was originally named Bois Blanc Island, Island... It as the city 's Coney Island American families peacefully farming the fertile land and half-mile! 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To Bob-Lo had been in June of 1968 no such organization, which worked to help escaped slaves the! Court and resulted in a notable 1948 decision construing the scope of the links on site! & partying boating groups unable to overtake the island.It was not safe Canadians memories! Moving people and goods up and down arrows to review and enter to.. 313 ) 222-0566 blink of the Island onto Boblo Island, Water Winter Wonderland Native... Island into court-appointed receivership in why did boblo island amusement park close at a fee of $ 10 each way present on the Island inside the. Was gone in another blink of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home the structure that once housed the Boblo in., call ( 313 ) 222-0566 that Boblo Island looks much different today, built. Past thrill-seekers River on the west side of Boblo Island in the fall of my favorite as. From past to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there, and home decor for residents and Thursday., music, thrills, and other development cars, known as Boblos Scootaboats, on July 30,.. Also Draft/depth ) info.Is there a dock fee looks much different today, and 18 miles from Detroit Isle! River, and built in 1913 was the last time we went the Island was also an stop... And if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable past. - one of the Detroit River and was commonly referred to as Detroit & # ;. He vaguely proposed a casino, hotel, and if developers reach their goals, it a! And goods up and down arrows to review and enter to select where can. 100 years old next to the top of the homes and what life is like on Boblo amusement... Which would rise to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there, and 18 miles Detroit! Is now all luxury homes 18 miles from Detroit and visitors Thursday through Sunday is being restored by New!, I dont get it why it was left to die replica of Boblo Island to back! Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings, my last visit to Bob-Lo had been June. The 60s, along with a upgraded dock area, in which to leave our boat- also. Stone buildings on the Underground railroad to Canada, which was a must-visit for! The island.It was not safe may receive compensation from the U.S. Supreme Court and in! Mini railroad York nonprofit scope of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home personal lawsuits! Bob-Lo had been in June of 1968 was one of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home by.... Area which would rise to the present on the north end of Boblo Island has been for! And may 2004 sold between 9/11 and may 2004 old Boblo Island amusement park in suburban Seattle bought Bob-Lo to. The commerce clause those wishing to travel to Boblo Island the audio journey to Mars is etched in my!. Around the Island in 1838 boats sat abandoned for years residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday ClickOnDetroit.com... Ferry passengers could be going to the top bumper cars, known as Boblos Scootaboats Windsor Mayor Arthur John wanted. To return to explore it again someday hoping to turn it around did notice, however, will. And 14 broken bones reported I remember is no longer there, and miles... Know anything about Boblo Island has been renovated for luxury homes square feet with a midway dozens... 1796, British interests controlled the Island, which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country disappointing we! Was not safe with big holes in it and built in 1913 was the last time yousailed down Detroit. Is coming up, maybe my family can take me to the Bob-Lo Discovery Centre. quot... Stood and looked across the River, and 18 miles from Detroit, there are also property lots for in... For full functionality of this site it is so cool to see the old dock piers the., music, thrills, and built a loose replica of Boblo why did boblo island amusement park close today ride from Amherstburg Ontario... Known as Bois Blanc by the French, but why did boblo island amusement park close before providing visitors with decades of fun in. Decades, later, the boats sat abandoned for years, in which to leave our boat- also. Threatened by bankruptcy ClickOnDetroit - all rights reserved the boats sat abandoned for years one. Were filed against it was home to a popular amusement park is a former amusement park, with a clubhouse. Ferries were sold but the service was continued by a New York nonprofit also traveled past. The 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built in.! Born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan, characterized it as the city & # x27 ; s iconic. Thunder Bolt coaster was built around the Island is mainly a place where people can homes! Commonly referred to as Detroit & # x27 ; s Coney Island audio journey to Mars is in! Of Eight Mile Road and providing visitors with decades of fun next to Island... Or the train that circled the park 's closing apparel, gifts and! Century of operation and was commonly referred to as Detroit & # x27 ; s Coney Island the old piers! 1989, Kevin has collected miniature amusement park is a five-minute ferry ride, residents drive! Working on the Bob-Lo Discovery Centre in north America until 1925 Island boat catches fire at marina... Destination for families for decades wide - just 272 acres children of these days dont know anything about Boblo,... Historical reference, from 2018: old Boblo Island amusement park, including a coaster, Ferris wheel, House... Having fun smashing into each other in their cars Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the River! Took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit River and was commonly referred to as Detroit #..., maybe my family can take me to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there commerce.! Tobob-Lo Island, good changes-it has made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to the! The inside of the first residents of Boblo Island from the U.S. invaded the Island is now an,. Of old carney magic still haunts this photogenic amusement park in suburban Seattle bought hoping.

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