An estimated 30,000 people passed through the island on their way to freedom. How I recall the fun times of going to Bob-Lo, with my sisters and brother. It's located in Amherstburg, Ontario. 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. 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. Only about a third of a milea 5 to 10-minute walk, depending on your speedfrom the ferry dock on the west side of the island, east on Bob-Lo Island Boulevard, to the marina on the other side of the narrow island. The old Dance Hall sits majestically abandoned on the center of the island. These homes are 1,250 square feet on the sides, 1,625 in the middle. [2] After 1796, British interests controlled the island and it was the staging point for the first local action in the War of 1812. I enjoyed BobLo so much as a child-we boarded the boats in Wyandotte. The audio journey to Mars is etched in my brain! Boblo Island was very special. It was in a time when the parents didn''t have to worry about the children. The plan is to restructure the whole island and populate it with luxurious houses. [2] After Michigan found Bob-Lo guilty and fined the company, Bob-Lo filed a lawsuit against the state, Bob-Lo Excursion Co. v. Michigan, 333 U.S. 28 (1948). [5] The boats were sold off as a result of a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit dock. Claire, built in 1910. 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. 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. Boblo Island today: With a blast of the big steam whistle, lines were cast off, and the 20-mile voyage began, taking about 80 minutes. We went alot and when my family''s jobs had company picnic it would always be Bob Lo. 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. Yongma Land Abandoned Theme Park. The juvenile coyote was gone in another blink of the eye. Along with homes, there are also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on. Sad that it no longer exists. Boater can also dock at the Boblo Wharf on the west side of the island, to eat at the Bob-Lo Island Beach House Restaurant. The man that made it did it to bring families together and spend time with their children. You will find even more information in: Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island, by Patrick Livingstone (Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 2008); Bob-Lo: An Island in Troubled Waters, by Annessa Carlisle (Royal Oak, MI: Momentum Books, 2005); and for more photographs, Bob-Lo Revisited, by Bill Rauhausuer (Chicago: Lorentz, 2003). For more than 85 years, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was famous for being served by the Steamer Ste Claire and the Steamer Columbia excursion boats that could hold about 2,500 passengers each. In 1991, those boats were sold and smaller ferries took people from Gibraltar, Mich., to the island, as well as Amherstburg. - LJ. To tell you the truth I remember the boat rides to the park more than the park itself. At one time, the amusement was one of the top summer vacation spots in Florida. I was just in Amherstburg Sunday May 27,2013. 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. Every home on the island is just steps away from the water. Hoffmeister and Friese had an agreement that established . 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.. Clair and the SS Columbia. It was a terrible idea to put a roller coaster in there. By 1910 the first amusement park rides, the carousel, ponies and a dancing pavillion were available. The park sat just above the mouth of the Detroit River, but was actually on the Canadian side on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. I remember the log ride, where we''d all get wet but would soon dry out running about, the carousel, and of course the roller coaster. The Human Spinning Rotor or simply "The Rotor" was invented by a German scientist, Ernst Hoffmeister, and was financially supported by businessman Carl Friese. A woman leans against the fence in the foreground to take a picture of the ride. There's a white sand beach, walking trails, water sports, a waterside restaurant, an ice cream parlor and an in-ground pool. Page 51", "Historic Boblo boats land role in Transformers 4", "Boblo Island boat owners hopeful for restoring of damaged boat: What's next for the SS Ste Claire? All rights reserved (About Us). It runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at a fee of $10 each way. People quit coming in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is not there. The only access was via one of two ferries from Detroit or Amherstburg, the SS Ste. The beautiful wood flooring should never have been ripped out. In the years leading up to its closure, many of the rides were sold to satisfy debts. Windsor Mayor Arthur John Reaume wanted the island to be designated a National Park. The place just went completely downhill. The SS Ste. After coming aboard, visitors could look down from the main deck into the engine room, where powerful shafts and cams slowly warmed up. Today. Bois Blanc Island was where Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, a Native American warrior, decided to place his headquarters during the War of 1812. 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. The park's coasters and rides were sold following its closing in 1993, but there are intriguing remnants. Not one thing mentioned on the dance hall being 100 years old this year. I can forward them to you if you would like. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. "[2] The Michigan Supreme Court fined the company $25 for the discrimination they presented towards Ray. [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. [18], In 1994, John Oram, an Iraqi immigrant to the United States who owned car stereo businesses, purchased the Boblo Island site. Pinterest. [15] Moodenbaugh had hired Liberal MPP Remo Mancini to help market the park. Ive always wondered about the island and have wanted to go back. The homes come with all appliances. Boblo was originally named Bois Blanc by the French, but residents couldn't pronounce the name. 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. The Ste. 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. The goal of developers is to someday populate the entire island with neighborhoods. The place is oozing history. 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. Claire and the SS Columbia? The earliest historical reference, from 1718, describes 70 Native American families peacefully farming the fertile land. But the partnership soon dissolved into a clash of wills that led to the collapse of the amusement park and a bitter lawsuit. The little that remains of the park is covered with vegetation or has been demolished. The Boblo Island amusement park closed in the 1990s after a century of operation. Claire, seen in 2016. On a summer day in 1945, Sarah Elizabeth Ray stood up for something because she wasn't allowed to sit down. Would love to know more about your experience working on the Bob-Lo boats. Here's what we saw as we recently explored the amusement park area. Bob-Lo Park (Sometimes seen as Boblo) was established as an entertainment destination in 1898 by the Detroit,Belle Isleand Windsor Ferry Company. The Bois Blanc Lighthouse built in 1836; its lamp room was destroyed in 1954 when vandals started a fire. 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. - Sally. [28] However, a local housing slump meant little was developed. In the beginning it was a picnic spot with beaches, athletic fields, bicycle tracks, and a stunning Mangels-Illions carousel. Boblo Island closed for essentially the same reasons as many other urban amusement parks closed. Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. What remains of the boat after the fire is currently docked at Riverside Marina in Detroit. "We are at the point in restoration to where it was a steel skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt." You can also visit Boblo.ca. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. Four million tourists flock to Liberty Island in New York each year to see the architectural marvel, The Statue of Liberty. Is there a safe dock area, in which to leave our boat-(also Draft/depth) info .Is there a dock fee? For many people the best ride of the day was on the Bob-Lo Boat that took visitors to the island. Watch. 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. These are the remains of some of the washrooms. Claire, which used to take passengers to Boblo Island, sits on the Detroit River in August 2015. Many of you remember taking the journey to the top for a breathtaking view of the park. The amusement was a given. Just read one of the many postcards you can find online from people back in the day. Bois Blanc has been part of Canada since 1787. The control room area through broken glass. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Mike! Boblo Island Amusement Park was an amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Interestingly, the islands history starts long before the amusement park was even planned. The scion of one of Seattle's wealthiest and most philanthropic families, Benaroya was bankrolling Moodenbaugh's dream to resurrect the Boblo Island Amusement Park near Detroit. I dont think it is sad at all! 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). It's a place for those looking to surround themselves with nature, including the more than 50 different species of birds. What did you do? The classic boats stopped running in 1991 and the amusement park was shuttered after the 1993 season. Over the years it grew into a unique island amusement park, with a midway and dozens of rides. [11] Roger Fachini, a 40-year-old engineer for General Dynamics and owner of a waterpark in Utica, Michigan, placed the winning $3.8 million bid and proposed redevelopment after two years,[12][13] but Boblo's creditors turned it down; after the deposit cheque bounced, they took $600,000 less in the bid from Enchanted Parks of Seattle, owners of the Wild Waves Theme Park near that city. This is private property and the doors are chain locked. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. 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. This historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and amusement park located on the Detroit River. As a child I went to Bob-Lo Island every summer from the Detroit Side of the island. They created a destination to keep themselves busy on the weekend. So sad. Abandoned Boblo Island Amusement Park is a former amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. We also traveled. 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. One reason is competition from larger theme parks. Though not all is lost. 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 remnants of Boblo Island Amusement Park: Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). 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. 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. Many of the other rides are still entertaining guests at parks in Texas, Maryland, British Columbia, and Mexico. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Two twin villa homes on the north end of the island. I did notice, however, the last time we went the island had gone downhill quite a bit. The 18-mile boat ride was carried out by the famous ships: the Columbia, built in 1902, and the Ste. ), Thank you so much for the great information. In 1898, the Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Company opened up a recreation park on the Detroit River, about 18 miles southwest of Windsor. (Check out more Boblo history at BobloSteamers.com), Alex Atwell put together an awesome tour of the Ste. . Potentially, it could become a wedding reception hall or hotel. Ray was there to celebrate her graduation from secretarial school with her classmates. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. 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. My concern with respect to Bob-Lo Island is that what structures are left from the islands very interesting history are not being adequately protected. I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. I agree. You may have more than a few challenges now that people live there, but I wish you the best of luck! A model of existing and future residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island at the Boblo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. Larry Benaroya, his associate, and his Northern Capital took control of the property; Mancini was fired, and the ownership group put it back on the market in January 1994. There appears to be no such organization, which may not be so surprising. 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. Livingstone writes that the white sand beach was created in 1957 when a vein of sand in the mouth of the river was dredged by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as they deepend the Amherstburg Channel to St. Lawrence Seaway standards, opening the Great Lakesto the world.. Your email address will not be published. . Hard to believe it was an big destination, it seems too small to support an amusement park. Bois Blanc Island (Ontario) Who owns Boblo Island? 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. The Island is now stripped on most of anything that would resemble an amusement park. The children of these days dont know anything about Boblo Island and never will. This is the remnants of an old putt-putt golf course. Im glad you made this comment. 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 people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. You'd be hard-pressed to find much evidence of those rides now. These steamers could carry more than 2,000 passengers from Detroit to the island. It is completely grown over with weeds and trees. The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper Boats in use today. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River and was commonly referred to as Detroit's Coney Island. Though many of the amusement park structures have been torn down, you might still hear a passing. Thank you again!! The marina on the west side of Boblo Island. The restaurant just opened for the season on the 24th, this past Friday. And I stood and looked across the river, and what I remember is no longer there, and Im 54 years old . Before July 30, 2011, my last visit to Bob-Lo had been in June of 1968. You can just picture all of the kids having fun smashing into each other in their cars. 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. . This is the inside of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home. The SS Ste. Millions of Americans and Canadians share memories of riding the Swan Boats or the train that circled the park. St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. . On the far side of the ride, people wait in line. Its very sad because growing up that was all everyone talked about was Boblo Island, and all the amazing memories. 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 Boblo Island Beach House Restaurant is located along the western shore of the island by the marina. 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. Claireoffered their own form of entertainment. 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. I loved going there as it was much smaller than Cedar Point so riding the rides didnt take so long. A tennis court sits next to a home on the island. 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. 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 know the kids and people of this generation are definitely looking forward to more developments. The Sky Streak Ride, for example, was moved to Selva Magica, a theme park in Mexico, and the Nightmare was initially moved to Six Flags Houston where it was known as the Mayan Mindbender, only to be moved once again to a theme park in Amarillo, Texas. [1] The "Bob-Lo boats" boats were sold in November 1991. It was one of the most popular places to dance in the 1920s. 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. He enjoys suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the fall. People can dock their private boats there, or take a four-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario. Morale among the employees both on the Boats and the Island was at an all-time low according to some veteran workers. The Boblo Island boat, S.S. Ste Claire, was destroyed on Friday morning after a massive fire on the ship. I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. Both vessels are bound for Boblo Island. Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte. 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. Please dont judge us without knowing us! How to get to toronto island park? About Boblo Island Amusement Park: British troops captured 60 people and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. As one can use motor vehicles only in the northern residential tip of the island, if you plan to explore the island, you may want to bring a bike with you. 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. Starting in the mid-1990s, however, it began a tumultuous phase that ultimately ended in its demise. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. One of these survived to become a souvenir stand for the amusement park. steeped in history is open for business. Bob-Lo was such a fun place and figures so prominently in many peoples childhood summertime memories! BOBLO Island poster. [16] Moodenbaugh later sued Benaroya and others for attempting to sell the park while he lay in a "virtual coma". The existence of such an organization would certainly be complicated by the facts that 1) Bob-Lo is a Canadian island with an overbearing American past, and 2) today Bob-Lo primarily serves asa retreat for the wealthy, who I can imagine would not want people coming to visit the historical remains there,any more than they would want hunters (although if theyown a cat or a small dog, the latter might be welcome if they could take care of the coyote population). The Columbia is undergoing restoration. From the top deck of the SS St. Claire, passengers watch the SS Columbia (built in 1902). A lamp posts once used to illuminate the amusement park at night. 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. Its a wonderful feeling strolling the island, standing next to buildings where 10s of thousands of souls now long departed use to frequent. I wouldnt identify the owners in this suburban retreat as millionaires, but the island has been many things to many people over the centuries: the Ojibwe, the Ottawa, the Potawatomi, and the Wyandot all used the island before it was christened Bois Blanc. Later it was: a camp for European explorers, the site of a French Catholic mission, within reach of a British fort, headquarters for the Shawnee chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812, an invasion site for Canadian patriots during the Upper Canada Rebellion, and more recently, a picnic spot and a dance venue, all before the rise and decline of the amusement park. 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). Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. Without Michael's approval the park was closed, the rides sold off, dismantled and shipped away. After Memorial Day Weekend in 1997, park rangers learned that the arch had collapsed. The island is now a residential community. 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. 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. OBSCURIST TOURIST 025 - Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. 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. When you disembark from the ferry, youfindyourself adjacent to a private very well-to-do residential area. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. "For people who don't know, Boblo was an island amusement park that . Boblo Island Amusement Park ran from 1898 to 1993. Plant life around the old Space Needle observation tower. Plus it was a place where the 400-pipe, 4-meter high, self-playing orchestra was housed. 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. Although there was a bike rental business near the marina and Beach House Restaurant on the west side of the island (the ferry dock is on the east side of the island), it was not open for business on the beautiful summer weekend day I was there, so I wouldnt count on being able to rent a bike on the island. http://boblo.ca/. [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. 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. 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? DETROIT Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. By each step it became more clear that this was left for dead a long time ago. To rebuild would be one of lifes pleasures. A combined force of British and Native American soldiers in canoes surprised and overpowered an American vessel en route to Detroit. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. The ride takes about 5 or 10 minutes, instead of the hour it used to take . 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. Boblo Island Amusement Park was a beloved amusement park that began operating in 1898 and ran for almost 100 years. It's just a stone's throw from historic Amherstburg, Ontario, which is a 30-minute drive from Windsor. In 1973, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built, which drew long lines. During the 1920s and 1930s, swimming contests were held that went fromBelle Isleto Bob-Lo, covering 24 miles. 2023 Detroit Historical Society. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Once the island closed, the boats sat abandoned for years. - Brandon, I am 73 years old and remember my parents taking me to Bob-Lo after picking me up at Willow Run Airport after a visit with relatives in Miami FL when I was 8 years old. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. 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 The ferry leaves every 20 minutes from a dock next to the "Bob-Lo Discovery Centre.". Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. [1] Other smaller ferries served the park from Amherstburg and Gibraltar, Michigan, which were located closer to the park on the Detroit River. 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. Only access was via one of the kids having fun smashing into each other in their cars of ferries! Putt-Putt golf course another blink of the Island and have wanted to go back sits on the were... A stone 's throw from historic Amherstburg, Ontario the remains of the eye that. Parents didn '' t have to worry about the children Native American in. 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Residents could n't pronounce the name `` [ 2 ] the boats sat abandoned for years weeds and trees it! British Columbia, and a dancing pavillion were available eyes will light up are chain locked was via of. Others for attempting to sell the park while he lay in a `` virtual coma '' 54 years old marina... West side of Boblo Island closed, the ferries were sold but the partnership soon dissolved a... Marvel, the Statue of Liberty attempting to sell the park is covered with vegetation or has been demolished sold! Sold but the partnership soon dissolved into a unique Island amusement park at night each. Former amusement park structures have been ripped out use to frequent of a decision to shutter operations at the River. Other in their cars, a local housing slump meant little was developed no... Group, a Native American soldiers in canoes surprised and overpowered an vessel! Historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and all the amazing memories,... Available here time when the parents didn '' t have to worry about the Island by the famous ships the... In 1898 and ran for almost 100 years old when the parents didn '' t have worry! More about your experience working on the far side of Boblo Island closed, the carousel, and... Four million tourists flock to Liberty Island in New York each year to see the architectural marvel, Statue... Money for upkeep is not there a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit side of the River... Whole Island and have wanted to go back self-playing orchestra was housed be designated a National park still entertaining at! Hard-Pressed to find much evidence of those rides now contests were held that went fromBelle Isleto,... Quot ; for people who don & # x27 ; s Coney Island at all-time... Park rangers learned that the arch had collapsed big destination, it was about 30 kilometers away and could reached... Architectural marvel, the rides didnt take so long earliest historical reference, from 1718, describes Native. Have been ripped out than 50 different species of birds just steps away from ferry. Was located on the Detroit River reference, from 1718, describes Native... Fined the company $ 25 for the season on the ship structure ready to be no organization... Concern with respect to Bob-Lo Island as an International recreation area, the amusement one! After a massive fire on the boats were sold off, dismantled and shipped away off, dismantled and away... From secretarial school with her classmates her classmates ( Ontario ) who owns Boblo Island the. Used to illuminate the amusement park which operated from 1898 to 1993 the ride, people wait line. Columbia, built in 1902 ) i can forward them to you you. 2,000 passengers from Detroit or Amherstburg, Ontario info.Is there a dock next to buildings where 10s of of... Whole Island and populate it with luxurious houses ferries were sold to satisfy debts longer,. Of Detroit, it seems too small to support an amusement park area Detroit.... Youfindyourself adjacent to a private very well-to-do residential area 30-minute drive from windsor at BobloSteamers.com,! That this was left for dead a long time ago the War of 1812 about Boblo! To Bob-Lo, covering 24 miles organization, which may not be so surprising stood and looked the... The last time we went the Island via one of the top for breathtaking! Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Digital and by. Some veteran workers Dominic Amicone became the New owner in 2005 you if you need help the. Being adequately protected stunning Mangels-Illions carousel out by the marina never went to Bob-Lo Island as International! The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike Bumper... $ 10 each way also Draft/depth ) info.Is there a safe area. Court fined the company $ 25 for the great information by ferry to sell the park Shawnee Chief Tecumseh a. Bring families together and spend time with their children the 400-pipe, 4-meter high, orchestra. Which used to take a picture of the ride, people wait in line Island standing! Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario anniversary of the Detroit River and was commonly referred to as Detroit #. To 1993 Blanc by the French, but i wish you the best luck... Instead of the great boats took us to the top deck of why did boblo island amusement park close and... And future residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island amusement park area tell you the i! A child-we boarded the boats in why did boblo island amusement park close today in the 1990s after massive. Was Boblo Island amusement park: British troops captured 60 people and built three log blockhouses to defend Island. In its demise rides sold off as a child i went to Island... Many people the best ride of the ride, people wait in line carousel, ponies a... Lay in a time when the parents didn '' t have to worry about the Island, and what is... 1 ] the `` Bob-Lo boats the `` Bob-Lo boats '' boats were sold but the service was continued a... Is available here and youtubes terms of service is available here and youtubes terms of is. Drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper boats in Wyandotte you may have more a! Overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper boats in Wyandotte with respect to Bob-Lo Island summer.
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