10 Abandoned Ohio Amusement Parks Locals Can’t Stop Remembering
Ohio once buzzed with the sounds of roller coasters, carnival games, and families making summer memories at amusement parks across the state. Many of these beloved spots have closed their gates forever, leaving behind only photographs and stories.
I want to take you on a journey through ten of these forgotten places that locals still talk about with a smile.
1. Wyandot Lake – Memories by the Water
Columbus kids grew up conquering the Sea Dragon and cooling off in wave pools that felt enormous back then. The park opened in 1984 and became a summer tradition for countless families across central Ohio.
I remember saving allowance money just to buy funnel cakes and play arcade games between water slides. The property transformed into Zoombezi Bay, but old-timers still call it Wyandot in conversation.
2. Cedar Point’s Old Beach Park – Hidden Corners of History
Before modern mega-coasters dominated the skyline, Cedar Point featured a charming beach park area where families picnicked and danced in pavilions. The original 1870s resort attracted visitors arriving by steamboat across Lake Erie.
Many sections disappeared as the park expanded, replaced by thrilling attractions that drew worldwide attention. Older generations fondly remember simpler times spent on the sandy shores before commercialization changed everything forever.
3. Chippewa Lake Park – Echoes of Laughter
Walking through the ruins feels like stepping into a time capsule where rust-covered rides stand frozen in place. Chippewa Lake Park entertained visitors from 1878 until 1978, making it one of Ohio’s longest-running amusement destinations.
The Big Dipper roller coaster rotted away slowly while urban explorers documented its decay through haunting photographs. Local legends say you can still hear carousel music drifting through the trees on quiet summer nights.
4. Euclid Beach Park – A Century of Rides
Cleveland’s most beloved amusement park operated from 1894 to 1969, creating generations of precious memories along Lake Erie’s shore. The park featured the famous Thriller roller coaster and a stunning carousel with hand-carved horses that mesmerized children.
My grandparents met there during a summer dance in 1952, so the park holds special meaning for our entire family. Though demolished decades ago, the iconic arch entrance lives on through preservation efforts and nostalgic storytelling.
5. Geauga Lake – From Thrills to Silence
Riding the Big Dipper felt like flying over Aurora, and I can still hear the screams of joy echoing across the lake. Geauga Lake operated for over a century before closing in 2007, breaking hearts throughout Northeast Ohio.
Families spent entire summers here, splashing in the water park and testing their courage on massive coasters. Today, nature reclaims what once thrilled millions of visitors each season.
6. Fantasy Farm – Forgotten Family Fun
Small children found pure magic at this modest park designed specifically for younger visitors and their families. Fantasy Farm opened in 1963 near Middletown, offering petting zoos, gentle rides, and storybook characters wandering the grounds.
Unlike massive theme parks, this place felt personal and safe, perfect for a child’s first amusement park experience. Financial troubles forced closure in the 1980s, leaving behind only faded photographs and warm childhood recollections.
7. Haunted Hollow – Spooky Stories and Memories
Teenagers tested their bravery walking through dark corridors filled with actors in terrifying costumes and unexpected scares around every corner. This seasonal Halloween attraction became legendary throughout the region during the 1980s and 1990s.
I screamed so loud my first time through that my friends never let me forget it for years afterward. When it closed, the community lost a beloved October tradition that brought thrills without requiring year-round operation costs.
8. LeSourdsville Lake Park – The Dragon’s Last Roar
Families flocked to this Butler County treasure for decades, drawn by its wooden roller coaster and charming lakeside setting. The Screechin’ Eagle coaster became legendary among thrill-seekers, while younger visitors enjoyed gentler rides near the sparkling lake.
Financial troubles forced the park to close in 2002, breaking the hearts of locals who grew up visiting every summer. Attempts to revive it failed, and the property sat abandoned for years.
Today, the rides are gone, but memories remain vivid for those who celebrated birthdays, first dates, and family reunions there. Former visitors still share stories online about the park’s unique charm and the community spirit it created for generations of Ohio families.
9. Puritas Springs Park – Cleveland’s Lost Playground
Nestled in Cleveland’s west side, this park opened in 1898 and quickly became a summer escape for city dwellers seeking cool breezes and entertainment. A natural spring fed a massive swimming pool that drew thousands on hot days, while a grand ballroom hosted dances that echoed with big band music.
The park featured everything from a roller coaster to picnic groves where families spent entire weekends. Unfortunately, changing entertainment trends and financial pressures led to its closure in 1958.
Older Clevelanders still reminisce about romantic evenings dancing under twinkling lights and the refreshing plunge into spring-fed waters. The site now holds residential homes, but local history buffs keep the park’s legacy alive through photographs and storytelling.
10. Olentangy Park – Columbus Before the Fairgrounds
Before the Ohio State Fairgrounds occupied the land, Olentangy Park thrilled Columbus residents from 1880 until 1937 with its riverside location and diverse attractions. The park boasted a beautiful carousel, thrilling rides, and even a small zoo that delighted children exploring the grounds.
Special events like fireworks displays and concerts drew massive crowds throughout the warmer months. A trolley line made reaching the park easy, turning it into a popular destination for all social classes.
When the Great Depression hit, attendance dropped dramatically, forcing permanent closure. Many Columbus natives with family roots in the area have heard stories passed down about magical summer evenings spent along the Olentangy River, watching boats drift by between rides and treats.
