10 Forgotten Michigan Amusement Parks Locals Still Remember Fondly
Before massive theme parks took over, Michigan was filled with charming amusement spots where laughter echoed over wooden coasters and cotton candy ruled the day.
Families flocked to these lively escapes for picnics, rides, and summer memories that never seemed to fade.
Though many of these parks have vanished from the map, their spirit still lingers in old photographs, stories, and the hearts of locals who remember them like they never left.
1. Edgewater Park (Detroit)
Perched on Detroit’s west side near Seven Mile and Berg, Edgewater Park was the crown jewel of Motor City entertainment from 1927 to 1981.
Families flocked to ride the Big Beast and Wild Beast wooden coasters, which rattled along the tracks while offering breezy views from the park’s high points.
The park’s dance pavilion hosted big-name bands, turning summer nights into unforgettable celebrations.
Though fires and financial troubles eventually shuttered the gates, old-timers still swap stories about winning prizes at the midway games and cooling off in the breeze on warm evenings.
2. Eastwood Park (Eastpointe)
Back in the day, Eastwood Park was where Detroit-area kids begged their parents to take them every weekend.
Operating from the 1920s into the early 1950s, this spot featured classic rides like a carousel with hand-painted horses and a Ferris wheel that seemed to touch the sky.
Locals remember racing go-karts and munching on hot dogs while watching the miniature train chug past.
When the park closed, the neighborhood lost more than rides; it lost a gathering place where generations made memories together.
3. Jefferson Beach Amusement Park (St. Clair Shores)
Nothing beat a day at Jefferson Beach, where Lake St. Clair provided the perfect backdrop for thrills and relaxation.
From 1927 to 1955, visitors could ride the wooden roller coaster, then cool off with a swim in the lake. The park’s dance hall drew crowds eager to swing to live music under twinkling lights.
Families would pack picnic baskets and spend entire days exploring the boardwalk, playing arcade games, and watching the sunset over the water before heading home sunburned and happy.
4. Walled Lake Amusement Park (Walled Lake)
Walled Lake Amusement Park was pure magic for kids growing up in Oakland County between 1920 and 1968.
The lakeside location meant you could ride the Tumble Bug, grab cotton candy, and then jump in the water all in one afternoon.
Teenagers loved the park’s roller rink and dance pavilion, where romances bloomed under dim lights.
When developers bought the land and replaced the park with housing, longtime residents mourned the loss of their favorite hangout spot and the carefree summer days it represented.
5. Ramona Park (East Grand Rapids)
Ramona Park turned Reeds Lake into West Michigan’s premier entertainment destination from 1897 to 1955.
The park’s massive roller coaster, known as the Jack Rabbit, gave riders heart-pounding drops while offering gorgeous lake views.
Big bands performed at the park’s famous theater, attracting visitors from across the state.
Locals still talk about rowing out to the park by boat, spending the day on rides, and dancing until the stars came out. Fire destroyed much of the park in 1955, ending an era that defined Grand Rapids summers.
6. Lake Lansing Amusement Park (Haslett)
For Lansing-area families, Lake Lansing Amusement Park was the go-to destination from the early 1900s through the 1960s.
The park combined traditional amusement rides with beach access, creating the perfect summer escape.
Kids squealed on the miniature railroad while parents relaxed on the sandy shore. The park’s roller coaster and fun house provided thrills, while the lakeside setting kept everyone cool during hot Michigan summers.
Though the rides are long gone, the lake remains a popular spot where older residents still point out where their favorite attractions once stood.
7. Flint Park (Flint)
Vehicle City had its own slice of amusement park heaven with Flint Park, which entertained locals from the 1920s through 1961.
Factory workers and their families would spend paychecks on ride tickets, games, and treats after long weeks on the assembly line.
The park featured everything from a merry-go-round to thrill rides that tested your courage.
When Flint Park closed, the community lost a vital recreational space where different generations could bond over shared experiences and create lasting memories together.
8. Toledo Beach Amusement Park (La Salle)
Straddling the Michigan-Ohio day-trip crowd, Toledo Beach drew visitors between 1907 and the late 1950s, with the site redeveloped as Toledo Beach Marina in 1962.
Lake Erie provided cooling breezes while visitors braved the Thriller roller coaster or tested their skills at carnival games.
The park’s beach was perfect for swimming between rides, and the dance hall hosted legendary acts that had people talking for weeks.
Regulars remember the smell of popcorn mixing with lake air and the way the sunset painted the sky pink behind the Ferris wheel before they reluctantly headed home.
9. White City Park (Jacobsville, Houghton County)
Way up in Michigan’s Copper Country, White City Park brought big-city entertainment to the remote Upper Peninsula from 1905 to the 1920s.
Mining families traveled from surrounding towns to experience the park’s rides, dance hall, and waterfront attractions.
Despite its isolated location, the park featured impressive rides and drew surprisingly large crowds during its heyday.
When mining declined and the park closed, it left behind ruins that still fascinate history buffs who hike through the area, imagining the laughter that once echoed across the Keweenaw Peninsula.
10. Pleasure Island Water Theme Park (Norton Shores)
Opening its gates in 1990, this waterpark quickly became a summer staple for West Michigan families seeking relief from the heat.
Located near Muskegon, the park featured thrilling water slides, a massive wave pool, and a lazy river that kids could float down for hours.
Families loved the affordable admission prices and the park’s friendly atmosphere. The park’s signature attraction was a towering slide complex that brave visitors climbed repeatedly despite wobbly legs.
After closing in 2002, the property sat abandoned for years, becoming a haunting reminder of carefree summer days.