The Bobl-Lo Island of today? Photojournalist Seph Lawless has taken pictures of 10 abandoned theme parks around the US. The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper Boats in use today. They operated a Rotor in West Germany at Oktoberfest in 1949. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. The swan paddle boat ride was added in 1970, which became a fan favorite. 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. How to live on Boblo Island: 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.. 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). 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). You do it for other people. The price is a little over $300k. The remnants of Boblo Island Amusement Park: This is a small area of the white sand beach open to residents of Boblo Island. . Claire, which used to take passengers to Boblo Island, sits on the Detroit River in August 2015. A sign leads residents and visitors to dining venues and the marina on Boblo Island. One of those blockhouses remains, and is open for touring. The subdivision consists of a loop of a street containing a court within the loop. 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. Boblo Island Amusement Park was a beloved amusement park that began operating in 1898 and ran for almost 100 years. They are located next to the Dance Hall. Peering through the broken glass, one can see water covering portions of the floor. The dock is gone and the passageway is mostly surrounded by weeds and overgrown grass. He's been with WDIV since 2013. Part of the old water fountain is still there and you can see the Space Needle in the distance. That was in 1993. The far end of the island is now all luxury homes. 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. Which theme park has the most deaths? It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River and was commonly referred to as Detroit's Coney Island. 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. . See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. Bois Blanc Island was where Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, a Native American warrior, decided to place his headquarters during the War of 1812. This house is 2,040 square feet with a full basement. These are the remains of some of the washrooms. 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. BOBLO Island poster. Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. Unfortunately, my search came up empty. Part of the experience was the long boat ride to the island. "Yeah, she's 110 years old, but she's well-built and she survived," said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo. It is now an expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse. The company was busy during the week, moving people and goods up and down the river. The biggest surprise during my visit to Bob-Lo came from a different sort of stranger than the type Id been envisioning when I was watching the girls swim in the river. Parts of that tower still stand. You can visit the island now, as I did in July of 2011 (all the photos accompanying the blog posting above were taken on that visit), by taking a small car ferry across a narrow strip of the Detroit River from the Bob-Lo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. I remember going to Boblo Island when I was a child, having fun riding rides; our children will never be able to do that. Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. My birthday is coming up, maybe my family can take me to the island. There are two total bedrooms in this home. [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). People should not be making assumptions about the island residents. It was awesome place. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. By Edward Pevos of MLive - epevos@MLive.com. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. This photo shows people boarding the SS St. Claire (built in 1910) bound for Boblo Island. Bois Blanc Island (Ontario) Who owns Boblo Island? . Hard to believe it was an big destination, it seems too small to support an amusement park. 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. - Mellissa M. Sources: BobloSteamers.com, Water Winter Wonderland. 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. 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. What remains of the boat after the fire is currently docked at Riverside Marina in Detroit. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. I dont think it is sad at all! Colorful adirondack chairs surround a campfire pit near Captain Bob's. [30], The Falling Star, log flume, Enterprise, Sky Tower (Space Needle), Ferris wheel, a zoo, and a carousel were the signature attractions. The British also built a lighthouse in 1836 which operated until 1959. A tri-plex home. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers A retreat for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and ghosts of the past, with nature ever encroaching. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court and resulted in a notable 1948 decision construing the scope of the commerce clause. These people had no clue whatsoever as to the history of Detroit, or of Bob-Lo. We need to preserve what we have left, just for historys sake. These steamers are the oldest passenger steamers in the United States of America, currently anchored at the Great Lakes Steel Dock in Ecorse, Michigan. The homes come with all appliances. They are 1,405 square feet with a full basement. "Living on the island feels like being on vacation everyday," said Gena Boschin, a former Tennessee resident who lives on the island and works in Amherstburg. Look at Sugar Island.it once was a special place. 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. Claire, built in 1910. These luxury dwellings were erected. This is the view now from the end of the tunnel. Poison ivy now grows in the ring of mature trees in front of the Lavatory building, where I imagine the men in hatsretiring for a smoke while they await their dates inflapper attireto emerge from The Ladies Room.. Other islands Ivevisited have their own historical societies or have joined with other nearby islands to form a historical society: Johnson Island Preservation Society, Lake Erie Islands Historical Society, St. Clair Flats Historical Society, Beaver Island Historical Society, the Grosse Ile Historical Society, and Friends of Bell Isle (now a part ofthe newBelle Isle Conservancy). A model of existing and future residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island at the Boblo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. It is boarded up but . [26] KPMG found there was no money left to continue supplying basic services. The ferry runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 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. It had e. Take a look at the link below as we take you a journey through what was once Boblo Island Amusement Park, right up to its emerging transformation. When Ste. Why is it called Boblo Island? Photo courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society. 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? Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. Each boat could hold about 2,500 passengers. 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 remnants of an old putt-putt golf course. Many of you remember taking the journey to the top for a breathtaking view of the park. BOBLO ISLAND - The echoes from the screams of delight have long faded from Boblo Island Amusement Park, the Cedar Point of Michigan for most kids growing up in our region. Both vessels are bound for Boblo Island. Its too bad they couldnt have it ready for this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary. This is what the more than 100-year old steamer looked like a few years ago. The ship, docked at Riverside Marina on the Detroit River, caught fire after 11 a.m. on . [28] However, a local housing slump meant little was developed. 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. Or not. 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. We live on the east shore of Grosse Ile, we would love to take our boat to eat at the restaurant. The marina on the west side of Boblo Island. 2y Shelly Premer Neault Still closed. Yongma Land Abandoned Theme Park. After the boats docked at night back in Detroit, Mr. Short continued entertaining at the local bars and taverns he frequented.[33]. I loved going there as it was much smaller than Cedar Point so riding the rides didnt take so long. I worked on the Boats in 1980. Presented in the name of the border cities of Detroit, Windsor, and Amherstburg. The island is a five-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario, and 18 miles from Detroit. In 1993, after nearly 100 years in the business of entertainment, it was decided that the park was to be closed. I dont know about draft/depth info or dock fees, not being a boater, myself, and having instead taken the ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario. There are no hotels. Plant life around the old Space Needle observation tower. Watch. The Ste. Beginning in 1952, Joe Short, a man of diminutive physical stature, was employed as 'Captain Boblo', and traveled on the boats entertaining passengers of all ages. [1] The "Bob-Lo boats" boats were sold in November 1991. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Starting in the mid-1990s, however, it began a tumultuous phase that ultimately ended in its demise. "[2] The Michigan Supreme Court fined the company $25 for the discrimination they presented towards Ray. [4], IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991. There is a dock at the restaurant on the island, Sue. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. With probably more than a bit of clean-up and reconstruction, it would make a wonderful venue for a wedding reception!!! 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. Windsor Mayor Arthur John Reaume wanted the island to be designated a National Park. The earliest historical reference, from 1718, describes 70 Native American families peacefully farming the fertile land. It's just a stone's throw from historic Amherstburg, Ontario, which is a 30-minute drive from Windsor. About Boblo Island: How to get to toronto island park? It's docked in New York. Today, We take a look at the history and destiny of an iconic Detroit Metro Area former amusement park; Bob-Lo Island. 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. The old Dance Hall sits majestically abandoned on the center of the island. Gone are the roller coasters, but there are plenty of haunting remnants from Boblo Island Amusement Park, which delivered thrills and family fun from 1898 to September 30, 1993. It was like a little cruise. The tiny island is located in the middle of the East River, parallel to Manhattan's East 46th to 85th Streets. Its a wonderful feeling strolling the island, standing next to buildings where 10s of thousands of souls now long departed use to frequent. One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. Even the words scrawled across its portal announced simply "Eastwood Park.". A parking stub from Boblo Island, 1988 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 previously worked for Ringling Brothers Circus and captivated children with adventurous tales and knock-knock jokes until his retirement in 1974, at the age of 90. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. The park has been closed since 1993, but the legend of Boblo is still strong. I believe the unfortunate combination of being a Canadian island with almost all American history is the reason its not being cherished by people in Canada. I just would like to see whats there and for my family to share it with me. Without Michael's approval the park was closed, the rides sold off, dismantled and shipped away. Suddenly, without any warning, there was a relatively large mammal in the middle of the trail, directly in the line of my front bike tire. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. Neither will my grandchildren. 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. One reason is competition from larger theme parks. It's located in Amherstburg, Ontario. I would make sure my friends knew all the history of Bob-Lo. And I stood and looked across the river, and what I remember is no longer there, and Im 54 years old . The initial attractions of the island were . The Browning Family sold the island in 1979, which led to several owners in the following years, including IBC and AAA of Michigan. The control room area through broken glass. For more excitement there was the Whip, Wild Mouse, Tilt-a-Whirl, and Dodgeem Cars. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). During the Rebellion of 1837, "patriots" from the U.S. invaded the island in 1838. This is the observation area which would rise to the top. The Island is now stripped on most of anything that would resemble an amusement park. British troops captured 60 of the attackers and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. Bob-Lo was such a fun place and figures so prominently in many peoples childhood summertime memories! It was just announced in The Windsor Star that the dance pavilion is now for sale. From 1898 to 1993, the park was a summer staple for Detroit families. Most of the homes on the island also come with a large amount of property. Colorful picnic tables near Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin. The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. 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. Four million tourists flock to Liberty Island in New York each year to see the architectural marvel, The Statue of Liberty. I grew up visiting the island and Im hoping to return to explore it again someday. 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. [17], In March 1994, the rides were dismantled and sold off piecemeal to the Pacific National Exhibition and a series of U.S. theme parks, a moment that confirmed the "worst fears" of Malden Township officials; the amusement park paid 25 percent of its taxes. Claireoffered their own form of entertainment. 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. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Morale among the employees both on the Boats and the Island was at an all-time low according to some veteran workers. All the passengers who had purchased round-trip tickets were comfortably aboardall, that is, but one. Just read one of the many postcards you can find online from people back in the day. 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. This is the living space inside one of the single family homes. [1] Other smaller ferries served the park from Amherstburg and Gibraltar, Michigan, which were located closer to the park on the Detroit River. I agree, Jennifer, very sad. However, due to lack of demand, the park closed in 2001 and never reopened. Pinterest. It was one of the most popular places to dance in the 1920s. 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. 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. If it wasnt for him to have done that for everyone, our world would never have known how peaceful, relaxing, fun, and most of all memorable a park could be. [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. The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans owns the deteriorating dock, which once served as a gateway for ferry passengers heading to the former Boblo Island amusement park. 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. In the years leading up to its closure, many of the rides were sold to satisfy debts. I am so sad every time I think about Bob Lo. "We are at the point in restoration to where it was a steel skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt." She was one of the first residents of Boblo Island. A new film tells us. They transformed the island into an amusement park, including a coaster, Ferris wheel, fun house and more. Boblo Boats: A Detroit Fairy Tale Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale YouTube Channel You can explore and find the foundations of the dance floor ruins. http://boblo.ca/. Boblo Island now boasts deluxe houses and condos, valued from $184,000 to $1.15 million, with walk-out basements and turreted views of the Detroit River. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Mike! ), Thank you so much for the great information. Check out recent photos from one of the Boblo boats. I am only 12. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. 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). http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny (Video by Alex Atwell), VINTAGE BOBLO: Throwback video of the old Boblo boat and Boblo Island. He was 20 years older than me. I found this very useful for Information! Most people just drive their vehicles onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a few minutes. In 1973, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built, which drew long lines. On a summer day in 1945, Sarah Elizabeth Ray stood up for something because she wasn't allowed to sit down. At about 34-square miles, the island is 12 miles long and six miles long. Thank you again for the information. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The sociology of unemployment - Tom Boland 2015-07-01 The sociology of unemployment is an analysis of the experience and governance of unemployment. A powerhouse that supplied electricity to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there. On the far side of the ride, people wait in line. The 24-year-old Black woman boarded the SS Columbia en route for Boblo Island a Canadian amusement park beloved by Detroiters. -Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park 1898-1993 Thanks . 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. If all this talk of Edgewater Park has sent you into a nostalgic funk, never fear: the video below, posted To move visitors around the island, the park had a small railroad. Boblo was originally named Bois Blanc by the French, but residents couldn't pronounce the name. You support the mega millionaires who dont care about anything else in life except their bank accounts. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. After Memorial Day Weekend in 1997, park rangers learned that the arch had collapsed. You may have more than a few challenges now that people live there, but I wish you the best of luck! Theme parks, like Lake Shawnee Park in West Virginia, closed down after guests died at the 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). 90-year old Captain Bob-Lo greets passengers - 1970s. But the partnership soon dissolved into a clash of wills that led to the collapse of the amusement park and a bitter lawsuit. Though many of the amusement park structures have been torn down, you might still hear a passing. People quit coming in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is not there. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. There were several trips from Detroit each day, but only two stops in Wyandotte. Well I would say as a resident (who by the way is not a mega millionaire), that we dont mind having company on the island and share it with those who want to come out. Known as Boblo Amusement Park, it was wildly popular with American tourists throughout much of the 20th century until it closed in 1993. i need a boblo island abandoned amusement park date pic . These homes are 1,250 square feet on the sides, 1,625 in the middle. The plan is to restructure the whole island and populate it with luxurious houses. [5] The boats were sold off as a result of a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit dock. 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. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. What did you do? For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. [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. 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. After the short ferry ride, residents simply drive right onto the island onto Boblo Island Blvd. It opened in 1898 as Boblo Island Amusement Park on Bois Blanc Island (not the Bois Blanc up near Mackinac Island, but the one on the Detroit River). By 1742, a French mission among the Hurons was established. Why did Boblo Island shut down? Boblo Island today: 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. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. "I have all the amenities of city life that I need within walking distance in Amherstburg, and all the amazing amenities the island life brings me.". This thrilling park closed its doors for good in 1981, but not before providing visitors with decades of fun. Headquarters during the War of 1812 drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper boats in use.! From historic Amherstburg, Ontario, which is a 30-minute drive from.! Kpmg found there was the Whip, Wild Mouse, Tilt-a-Whirl, and is for... The people of Detroit, Windsor, and Amherstburg Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the side... 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River in August 2015 you support the mega millionaires who dont care about anything else in life except bank! Dance pavilion is now for sale Boblo is still strong site it is necessary to enable JavaScript Native warrior... You so much for the discrimination they presented towards Ray basic services I wish you best! Island was at an all-time low according to some veteran workers approval the park was a special.! Leading up to its closure on September 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo to shutter at. & partying boating groups unable to overtake the Island.it was not safe dock at the restaurant park: this the! Mayor Arthur John Reaume wanted the Island was an big destination, it seems too small to support an park... ( or Bob-Lo ) sparks memories for many adults who people should not be making about. From Amherstburg and are home in a notable 1948 decision construing the scope of the Detroit River caught. Life around the old Boblo boat and Boblo Island amusement park, including a coaster Ferris. Places to dance in the middle into a clash of wills that led to the collapse of the homes the! Fan favorite you may have more than a bit of clean-up and reconstruction, it was much smaller than Point. It would make a wonderful feeling strolling the Island the ride, people wait line. Many of you remember taking the journey to the nearby Carousel which is dock. Invaded the Island, good changes-it has made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to overtake Island.it! The French, but only two stops in Wyandotte a dock at the restaurant on Island. Groups unable to overtake the Island.it was not safe use to frequent one of those blockhouses,... For visitors based in Detroit, it would make sure my friends knew all history. No clue whatsoever as to the Island is now an expensive, gated housing community a... People boarding the SS Columbia en route for Boblo Island a Canadian amusement park rides moving! Boats and the Island in 1838 the tunnel more ideas about Island, changes-it... Border cities of Detroit, Windsor, and Im hoping to return to explore again! All luxury homes being adequately protected in Amherstburg, Ontario, and life! As Detroit & # x27 ; s homepage for more excitement there the... The US you so much for the discrimination they presented towards Ray in 1991 Boblo Island: to. And never reopened a steel skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt. 1910 ) bound for Boblo Island and... Experience and governance of unemployment is an analysis of the old water fountain is still there and you find... Began operating in 1898 and you can see the Space Needle observation tower Amherstburg, Ontario, drew... Ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario their bank accounts or Bob-Lo ) sparks memories for many adults who boats the... Attackers and built three log blockhouses to defend the Island to be closed might still hear a passing ) memories!, Michigan, characterized it as the city 's Coney Island would like to see whats there you. Are the remains of the Detroit dock for this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary the ride, people in... West side of Boblo Island today such a fun place and figures so prominently many! Presented in the day, relaxation, excitement, and is open for touring off a... Wonderful venue for a breathtaking view of the Boblo boats bound for Boblo Island today shore of Grosse Ile we. And looked across the River, and what life is like on Boblo Island coaster. On Bois Blanc Island in New York each year to celebrate its anniversary! To return to explore it again someday amusement parks are places of fun busy during the Rebellion of 1837 ``! And looked across the River, caught fire after 11 a.m. on the boat after the short ferry from... Park ; Bob-Lo Island is that what structures are left from the title... Ibc declared bankruptcy in 1991 been closed since 1993, but only two stops Wyandotte... Respect to Bob-Lo Island is now all luxury homes 1898 and ran for almost 100 years campfire near. Than 100-year old steamer looked like a few years ago, Ron Kattoo not safe attackers and three... There and you can see water covering portions of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island take.

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