Chippewa Lake Park: Gone But Not Forgotten Part II

After researching and finding out the history of Chippewa Lake Park, I wanted to see it for myself, especially before more of the rides were removed. Last Friday I decided to make the trek up to the park. I headed out not knowing what I would find, or if I could even gain access to the grounds.

When I arrived in the small town of Chippewa Lake, I did not know where to start my adventure. I drove around for awhile before finding a house that was just outside the old park’s entrance. It had a restored Tumblebug car out front and a sign reading Chippewa Lake Park Museum, Opening 1998. The sign said closed, so I decided to visit another nearby house to see about getting into the park.

I was in luck, the lady that came to the door was extremely kind. Not only did she allow me to get into the park, but she gave me my own personal tour through the once thriving park. I was shown where each and every building and attraction used to be. I also was told more about the history of the park than I thought I would learn. I am very thankful for her generosity. At the end of my time at the park, she even took me into the closed museum-but more on that later.

Now lets venture into the park:

In June of 2002, Chippewa Lake’s large ballroom burned down. A place once reserved for music and dancing now resides in this state.

All that is left of the hotel now is this lone standing chimney and some rubble from a few rooms.

One of the rides at the park used to be this boat, which would pull up to the pier and give guests rides out on the lake. I am pretty sure it would not be able to anymore.

A ride that is very hard to come across today is the Flying Cages. I am glad that I could see a piece of it before it disappears as well.

In 2009, most of the Big Dipper roller coaster was demolished. The only memories of the ride now are these pieces of track and the large gears for the lift hill (which can be seen on our Facebook page).

The fate of the Wild Mouse coaster was very similar, but more recent. Just last Spring the coaster was dismantled. Along the old midway these last pieces of track lie.

Chippewa Lake has fell victim to its share of vandalism. It’s quite depressing that a park that stood for years without change, now has had damage done to it, as seen here with an old shaved ice stand. We can hope that it will end, but I was told that it is almost a daily occurrence.

The park’s Ferris Wheel now finds itself becoming overcome with trees. As I walked through the park, I tried to picture what it must have been like years ago. It was really hard to visualize because the whole area now looks as the ground does around the Ferris Wheel. I wish I could have seen Chippewa Lake Park when it was in full swing. My guide on the other hand, said that she remembers visiting the park as a child and how fun it used to be to spend the day there.

My favorite part of my time at the park, was visiting the kiddie coaster. For the most part, all of the track and structure is still present. It was amazing to get so close to an old coaster. The trees have also taken over this ride, there are many growing right up through the track. It was hard to imagine a train rolling around those tracks!

As stated earlier, I was treated to a visit to the museum. Inside there was a Wild Mouse car, lift hill chain, old cash registers, furniture, and more. I did not expect to see all of the park’s history up close, it was truly a great experience. I am very thankful that I had the chance to visit this abandoned park before more of the rides are dismantled or destroyed.

For more pictures, including some of the Tumblebug, not seen in the article, visit our Facebook page and see our album Chippewa Lake Park.

*I would like to personally thank Donna for the time she took to show me around the park and museum, it is greatly appreciated.