What Happened to Boblo Island? Why Did Boblo Island Close Down?
by Sooryaprakash D | Updated Jul 17, 2023
What is Boblo Island?
Boblo Island was an amusement park located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, near the mouth of the Detroit River. It operated from 1898 until its closure in 1993. The park was often referred to as Detroit's Coney Island due to its popularity among the residents of Detroit, Michigan.
It featured a variety of attractions, including roller coasters, a log flume, a Ferris wheel, a zoo, and a carousel. One of its notable features was a dance hall, believed to have been designed by renowned architect Albert Kahn.
The park was accessible via the iconic "Bob-Lo boats," specifically the Steamer Ste Claire and the Steamer Columbia, which ferried visitors between the island and Amherstburg, Ontario, as well as Gibraltar, Michigan.
Despite its initial success, Boblo Island faced challenges towards the end of its operation. Legal disputes, financial troubles, and a decline in attendance led to its closure in 1993. The park's rides were sold off, and the property changed ownership multiple times, with attempts to repurpose it for residential and commercial development.
Today, Boblo Island stands as an abandoned amusement park, with remnants of its former attractions and a rich history that once brought joy to generations of visitors from both sides of the Canada-U.S. border.
What Happened to Boblo Island?
Boblo Island Amusement Park, located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, operated from 1898 until its closure in 1993. After facing financial difficulties and ownership changes, including a bankruptcy declaration by the International Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) in 1991, the park was put up for sale in 1992.
Despite efforts to find buyers, the park struggled in its final years due to various challenges. Eventually, the rides were dismantled and sold off in 1994. The property went through different ownerships and proposals, including plans for a casino and residential development.
However, financial setbacks and a housing slump hindered progress. Over time, some attractions were demolished or sold, including the iconic Space Needle ride tower in 2021.
The SS Ste. Claire, one of the park's famous excursion boats, suffered a devastating fire in 2018. Today, Boblo Island stands as an abandoned amusement park with remnants of its past glory.
Why Did Boblo Island Close Down?
Boblo Island Amusement Park closed down due to a series of factors and challenges. The park, which operated from 1898 to its closure on September 30, 1993, faced various difficulties throughout its history.
One notable event was the racial discrimination case, Bob-Lo Excursion Co. v. Michigan, where the state of Michigan sued the operators of the ferry service, leading to a legal battle that reached the U.S. Supreme Court.
In 1988, the park was sold to the International Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), but IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991, resulting in the sale of the park's boats and the park being put up for sale in 1992.
The loss of the Detroit ferry service and poor weather conditions in the 1992 season, along with disputes with island residents and the Canadian Coast Guard, contributed to declining attendance and financial difficulties. Despite efforts to find buyers, including an auction in 1993, the park faced ongoing challenges and was ultimately unable to secure its future.
In 1994, the rides were dismantled and sold off, marking the end of the park's operation. The property underwent various ownership changes and redevelopment proposals, including plans for residential development.
However, financial setbacks, including the impact of the September 11 attacks, and a local housing slump hindered the progress. Over time, parts of the park were demolished due to safety concerns, and the site experienced limited development. The closure of Boblo Island Amusement Park represents a combination of financial struggles, changing circumstances, and the inability to sustain its operations in the face of various challenges.
Where is Boblo Island?
Boblo Island is located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. It was the site of the Boblo Island Amusement Park, an abandoned amusement park that operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993.
The park was often compared to Coney Island by the people of Detroit, Michigan. It gained historical significance due to a racial discrimination case, Bob-Lo Excursion Co. v. Michigan, which reached the U.S. Supreme Court in 1948.
After years of changes in ownership and financial difficulties, the park's rides were dismantled and sold off in 1994. The island has since seen attempts at redevelopment, including proposals for a casino and residential development.
Does Boblo Island Still Exist?
Yes, Boblo Island still exists, but the amusement park that once operated there is no longer in existence. Boblo Island, located on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario near the mouth of the Detroit River, was home to the Boblo Island Amusement Park from 1898 until its closure in 1993.
After the park's closure, the rides were sold off, and the property underwent various ownership changes and attempts at redevelopment. Today, Boblo Island is primarily known as a residential area, with some development proposals over the years.
The iconic amusement park is now abandoned, and its remaining structures and attractions have either been demolished or sold off.
What Happened to Boblo Island? - FAQs
Boblo Island was an amusement park located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, near the mouth of the Detroit River. It operated from 1898 until its closure in 1993.
After facing financial difficulties and ownership changes, the amusement park closed in 1993. The rides were sold off, and the property underwent various attempts at redevelopment.
Boblo Island faced challenges such as legal disputes, financial troubles, declining attendance, and disputes with residents and authorities. These factors contributed to its closure in 1993.
Boblo Island is situated on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, near the mouth of the Detroit River.
Yes, Boblo Island still exists, but the amusement park is no longer operational. The island has seen attempts at redevelopment, primarily for residential purposes.