Boblo Island Michigan, Whatever happened to Boblo Island's Victorian-era amusement park, and why does it sit now, abandoned in Ontario? We explored the grounds of Boblo Island Amusement Park to see what it looks like now. But he also is considered the greatest Great Lakes architect of all-time. I remember going to the park as a kid and later playing in a band on the moonlight cruise down the river on one of the Bob-Lo boats which was fun. The island is about 4. The initial attractions of the island were mostly simple: a day on the river and a picnic in a park-like setting. For nearly a century, Boblo Island Amusement Park captured the imaginations of countless families across the Detroit River. The park was located at the mouth of the Detroit River on Bois Blanc Island in Canadian waters off Amherstburg, Ontario. Rides, animals, concessions, games, food, dancing, swimmingBoblo had it all. 0 kilometres (2. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island (on the Canadian side of the Detroit River). Bois Blanc Island, commonly referred to as Boblo Island, is an island in the Detroit River on the Canadian side of the border and is part of Amherstburg, Ontario. Boblo Island was an amusement park located in the middle of the Detroit River. Bois Blanc Island (/ bɔɪz ˈblæŋk / boyz BLANK) is an island in Lake Huron within Bois Blanc Township, Mackinac County, Michigan. 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 BOBLO ISLAND/BOIS BLANC, CANADA - What was once like another Cedar Point for Michiganders has gone from abandoned amusement park to thriving, private community. Cheap, a decent park and closer than Cedar Point. They could hold about 2,500 passengers each. Go down memory lane with the Free Press for a look back at the historic Boblo Island, which closed in 1993. For more than 85 years, the park was serviced by the SS Ste. S. They created a destination to keep themselves busy on the weekend. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. In 1898, the Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Companyopened up a recreation park on the Detroit River, about 18 miles southwest of Windsor. For more than 80 The theatrical run has expanded to more than twenty cities in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, with additional screenings across the U. Located on Canada’s Bois Blanc Island in the Detroit River, this magical destination wasn’t just about rides—it was about the entire experience beginning with that unforgettable boat ride. A bather poses at Boblo Island on the Canadian side of the Detroit River in the 1920s. Clair and the SS Columbia ferry boats. Photos: Exploring Boblo Island, 25 years after its closure Posted | Contributed by Jeff The last screams of joy could be heard from the little island of fun 25 years ago this week as the Cedar Point of Michigan closed for the final time. Laura Herberg tours ruins and visits an AirBnB on Boblo Island, plus she and a listener tour a former Boblo boat. it was Bob-Lo Island, in the Detroit River between Detroit and Ontario, Canada. 5 mi) wide and 110 hectares (272 acres) in size. Kirby, perhaps best remembered by metro Detroiters for designing the Boblo boats - the Columbia and the Ste. Browse the latest listings and find your dream home today. Here is a video tour of what the island looks like now. The name Bob-Lo is an American corruption of the French name for the island meaning White Woods. The company was busy during the week, moving people and goods up and down the river. The 18-mile boat ride was carried out by the famous s Aug 15, 2024 · Formerly known as an entertainment area, Boblo Island opened in 1898 and closed nearly a century later in 1993. 80 km (0. Claire steamship lost its status as a National Historical Landmark after deemed irreparable from a 2018 fire. The historic amusement park closed nearly 30 years ago. Known for its ferry boats from Detroit and Windsor, the park featured rides, dance halls, and attractions. The One and Only, Boblo Island It was Michigan’s ‘Cedar Point’ and Detroit’s ‘Coney Island’. The first autos crossed the Straits of Mackinac in 1917 on the SS Chief Wawatam. Here's your chance to head back to the island. Sky Tower Boblo’s aptly named Sky Tower took passengers up to a height of 214 feet, offering not only a spectacular view of the island, but also the Detroit River from its rotating observation cabin. It was Tashmoo Park that gave the steamer its name. The Boblo Island Amusement Park was famous for those two steamers, which went between Detroit and the island. Soon you'll be able to once again board the boatnow used as a museum. Sep 30, 2018 · The east side of the island is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. When people talk about Boblo Island, it’s often about the memories of visiting the amusement park or the boat rides to the island. I vaguely remember going to Boblo Island Amusement Park as a kid and recently found myself wondering what happened to the place. Detroit, Michigan 48209 Boblo's original name was Etiowiteedannenti (a name from the Huron Indians who once lived there). Here are historic pictures of Boblo Island, along with some pics of what the remains of the amusement park look like today. Boblo Island Amusement Park, Amherstburg. Located along the southern Detroit River, the island saw nearly 800,000 visitors Bob-Lo Park (Sometimes seen as “Boblo”) was established as an entertainment destination in 1898 by the Detroit, Belle Isle and Windsor Ferry Company. In 1898, the island was opened up as a recreational destination (as a picnic and park area) and visitors began to call it "Boblo Island" - the name was I remember the Boblo boat being 'the' party when I was a kid in the city. The lasting memories can still be seen scattered around the island, but other than that Boblo has taken on a much different look these days. and Canada later in the fall. Boblo Island was a popular amusement park located on Bois Blanc Island in the Detroit River, operating from 1898 to 1993. About Ontario 's Bois Blanc Island, frequently abbreviated as "Boblo Island" opened its amusement park in 1898. Boblo Island's Ste. These are pictures of the eerie remnants of the park which operated from 1898 to 1993. Part of what made Boblo so special 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. 6 km) wide and has 6 lakes. What In sad news, the iconic Bob-Lo Island dock, AKA Detroit Harbor Terminal, has been demolished in 2023. . Small wall plaque 5” x 7” Brand new still in shrink wrap Never used See photos of front and back Nice addition to your Michigan or Detroit collections Cash only Condition Used - like new Great picture of the old Bob-Lo Island boat Size is 16x13 New Baltimore, MI Location is approximate Message Condition Used - like new Bob-Lo Island Souvenir Plate Livonia, MI Location is approximate Message Classifieds Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for c1920 Boblo Island Amusement Park Cafeteria Building RPPC VTG Bois Blanc Detroit at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products! Boblo ceased to be a destination with the closure of the amusement park. com® has 17 homes for sale in Bois Blanc Island, MI. Bob-lo Island. BOBLO ISLAND Amusement Park Vintage Sliding Puzzle NIP Boblo Bear Detroi Boblo Boat On Detroit River Detroit Skyline Print ~ Janet M Anderson ~ 4 BOB-LO Vintage Souvenir ASHTRAY - Boblo Island Ontario / Detroit 3 Souvenir Ashtrays Country Music Wax, Grants Family Restaurant, Boblo I A couple who own the only available AirBNB on Boblo Island gave Local a rare glimpse of what the island looks like now. charity event. Boblo Island was a unique destination for families in both the For 95 years beginning in 1898, Boblo Island was Michigan's top amusement park. [1] Realtor. After 124 years, the site of the infamous amusement park Boblo Island near Detroit has been renamed. In the beginning it was a picnic spot with beaches, athletic fields, bicycle tracks, and a stunning Mangels-Illions carousel. Features printed graphic design on clear glass. An island park that stood the test of time for nearly a century, through two World Wars and the Great Depression, still holds a special place in thousands of Detroiter’s hearts. The ferry boats were sold off in Bois Blanc Island, the home of the former Boblo Island Amusement Park, is just above the mouth of the Detroit River. Promotional material promised a 20-mile view encompassing Michigan, Ontario, and Ohio. Though it was not looking for a buyer, the Michigan AAA sold Boblo Island in 1988 to the International Broadcasting Corporation, a Minneapolis -based concern that owned the Harlem Globetrotters and Ice Capades. Vintage Boblo Island hat. You can live on Boblo Island, now Bois Blanc Island, MI - Boblo Pay our neighbors on Bois Blanc Island a visit, reserve a kayak & camping gear now! Bois Blanc Island is coterminous with Bois Blanc Township, Mackinac County in the U. We are restoring one of Detroit's most iconic steamships, the Ste. Changes in laws and industry lead to the end of the Lake Michigan railroad ferries. Aug 26, 2025 · My grandpa still gets misty-eyed describing the steamboat journey to Boblo Island. Boblo island even goes by a new name now ever since it was bought. state of Michigan. The French later occupied the island, calling it BOis Blanc (for the "White Wood" of the trees that stood there). Oh, and what a place it was! I barely remember riding the ferry boat to the island, but I can’t muster up any images of being on Boblo, even though I know I was there when I was a little kid. The park had roller coasters, stuffed mascots, carnival games and more. Vintage Boblo Island Canada amusement park shot glass is approximately 4" inches tall, in good condition as shown (photos). Few physical reminders The island is a five minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario, and 18 miles from Detroit, Michigan. From the exciting boat ride to the island fun, a trip to Boblo Island was what childhood was all about in Michigan. Elastic back for easy fit though best as a keepsake of fun times on the Island . Boblo Island Amusement Park ran from 1898 to 1993. Definitely a case of missing it more after it was gone and realizing I had taken it for granted. It was, as the people of Detroit, Michigan characterized it, as that city's Coney Island. Pick up in Riverview The Tashmoo was designed by Frank E. Originally, Bob-Lo was not designed to use electricity, but it 1901 it was installed on the island at the same time new picnic grounds were laid out, child-friendly and enjoyable by adults as well. Claire. This historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and amusement park located on the Detroit River. Boblo Island delighted millions of people through the years until it was closed as an amusement park and sold to a private investor in 1994. A couple who own the only available AirBNB on Boblo Island gave Local a rare glimpse of what the island looks like now. Get our free mobile app Boblo was a mighty fixture in Michigan (even though it’s on Canadian land) for almost 100 years until it’s closure in 1993. Then it was gone. The median listing price is $199,000. Hard-to-find souvenir collectible. We at Detroitisit remember the island with great fondness as well, but Bob-Lo did go through some tumultuous times. Boblo Island Amusement Park was a seasonal attraction located on Bois Blanc Island, a small island in the Detroit River on the Canadian side of the international border, approximately 18 miles southwest of Detroit, Michigan. Abandoned Boblo Island Amusement Park is a former large amusement park which ran from 1898 until September 30, 1993. v. 80,112 likes · 191 talking about this · 198 were here. On this day in Michigan history, September 30, 1993, Boblo Island Amusement Park closed after 85 years. Once Boblo Island's park was open to African-Americans, the need for a “colored” park diminished, and I presume that also helped seal the fate of Sugar Island. It is a picturesque island approximately 18 miles from Detroit and can be reached via a convenient five-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario. Free shipping. Small spot on back flap(see pic) otherwise great condition for its age. They could hold over 2,500 passengers each. For generations of Detroiters, the mere mention of Boblo Island Amusement Park conjures up a flood of memories filled with laughter and excitement. Dec 28, 2020 · Boblo Island was at one time the most popular summer amusement getaway in Michigan. Learn more With Faire, shop unique wholesale products for your store from brands like Retro Michigan and more. Established in 1898 by the Detroit, Windsor, and Belle Isle Ferry Company to utilize its ferry fleet more effectively, the park operated until its abrupt closure on In 1948 the US Supreme Court upheld the ruling of the lower courts in Bob-Lo Excursion Co. They brought a camera crew over from Michigan for our event while they were also filming the Boblo Island documentary that was narrated by Martha Free and easy returns. 5 mi) long, 0. Bob-Lo Island was a family amusement park fondly remembered by Detroiters of a certain age. Here's a look at what remains of the abandoned amusement park which closed nearly 30 years ago and what's on the island now. The Boblo Island Amusement Park was famous for those two steamers, the “Bob-Lo boats”, which went between Detroit and the island. Michigan, and Bob-Lo was forced to integrate. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who spent summers riding the ferry to Boblo Island, visiting its amusement park or just enjoying a picnic. The island covers about 34 sq mi (88 km 2) and is about 12 miles (19 km) long, 6 miles (9. Well, it went out of business a long time ago, but we found a few videos of what it looks like today -- check them out here. ojfpe7, rpvv, 6nqu, 0byjn, wrwyu, krwyx, byckp, g2qusp, sb6vh, 50ar1,