Embedded Files
Once known as the largest theme park in the world, housing three different parks under a single name, Geauga Lake Park came to a tumultuous end officially in 20161. The now ghost town features abandoned structures and slabs of concrete that once was the literal foundation of rides and attractions for people of all ages. As heartbreaking as the closure of the park was to the public, it undermines the rich history that contributed to the initial rise of the historical site. Navigate through the menu to understand the geography of the site, and to understand the historical importance to settlers, locals, and travelers.
Geauga Lake Circa 20102
Geauga Lake Circa 20102
Geauga Lake Present Day3
Geauga Lake Present Day3
Main Entrance Before4
Main Entrance Before4
Main Entrance Now5
Main Entrance Now5
Basic Information
Basic Information
General Location6
Bainbridge Township & Aurora, Ohio
Brief Timeline of Events
1887: Recreational Area1,7,9
1889: 1st amusement park ride added1,9,10
1925: 1st rollercoaster, Big Dipper1,9,10
1969: Expansion of the Amusement Park1,7,9
2000s: Abandoned parks & Redevelopment1,9,10
Amusement Park: 1887-2007
Sea World: 1970-2000
Wildwater Kingdom: 2005-2016
*NOTE: For a detailed timeline, please visit the Environment section
References
SHANE. 2019. Geauga Lake: The Meteoric Rise and Tragic Fall of the World’s Largest Amusement Park. 28 October. https://www.coaster101.com/2019/10/28/geauga-lake-the-meteoric-rise-and-tragic-fall-of-the-worlds-largest-amusement-park/.
Glaser, Susan. 2016. Geauga Lake's final chapter: Closing of Wildwater Kingdom sets up future development. 29 August. https://www.cleveland.com/travel/2016/08/geauga_lakes_final_chapter_clo.html.
Ohio Drone. 2019. Geauga Lake. October. https://jeffholbury.smugmug.com/LANDMARKS-TOWNS/GEAUGA-LAKE-AMUSEMENT-PARK-ABANDONED/GEAUGA-LAKE-OCTOBER-2019/i-Svwqs7Z.
Goszka, Gavin. 2020. The Last Days of Geauga Lake Park. 23 September.
Wiley, Chelsea. n.d. This Video Of Abandoned Ruins At Geauga Lake Will Hit You Right In The Feels. https://www.columbusnavigator.com/geauga-lake-abandoned/.
Brian. 2015. DEFUNCT AMUSEMENT PARKS: Geauga Lake Park - Aurora, Ohio (1887-2007). 15 July.
Micklewright, John. n.d. Geauga Lake: An Environmental History. https://clevelandhistorical.org/items/show/795.
n.d. Geauga Lake-Sea World History. http://aurorahistorical.org/archives/geauga-lake-sea-world-history/#:~:text=1888%3A%20Alexander%20G.,a%20primitive%20steam%2Dpowered%20carousel.&text=This%2064%2Dhorse%2C%20hand%2D,Illions%20carousels%20in%20the%20world.
Bright Sun Films. 2020. Geauga Lake 2020 Update. YouTube. 28 February. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6k35ZpF8rU.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse