9 Ohio’s Lost Attractions Tourists Once Loved

Ohio was once a playground with attractions that captured the hearts of many. These places, now memories, remind us of the joy and excitement of past times. Join me on a journey through nine of Ohio’s beloved attractions that have vanished but are not forgotten. Each location tells a story of joy and community that Ohioans cherished.

1. Geauga Lake / Six Flags Worlds of Adventure

Geauga Lake was a magical place, nestled in Aurora, Ohio. Established in the 1880s, it evolved into one of the most significant amusement parks in the country. I remember the thrill of the Big Dipper roller coaster, a wooden marvel that defined the park’s skyline. When it closed in 2007, a piece of Ohio’s heart was lost forever.

As I wander through what remains, I see echoes of laughter and joy. In 2001, the park merged with the adjacent SeaWorld Ohio under Six Flags ownership, becoming Six Flags Worlds of Adventure, an ambitious mix of marine life exhibits, thrill rides, and water attractions that briefly made it the largest amusement park in the world. Families enjoyed endless summers here, with water slides and rides catering to young and old.

While the rides are gone, the memories linger. The Big Dipper was removed in 2016, leaving only traces of its tracks. Walking the grounds today, you’ll find nature reclaiming the land. It’s a haunting yet fascinating scene, a reminder of what once was.

Geauga Lake was more than a park; it was a community gathering spot. The scents of popcorn and cotton candy filled the air, accompanied by the distant screams of delighted riders. Though the park is no longer, the stories and connections it created continue to live on in the hearts of many Ohioans.

If you find yourself in the area, take a moment to reflect on this piece of Ohio history. The land may be silent now, but the memories are loud and clear. Geauga Lake’s spirit remains a cherished part of Ohio’s cultural tapestry.

2. Chippewa Lake Park

Chippewa Lake Park in Medina County was a gem that offered simple joys. Opened in 1878, this park charmed visitors for a century before closing in 1978. The Big Dipper roller coaster was a highlight, offering wooden thrills against a picturesque lake backdrop.

I visited Chippewa Lake Park as a kid, and the lake views captivated me. It was a place where families gathered for picnics, rides, and relaxation. Even now, you can feel the echoes of laughter and fun just by walking the grounds.

Today, nature has taken over. The Ferris wheel stands as a ghostly reminder of happier times. Its metal frame is now entwined with vines, as if the earth is gently reclaiming what was once its own. In recent years, efforts have begun to preserve the park’s legacy.

The Chippewa Lake Historical Society and Medina County Park District are developing a small museum and trailhead to honor the site’s history while allowing the public to safely visit. These plans ensure that Chippewa Lake’s story will continue to be told for future generations.

The park’s closure left a gap in the community. It was a place where generations made memories. Some ride relics still peek through the brush, whispering tales of the past. It’s an intriguing spot for those interested in exploring Ohio’s forgotten places.

As you explore the overgrown paths, it’s easy to imagine the joy that once filled the air. Chippewa Lake Park was a beloved Ohio attraction that holds a special place in the hearts of many. Its story is a reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the enduring power of memories.

3. Euclid Beach Park (Cleveland)

Euclid Beach Park, located along the shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland, was a beacon of entertainment from 1895 until its closure in 1969. I often heard tales of its Flying Turns coaster and the Laughing Sal animatronic, which fascinated visitors and became iconic symbols of the park.

The park was a lakeside escape where families came to enjoy a day of fun and relaxation. Today, only the entrance arch remains as a testament to its legacy. Walking through this arch, one can almost hear the bustling crowds and cheerful screams of riders.

Euclid Beach Park was more than just an amusement destination; it was a cultural landmark. The park hosted concerts and events, bringing the community together in joyful celebration. Its closure left a void in Cleveland’s recreational landscape.

Remnants of the park, like carousel horses, can still be found, sparking nostalgia in those who remember. It’s a place where history whispers through the wind and memories are etched into the landscape.

If you find yourself in Cleveland, take a moment to visit this historic site. Though the rides are gone, the spirit of Euclid Beach Park lives on, a cherished part of Ohio’s rich cultural history.

4. Idora Park (Youngstown)

Idora Park in Youngstown was a beloved fixture from its opening in 1899 until an unfortunate fire in 1984 sealed its fate. Known for its Wildcat roller coaster and grand ballroom, Idora was a place of excitement and community.

I recall my grandparents sharing stories of dances at the grand ballroom. The place thrived in its heyday, a central hub for entertainment. Its rides, games, and events drew crowds from all over Ohio, creating an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.

The fire that destroyed much of the park was a devastating blow. What was once a lively destination now stands silent, a haunting reminder of its vibrant past. The Wildcat coaster, once a major draw, was destroyed in the 1984 fire, and its remains were later removed. Though nothing substantial stands today, the site still evokes nostalgia for those who remember its thrills.

Idora Park was more than just rides. It was a place where memories were made, where the community came together to celebrate life. Its loss is felt deeply by those who grew up enjoying its attractions.

Visiting the site today, one can’t help but reflect on the impermanence of things. Though the park is gone, the memories linger, a cherished part of Ohio’s history that continues to inspire stories and recollections.

5. Olentangy Park (Columbus)

Olentangy Park in Columbus was a vibrant trolley park from 1880 to 1937, offering a unique blend of amusements and nature. It was a place of wonder, where rides and attractions coexisted with serene landscapes.

My family would spend afternoons here, exploring its many rides and enjoying the tranquility of the surrounding area. The park’s charm lay in its ability to offer both thrills and peaceful moments, a rare combination that made it special.

When the park closed, parts of it were relocated, and the original site became a residential area. Walking through the neighborhood now, it’s hard to imagine the lively scenes that once played out here. Yet, subtle hints remain, like the foundation of an old fountain peeking through the grass.

Olentangy Park was a place of connection, where people gathered to enjoy each other’s company and the simple pleasures of life. Its legacy lives on in the stories passed down through generations.

For those interested in Ohio’s history, this site offers a glimpse into a bygone era. Though the park is no longer, the memories it created continue to resonate, a reminder of the joy it once brought to many lives.

6. Avon Park (Girard)

Avon Park, also known locally as Avon Oaks, opened in 1904 and entertained visitors into the 1920s. Though modest in size, it held a big place in the hearts of those who visited. It was a small park but held a big place in the hearts of those who visited.

The park’s charm lay in its simplicity. It offered a few rides and attractions but created an atmosphere of joy and community. I imagine the laughter and excitement that once filled the air, a testament to the park’s impact on its visitors.

When Avon Park closed, it left behind a quiet reminder of its existence. Today, the site is overgrown, with remnants of its structures slowly succumbing to nature’s embrace. It’s a peaceful yet poignant scene, reflecting the passage of time.

Though Avon Park was relatively short-lived, its legacy endures through the stories of those who experienced its delights. It was a place where memories were made, where the community gathered to enjoy simple pleasures.

For those seeking a piece of Ohio’s past, the site offers a unique glimpse into the early days of amusement parks. It’s a reminder of how places can touch lives, even long after they are gone.

7. Brady Lake Park (Ravenna)

Brady Lake Park in Ravenna was part of Ohio’s trolley/amusement movement, operating from the late 19th century into the 1940s. It was a charming lakeside retreat that offered both relaxation and excitement.

My parents often spoke of the calm beauty of Brady Lake and the fun they had at the park. It was a place where families could spend a day enjoying rides, picnics, and the natural beauty of the area.

Today, the park is a memory, with the lake still offering a peaceful escape. The traces of its amusement past are subtle, but those who know where to look can find them. It’s a place that invites reflection and appreciation of the simpler times.

Brady Lake Park was more than just a destination; it was a part of the community’s fabric. Its closure marked the end of an era, but the memories live on in the hearts of those who experienced its pleasures.

For visitors interested in Ohio’s history, Brady Lake offers a quiet reminder of the past. It’s a place where nature and memories intertwine, a cherished part of Ohio’s cultural heritage.

8. Casino Park (Toledo)

Casino Park, sometimes called Lake Erie Park or The Casino, in Toledo’s Point Place neighborhood was an early 20th-century amusement spot that offered concerts, rides, and lakefront recreation. It was a place where people gathered for fun, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

I often heard stories of the excitement that filled Casino Park, with its attractions and vibrant atmosphere. It was a social hub where the community came together, creating lasting memories and connections.

Today, the park is a shadow of its former self. Overgrown paths and faded signs are all that remain, whispering tales of the past. It’s a haunting yet intriguing site, reflecting the passage of time.

Casino Park was more than just rides; it was a place of community and connection. Its closure left a gap in Toledo’s recreational offerings, but its legacy lives on through the stories of those who visited.

For those seeking a glimpse into Ohio’s history, Casino Park offers a unique perspective. It’s a reminder of how places can shape lives and communities, even long after they fade away.

9. The Beach at Adventure Landing (Mason)

The Beach at Adventure Landing in Mason was a beloved water park that offered thrilling water slides and summer fun. It closed after the 2019 season, marking the end of an era for many families.

The site was later sold in 2022, confirming the permanent closure of the park. While redevelopment plans have circulated, as of 2025, no new attraction has replaced it, leaving the area quiet and nostalgic for the waves of laughter that once filled the air.

I remember the joy of splashing in the pools and racing down the slides. The Beach was a place where summer memories were made, attracting visitors from all over Ohio.

Today, the park stands silent, with slides and pools slowly succumbing to nature. It’s a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the joy it brought to so many lives.

The Beach was more than just a water park; it was a community gathering spot. Families and friends came together to enjoy the sun and water, creating connections that would last a lifetime.

For those interested in Ohio’s recreational history, the site offers a glimpse into a recent past. It’s a place where fun and memories once thrived, a cherished part of Ohio’s cultural landscape.