Detroit Metro Times

Remembering Michigan’s best amusement parks that no longer exist

by Metro Times Staff

Jun 28, 2023

Boblo Island Amusement Park, Bois Blanc Island (1898-1993)
While technically located in Ontario, Boblo was a favorite of Detroiters, who could travel there by ferry and considered it to be the Motor City’s answer to New York City’s Coney Island. Its signature attractions included a Ferris wheel, a zoo, and a Space Needle ride.

Ypsilanti’s Regal Beagle introduces ‘Michigan-style’ barbecue

It isn’t really a thing — yet. A key element is smoking with Michigan woods.

By Tom Perkins

Ypsilanti’s Regal Beagle introduces ‘Michigan-style’ barbecue

Leon Benson did 25 years for a murder he didn’t commit. Now he’s rapping as El Bently 448.

Now home in Detroit, Benson reflects on his exoneration as he releases his debut EP

By Randiah Camille Green

Leon Benson aka El Bently 448.

Events

Loma Prieta, Frail Body

@ Sanctuary Detroit

Sun., July 2, 7 p.m.

or

Browse all Film Times

Submit an Event

The Latest

House of Dank Joins Michigan Cannabis Industry Association (MICIA) Board SPONSORED CONTENT

Sponsored By Metro Times Promotions

House of Dank Joins Michigan Cannabis Industry Association (MICIA) Board

House of Dank Hosts Recreational Grand Opening and 3-Year Anniversary in Traverse City SPONSORED CONTENT

Sponsored By Metro Times Promotions

House of Dank Hosts Recreational Grand Opening and 3-Year Anniversary in Traverse City

Michigan’s COVID-19 restrictions on restaurants were unconstitutional, appellate court rules

By Steve Neavling

Heirloom Hospitality Group, which owns the Townhouse restaurants in Detroit and Birmingham, signed onto a lawsuit against MDHHS over its new COVID-19 orders.

Sonya Clark’s ‘Healing Memorial’ returns to Detroit with Cranbrook exhibit

By Randiah Camille Green

In her “Hair Craft Project,” Clark asked hairstylists to use her head as a canvas.

Southwest Detroit’s popular La Jalisciense is considering an Eastside location

By Lee DeVito

Southwest Detroit’s popular La Jalisciense is considering an Eastside location (2)

Harrison Ford is somehow still fighting Nazis in ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’

By Craig D. Lindsey

Phoebe Waller-Bridge plays the grifting sidekick to Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones.

Highland Park’s financial hardships are focus of town hall meeting

By Steve Neavling

A community organization is hosting a town hall for residents in Highland Park at Nandi's Knowledge Cafe.

Here are the 2023 Kresge Artist Fellows

By Randiah Camille Green

The Kresge Artist Fellowships class of 2023.

Trending Slideshows

This adorable Detroit house is coming soon to Woodbridge

This adorable house in Detroit’s Woodbridge neighborhood is hitting the market

"Black and white photographic print with a decorative border taken at the 1932 Fourth of July parade on Michigan Avenue at Griswold Street facing north. A parade float consisting of a large Uncle Sam hat above a group of people wearing sashes, and an ornate carriage at the end where a man and woman in fancy costume stand is being pulled west along Michigan Avenue behind a truck. A banner reading, "All Nations Under One Hat," is hung from the side of the float. The Peoples Wayne County Bank, David Stott Building, and Dr. Adams' dentist office are in the background. "Jul 4 1932," and "108," are stamped on the verso."

Detroit Fourth of July celebrations through the years

Former Detroit Pistons player lists Bloomfield Hills mansion for $3 million — let’s take a look inside

Former Detroit Pistons player lists Bloomfield Hills mansion for $3 million — let’s take a look inside

Boblo Island Amusement Park, Bois Blanc Island (1898-1993)
While technically located in Ontario, Boblo was a favorite of Detroiters, who could travel there by ferry and considered it to be the Motor City’s answer to New York City’s Coney Island. Its signature attractions included a Ferris wheel, a zoo, and a Space Needle ride.

Remembering Michigan’s best amusement parks that no longer exist

Best of Detroit

Best of Detroit

Detroit Guides

The Fiction Issue

The Fiction Issue

Summer Guide

New Music

User's Guide

City Guide

The Tattoo Issue

The Tattoo Issue

View More Guides

Digital Issue

June 28, 2023

View more issues