This park was wildly popular and drew huge crowds to the nascent town. “High Bridge Glens attracted up to 10,000 visitors a day during the summer season,” says McClure. “Not bad considering the entire population of Cuyahoga Falls was only about 2,500 people at that time.”
High Bridge Glens closed in 1895, but that was not the end of fun in the Gorge. Riverview Park filled the void in 1919, offering even more attractions. Two roller coasters, an aerial swing ride and a Shoot the Chutes ride increased the thrill of the natural surroundings. This park also brought in the exotic—hosting an animal menagerie with alligators, lions, hyenas, ostriches and bears.