In 1876, Ralph H. Lodge began acquiring the Silver Lake and its surrounding land. Originally a picnicking and swimming area, Ralph soon turned the area into one of Ohio’s greatest attractions. Silver Lake featured animal exhibits, a roller coaster, sports facilities, a dance hall, and a hotel, steam boat rides and a miniature railway.
Kepler’s Landing was located at the south end of Turkey Foot Lake. The hotel was built in 1892 by William Kepler.
The Springfield Lake Pavilion was used for many social functions, including dancing on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. Patrons danced to the music of big name bands such as Guy Lombardo and Vaughn Monroe.
Carved from the earth nearly 12,000 years ago, the Gorge is one of the area’s greatest natural wonders. The area is also filled with amazing folklore. On May 21, 1758, at the age of ten, Campbell was abducted from a place in or near the town of Penn’s Creek, in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Her captors were a band…
An evening train ride through the Silver Lake Park on the shores of Silver Lake near Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. The train was just one of many attractions at the park, including a dance hall, small zoo, amusement rides, picnic areas, and steamboat rides. The first conductor on the Silver Lake Miniature Railroad was Sammy Wise…
Today’s popular recreation area formed as a result of the last ice age. The name Portage Lakes comes from an old Indian portage path that connected the Cuyahoga River flowing north to Lake Erie and the Tuscarawas River, a tributary of the Muskingum River, which flows south to the Ohio River. This proved advantageous for Indians and early settlers as navigation from Lake Erie to…
During the rapid growth of the rubber industry in Akron, Springfield Lake became a resort area. Summer cottages were built around the lake. Springfield Lake Park was built in the early 1900s and included a merry-go-round, dodge-em cars, and various other amusement facilities. One of the main attractions was a roller coaster that extended out…
Weekend Getaway During the rapid growth of Akron’s rubber industry, Springfield Lake became a popular getaway resort. Summer cottages popped up at Sawyerwood and Lakemore. In the early 1900’s, the Springfield Lake Park was constructed. It was briefly the largest amusement park in all of Ohio. Attractions included a merry-go-round, dodge-em cars, a roller coaster, a…
At one time Springfield Lake Park was the largest amusement park in the State of Ohio. The amusement park hosted two coasters, a merry-go-round, swimming, boating, fishing and much more. A double-decked steamboat even cruised the lake complete with an orchestra and dancing. like many of the other lake parks in the region, Springfield Lake drew…
Flags are waving as visitors to Akron’s Lakeside Park enjoy a day of rest on the waters of Summit Lake. Lakeside was built by the Akron Street Railway & Herdic Co. in 1887. It was an attraction and picnic ground destination accessible by the railway. Lakeside would later be absorbed into Summit Beach Park.
A steamboat prepares to depart Lakeside, on the east side of Summit Lake. The park was opened by the Akron Street Railway & Herdic Co. as a picnic grounds in 1887. The growth of Summit Beach Park eventually absorbed Lakeside Park.
Among the many attractions at Summit Beach Park were the “Around the Lake” (and a little of the canal) boat rides.
The landing was located on the south shore of Long Lake – the Portage Lakes.
The Crescent Line Boat Landing was part of Lakeside Park (established in 1877). Lakeside was the first picnic ground at Summit Lake. Eventually, the operation would be absorbed by Summit Beach Park.