Ohio's Abandoned Amusement Park Is Still Thriving With A Scenic Beach And Lakefront Pier

Cleveland, Ohio, doesn't always inspire travel envy. In fact, it's sometimes known by the unfortunate nickname of "The Mistake on the Lake." And while Cleveland has certainly had its problems over the years, it's also on the rise as a vibrant city. It's home to a nearly 100-year-old stunning botanical garden and you can plan the perfect trip to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, just to name a couple of positives. Indeed, Cleveland is shucking its reputation of environmental disasters, heavy industry and economic decline and is now known as a "Green City on a Blue Lake." Talk about a turnaround! 

This is evident in many parts of the city, including on the shores of Lake Erie (said blue lake, once home to some of America's most contaminated beaches...yikes). Despite its lack of swimability, Lake Erie has also played host to some of Ohio's most iconic amusement parks over the years. In Cleveland, Euclid Beach Amusement Park was a favored destination for many an Ohioan on the shores of Lake Erie until its closure in the 1960s.

Cleveland isn't just letting Euclid Beach sit there and rot, however. As part of the city's green initiative, Euclid Beach Amusement Park is now simply Euclid Beach Park and still features some of the amusement park's iconic symbols, from piers to arches, with the added bonus of sand dunes, beaches, paths, and plentiful views. Euclid Beach Park is proof that you shouldn't write Cleveland (or Ohio in general) off just yet.

Euclid Beach Amusement Park first opened its doors along the shores of Lake Erie, just eight miles east of Cleveland, in 1895. Originally home to a beer garden and vaudeville shows, it was rebranded in 1901 as more family-friendly (meaning, sans beer). The park ran successfully until 1969, and eventually had roller coasters, a roller rink, a historic carousel, a funhouse, and more. Eventually financial issues forced the owners to close despite running for 74 seasons, and the site lay abandoned for years. 

Much of the attractions were moved to different amusement parks, sold off, or lay in ruins until 2013. Cleveland Metroparks then transitioned the eastern section of the former amusement park into a free public park. And so this run-down amusement park has gained a new lease on life, and is a symbol for how cities can repurpose derelict sites into a vibrant community site. Throughout Ohio and the country, other amusement parks are following suit, including Geauga Lake, Ohio's abandoned lakeside amusement park which will soon thrive again as a public green space.

Although there are no longer any rides left at Euclid Beach Park — Grand Carousel is still running, just now at the Cleveland History Center — the park is facing a bright future. You may not want to swim at this particular U.S. lake, but the beach stretches for 650 feet along the blue water of Erie. The sand dunes here lead to picnic areas, views of the lake and Cleveland itself, and the historic pier. The Euclid Beach Pier was built for the amusement park as a ferry docking station and now remains as a scenic observation spot and strolling destination. The three iron arches that anchor the pier feature images from the former amusement park, including roller coasters and carousels. 

Elsewhere in the park, remnants of the rides and attractions are still visible, from the shuffleboard area to roller coaster supports. The most significant piece, however, is the original wooden entrance arch (circa 1921) that reads "Euclid Beach Park." Designated a historic landmark in 1973, the arch was moved to a more secure location within the park in 2025 and remains an enduring symbol of Cleveland's past. To reach Euclid Beach Park, take a local bus or drive for approximately 15-30 minutes from downtown Cleveland.