Photo TR: Conneaut Lake Park After Dark 8/19

Hello, guys! I was able to make a trip down to Conneaut Lake Park again this year, this time with my parents. My mom has never been, and my dad hadn't been to the park in around 40 years. First things, first. I understand opinions on the park are sharply divided. I am of the belief if the park can make it, that would be great! I was able to notice quite a few improvements in the park from last year, but work still needs to be done. I feel good about giving the park a few dollars given the current direction seems positive. The event took place last Saturday from 9 PM-1 AM. Wristbands were $5 more than usual, but did include the two waterslides (it was far, far too chilly for me to consider that). I took a bunch of pictures and have some thoughts scattered throughout.

 

For a park that just celebrated it's 125th anniversary, you do have to applaud them for being so stubborn. There are so many parks that were nicer that closed, too. I think the Conneaut Lake area has a chance to prosper, especially as things continue to get more expensive elsewhere. People might return to this area for vacations, because it is cheaper than heading to the coast.

 

I also took a few pictures (crappy) of the Hotel Conneaut. It's over 100 years old, and it shows in both good and bad ways.

 

We have arrived! So, we didn't go through the main entrance, but they have apparently done some work to make it look a little nicer, including a fountain out front. Those ticket booths are no longer used, just this building in the center of the midway.

A line. At Conneaut. I have only been visiting the park for four years, but at least in that time, I haven't witnessed one of these.

Empty midway at beginning of night (would change). Gift shop is off to the left. They don't sell Geauga Lake merchandise anymore, so that's an improvement. A lot of the stuff was a tad bit pricey and seemingly cheaply made, but they did have fudge and other goodies for sale.

Devil's Den actually has a really nice facade and has been taken care of about as well as I could expect (in a good way). The ride is honestly a lot of fun and my parents both were pleasantly surprised.

There's a facebook page ran by a guy named Dan detailing all the work he does to update the ride and keep it running well. It is certainly an interesting follow.

High tech braking system.

Didn't catch the pun at first. But seems very fitting for them to embrace the gum wall for what it is.

High tech dispatch system, as well.

Two things noticeable that definitely need improved. You can see it in the corner of the railing, but it is obvious that they are painting over existing paint and not stripping and re-painting. Especially obvious when you switch colors, but this was also true on the tumblebug. I know they have volunteer in the park days and if I can make it down for one, I would really enjoy trying to help out. The other thing is they only have 5 operational bumper cars. I'm not thinking they really would have use for a whole set at this juncture, but I think 8 would be a whole lot better. The pavilion is pretty large, so this is a must. Also, wikipedia indicates that this ride was built in 1937. Does that sound right?

The carousel runs really nice. My mom really, really loved the organ. Anyone know if it's the original by chance?

Nerd shot. Is this the original organ?

Blue Streak.

It is real neat that they run the original trains.

So, they have two rows that are not operational and have no seat in place. Wheel seats, so that's good. But that only leaves 7 rows running, which is kinda disappointing. The once-a-month Sunday wristband special attracts "large" crowds, so I imagine Blue Streak actually has a decent line on those days.

Last year, I hadn't known they were bringing the water park after 8 or so years vacant, so when I saw these slides, I thought they were just brand new. They look so radically different from what was there, abandoned before. I know 2 slides, a lazy river, and kiddie area isn't much, but I think for , it has drawn some locals in and helped provide an additional means of cash flow. They expanded the hours from Friday-Sunday (like the park) to Thursday-Monday, so they must be doing alright with it.

So, the Music Express was bizarre. They have this speaker here and another one near the operator playing music (ghetto, but whatever). But the ride itself crawled. It was permanently stuck at like 50% speed. You didn't even slide from your seat at all. This was the only ride that didn't seem to be operating as it should be. Also the ride cycle might be like based on how many times you go around, and not a specific time, because we were on it forever.

Another shot of Blue Streak with a line. The station itself has been improved a lot, and the ride itself received significant track work on the second hill. Last year, there was an intense jolt on the way up the hill, and that has since been fixed. The ride really runs pretty well and it was awesome to get some night rides in. I avoided wheel seats (didn't want to risk it), but rode in the second row from the front and back. You get a pretty decent pop of airtime going down the first hill in the back. It turns 80 next year and Devil's Den turns 50!

Couldn't get a good shot of the Tumblebug, because it wasn't lit great. This version seems to run a lot faster than the one at Kennywood and is a gem. My mom doesn't really like to ride all that much, but she was having a blast on this. Cool that the only two models are within an hour of one another.

Last year, the train was not open when I visited, so I was glad to give it a go. It's a nice long trip. They had a few lights set up along the way, so I could tell there were some little scenes placed along the early part of the ride. Were they corny and clearly low budget? Yeah, but I can appreciate the thought.

This operator was determined to kill my dad and I. My dad agreed to ride, because they aren't too crazy a ride. But we legitimately were on the ride for what felt like 10 minutes. They have potential as flyers, but just aren't run quite fast enough to get a good snap going.

Tilt-a-Whirl from 1949. Didn't ride. They've done some work adding these signs to the rides. They come off a little bit amateur, really. But the effort is nice.

A really nice lighting package on the paratroopers that rarely gets used (park closes at 8 every night).

Classic entrance to Kiddieland (which was not open for the event).

This ride is very interesting. I rode it last year, but didn't partake again.

Cute kiddie rides. Kiddieland is pretty well maintained. And 12 kiddie rides, plus pony rides makes it really above average for a park like Conneaut.

I'm beginning to care a lot less about getting kiddie coaster credits, but this one is an exception. I can't seem to find out exactly what year it opened. The oldest continuously operating steel coaster is a clone of this built in 1952, not using its original cars. Conneaut is running the original cars still. If anyone can shed light on this a bit, that would be great.

Another nice little kiddie ride.

Games, games, games.

That's more like it! They did have some games set up, and later on, people were playing them. However, they would be better served to only open them on nights like these and improve the prizes a bit.

Yeah, there was a time when they were charging for a wristband. I know the days are hardly profitable. The hope must be people will buy the water park pass, too for an extra , or fork over money for games, food, merch.

Mini golf seemed well-maintained!

Here we are!

Yeah, as I said, about two weeks into the season, they expanded the hours of operation.

Tumblebug.

Eh, or would be better, probably.

Line.

Another shot of those two rows that aren't operating. I can appreciate the ride still uses its original braking system. The operator was having a great time with all of us and was really enthusiastic.

Some shots of the midway.

My girlfriend made me a Christmas ornament a few years back that looks nearly identical to this. A cute little touch in the station.

It was real late, but we strolled over to Hotel Conneaut on our way out. My mom is fascinated with haunted places, so she wanted to see the place. We checked out the lobby and walked the upstairs briefly. The rooms have to be incredibly dated. They use skeleton keys to get in. Rates are like /night for the cheap rooms.

Antiques.

If there is one part of the hotel they seem to take a lot of pride in, it is the wedding facilities. The bridal suites have been remodeled recently and this reception facility is kind of out of nowhere. There was a wedding reception still going on when we arrived and the bar was crowded. I wonder if the hotel is actually profitable or not.

More antiques.

 

I hope this report sheds a little light on where the park stands right now. I dunno, maybe it will inspire you to head over to check it out. Maybe it'll reaffirm your desire to stay the hell away. Either way, I enjoyed my time there and it really made me happy to see crowds enjoying the place. I especially enjoyed seeing the kids at the park running from ride to ride. Thanks for reading and let me know what you guys think is next for the park.

Edited August 25, 2017 by Taylor Finn

Great report! I really wanted to stop in to try Blue Streak when I was in PA in June but the park was closed for rain. Not every park can be as awesome as Waldameer in that area.

 

Some of those midway shots look pretty creepy.

Yeah, it's definitely no Waldameer. Oh and on second look, yeah they're pretty creepy. I'm gonna be trying to check out Ghost Lake this Halloweeen season finally. The park seems perfect for that sort of event.

That sounds like the scariest Halloween event ever. They don't even need any theming for it to work.

I have been to Ghost Lake three times and despite the fact that I have heard that it is ran by a 3rd party, I would still recommend it and then buy some food/drinks at the park to support that side of things.

 

Riding Blue Streak during snow showers at night several years ago was a crazy (albeit surreal) experience. And using several old abandoned zombie houses around the park premises made for very interesting haunts. It adds a bit more insecurity when you don't know if you're going to fall through the floor or stairs at any given time while walking through some of these houses!