There are some things that bring happy memories to every Michigander. Summers were magical and adventure was only a few minutes away, no matter where you lived in Michigan. Picnics were a main stay of summer with coolers filled with Faygo and Vernors while Koegel's hot dogs were on the grill. "Everybody Ready?"
This 1970's commercial was recorded on one of the Boblo Island Boats. I've been to Boblo Island and I've been to Coney Island and one thing is for certain. Boblo Island is the one that should still be open today.
Boblo Island was an amusement park, as the name suggests on an island south of Detroit at the mouth of the Detroit River, from 1898 until it closed in 1993. Unlike Coney Island, where you get off the F train and walk across the street, the Boblo Island adventure began once you boarded one of the Boise Blanc Steamers.
Gracefully chugging down the Detroit River, you floated with anticipation to the amusement park with beautiful vistas of the Detroit skyline. No matter the condition of Detroit and its economy, Detroit always looks amazing from the Detroit River.
Once you reached the dock at Boblo Island, you were transported in time and space to the magic that only an amusement park can provide. There was the Ferris Wheel, the Dance Hall, Falling Star, Wild Mouse, the Midway and of course roller coasters. There was Nightmare, Screamer and Sky Streak if you dared. Your adventure could last until the night time. Just make sure that you caught the last boat back to Detroit.
The best part of the Boblo Island experience was the boat ride there and back. Filled with excitement, you would meet new friends and plan your riding adventure once you arrived at the park. On the way back you would reminisce with those same friends about one of the best days of your young lives. No matter when you went, it was a joy for all.
The laughter, the lights and the thrills are gone now. If you had the chance to be there at Boblo Island, you know how lucky you are. Detroit needs to reinvent itself in the 21st Century. With the same spirit that made Detroit the manufacturing capitol of the world, Detroit can rebuild itself. Hopefully when Detroit is a thriving metropolitan once again, the laughter, the lights and the thrills will return to Boblo Island.
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