This old amusement park sits on a piece of land with a troubled past. The remnants of Lake Shawnee Amusement Park, now mostly skeletal, create a spooky vibe, which matches the dark history of this place.
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Long before rides and games filled the area, it was a site of conflict between white settlers and the Indigenous Shawnee community. Back in the late 1700s, Mitchell Clay and his family moved westward and settled near Lake Shawnee, where they farmed and raised a large family. Sadly, in August of 1783, tragedy struck when a group of Shawnee attacked the Clay family, resulting in the deaths of three of their children. In retaliation, Mitchell Clay sought vengeance, leading to a violent clash with the Shawnee group, causing more casualties. This grim event came to be known as the Clover Bottom Massacre.
In 1926, this amusement park came to life, providing joy for the families of local coal workers. However, tragedy struck when two children met their untimely demise within its boundaries. This devastating event led to the closure of the park in 1966, leaving behind its weathered rides to crumble into the earth. The once lively Ferris wheel now stands coated in rust, and the children’s swing sits abandoned, resembling eerie monuments in a wilderness reclaimed by nature. Despite passing through different hands, the land remains desolate, with the decaying rides serving as the focal point for spooky stories and whispers of restless spirits.
If you wish to explore the park, you’ll need to make arrangements in advance by scheduling a tour. Especially thrilling “Haunted Tours” are often available, particularly around Halloween. Expect some walking, likely through tall grass that might be damp or soggy. There’s an admission fee for the tour. You can locate the park on US Rt.19/16, at the northwest corner where it intersects with WV Rt. 10, just north of Kegley, WV.
