Little‑Known Secrets of Lake Shawnee Amusement Park
When you picture an abandoned midway, rusted rides, and overgrown pathways, Lake Shawnee Amusement Park probably pops into mind. Yet most visitors only hear the headlines about the 1970s roller‑coaster tragedy. Beneath the broken wooden coaster lies a tangled web of history, folklore, and eerie anecdotes that few outsiders ever learn. Below are some of the most intriguing, and often overlooked, details that make this West Virginia relic more than just a forgotten funfair.
A burial ground long before the rides
Long before the first cotton‑candy stand was erected, the hill overlooking the park served as a Cherokee burial site in the late 1700s. Oral histories from nearby families claim that the land was used for ceremonial fires and that several burial mounds were still visible when the park’s founder, Walter "Skip" Rogers, bought the property in the early 1960s. Archaeologists who surveyed the area in the 1990s noted disturbed earth and a few stone markers, suggesting that the site’s original purpose was never fully erased.
The 1970s coaster accident that sealed its fate
On August 15, 1978, a 7‑year‑old girl named Katherine "Kate" Jones slipped from her seat on the park’s signature steel coaster, the “Skyliner.” The car plunged into the track’s support beams, resulting in fatal injuries. While the accident was officially recorded as a mechanical failure, subsequent investigations hinted at lax safety inspections and inadequate restraint systems. The tragedy prompted a wave of lawsuits that financially crippled the park, leading to its permanent closure in 1982.
Ghost stories that keep paranormal fans coming back
Since the gates shut, Lake Shawnee has become a magnet for ghost hunters and thrill‑seekers alike. Some of the most persistent legends include:
- The Crying Child – Night‑time visitors report hearing a faint, sorrowful wail near the former coaster tracks, especially on misty evenings.
- The Headless Rider – A silhouette in a vintage carnival uniform, missing a helmet, allegedly circles the abandoned roller‑coaster platform before vanishing.
- The Phantom Ferris Wheel – Witnesses claim the wheel creaks back into motion when the wind is still, despite having been dismantled decades ago.
Most of these accounts come from local folklore collected by the West Virginia Paranormal Society, which has conducted several night‑time investigations but has never captured definitive proof. Still, the stories contribute to the park’s reputation as a “haunted” destination.
What remains of the park today
Walking the site now feels like exploring a time capsule frozen in decay. The wooden roller‑coaster skeleton leans precariously toward a rusted sign that reads “Lake Shawnee.” The midway games’ ticket booths sit half‑collapsed, their glass windows shattered and covered in ivy. A few original concrete foundations—once home to the bumper‑car arena and the “Haunted House” attraction—remain visible, offering a stark contrast between the park’s bright past and its present desolation.
Nature has reclaimed much of the area. Deer frequently graze near the old snack bar, while raccoons have made the abandoned restrooms their new homes. Occasionally, a maintenance crew from the county’s Parks Department will trim overgrown brush, but otherwise the site is left untouched, preserving its eerie ambience.
Why the site remains off‑limits
In 1994, the county council voted to seal the property due to safety concerns and the growing number of trespassers attracted by the park’s reputation. The land is now classified as “restricted,” meaning only authorized personnel—such as law‑enforcement officers or licensed investigators—may enter. The decision also respects the cultural sensitivity surrounding the original burial grounds, acknowledging that further disturbance could be disrespectful to descendants of the Cherokee people.
Despite the prohibition, a small underground community continues to share “sneak‑peek” videos on social media, often filmed from a distance or using drone footage. While these clips fuel curiosity, they also raise ethical questions about respecting both the historical significance and the privacy of a site still technically owned by a private trust.
FAQ
Is Lake Shawnee Amusement Park truly haunted?
There is no scientific proof of paranormal activity, but numerous anecdotal reports—ranging from unexplained noises to fleeting silhouettes—have persisted for decades. Most experts attribute these experiences to the park’s decayed environment and the power of suggestion.
Can I visit the park legally?
Public access is prohibited. The county has posted “No Trespassing” signs, and entering the property without permission can result in fines or legal action. Some organized tours have been offered by local historical societies, but they require advance booking and a guided escort.
What happened to the rides after the park closed?
Most of the mechanical equipment was either sold off or scrapped. The coaster’s steel framework was left standing due to the cost of removal, and the Ferris wheel was dismantled in the early 1990s. A few souvenir items—such as ticket stubs and ride‑photo frames—occasionally appear at regional antique shows.
Is there any chance the park will ever reopen?
Given the legal restrictions, safety hazards, and cultural considerations, a full reopening is highly unlikely. Some preservationists have suggested converting the area into a historical interpretive site, but no concrete plans have emerged so far.
