The Forgotten History Of Flint’s Long-Lost Amusement Park

Amusement parks have long been a beloved staple of fun across the country, offering a mix of thrilling rides, carnival games, and family-friendly attractions. From iconic destinations like Cedar Point in Ohio to the world-renowned Disney parks, these places have provided unforgettable memories for generations.

Here in Michigan, we’ve had our share of amusement parks that became household names with places like Michigan's Adventure in Muskegon, the largest amusement park in the state, and the now-defunct Deer Park Funland and Boblo Island. But did you know Flint used to have its very own amusement park?

Flint Park, an outdoor attraction, opened in 1921 and spanned 40 acres on the city’s north side, near Stewart Avenue and Dupont Street. It sat next to Flint Park Lake, more commonly called Devil’s Lake these days.

For years, it was the go-to spot for locals looking for a fun day out with friends and family. Flint Park offered everything from roller coasters and carousels to carnival games and picnics by the lake and even a baseball diamond.

Those who can remember the park say one of the highlights was the Jack Rabbit coaster that provided a few thrills on a summer day. The coaster suffered some damage in 1953 when the deadly Beecher tornado struck, but was quickly repaired and back up and operating.

Flint Park was the perfect spot for a full day with the family offering a swimming and boating area, which gave visitors a chance to take in the scenic surroundings. The park also had a beer garden area as well as live entertainment with notables such as the legendary Ella Fitzgerald and Howdy Wilcox.

Sadly like many smaller parks, Flint Park fell to the wayside in the late 1950s, and the hard decision was made to close the park permanently on March 31, 1961, after 40 years of fun for families across the area. What was left of the park was eventually demolished leaving nothing more than memories behind.

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