Big Island Amusement Park
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The Big Island Amusement Park was a popular tourist destination in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It is located on Big Island of Lake Minnetonka, the tenth largest lake in the state of Minnesota.
[edit] History
1905 - Twin City Rapid Transit Company (TCRT), purchased 65 acres of land on Big Island.
By 1906 - An [[amusement park was built and in operation on Big Island. The Big Island Amusement Park was an ambitious undertaking. A 186 foot high electric beacon and water tower were near the center of the park. The view at night was spectacular.
1907 - A large music casino was built and featured local bands. A large dock was built for the three ferry boats used to bring customers from the dock in Excelsior. A long dock was available on the east end of the island for private boats.
Other features of the amusement park were a large roller coaster, the Old Mill, the Scenic Ride to Yellowstone and the Carousel.
1911 - The Big Island Amusement Park was closed in August. Most of the buildings and rides were dismantled by 1917.
The remaining buildings, including the large mess hall, became part of the new Veteran's Camp in the early 1920's.
Today - The City of Orono has purchased the camp.
[edit] External links
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