Liberty Amusement Park - Battle Creek MI

Address: 600 Jennings Landing
City: Battle Creek
State: MI
Zip: 49015
County: Calhoun
Number of visits to this page: 27822
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Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance, features, addresses, phone numbers, or contact names of the attraction. This site is intended to be a historical as well as current record of various attractions but it is not always possible to have up-to-date information due to the vast number of locations featured here. We ask you consult the propietor for current information.

General Information:

Source: Jack C Crofoot Jr

In 1864, R. W. Surby opened an Amusement Park on the north end of Goguac Lake. He owned the amusement Park until 1894. Eventually the name of the park was changed to Liberty Park because of its popularity with the Soldiers at Camp Custer during WWI. It became known as Lakeview Park in 1927 when it reopened after a 4-year closure due to contract disputes with vendors. The Park was located at the northern most portion of Goguac Lake, where Bayview Apartments are located today.

The Trolley Service to the Lake started in 1888 and an Electric Street Line opened in 1891. J. L. Foster granted right-of-way to the Trolley Line, through his large Lakeview Farm at that time. Lakeview was sparely populated and very rural at that time. Liberty Park had a Merry-go-Round, miniature train rides, Ferris Wheel, Rollercoaster, Two Bath Houses, Public Bathing (Swimming) and you could rent wool bathing suits, Water Slide into Goguac Lake, Dance Hall-Pavilion, Occasionally a Trapeze Artist performing from the bottom of a Hot Air Balloon, Roller Skating, Wresting-Boxing Arena with seating for 1,500 (later expanded to 3,000 seats), a Midway with several gaming attractions, Athletic Park, Horseshoe tossing, Boat and Canoe Rental, Steam Paddle Boat rides, Vaudeville Acts, and a Cabaret.

There was also a Cottage Rental development located near the Park. The Men’s Athletic Club was located across Columbia where Highland Jr. HS later stood. The Depression of 1929 began the decline of Liberty Park until it completely closed in 1932 making way for housing development.

Info Updates:
8/20/2017 - Jim Mace
the picture labeled Pavilion (I think it's the 6th one down) and the last picture, are of Willard Beach, a part of the city-owned Willard Park at the southeast part of the Lake. The Liberty Amusement Park was at the northeast part of the lake. Great collection.
8/16/2009 - Dorothy
Would anyone know what year this park was built and who was the contractor? My grandparents met at an amusement park in Battle Creek and married in 1899. My grandfather was there to oversee the construction of a roller coaster - or, so I have been told. Thank you for any information you may have.
 Photos:12
Liberty Amusement Park - Vintage Photo Of Merry-Go-Round
Vintage Photo Of Merry-Go-Round
Liberty Amusement Park - Aerial View
Aerial View
Liberty Amusement Park - Aerial View
Aerial View
Liberty Amusement Park - Lakefront
Lakefront
Liberty Amusement Park - Lakefront
Lakefront
Liberty Amusement Park - Lakefront
Lakefront
Liberty Amusement Park - Pavillion
Pavillion
Liberty Amusement Park - Guguac Lake Roller Coaster
Guguac Lake Roller Coaster
Liberty Amusement Park - Pavillion
Pavillion
Liberty Amusement Park - Roller Coaster
Roller Coaster
Liberty Amusement Park - Roller Coaster
Roller Coaster
Liberty Amusement Park - Aerial Shot Of Beach
Aerial Shot Of Beach
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