Novi in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Worth the Drive
to Walled Lake Amusement Park
Photographed by Joel Seewald, January 9, 2021
1. Worth the Drive to Walled Lake Amusement Park Marker
It was a destination for all of southeast Michigan
"The Picnic Wonderland," made possible by the automobile and the creation of major highways like Grand River Avenue. Interurban trains didn't travel to Walled Lake, so visitors came in automobiles from Detroit and elsewhere for Walled Lake Amusement Park's rides and roller coaster when it opened in 1929. In fact, many local youngsters were not allowed to visit the park because it was considered a place for "folks from the big city." The park also was popular for company picnics and events until it closed in the 1960s.
You Auto Know
Park owner Fred Pearce had built 27 roller-coasters at other locations around the country.
This exhibit is sponsored by the Novi Historical Commission.
Erected 2014 by MotorCities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1929.
Location. 42° 30.668′ N, 83° 28.609′ W. Marker is in Novi, Michigan, in Oakland County. It can be reached from East Lake Drive, on the left
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan and in Greater Detroit. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Built for Fun (within shouting distance of this marker); Walled Lake Casino (within shouting distance of this marker); Pavilion Shore Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sharing the Bounty (approx. 1.3 miles away); Walled Lake (approx. 1.4 miles away); Stonecrest (approx. 1½ miles away); Novi's Crucial Crossing (approx. 2 miles away); Grand River Bridge (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Novi.
Also see . . . Fred W. Pearce. The Roller Coaster DataBase lists 10 roller coasters that Fred W. Pearce built. (Submitted on January 16, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Photo courtesy of the Novi Historical Commission.
2. Worth the Drive to Walled Lake Amusement Park Marker — top far left image
A sign in Novi at the intersection of Grand River Avenue and Novi Road guides visitors to "Walled Lake Park," 1930s.
Photo courtesy of the Novi Historical Commission.
3. Worth the Drive to Walled Lake Amusement Park Marker — middle far left image
The main entrance to Walled Lake Amusement Park, 1930s.
Photo courtesy of the Novi Historical Commission.
4. Worth the Drive to Walled Lake Amusement Park Marker — bottom far left image
The popular roller coaster, overlooking 13 Mile Road, soon after the park opened in 1929.
Tinder Collection of Michigan Photography, Clements Library, University of Michigan.
5. Worth the Drive to Walled Lake Amusement Park Marker — near left image
The merry-go-round (right) and roller coaster on a summer day in the late 1930s.
Photo courtesy of the Novi Historical Commission., January 9, 2021
6. Worth the Drive to Walled Lake Amusement Park Marker — top near right image
Aerial view of the park in the early 1950s, facing southeast, including picnic grounds at the upper left. The park was the site of many company outings, including the growing automobile companies.
Image courtesy of Geraldine Hochstetler.
7. Worth the Drive to Walled Lake Amusement Park Marker — bottom near right image
Ticket for renting a boat on Walled Lake.
Photo courtesy of City of Novi.
8. Worth the Drive to Walled Lake Amusement Park Marker — top far right image
Crowds at the ferris wheel, 1930s, looking north toward Walled Lake.
Photo courtesy of City of Novi.
9. Worth the Drive to Walled Lake Amusement Park Marker — bottom far right image
"The Flying Dragon" (right) was the name of the roller coaster that was the heart of Walled Lake Amusement Park.
Photographed by Joel Seewald, January 9, 2021
10. Worth the Drive to Walled Lake Amusement Park Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 743 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on January 16, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
