Cuyahoga Falls in Summit County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
More than a Metro Park
Photographed By Craig Doda, May 20, 2023
1. More than a Metro Park Marker, Side One
From the 1870s to 1920s, several amusement parks existed in the Gorge, featuring trails, scenic views, dance halls, caves and one of the first roller coasters. The remains of a hiking footbridge are all that's left from this time.
The Gorge Dam was finished in 1912, providing hydroelectric power and later, cooling for a coal-fired power plant.
With help from the Civilian Conservation Corps, the picnic shelter and original trails were built after the park district took over the property in 1929.
Today, people enjoy the park for its natural beauty. With such a varied history, where could Gorge Metro Park go next?
The Roseland Ballroom, a popular dance hall not far from the Gorge Dom, was taken down in 1937 and reassembled by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) at Elizabeth Park near downtown Akron. It served as a gymnasium for 30 years.
Souvenir postcards like the one in the upper right from 1914 were sold at the amusement park gift shops Photo courtesy of Akron Summit County Public Library.
Erected by Summit Metro Parks.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas
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Location. 41° 7.25′ N, 81° 29.614′ W. Marker is in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, in Summit County. Marker can be reached from Hillcrest Drive north of Front Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1281 Hillcrest Dr, Cuyahoga Falls OH 44221, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Where The Fun Is (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Power of Water (approx. ¼ mile away); History of 1832 Front Street (approx. 0.8 miles away); High Bridge Glens (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Signal Tree (approx. 1.3 miles away); Lest We Forget (approx. 1½ miles away); Cuyahoga Falls Veterans Memorial (approx. 1½ miles away); Memorial to The First Board Of Directors of The Ladies Cemetery Association (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cuyahoga Falls.
Photographed By Craig Doda, May 20, 2023
2. More than a Metro Park Marker, Side Two
Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 64 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 19, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
