Russells Point in Logan County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Sandy Beach Amusement Park

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 29, 2008

1. Sandy Beach Amusement Park Marker

Inscription. Nicknamed “Ohio's Million Dollar Playground” or “Atlantic City of the Midwest,” Sandy Beach Amusement Park opened here on May 29, 1924. The park at Indian Lake featured a 2,000-foot long roller coaster and other popular rides, a boardwalk, and the Minnewawa Dance Hall. The Minnewawa and its succeeding dance pavilions hosted the greatest names of the Big Band era, and thousands of people came from all over Ohio to listen and dance to these popular entertainers. Societal turmoil and rioting in the 1960s affected the popularity of the park. Diminishing crowds, plus competition from larger theme parks such as Cedar Point and Kings Island, led to the park closing in the early 1970s. The lone remnant of the park is the steel arch bridge that spans the harbor.

Erected 2003 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, Logan County Historical Society, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 3-46.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1936.

Location. 40° 28.356′

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N, 83° 53.734′ W. Marker is in Russells Point, Ohio, in Logan County. Marker is on Main Street (Ohio Route 366) near Sunnyside Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is 75 feet east of US Route 33. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Russells Point OH 43348, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. When the Music Died (a few steps from this marker); The Villages (within shouting distance of this marker); Islands and Beaches (within shouting distance of this marker); 1913 Flood (within shouting distance of this marker); Our Lady of Fatima (within shouting distance of this marker); Native Americans (within shouting distance of this marker); Miami- Erie Canal / Lewistown Reservoir (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Interurban Transportation (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Russells Point.

Additional commentary.
1. Numbering mistake
This marker is numbered wrong. It should be 8- 46.
#3- 46 is "West Liberty"

— Submitted March 9, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 29, 2008

2. Sandy Beach Amusement Park Marker

Looking east, with bridge (mentioned on marker) at distant left.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 2,724 times since then and 195 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 31, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.