By Kate Bartlett
Originally established in 1898 as a trolley park, Midway State Park is one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the nation. The park has continually evolved over the last 126 years and everyone has different memories here that are special to them. The park truly has generational memories that are still being passed down to the youngsters of today.
The first owners of the park constructed playing fields, tennis courts, bath houses and a dance hall to entice customers to ride the trolley on weekends. In 1915, a new building was constructed with a kitchen, a large dining room and space for dancing and roller skating.
Many generations spent their free time at Midway State Park throughout the 1900’s in various ways. Every generation will define the “Hey-Day” differently, but it primarily ties to how they spent their time of their life in the park. “For some it was taking the trolley or steam boat to the picnic grounds and bathing beach,” explains Marla Bingham-Melcher, Park Manager 3. “For others it was the bar and chicken dinners; still others it was the sock hops and the big bands. For many more, it was the roller skating and the various eras of rides that have been in the park.” Everyone has their favorite memories of their own “Hey-Day”.
One can imagine how countless memories were made at the park over the past 126 years. “Some of the most popular stories surround coming to the park with annual company picnics over the years. Others involve finally being tall enough to ride certain rides,” describes Marla. “We’ve even heard many stories of now married couples who first met at the park either at sock-hops or roller skating.”
Today, the park is a small family sized amusement park. According to Marla, it’s most popular with families with smaller children. About 1/3 of the rides and attractions are for shorter patrons, 1/3 for taller patrons and 1/3 for everyone to enjoy. Patrons can take a nostalgic ride on the vintage carousel, play a game of mini golf, take a spin on the tilt-a whirl and ride the go-karts or watch their children enjoy themselves on the many kiddie rides. While some may prefer to relax while enjoying cotton candy and the lake views, others can test their skills at the classic midway games in the arcade.
The Friends of Midway stepped forward in 2010 as a not-for-profit group offering fund-raising assistance with certain projects in the park including: restoration of the carousel roundhouse, carousel horses, the train, mini-golf course, and Ferris wheel. “There are many plans for Midway in the pipeline,” says Marla. “The Master plan, while not all-encompassing, acts as a guide and is available on our website.”
One thing guests might not realize, is the park is on the National Register of Historic Places. “Midway State Park is the 5th oldest continually operating trolley park in the nation, 14th oldest amusement park in the nation, and the 28th oldest amusement park in the world! We have the oldest known Roadway Car and the second oldest known Little Dipper roller coaster rides. Midway is truly historic.”
Upcoming events at Midway include the annual Der Kobblers car show on Labor Day, Midways final operating day of the 2024 season. Between now and Labor Day, the park has special activities most Saturday and Sundays including balloon artists, face painters, magic shows, and more. In 2025, Midway plans to continue annually celebrating their anniversary on the Saturday closest to July 12th (their actual Anniversary date). Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop on your visit.
For more information, visit https://parks.ny.gov/parks/midway and visit the park located at 4859 Route 430, Bemus Point, NY 14712, or call 716-386-3165.
Continuation: One thing guests might not realize, is the park is on the National Register of Historic Places. “Midway State Park is the 5th oldest continually operating trolley park in the nation, 14th oldest amusement park in the nation, and the 28th oldest amusement park in the world! We have the oldest known Roadway Car and the second oldest known Little Dipper roller coaster rides. Midway is truly historic.” – Marla Connelly, Park Manager 3, Midway, Long Point, Lake Erie State Parks