Kiddieland Amusement Park, Springfield, Illinois. (1945-1977)

Kiddieland Amusement Park was located on 30 acres at 3833 East Harry Street. It was owned and operated by the Consolver brothers, George, J.L., B.G. (Tex), and N.C., who also owned several other businesses in the area. 

This photo of a 3-across carousel is a visual aid.

The park featured a variety of rides and attractions for young children, including a carousel, a miniature train, a Ferris wheel, a paddle boat pond, a miniature golf course, a driving range, a swimming pool, and a skating rink.

It was a popular destination for families with young children and was used as a venue for day camp, boy/girl scout field trips and other events.

Kiddieland closed in 1977 due to financial difficulties.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Lindbergh Amusement Park, Upper Alton, Illinois. (1927-1972)

Lindbergh Amusement Park was located in Upper Alton, Illinois, on the banks of the Mississippi River. It opened in 1927 and was named after Charles Lindbergh, who had just completed his historic solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. The park featured a variety of rides and attractions, including a roller coaster, a carousel, a water slide, and a midway with games and food. It was a popular destination for families and tourists alike.

This photo is a visual aid.

Lindbergh Amusement Park was one of Southern Illinois's largest and most popular amusement parks during its heyday. The park featured a variety of rides and attractions, including a roller coaster, a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and a petting zoo. There were also several restaurants and shops in the park. The park would host concerts, festivals, and other special events.

Lindbergh Amusement Park closed in 1972 after 45 seasons. The park's closure was due to several factors, including declining attendance, competition from other amusement parks, and rising maintenance costs.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Midway Kiddieland, Spring Valley, Illinois. (1946-1972)

Midway Kiddieland was a small amusement park located in Spring Valley, Illinois. 

"The Steel Brothers Shows" (Harry and Frank), from the early-1900s to mid-1960s, was a traveling carnival company that opened the "Midway Kiddieland" with carnival rides. Midway Kiddieland became known for its family-friendly rides, such as the 3-across carousel, a Ferris wheel, and a simple kiddie train. The park also had several games of chance, food stands, and an area for parents to wait and watch their children.

More new rides and attractions were added in 1950, including a roller coaster and bumper cars. The park offered a "Kiddieland Club" membership program, which gave members discounts on rides and food.

The park featured a variety of rides and attractions, including a golf putting course, aka miniature golf. It also had several games and food stands. Midway Kiddieland was for preschoolers and young children.

By the 1970s, Midway Kiddieland was beginning to show its age. The park's rides were outdated, and the entire park needed repair and a massive renovation. By 1978, the Steel Brothers Shows decided to close the park and focus on their traveling carnival business.

The demolition of Midway Kiddieland in 1978 marked the end of an era for the Spring Valley community. Small family-oriented amusement parks like Midway Kiddieland began to fail as the neighborhood changed and no longer had many young children.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.