Henry Amusement Park, Murphysboro, Illinois. (1905-1961)

The park was initially called "Diehl's Park" but was renamed "Henry Amusement Park" in 1912.

Henry Amusement Park was a popular amusement park in Murphysboro, Illinois. The park was located on the banks of the Big Muddy River and was named after its owner, Henry E. Diehl.

Diehl opened the park in 1905 with a few rides and attractions, but it quickly grew in popularity. By the 1920s, Henry Amusement Park was a popular amusement park in Southern Illinois. 

The park featured a variety of rides and attractions. The park's most popular ride was the "Henry Flyer" roller coaster, built in 1922. Other rides included a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and a swimming pool with a water slide. The park also had a dance hall, a restaurant, a beer garden, a roller skating rink, and a midway with games and food vendors.

This photo is a visual aid.

The park also hosted several special events, including concerts, dances, and beauty pageants. Henry Amusement Park was a popular destination for Negroes, who were often excluded from other amusement parks, like Chicago's White City and Riverview Park in Illinois.

The park closed in 1961 after Henry Diehl died. The land was sold, and the park was eventually demolished. 

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Lincoln Lagoon Amusement Park, Richton Park, Illinois. (1929-1934); Lincoln Lagoon (1935-1984)

Lincoln Lagoon Amusement Park was a 160-acre amusement park at 2611 111th Street in Richton Park, Illinois, known as Lincoln Park. The park was renamed Lincoln Lagoon in 1934.

Lincoln Lagoon was a popular destination for families from Chicago and the surrounding area. The park featured a variety of rides, including a roller coaster, Shoot the Chutes water slide built in 1934, and a Ferris wheel. 

This photo is a visual aid.

There were also games of chance, a petting zoo, and a swimming pool.

Lincoln Lagoon closed in 1984. The park was sold to a developer.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Hilltop Amusement Park, Richton Park, Illinois. (1926-1974)

Hilltop Amusement Park was a popular amusement park at 22500 Governors Highway, Richton Park, Illinois, from 1926 to 1974. It was built on the site of the former Hilltop Race Track, which had closed in 1925.

Charles A. Schmidt, who also owned the nearby Lincoln Lagoon Amusement Park, opened the park.

Native Americans at Sauk Trail Pageant, July 1926.

Hilltop Amusement Park featured a variety of rides and attractions, including a wooden roller coaster, a carousel built in 1910 and featured 54 hand-carved animals, a kiddieland for preschoolers, a miniature train, a swimming pool, and a large dance hall. The park also hosted various events, such as concerts, picnics, and festivals.

This photo is a visual aid.

Hilltop Amusement Park was a popular destination for families all over Chicago. The park was trendy during the summer months when it drew crowds of up to 10,000 people daily.

The park closed in 1974 due to financial difficulties. The site of the park is now occupied by a housing development.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.