Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Olentangy Park, once located along the river where retail shops and apartments now stand, was a premier Midwest amusement destination in Ohio from 1880 to 1937.
Initially a simple picnic grove, it expanded to include roller coasters, a giant swimming pool, dance halls, boat rides, and a zoo featuring hundreds of animals, including elephants and bears.
The park’s Loop the Loop roller coaster, among the world’s earliest looping coasters, attracted thrill-seekers but was infamous for its uncomfortable, forceful rides, leading to its brief operation after opening in 1901.
Today, only remnants of Olentangy Park remain in Columbus, most notably the restored 'Grand Carousel' at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, while a few stone entrance pillars quietly mark the site and legacy of the park.
#OlentangyPark #ColumbusHistory #OhioHistory #History #AmusementPark #RollerCoaster #HiddenHistories #columbusohio
STORY: abc6onyourside.com/news/local/hidden-histories-1800s-olentangy-park-clintonville-columbus-ohio-roller-coasters-zoo-beach-carousel-amusement-summer-fun-ohio-history-1900s
IMAGES:
Columbus Metropolitan Library, digital collection, no copyright in the United States
digital-collections.columbuslibrary.org/digital/collection/ohio/search/searchterm/olentangy%20park
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Olentangy Park, once located along the river where retail shops and apartments now stand, was a premier Midwest amusement destination in Ohio from 1880 to 1937.
Initially a simple picnic grove, it expanded to include roller coasters, a giant swimming pool, dance halls, boat rides, and a zoo featuring hundreds of animals, including elephants and bears.
The park’s Loop the Loop roller coaster, among the world’s earliest looping coasters, attracted thrill-seekers but was infamous for its uncomfortable, forceful rides, leading to its brief operation after opening in 1901.
Today, only remnants of Olentangy Park remain in Columbus, most notably the restored 'Grand Carousel' at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, while a few stone entrance pillars quietly mark the site and legacy of the park.
#OlentangyPark #ColumbusHistory #OhioHistory #History #AmusementPark #RollerCoaster #HiddenHistories #columbusohio
STORY: abc6onyourside.com/news/local/hidden-histories-1800s-olentangy-park-clintonville-columbus-ohio-roller-coasters-zoo-beach-carousel-amusement-summer-fun-ohio-history-1900s
IMAGES:
Columbus Metropolitan Library, digital collection, no copyright in the United States
digital-collections.columbuslibrary.org/digital/collection/ohio/search/searchterm/olentangy%20park
_______________
Stay up to date with our social media:
WSYX on Facebook: facebook.com/WSYXABC6
WSYX on Twitter: twitter.com/wsyx6
WSYX on Instagram: instagram.com/wsyx6
Subscribe to WSYX on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC6HHWRGuLD11spg9DxKAZlQ//?sub_confirmation=1
Daily News Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVJHjLYVOrAgtGirvHOL3kyw3nSkjE33o
For more information, visit abc6onyourside.com
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@wsyx6.com
Call the Newsroom: 614.481.6659
WSYX and WTTE are OH based stations owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today.
#WSYX #ABC6 #News #WSYX6 #6OnYourSide
