Americana Amusement Park - ABANDONED - Lake Lesourdsville Ohio

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ธ.ค. 2012
  • www.AdamTheWoo.com - PLEASE RATE & SUBSCRIBE - I decided to check out the closed theme park in Ohio. Halfway thru my journey I was asked to leave the property. Enjoy !
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ความคิดเห็น • 558

  • @cheezyheart1
    @cheezyheart1 10 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    I worked here! It was Americana Amusement Park in 1991. My very first job! I worked in that food court!!!!! Thanks for this-what memories! I wish you had something to send me-I might have to get a tattoo!

  • @michaelterrell
    @michaelterrell 7 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    I used to service the electronics for the park, when it was owned by the Bernie family in the '70s. I installed a dual battery system and some controls on the paddle boats, so that they boat's battery wouldn't get run down while waiting for passengers. They would call whenever something broke down. The oddest service call I had there was to fix their fortune telling machine. It was full of Strowger switches, which were used by telephone companies for the early dial telephones. The 'fortunes' were preprinted on 80 column IBM punchcards. Another fun job was to rebuild the player piano in their 'Old West Salon'. I'm still happy that I was never asked to repair the jukebox that played cassette tapes, instead of 45s. It was constantly messed up. They sent it back to the vendor, after a couple months. There were times that we worked all night to have something ready for a big event, the next day.

    • @spidey21071
      @spidey21071 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's awesome it must have been a fun job at that time.I remember the piano in the sawdust saloon. it was so cool there back then.also riding the waterslide and catching a ride on the train to take you back to the other side of park.brings back great memories.thank you for your story

    • @michaelterrell
      @michaelterrell 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@spidey21071 Atthat time I worked for Estil Dietz, at his TV shop on S Verity Parkway. We were the only shop in the area that repaired industrial electronics. Most of the work for the park was on an emergency basis, and after the park was closed. The job on the paddle boats was done during a High School Prom, for an after Prom party. The equipment had been on order for over a month, and it arrived that day. We were putting our tools away, as the party started.

  • @christinacope562
    @christinacope562 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    😢LeSourdesville Lake, Fantasy Farm to Americana
    So much of my childhood demolished all over USA.

  • @rlwpahrump
    @rlwpahrump 10 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I worked here during the summer of 1977. I was 19 years old and I was one of the 4 operators of a ride called the Indy 500. I moved from Ohio in 1979 and haven't been back since. Thanks to the poster for the walk down memory lane :)

  • @MattyIcecubes
    @MattyIcecubes 9 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    My fondest memories of this place took place during the two decades it was known as "Americana Amusement Park". Price of admission: 8 bucks. You could literally scrape up your loose change and buy yourself a day of fun at Americana. You couldn't do that at Kings Island, who's admission was running around $35 at that time. It sucks that this place just couldn't compete with Kings Island. Don't get me wrong, Kings Island is all that and a bag of chips, but there were many things I preferred about Americana. I liked the intimacy of it, and the old time feel it had to it, wherein Kings Island is, always has been, and always will be about advancing into the future.

    • @katrinalayer2747
      @katrinalayer2747 9 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Chef Danger You're so right, it wasn't Kings Island, but there was something about it that couldn't be topped. And you didn't go broke doing it. It's a shame it didn't make it.

    • @MattyIcecubes
      @MattyIcecubes 9 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Katrina Layer​​​​ Yeah, it had a great run, but once Kings Island was acquired by Paramount, they just poured their money into it. With no such funding for Americana, it was only a matter of time before doom befell Americana. Kings Island has since become a juggernaut, and one of the greatest parks in the world, and any bonafide amusement park which attempts to set up shop within a 100 mile radius of it is virtually guaranteed to fail. Coney Island still operates, but has found a niche as a picnic area and event center which just so happens to operate a few rides. It isn't a true amusement park, and it wouldn't be here if it tried to be one.

    • @MultiBlueblanket
      @MultiBlueblanket 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      +Chef Danger Kings Island fell into decline shortly though. All the attention is being shifted to Cedar Point because of them opening a new coaster. It seems Cedar Point is the focus of Cedar Fair in the state of Ohio.
      Notice I said "Cedar Fair". In 1996 I believe that Paramount shifted their focus into the film business and withdrew form the amusement/theme park business. In late 1996 or sometime in 1997, Cedar Fair took it. Then Cedar Fair poured way more money in it than Paramount did.

    • @MattyIcecubes
      @MattyIcecubes 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I agree that Cedar Point is Cedar Fair's flagship park, and is always going to be #1 in their book. But they're still pouring money into Kings Island. Kings Island recieved Banshee a couple years ago, which is widely considered one of the best roller coasters in the world.

    • @MultiBlueblanket
      @MultiBlueblanket 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      +Chef Danger Cedar Point though, got those awards years ago. They're still getting awards now. Unless you're from Cincinnati, nobody knows about Kings island unless you're a diehard amusement park fan, but you'd still go to Cedar Point, since everybody from pretty much Chicago to Pittsburgh knows about the thing.

  • @rebeccameadors3369
    @rebeccameadors3369 8 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    I miss this place, I actually got to ride a roller coaster with my dad before he died , which will always be a memory I have from this place, other than that I don't really remember it tho.

  • @Automedon2
    @Automedon2 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    That was kind of shocking. In the mid 70's I was a circus performer and worked for a couple of months at Americana. The dome structure where the shows were held is the framework you see. If you follow the train track it ends at a Western saloon. Seeing this was like seeing a ghost

  • @StvMcQueen1
    @StvMcQueen1 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I used to go to LeSourdsville Park a lot back in its heyday. In the mid-60s every Sat. night we'd go see whatever band was playing at the pavilion. The McCoys, The Lemon Pipers, The Left Banke and Billy Joe Royal come to mind. Ah, the good old days.

  • @richschwartz8004
    @richschwartz8004 9 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I can remember my parents taking me there when it was under the first name and taking my kids there when it was under the second name. Thanks for bringing back some old memories.

  • @amandagray7621
    @amandagray7621 9 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    The park on the right, where the ferry is being stored, was Fantasy Farm, not Americana (Lake Lesourdsville). There used to be a pond/lake in the middle of American that they would ferry you from one side of the park to the other. The owner doesn't want anyone on the park because the "bad comments" are from the people who are angry that he let the park go after agreeing to buy it, invest money into it and keep it open. He destroyed that park and a lot of people that grew up riding the rides there, like me, and visited every summer are very upset about it.

    • @EarlHayesHonorAmericaRadio
      @EarlHayesHonorAmericaRadio 9 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      You couldn't be more wrong. I am 50 years Old and Born/ Raised in Trenton, Ohio and I grew up with Lesourdsville Lake (Americana) and Fantasy Farm. I worked both parks for years. Ran the Paddle-boats at the very rear of Fantasy Farm, where the GIANT Gold Fish were bred. Jerry tried so hard to fix, repair and re-open the park. First he Invested Millions of dollars in the park, and the Construction company he hired ran off with the money, after only fixing the first hill on the SCREECHING EAGLE Coaster. There is and was no one on earth that wanted the park to be permanently revived than JERRY COUCH, But there is so much people are not aware of, that Jerry was not able to fix. Did you know the LAKE always leaked and drained into the surrounding suburbs and houses. Jerry Invested so much into FIXING that issue, and just could not. He even divided the lake in 1/2, and planned on having a floating restaurant on the back half, and hoped that would help to ease up the leak, but it didn't help.
      Finally, after being robbed of millions , more than once, he tried to REBUILD & COMBINE BOTH PARKS. By repairing and repainting the rides that were left, and he even moved the CLOWN FACE AMPHITHEATER To rebuild it behind the FANTASY FARM MOTEL and the City Of Monroe, Ohio Issued him a STOP WORK ORDER TILL FURTHER NOTICE.
      This Left Jerry Heartbroken. He was ordered to CEASE AND DESIST ALL WORK on the park. That is when he threw in the Towel. He fought the good fight for all of us, but mostly for him....No one Loved the parks more than JERRY COUCH. He added so so much to trying to save the park, to no avail. No one even knows, he built, (Within his Couch's Campers), and Concert Hall for LIVE BANDS to come and play at the newly opened park, (But, it was never to be).
      My Heart goes out to THE COUCH FAMILY, as I Interviewed him years ago, for the radio station. God Bless you Jerry Couch and i stand behind you 100%.

    • @Revkor
      @Revkor 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      HonorAmerica RadioTv
      question, why does the State stop him and where do they have the right.

    • @amandagray7621
      @amandagray7621 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      I was unaware of the issues surrounding the devastating closure of this park. Maybe you are correct in how it happened. However, with his behavior it is hard to see the truth and I have even seen accounts to the contrary of your statement.

    • @LouisAndPillz
      @LouisAndPillz 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      Amanda Gray I'd just like to say that your account is pretty much correct with most reports of the incident of the park closure. On top of that, "Honor America"'s account of the story is not only wrong, but makes literally no sense. There is no way a contracting company can just walk away with millions of dollars, because of something called....a contract? Also, there is literally zero reason or way the state can tell someone to stop work on their own private land, unless the contract with his construction company wasn't up at the time...which means that he tried undercutting said company.
      OR, the state told him to specifically stop working on it because they wanted to fix the lake problem themselves...which means that his lake gets fixed for free anyways? But this can't be correct, because if this was such a big issue, or even an issue in the first place, the state would have definitely stepped in long before Jerry got control of the park.
      Most likely what happened was that the park was scrapped after he was unable to get a good amount of his added rides back after repossession. Not only were his rides lost, but hundreds of thousands of dollars in inspections (including the safety inspection system he bought), certifications, licences, etc. that he needed to get for all the rides were also lost, and would have been needed to be re-purchased if he were to get his rides back. All his advertising also received negative attention for this fact, and because he kept moving the date of the park's re-opening and other such things back. Around the same time, Cedar Point and other amusement park competitors were making moves to get rid of competition in the area. What most likely happened, and what I wouldn't personally blame him for doing, was that he made a deal with said competitors to close the park for good in return for getting a nice check. A couple years later, he would sell all the rides and such for a profit, and sit on his nice, huge plot of land, deciding what to do next.

  • @angelsinger4574
    @angelsinger4574 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    My church used to take us to Americana and its neighbor, Fantasy Farm, during Vacation Bible School. I have many good memories here.

  • @meganphillips1778
    @meganphillips1778 11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love that you went to Americana, i grew up going there with my good friend for birthdays and everything! So weird seeing it go from riches to rags after so many years! Thnks Adam love your shit!!

  • @floydmills8963
    @floydmills8963 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I had many adventures there. I started going in the 1980's since I was born in 1979. As a teenager I couldn't really afford King's Island, so me and some friends would jump into a car drive down there and have an absolute blast. Thanks for the memories 🤟

  • @kristynminella5358
    @kristynminella5358 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The random "clipboard" wall was actually something left from the go kart track "Middletown motor sports" which was bought out and excavated around 2004-2005 I believe. The white wall lined the straightaway with the sponsors. So many memories. I wish the track was still there!

  • @MMAGICMMOODZ
    @MMAGICMMOODZ 9 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I remember me and mom feeding the koi. I loved this place when it was americana. It holds some special memories for certain.

  • @meltedplasticarmyguy
    @meltedplasticarmyguy 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I been to Americana once before the management change and subsequent closing in my childhood and I remember thinking to myself "man, this place sucks". Now that I am much older I realized that it wasn't so bad, granted it was now Kings Island or Cedar Point, but it was close and cheap. It is kind of sad to see a childhood memory, even a bad one, decay over time.

  • @orvwithbulletholes
    @orvwithbulletholes 7 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    My great-grandfather, Edgar Streithau, first opened the park in 1922.

    • @ThomasVanHorn
      @ThomasVanHorn 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wow

    • @CyRanger
      @CyRanger 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      First time there I was a toddler (born in '71.) It was named Lesourdesville Lake. I remember the live shows they had in the old west area if the park. Those were amazing! I'm not sure if the park had been been re-named "Americana" at that point, or if they did that show under both names. Either way, I loved that place. I'd love to know more about the true history of that park. I spent a great deal of my youth and some of my adult life there.
      Peace

  • @denisepainter5996
    @denisepainter5996 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    When my kids were little we didn't have a lot of money so I would take them to Americana. That was mid 80s. They didn't know it was run down, they loved it and would beg me to go on the weekends. We lived in Dayton at the time.
    My kids have kids older than they were then. LOL Thanks for the video Adam.

    • @Davidle141
      @Davidle141 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Exactly when your a kid you don't know anything hell I used to think McDonald's was fine dining for the rich when I was a kid and in some aspects that was true.....if your poor enough McDonald's is fine dining. I was there as a kid

  • @Spectreworld
    @Spectreworld 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    So sad... I used to work there back in 97 and 98

  • @RobGavagan
    @RobGavagan 11 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Honestly, I just kept thinking that this would make for a great filming location. Sad when places run out of money. But such is Americana. Too soon?

    • @3xirei
      @3xirei 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      yeah

    • @tracie806
      @tracie806 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I went there many times as a kid. He used to be fun for us. You know it was a good place for my dad to take us. He raised us four kids and it was fine. He was financially able to go there without it breaking him are used to be a place next to it called fantasy farm like right next-door. I was kind of curious to see if that was still abandoned, or if they demolished all that.

  • @MrHand29
    @MrHand29 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very interesting seeing this and a trip down memory lane. The clipboard wall was where they would hang the qualifying times for go kart races which is why there's a wall with a bunch of sponsors. I used to race there as kid. Fond memories for sure... glad you posted this.

  • @Tima38Killjoy
    @Tima38Killjoy 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Adam, I love all of your videos. I just like it when they are a little longer. We all need a little more 'Woo' in our lives.

  • @bigbaldy502
    @bigbaldy502 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I remember my grandmother's job would go here every summer it was like a 3 hr drive from our hometown Louisville, Ky & she would take us every year in the 80s those were great times watching this video brings back those great childhood memories...❤

  • @RemyLebeauIAm
    @RemyLebeauIAm 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was impressed with how calm and respectful you were with the creepy overprotective owner. Thanks for helping show that not everyone who wants to look at places like this are vandals!

  • @StvMcQueen1
    @StvMcQueen1 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Busted! He was afraid you'd run off with that giant 8-ball, no doubt.

  • @bigclivedotcom
    @bigclivedotcom 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    If you look at the wikipedia listing for the park then its no wonder the guy was grumpy. His purchase of the park didn't pan out as he planned.

  • @kilroywuzhere6864
    @kilroywuzhere6864 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I loved this place as a kid, but I’d long forgotten about it u til seeing this! Thank you for making this video!

  • @andrafocke1905
    @andrafocke1905 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This brings back a lot of memories. I was born and raised in Cincinnati and we went to the lesourdsville Lake park every summer
    I believe when Kings Island opened that was the beginning of the end for lesourdsville Lake.

  • @RangerJ
    @RangerJ 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Adam is always so respectful!

  • @Invinciblezombie
    @Invinciblezombie 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    My mom told me all about this place. Back in the days before Kings Island was a thing, Lesourdsville Lake (which was the name before Americana) was really the only amusement park in the Dayton/Cincinnati area. It was actually a pretty popular music venue in the mid to late sixties.

  • @youlldietrying
    @youlldietrying 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    And you're commentary is DeLuxe. Some of the best on the tube. Yes one day I had to wait for a CSX freight train to clear the front gate to get in. Nice place.

  • @jeremyrunyon6998
    @jeremyrunyon6998 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I miss the water log ride. We had to walk a long way to get their. I liked that we were aloud to bring in our own food cooler. Thanks for showing were my family used to go. I know there's more but i forgot a lot of what was there.

  • @DonNeedham33
    @DonNeedham33 9 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I use to go here as a kid, some of the rides where called The Screeching Eagle, The Electric Rainbow an when you road the train before leaving station the fish would eat anything they where crazy, cig butts anything one would toss in the lake they would eat as well there was a log float on the other end of the park an they only sold RC cola, just some more info to add.

    • @benjaminburton45042
      @benjaminburton45042 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Those fish would eat spit and pennies. RC Cola and Big Red, was great back then, but now, yuck lol. And don't forget about their "massive" steel coaster 'the Serpent' aahahaha. So many great memories there. The log flume in back, the big slide, the scrambler, and the theater place with the movies where it felt like you were flying... OG IMAX right there haha. Good times.

  • @scales4342
    @scales4342 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for uploading this, seeing whats left of the parks means a lot to me. For what it's worth, the owner of Americana/Lesourdsville Lake has been known to give urban explorers permission to enter the park and take photos in the past. Sometimes asking pays off.

  • @Chars1stuff
    @Chars1stuff 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks so much for sharing.....even though its all but gone, it brought back cherished memories. Thanks!!!!

  • @mattrost2574
    @mattrost2574 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Years ago when it was "Americana", across the lake was "Fantasy Farm" (zoo for kids). The sign on I-75 at this exit included both attractions on one sign: "Americana Fantasy Farm". I wonder how many truckers were disappointed when they exited.

  • @leemcintyre9490
    @leemcintyre9490 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Well, your CAMPY Attempt at Humor not With standing, I Appreciate this Post!! When my Folks Couldn't afford Kings Island 🗼 we could always enjoy an Adventure at Lesouridsvill Lake, or Americana!! That Paddle boat, and the Trains🚂! I Probably road on those So many times going back, and Forth between the Amusement park, and the Old West Town!! I just Thought that was so cool 😎!! And I also liked the fact that they had 2 Fun Houses!! Thanks for the Trip down Memory lane!!😌

  • @THEtechknight
    @THEtechknight 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow... The boat did function, and I remember the trains, they used to run.... Looooong time ago. The roller coaster, I believe it was called the screeching eagle. Nostalgia.

  • @josephbaker1633
    @josephbaker1633 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's nice to see how polite you are when confronted. Good job. And I haven't taking the chance to thank you for your pieces from Florida. As someone who grew up there, it's nice to see things I remember from being a kid and going to them. Have you ever been to Deleon Springs near Deland-Sanford area? I remember going there as a kid. We used to sneak into an abandoned zoo next to the swimming area via a hidden trail. That was 20 years or more ago, so no telling what's up with it. Knowing Florida it's a shopping center or condos by now. Keep up the great work, dude.

  • @Shanplus6
    @Shanplus6 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    We used to go to this place a lot in the 90s. They had ten cent per ride days or something like that. Fond memories.

  • @theseakite2
    @theseakite2 11 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    FYI, a group of toilets is known as a "brace of toilets."
    You're welcome!
    ;)

  • @bigclivedotcom
    @bigclivedotcom 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Looking at a related video, that guy might have been Jerry Crouch the owner. He appears at the end of the related video that shows the green turtle ride.

  • @Elmer1953
    @Elmer1953 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great vid! You are the king of abandoned vids!

  • @75aces97
    @75aces97 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Went there as a kid with my cousins. The Screeching Eagle was my first roller coaster ride. Good times.

  • @Joe_Pace
    @Joe_Pace 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    My brother-in-law's employer rented the whole park for a day just after it closed for the season one year in the 80s. I was talking to an employee on his last day and he let me into the fenced area under the Screechin' Eagle so I could take photos.
    A few years before I met a fellow coaster fan who showed me how to raise the lap bar so we could stand up. I still can't believe I did that.

  • @Lunarmallow
    @Lunarmallow 9 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    You need to make ur intro into a ringtone

  • @Cnw8701
    @Cnw8701 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    Although I was too young to remember, my mom used to take me to this park when I was little. She often used to remark about how poorly up-kept the rides were prior to its closure!

  • @slobomotion
    @slobomotion 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I was born in '57 in Cleveland and my family had an electric motor repair business for generations which folded at the end of '10 finally. I got to go w my father to Euclid Beach Park during silent snowy winter days as his family biz would repair the ride motors & stuff & his parents were Eastern Star so there was an annual family picnic which was just so quaint. I remember seeing orchestras in the open air ballrooms, was like WWII era! Long gone America gone.

  • @booomms
    @booomms 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    A couple months ago I was doing research on this park and as a result youtube recommended one of your videos. I've been watching you ever since ,so its funny to see you actuly go to this place.

  • @1970CrazyChris
    @1970CrazyChris 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another great vid.!
    Ironically, when I watched this, it was prefaced with a Disney Hawaii commercial.
    Maybe you should attach some pontoons and outriggers and go to Hawaii for more Disney backstage stuff :)

  • @crystalmckinzie6995
    @crystalmckinzie6995 ปีที่แล้ว

    I grew up in Hamilton. My parents used to take us to Americana. We loved the rides . My favorite was the Log ride .

  • @DaveThePianoDude
    @DaveThePianoDude 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    great video! I love this. Once visited one out in Utah near the Salt Lake - lots of water toboggin tubes falling down all over the place! Ruins fascinate!

  • @johnschmitt2500
    @johnschmitt2500 9 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What he didn't realize, he was next door at the old Fantasy Farm Amusement Park. He never got near the Americana / Lesourdsville Lake Amusement Park. Now that would have been something to see.....

    • @CyRanger
      @CyRanger 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      He was absolutely in the old Lesourdesville Lake/Americana Amusement park. I've been to both throughout my life, many many times. He was standing right in front of the entrance to the Screechin' Eagle roller coaster ride, and he even went into the area where the pool used to be. Fantasy Farm didn't have "Fascination" or a ski lift, either. Fantasy farm was right next door, so who knows how much space he actually covered before getting booted out.
      (should I also point out the fact that this video actually shows old Americana garbage cans, as he points them out?)
      Peace

  • @marylawson1828
    @marylawson1828 10 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I grew up on all the rides there we did not always have the money for kings island but we still had just as much fun ill miss this great American amusement park never will forget screeching eagle bruising me up while riding it.

  • @1960gambit
    @1960gambit 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Used to go here when I was a kid. The place was really cool, and much cheaper than Kings Island, without all the long lines too. The people who bought this place didn`t have a clue how to run it and it just went right into the ditch. There used to be a kiddie park right next door that I went to when I was very small called Fantasy Farm. They had kiddie rides and farm animals etc. It`s really a shame that LeSourdesville Lake / Americana is gone, it was truly a classic American amusement park.

  • @lostnlimbo82
    @lostnlimbo82 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    I went here all the time when I was a kid. It was beautiful back then, so different! you could ride that ferry you showed. The building with long counter is where they sold salt taffy. THE BEST! They had a place down the road called fantasy farms they used as a haunted house. I saw it a couple years back abandoned as well, only creepier because it was a haunted ride and it still had the decor inside all rotting away. CREEPY!

  • @markmnorcal
    @markmnorcal 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    What do ya think it will take to get this park operational again? You might want to check into it.

  • @markeholbrook
    @markeholbrook 9 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    That was a fun place back in the day. My cousin was a mechanic there, and several friends worked there off and on. They had a western style area that you rode the boat or train to, and they had wild west shows, and trained animals in cages that did tricks, and a herd of longhorns. There was a saloon where you could get a sarsaparilla and peanuts. The rides were pretty rickety, which made them more exciting. I got stuck on the roller coaster once because they could not get the brakes to hold at the boarding area, probably went for ten trips in a row until they figured out how to stop it. The pool was a big attraction, and there was a nice picnic grove there too. The lake was made way back when for ice harvesting. Too bad the owner never could reopen it, he wanted to, but it was in pretty sad shape and probably not worth the gamble that it would be worth the investment.

  • @erikallen1301
    @erikallen1301 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    hey i live like 10 min away from there and i saw when i went thru the front there were gates with locks did you go that way? or were you let in?

  • @chlosu
    @chlosu 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I can't ever step foot in an abandoned place, they remind me too much of horror movies. You are awesome, and you are really funny also! :D

  • @Chars1stuff
    @Chars1stuff 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have fond memories of this park and Fantasy Farm. They were both close to home and in the stone age when I was little.

  • @tammiecason7933
    @tammiecason7933 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My family used to go there when it was LeSourdsville & later Americana. I think when Kings Island was built, it killed this park.

  • @valeriejason5329
    @valeriejason5329 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    "Are you ready to rock!?!"
    LOL
    Love it....

  • @dharleyfan1
    @dharleyfan1 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    My family went to this place back in the mid to late 60's, it was a fun place back then, I still remember it. I remember the SKY ride more then anything, for some reason.

  • @msFez24024
    @msFez24024 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    There is actually two parks in one here. The old fantasy farm was right next door to Americana. I used to race go karts in the back of the old fantasy farm lot. Had a dirt track there not to long ago. That's what the wall with the sponsors was for. Along with the clipboards. Starting grids were posted on those for all different classes running that evening. Its Always neat to go back to places you remember from being a kid. Ashamed it all had to close down...

  • @garyw72777
    @garyw72777 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Use to go here at Americana all the time when I was a kid and Fantasy Farm which was right next door where the water tower is. It was a great place to go when I was a kid

    • @tara1131975
      @tara1131975 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      +Always On The Go I use to go there a lot as well. They use to have PriceHill Day there when I was a kid, spent many of fun summers at Americana.

  • @itrthho
    @itrthho 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Americana/LeSourdsville Lake Amusement Park was an amusement park located in Monroe, Ohio, USA. This park is currently closed with no immediate plans to be reopened. When the park opened in 1922 it was named LeSourdesville Lake. The name was changed after the 1977 season to Americana Amusement Park. The park closed after the 1999 season and was sold in 2000. It opened briefly in 2002 but closed unexpectedly before the end of the season. It has been closed since that time.

  • @elkycruiser79
    @elkycruiser79 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    wow I was born in Middletown. lived right down the road from this place when it was still open. I'll have to come check it out next time I'm in Ohio. thanks for the video man.

  • @Cnw8701
    @Cnw8701 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    Although I was too young to remember, my mom used to take me to this park when I was little, and she often remarked about how poorly up-kept it became after while.

  • @thebluepineapple684
    @thebluepineapple684 ปีที่แล้ว

    That restaurant has actually been turned into a diner! They have tons of references to the park and great food!

  • @Grimace_2.0
    @Grimace_2.0 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Would make it as close to my home as you have....ii use to go to this park when I was a kid...love the video...btw the boat was indeed used to give guest rides across the lake

  • @jlaw50
    @jlaw50 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I Can't believe you came to Monroe! There's a speedway across the street that I used to work at

  • @tnridge
    @tnridge 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome video Adam..too bad the guy stopped ya...your very respectful..thanks for the entertainment...I found you a while back thru 66 hellride..great guy

  • @tirehead72
    @tirehead72 10 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Many people ask "Why not reopen?" Its simple...Sky high insurance rates...In todays society, people want ten grand if they bump their knee or get a small cut. To be able to carry that kind of liability,maintain a park people will frequent ,and sway crowds from Kings Island (about 20 min away) at an affordable ticket price
    is almost impossible. I went here a lot growing up and wish it still was what it used to be for my kids, But once it turned a corner to decline..thats all she wrote

  • @snackyonassis
    @snackyonassis 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    ahhh, I love the old amusement park adventures the most... something extra super creepy about them... and it just boggles my mind how it just gets left there to rot away, all the rides and the buildings and signedge... I've never seen anything like that in Canada... would love to find something ghost-towny or abandoned here though.

  • @richardzaccari8732
    @richardzaccari8732 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    adam ur videos are so cool bro keep up the great work

  • @liam71rock
    @liam71rock 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been checking out your videos for a while and never saw this one! I've been here while it was in operation, it was great fun. It's a shame the guy didn't know what you were about.

  • @marclayne9261
    @marclayne9261 ปีที่แล้ว

    Many fond memories of this park...1950s & 60s....

  • @CircusMagicEnt
    @CircusMagicEnt 8 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    You pissed off Jeff Bridges!
    Shouldn't he be looking for his rug?

  • @ltd4all
    @ltd4all 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    That one structure, that looked like a "skinless tent" looked like a pretty cool place for a band to play at one time.It's sad when places like this go uncared for, and then to have the "owners/caretakers" deny access, out of fear of vandalism.When they COULD offer tours and EXPLAIN the back story behind the park,etc.Similar to a "haunted house" scenario.IF the guy would have walked WITH you and explained that "this is where hot dogs were sold, etc."....

  • @genedavis101
    @genedavis101 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great stuff!

  • @Grimace_2.0
    @Grimace_2.0 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been watching your videos for a long time and I' would never had thought you

  • @ihumpdeadcats
    @ihumpdeadcats 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    was the lake still filled ? or has it been drained

  • @bigclivedotcom
    @bigclivedotcom 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Had he actually called the cops? Or was it just coincidence that they turned up at that point. You should have tried to get the guy into conversation about the place if he had been involved in it. Like at that old western place you visited and got a tour off the security guard.

  • @BBBrooksNerdsauce
    @BBBrooksNerdsauce 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love the videos when you do abandoned things

  • @LizVesper
    @LizVesper 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hell yea, wish I knew you were coming to Ohio, would've told you about some awesome places to check out.

  • @hholiday20s62
    @hholiday20s62 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm considering checking this out here within the next week, its about 45 mins from where i live, worth it?

  • @JD-nh7vb
    @JD-nh7vb 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I remember going to Fantasy Farm and it was a blast. The day we went Dayton TV legend Dr. Creep was there at the park.

  • @subskull33
    @subskull33 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Loved this place when i was a kid. My dad's company picnic was held there every year. Sad to see it like this...

  • @michaelpereira6862
    @michaelpereira6862 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Old school Woo. Love it.

  • @slobomotion
    @slobomotion 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm from Ohio, moved to NYC for 17 years and am now in Europe. "Sourd" means "deaf" in French. I survived two Summers as an employee of Geauga Lake Park. It was ghastly, dangerous. I was chattel.

  • @StubbyCub
    @StubbyCub 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video man, this is good stuff!!

  • @brandondavis8193
    @brandondavis8193 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Visited there today. It looks even more rundown then it did in this video. Had no problems getting in and exploring though!

  • @Fearinc
    @Fearinc 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Is it completely demolished now?

  • @LOAblue
    @LOAblue 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awww.... I hate to see it just sitting abandoned like that. Loved that place as a kid, and fantasy farm next door

  • @NancyReiderLittleGranny
    @NancyReiderLittleGranny 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Well the land Adam was on has been sold to a school recently. So what little remains of the former site of Fantasy Farm will soon be gone. I visited the site over the weekend to document what I seen by video as it will forever be gone soon. The trains are gone, the boat still remains, but is in a deep state of decay. Fantasy Farm holds a special place in my heart as does Americana. Its interesting to see the differences from 2012 to 2017.

  • @mmmbad
    @mmmbad 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for making this video. I went there a lot as a child when it was still Lesourdsville Lake and later when it became Americana. It's a shame all the smaller parks lose out to places like Kings Island. It's practically unaffordable now, unless you're wealthy :(

  • @bigfreddie75
    @bigfreddie75 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I worked at Americana many many years ago. Priceless!!!

  • @SteveHarpsterDraws
    @SteveHarpsterDraws 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love your videos Adam. Have you ever tried contacting the owners to get permission to visit an abandoned theme park? It might be interesting to get their take on what went wrong and why they had to close. I love the one you did at gun town mountain where the security escorted you around the park and gave you a tour. Just wondering.

    • @FireCracker3240
      @FireCracker3240 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      +Steve Harpster Do you happen to know the title of that video? I'd love to watch it. I tried typing in gun town mountain into Adam's channel but got no results.

    • @CaptainKingsleyYeoo
      @CaptainKingsleyYeoo 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      +FireCracker3240 it was ghost town :) not gun town

    • @FireCracker3240
      @FireCracker3240 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      +Matthew Tracey Thank you kindly for the information. The comment said gun town, so I wasn't sure. :-)

  • @killnkind
    @killnkind 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Used to go there back in the day. There was another park across the parking lot called Fantasy Farm.