Lakeside Amusement Park

Lakeside Amusement Park was a recreation facility in Salem, Virginia, located at the intersection of U.S. Route 460 and State Route 419. It featured roller coasters, a swimming pool, and several entertainment attractions spread across its grounds.

The park opened in 1920 with a large swimming pool and gradually expanded its rides and attractions over the decades. It closed permanently in 1986 following a flood and subsequent safety concerns.

The park served as a regional music venue where performers like Tom T. Hall and Conway Twitty entertained crowds throughout its years of operation. These shows made the place known as a gathering spot for entertainment in the local community.

The former park location is now Lakeside Plaza, a commercial center with shops and dining options occupying the original space. Visitors interested in local history can still visit the site to see how the land has been repurposed.

Despite being hit by a flood in 1985, the park introduced new attractions for the 1986 season in an attempt to recover. A tragic accident involving maintenance work that year raised significant safety concerns that ultimately affected its future.