Lake Shawnee Amusement Park, Abandoned amusement park in the United States
Lake Shawnee Amusement Park is an inactive entertainment facility in Princeton, West Virginia, where rides and structures from decades past remain partially visible on the grounds. The layout includes vintage roller coaster tracks, carnival game booths, and other recreational installations typical of mid-century amusement parks.
The park opened in 1926 and operated entertainment attractions for 40 years before closing in 1966. After its shutdown, the grounds were left largely untouched, allowing the rides and buildings to age naturally over the decades.
The site holds meaning in local folklore and is connected to Native American sacred ground that held importance for indigenous peoples of the region. Visitors often speak of a distinct presence that sets the place apart from other abandoned locations.
Guided tours are offered for visitors interested in exploring the grounds and learning about the site. Wear sturdy shoes and watch for uneven surfaces and debris scattered across the property.
The grounds sit atop a historic burial site where indigenous peoples were laid to rest centuries ago. This connection to precolonial history adds a cultural layer that many visitors find striking.
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