Few amusement parks have stood the test of time. Most of the the old parks in the U.S. end up closing, and are replaced with ones that are larger and more modern. But there is one in Huntington that has stood the test of time for more than a century.
Camden Park has sat on Huntington’s west end since 1903, and has been a landmark for the city ever since. It is West Virginia’s only amusement park, a fact that has undoubtedly assured its longevity.
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Originally designated as a picnic area, Camden Park has been owned by the Boylin family for four generations.
Facebook/Camden Park From its humble beginnings, the park expanded to include a carousel, which sat at the end of the Huntington trolley line. Then, in 1950, the site was turned into a traditional amusement park for all ages.
From its rebirth in 1950, a varied amount of attractions have come and gone over the years, including a roller rink, a swimming pool and a zoo.
Facebook/Camden Park
Today, the 26 acre park has a traditional wooden roller coaster (built in 1961), a Big Dipper, a Paratrooper, a Tilt-a-Whirl, a Scrambler and a mini train for the kids.
Flickr/OZinOH
The park also has a mini golf course for the kids, with 18 holes and a West Virginia themed design, including a Hatfield-McCoy hole.
Facebook/Camden Park
But the biggest attraction for the kids, and most adults, is the Log Flume - the only water based ride at the park. Built in 1983, this ride has two logs which each hold six passengers. Expect long lines on summer days, but a great way to cool off at the end.
Facebook/Camden Park After over a century in existence, and nearly 70 years as a full amusement park, Camden Park is a great place to take the whole family. It is located at 5000 Waverly Road in Huntington’s west end.
For more information about the park, including rates and hours of operation, check out the website here.
Flickr/OZinOH
Facebook/Camden Park
From its humble beginnings, the park expanded to include a carousel, which sat at the end of the Huntington trolley line. Then, in 1950, the site was turned into a traditional amusement park for all ages.
After over a century in existence, and nearly 70 years as a full amusement park, Camden Park is a great place to take the whole family. It is located at 5000 Waverly Road in Huntington’s west end.
Have you ever been to Camden Park? Comment below and share your experience.
To learn more about West Virginia, check out this rare footage of an amusement park that leave you longing for the the good old days.
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