Incredible 1950s Footage Gives A Glimpse Into The Past At Chicago's Former Theme Park
By Linze Rice|Published June 12, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
I describe myself as a proud history nerd, so I’m always looking back to try and discover fun facts about Illinois. Recently I came upon some incredible archival footage from Chicago that truly brought to life the past, illuminating a far-gone era. In fact, you may be surprised to know that this former Chicago, Illinois theme park even existed. Let’s roll the film and take a look, shall we?
Riverview Park amusement park opened in Chicago on July 2, 1904 at the corner of Western and Belmont avenues in the Roscoe Village neighborhood on the city's North Side. It sat on 74 acres of land and was bound in part by the North Branch of the Chicago River.
Thanks to the Chicago Film Archives, colorful, archival footage of the 20th-century theme park can be seen and enjoyed by the public. This video, taken in 1952, begins with the park's famous main entrance along Western Avenue.
The video captures some of what life was like in America at the time with exhibits like the Atomic Energy exhibit. The same year this footage was taken was also when the first hydrogen bomb was being tested. Many refer to this era as the Atomic Age, when it was believed that nuclear war was on its way with the former Soviet Union.
The Pair-O-Chutes was another endeavor for thrill-seekers, which consisted of sending 1-2 seated riders up a large tower while a parachute was strapped to their seat before letting them free fall to the ground below.
Another fun fact: This ride is mentioned in the Beach Boys' song "Amusement Parks U.S.A" in the lyrics, "The Pair-O-Chutes at Riverview Park'll shake us up all day."
The park had over 120 rides total, including several wooden rollercoasters such as The Bob, the Jetstream, The Comet, The Fireball, and The Silver Flash.
Other attractions included the Tunnel of Love, the Tilt-a-Whirl, Aladdin's Castle, Flying Turns, and Wild Mouse — in addition to exhibits, games and shows, some of which you wouldn't find in theme parks today due to the crude nature, such as the "Freak Show."
After 65 years, the park closed its doors in 1967 and the land is now occupied by retail stores, a Chicago Police area headquarters, and schools. The park's closure was mainly attributed to financial troubles, as well as a history of racism.
Now long gone, the park is a completely unique piece of Chicago history. No other amusement park has taken its place, but its legacy as an old-fashioned-meets-modern-day amusement park lives on through vintage photographs, archival footage, and storytelling.
Final fun fact: The Riverview Park carousel was the only ride to be saved and still operates at Six Flags Over Georgia.
So, did you know about this Chicago, Illinois theme park? What’s your favorite piece of little-known or forgotten Illinois history? Tell us in the comments! Want to see some Chicago history that’s still standing today? Check out this breathtaking 1928 pink building, or head Downtown for a look at an old mobster’s secret vault.
Watch the full Riverview Park video from the Chicago Film Archives below!
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