Midway Park

Midway Park is a historic amusement park located in Maple Springs, New York on the banks of Chautauqua Lake. Established in 1898, today Midway Park offers 18 amusement rides, including two junior roller coasters, plus miniature golf, go-karts, rock climbing and water-wars. The park's arcade features a selection of video and games of skill. Midway Park also has picnic grounds that are frequently used for family reunions and company picnics.

Park History

Historic Midway Park is one of only five remaining "Trolley Parks" in the United States and is recognized as the 15th oldest, continually operating amusement park in the nation. Established in 1898 as picnic grounds, early visitors arrived by trolley car, train and steamboat.

The original Midway Park offered a dance pavilion, dining hall, baseball field and sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing in Chautauqua Lake.

In 1915, Midway Park's concession building was built and is still in use today housing the park's museum, gift shop, concession stands. Nine years later, a wooden roller coaster was built in 1924. Called the Jack Rabbit, the roller coaster operated for fewer than 20 years before it was demolished.

Midway Park was purchased in 1951 by Martin "Red" Walsh. Over the years Midway Park expanded with amusement rides, miniature golf, and more. The next generation of family, Michael and Janis Walsh purchase Midway Park in October 1984. Known as Mr. and Mrs. Midway, Michael and Janis continued to operate Midway Park until they reached an agreement to sell the park to New York State after the 2006 season.

On May 25, 2007, New York State Parks held a grand opening ceremony for Midway Park to celebrate the transfer of ownership.