Nestled in the remote town of Rock, West Virginia, lies one of the country’s most haunting and mysterious sites. The Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park is known for its eerie charm and dark past. This defunct park is steeped in tragedy and chilling tales that have drawn curious thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts for decades. With Halloween having just been, it’s a fitting time to explore the ghostly legends and unsettling history that make Lake Shawnee the perfect place for a spine-tingling tale.
Lake Shawnee’s Dark History
The park was first built in 1926 by entrepreneur Conley T. Snidow, who saw an opportunity to create a fun retreat for local families. For years, Lake Shawnee drew visitors from far and wide. The park had classic attractions like a Ferris wheel, a swing ride, and a small swimming area. However, as families laughed and played in the sunshine, many tragedies plagued the park. A fatal incident involving a young girl on the swing ride and two guests who drowned in the park’s swimming area were among those tragedies. The park closed in 1966 after failing health inspections.
Image: Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park
Locals believe that Lake Shawnee’s cursed history goes back further than its days as a family amusement park. Before the park was built, the land was the site of a bloody conflict between European settlers and the Shawnee tribe. In the late 18th century, the Clay family were among the first settlers to the area. They built a homestead on the property and the settlement led to a violent confrontation in which young members of the Clay family were killed. This resulted in retaliation from the Clay family and other settlers against the Shawnee tribe.
The Haunting of Lake Shawnee
In the 1980s, the land was purchased by a new owner, Gaylord White. During construction, Native American artifacts were found on the land. More importantly, thirteen Native American graves were uncovered. Since then, the land was used as a home for fishing tournaments and motorsports.
Image: Lake Shawnee (Facebook)
Many who visit Lake Shawnee believe that the tragedies that occurred on the land and the disturbance of ancient burials have left a supernatural imprint on it. Visitors and paranormal investigators have reported strange occurrences, including unexplained noises, eerie cold spots, and even sightings of ghostly apparitions.
Image: Lake Shawnee (Facebook)
The most famous apparition is of a young girl thought to be the spirit of the girl who perished on the swings. Some say they’ve seen her swinging alone. Others claim to feel her presence near the rusted remnants of the Ferris wheel. The park has been featured in television shows such as Scariest Places on Earth, Most Terrifying Places in America, Ghost Lab, and The UnXplained.
YOU Can Visit Lake Shawnee
In recent years, the park has offered ghost tours and overnight camping events, inviting the brave to explore its grounds. Guided by local historians and paranormal enthusiasts, visitors are led through the darkened landscape, with flashlights casting long, ominous shadows over the decaying rides. The atmosphere is eerie, filled with the anticipation of what may be lurking just beyond the faint glow of the lights.
During the Halloween season, Lake Shawnee transforms into a Dark Carnival. The event runs on weekends in October and includes tours, food trucks, and the Lake of Terror’s Sinister Haunt. Guests can experience traditional thrills from actors in scary costumes or hope to see something more unexplained.
Image: Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park
Lake Shawnee’s unsettling history and reputation for paranormal activity make it a prime Halloween destination. It’s a place where fact and folklore intertwine, where the past never truly rests. For those who dare to visit, the Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park offers a hauntingly unforgettable experience, especially during the spooky season.
