ABANDONED MICHIGAN AMUSEMENT PARK: Hague Park, Vandercook Lake

Hague Park (now called Vandercook Lake Park in Vandercook Lake, connected to south Jackson) was an extraordinary amusement park that had it's beginnings in the 1890's.

It eventually featured a carousel, giant water slide, roller coaster, hot air balloon rides, ball games, bowling, dancing, roller skating, arcade games, steamboat rides and much, much more.

It was a wonderful place to go in southern & mid-Michigan for a grand time...and then...it was gone. But if you look REAL hard, you're able to find a few leftover Hague Park artifacts that are still around.

In 1923, a fire broke out and spread from building to building, destroying seven buildings in all. Calls to the Jackson Fire Department were to no avail, as the park officials were told the park was out of the fire department's jurisdiction. No help came.

It's a sad tale and we can only imagine what would've happened to the place if it hadn't burned. But it's a fond memory for those who may still be around to recall...and a fascinating journey for anyone from Michigan who's interested in our history.

To learn more about this awesome amusement park and what it had to offer Michigan residents for summertime fun, read mlive.com's article by CLICKING HERE.

Then, read more in-depth details about the fire that destroyed Hague Park in another mlive.com article by CLICKING HERE.

Wish I coulda been around back then to enjoy the park...

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