Exploring the History of Lake Shawnee Amusement Park and Its Hauntings

Nestled in the hills of West Virginia, Lake Shawnee Amusement Park has a long and storied history, filled with excitement, tragedy, and reported hauntings. The park's origins can be traced back to the late 1920s when the land was transformed into a bustling amusement park. Unfortunately, the site of the park holds a darker history, as it was also the location of a Native American burial ground and the site of several tragic events.

The park was built on the site of a former Native American burial ground, and it is said that the land holds a tragic and violent past. In the 18th century, the park's location was the site of a brutal conflict between European settlers and the indigenous tribes, leaving a haunting legacy that lingers to this day.

One of the most well-known tragedies associated with Lake Shawnee Amusement Park is the story of the Clay family. Mitchell Clay and his family settled here in 1775, creating a large farm and raising 14 children. Eight years later, two of his children were murdered on the property. It sparked a revenge party that headed out to chase down the culprits.

In the early 1920's, a man by the name of Snidow thought it would be a grand idea to create an amusement park around the lake. It had water slides, swings, a ferris wheel, a swimming hole, canoes and so much more. Then, in the 1950s, a young girl tragically lost her life when she was playing on the park's swings and was struck and killed by a truck. A young boy also lost his life when he drown in the lake. These tragic events cast a dark shadow over the park and is often cited as a source of paranormal activity.

Then in the 1980's another businessman thought that it would make a wonderful place for quiet suburb neighborhoods... until they discovered the bones and artifacts. Upon finding that there was, in fact, a burial ground under the land - and most of the graves were children - they abandoned that idea. They did have archaeologists come in and take a look at the artifacts and bones. They determined that the remains were there long before settlers moved west, but it does bring up the question if the Clay family was cursed as well for settling there.

The White family decided that they would allow the place to simply be, not to change anything else and not to build on the land. The rides still remain in their original places, the burial ground is still in tact as well.

Reports of hauntings and paranormal encounters have surrounded the park for decades. Visitors and employees have claimed to have experienced unexplained phenomena, such as eerie whispers, ghostly apparitions, and feelings of unease. These reports have only added to the park's mystique and have drawn thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts from near and far.

In recent years, the park has gained notoriety as a destination for those interested in the supernatural. Paranormal investigations and television shows have brought attention to the reported hauntings at Lake Shawnee Amusement Park, further cementing its status as a site of both historical significance and eerie intrigue.

Despite its tumultuous past and reports of hauntings, Lake Shawnee Amusement Park remains open to visitors, offering a blend of history, thrills, and an undeniable air of mystery. Whether one is drawn to the park for its historical significance or to seek out paranormal encounters, Lake Shawnee continues to stand as a unique and enigmatic destination.

Bodhi will be visiting Lake Shawnee on July 27th, 2024 for an overnight investigation. Would you like to join? You can grab your tickets by clicking here.