Remembering Some Central New York Amusement Parks

If you grew up here in Central New York during the 1950's, '60's or '70's...you might remember the amusement parks at Pine Lake and Caroga Lake.  Those parks and beaches were especially convenient to people in Dolgeville, Little Falls, Herkimer, Middleville and Stratford.

Caroga Lake is located northeast of Dolgeville in the foothills of the Adirondacks.  Those who visited during the summer months found a clean beach, and a very busy amusement park.  There was the classic merry-go-round, a ferris wheel, bumper cars, and even go-karts.  Inside Sherman's pavilion, you'd find a restaurant selling burgers, hot dogs, pizza and fries.   Outside were small pavilions peddling cotton candy, sno-cones and ice cream.  It was the place to be between Friday evening and Sunday afternoon.

Only a few miles from Caroga Lake was the Pine Lake amusement park.  At this park there was a very small roller coaster, large picnic area, restaurant, and a large beach.   Much like Caroga, the parking lot would be full of cars on a Sunny Summer afternoon.

By the time the 1980's rolled around, both parks were closed.  The rides and buildings sat abandoned and neglected.  The old amusement parks just couldn't compete with the more modern water parks and theme parks, even though reaching them involved a much longer car ride.  But during their hay day, great fun for many area families.