by Christine Lorraine Morgan with research from Anna Mae Van Dyne Sept. 12, 2025

From the 1880s to 1924 the Lake Erie shoreline just east of Erie in Lawrence Park Township was a very popular spot. An amusement park was situated near the point where Four Mile Creek empties into Lake Erie, thus the name Four Mile Creek Park.

This east-side park was a popular destination, considering it offered alcohol when Erie’s west side amusement park, Waldameer, was known to be “dry,” and did not have booze available. It was also easily accessible by water, trolley, automobile, or by foot.

Four Mile Creek Park featured vaudville acts, a spacious dance hall, burlesque shows, a carousel, promenade, summer cottages and other attractions. But the piece de resistance was billed as the “Scenic Coaster” initially, then called the “Giant Coaster” in 1924.

A destructive flood nearly destroyed this roller coaster ride in 1915, after relentless torrential rain caused Four Mile Creek to rise and flood the area. For many years it was believed that the roller coaster was never repaired or put back into working order.

Giant Coaster after the August 1915 flood

However, an intriguing trail of old newspapers has proven this to be false. Either the old coaster was rebuilt at some point, or a new one was brought in because a Sunday, July 13, 1924 local newspaper ad states:

“This coupon and 10 cents, presented at the ticket office at Four Mile Creek Park, will entitle any child under 16 years of age to ticket to theatre, a ride on the Giant Coaster, and a ride on the Carousel. Good between noon and 5:00 o’clock on Monday afternoon.”

In 1924 it seems as though something caused the entire park to close. The reason for this shut down has not yet been revealed through historical documentation. However, one interesting fact has surfaced, and that’s exactly what happened to the Giant Coaster.

According to a mid-20th century article in the Erie Times News, “This house at 316 Baker Avenue was built in 1924…The wood was scrap from the old Four Mile Creek roller coaster.”

The house allegedly built with the roller coaster wood is still standing. These images were taken on Sept. 12, 2025:

“Roller Coaster House”

Thanks to Anna Mae Van Dyne and the Lawrence Park Historical Society for providing sources and input that enabled this article to be compiled and written.