There are more than 35 rides — some of the oldest in America — at Lake Winnie, a classic American amusement park in the Northwest Georgia Mountains.

BY SHERRI SMITH BROWN

I grew up within walking distance of a classic American amusement park, Riverside, in Indianapolis, Indiana, so it is natural for me to be nostalgic about amusement parks of that era. Built in the early 1900s, these neighborhood family entertainment centers with their wooden roller coasters, Ferris wheels and carousels are few and far between today.

One such amusement park in Georgia has been going strong since it opened its gates to the public in 1925. Classic, traditional, charming, a piece of Americana – those are just some of the ways people describe Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park, affectionately known as Lake Winnie. This is a family-owned, old fashioned, amusement park in Lakeview, near Rossville, that is great for kids of all ages.

The first ride at Lake Winnie was the Boat Chute, constructed in 1926 and 1927. It is the oldest mill chute water ride in the United States, and today remains one of the park's most popular boat rides.

With its hand-carved horses and beautiful carriages, the Philadelphia Toboggan Company Carousel #39 is the oldest ride in the park. It was originally installed at Atlanta's Lakewood Park in 1916.

Rumor has it people come from all over the world to ride the Cannonball roller coaster, built in 1967. Designed by famous roller coaster designer John Allen and the Philadelphia Toboggan Company specifically for Lake Winnie, the Cannonball is 2,272 feet long with a vertical drop of 70 feet and a top speed of 50 mph. Roller coaster connoisseurs say it's ride is as smooth as ever.

You'll find two other roller coasters: Wild Lightening, built on the exact location of an earlier roller coaster called the Mad Mouse; and the Wacky Worm, a metal roller coaster for children resembling a smiling green worm.

Lake Winnie also features the only known working Eyerly Fly-O-Plane in the United States; the OH-ZONE!, a 140-foot more modern free fall thrill ride; a Ferris wheel; paddle boats; a train; an antique car driving track; miniature golf; a haunted house; water slides; lots of rides for toddlers; and free outdoor concerts.

There is a midway full of game arcades and food concessions with hot dogs, fries, funnel cakes, cotton candy, and more. There are hundreds of picnic tables, and you can even bring in your own food.

Don't expect Six Flags, or you will be disappointed. This is a classic American amusement park. You'll find plenty of rides, shorter lines, and a load of family fun.
 

Tagged with: Amusement Parks in Georgia

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Lake Winnepesaukah

Rossville, GA, Attractions, Amusement Parks
Originally opened in 1925, Lake Winnie is an old-fashioned, family-owned, amusement park for kids of all ages.