Lake Shawnee Amusement Park
Built on a Native American burial ground and the site of a colonial massacre, Lake Shawnee Amusement Park saw multiple deaths before closing in 1966. The rusted Ferris wheel still turns on its own. Children's laughter echoes from the abandoned playground. Even the swings still move.
In the mountains of West Virginia, a rusted Ferris wheel stands against the sky, slowly turning though no one operates it. Nearby, swing seats rock gently when there is no wind. Lake Shawnee Amusement Park closed in 1966, but something there has never stopped playing.
The Burial Ground
Long before the amusement park, the land was a Shawnee tribal burial ground. Archaeological excavations have uncovered numerous Native American graves on the property, some dating back thousands of years.
In 1783, a settler named Mitchell Clay established a farm on the site. The Shawnee, angered by the desecration of their sacred ground, attacked. Two of Clay’s children were murdered - his son was burned at the stake, his daughter was struck down with a tomahawk. Clay returned home to find their bodies.
The land passed through various owners, its dark history largely forgotten.
The Amusement Park
Conley T. Snidow purchased the property in 1926 and built an amusement park featuring a swimming pond, a circular swing, and other attractions. For forty years, families from the region came to Lake Shawnee for summer entertainment.
But the park had a troubling death toll:
- A young girl was killed on the swings when a truck backed into her
- A boy drowned in the swimming pond
- At least four other deaths occurred on the property during its operation
The amusement park closed in 1966, reportedly due to financial problems. The Snidow family held onto the property, and the rides were never removed.
The Decay
For decades, Lake Shawnee sat abandoned. The attractions rusted. Trees grew through the structures. The swimming pond became swampland. Yet the site never quite died:
- The Ferris wheel was observed rotating on its own, even in still air
- The circular swing seats moved without wind
- Visitors reported hearing children’s laughter from the abandoned rides
- Balls of light were seen moving through the grounds at night
The Investigation
When the Snidow family opened the property for paranormal investigation, researchers documented extensive activity:
The Swings: Multiple investigators have recorded the swings moving independently. Temperature readings near the swings show dramatic fluctuations. EVPs captured what sounds like children playing.
The Ferris Wheel: The massive structure has been observed turning slowly with no mechanical power. Some investigators believe the spirits of the children who died on the property operate the rides they were denied in life.
The Burial Ground: Native American spirits have been reported throughout the property, separate from the child entities. These manifestations are often described as angry or threatening.
Electronic Disturbances: Equipment failures are common. Batteries drain instantly. Cameras malfunction. Digital recorders capture sounds that weren’t audible during sessions.
Native American Presence
Investigators report a distinction between the spirits at Lake Shawnee:
The children who died at the amusement park seem playful, attached to the rides where they met their ends. They may not fully understand they’ve died.
The Native American spirits are different - older, more powerful, and resentful of all those who trespass on their sacred ground. Some investigators have been told to leave, have felt physically pushed, or have experienced overwhelming hostility.
The park may be haunted by two distinct groups of spirits, one tragic and one angry.
Today
Lake Shawnee occasionally opens for paranormal tours and special events. The current owners have maintained the site’s abandoned character while making it safely accessible. The rusted rides remain, still moving occasionally for no apparent reason.
The combination of ancient burial ground, colonial massacre, and modern accidental deaths has created what some call a “perfect storm” of haunting energy. Whatever walks at Lake Shawnee comes from multiple eras, united only by the land that holds them all.