Restoration Projects

Midway Opens for a Great Summer in 2024...

With the 1948 Eli Bridge Ferris Wheel now open and the Herschell Twister soon to follow, we are celebrating Midway's 126th birthday in July. Midway Park did have a Ferris Wheel in the early 1970s and this model obtained from Lakemont Park dates from 1948 but appears to be the same model that once revolved at Midway. Although Midway never had a Twister, the park does have an excellent collection of Allan Herschell rides from the 1950s, and this 1959 Twister adds to that collection.

A film by Peter Daulton entitled Trolley Park: Midway Memories was produced this year for PBS and features interviews with friends of the park and staff whose recollections and images bring to life this classic trolley park. The film is available through YouTube, PBS Passport, and occasional local broadcast.

So, what else is new?

The Roadway cars now roll along a new concrete pad and track amid new village amenities.
The arcade begins its third summer season in newly converted pavilion structures.

Eli Bridge Ferris Wheel and Herschell Twister Ride

Midway purchased a 1948 Eli Bridge Ferris wheel and a 1960 Herschell Twister ride from Lakemont Park in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The Ferris Wheel opened for the 2023 park season and has been a great thrill for park patrons, but work continues to machine new parts to fully restore the Twister.

The return of the Ferris wheel to Midway has been a dream for years, as the Ferris wheel has been an anchor on the strand in many amusement parks for years and is commonly thought of as an old familiar friend among changing rides and amusements at parks.

Donate or learn more about this project.

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Putt-A-Round Chautauqua Mini-golf Course

This first-class design was inspired by Friend of Midway Peter Sullivan and implemented by Adventure Golf Services, a leader in the industry and local heroes who went above and beyond the call during the construction period.

Since opening on July 1, 2016 the course has hosted over 100,000 players and has generated thousands of dollars toward the purchase of rides and attractions for Midway through the proceeds from evening mini-golf play.

Learn more about the Mini-golf project.

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Chautauqua Choo Choo & Kiddie Copters

In May 2015, a newly constructed train station became the boarding point for the Chautauqua Choo-Choo. A new design makes it both period-friendly and suitable for parking and storing the train in an enclosed space.

And, of course, over each winter, the Midway State Park crew has been hard at work repainting and refurbishing rides. Here are a couple of shiny new kiddie copters ready to whirl in May!

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Fully Restored Herschell Carousel

In 2012-2013 the state budget supported capital renovations to the Herschell Carousel roundhouse by replacing the piers, roof, glass, and making drainage improvements.

With these stronger supports in place, the carousel has been returned to its home, and thanks to the generosity of families and friends whose connections to the carousel are strong, all of the 30 carousel horses were sponsored and funds have been paid to support the decorative painting of all the horses for the 2014 park opening.

Thank you to all for your love of the carousel and your outstanding commitment to the restoration of this treasured ride.

Learn about other carousel enthusiasts’ projects.