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PhotoFiles: A roller coaster and thrill rides at Capitol Beach in Lincoln
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A Lee Enterprises, Incorporated newspaper. Majority shareholder: David Hoffmann, Hoffmann Media Group.
Alert Top Story Editor's Pick
PhotoFiles: A roller coaster and thrill rides at Capitol Beach in Lincoln
- Lincoln Journal Star
- Feb 25, 2022
- Feb 25, 2022 Updated May 26, 2022
- 0
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Once Lincoln's best recreation spot, Capitol Beach had a lot to offer, from a roller coaster to swimming. Check out these photos of the amusement park in Lincoln's past.
The Bug
In 1955, 185 children were entertained at the Lincoln Exchange Club's annual Sunshine Special. The "Bug" was the group's favorite ride at Capitol Beach.
Journal Star file photo
Burlington Beach
Called Burlington Beach until 1912, the park featured a 50-passenger steamer, swimming pool, a Penny Arcade, Fun House and a roller coaster. It was also where William McKinley made a presidential campaign speech in 1896.
Nebraska State Historical Society
Roller Coaster
This 1931 aerial photo taken of Capitol Beach may bring back memories of pleasant Fourth of July outings to the once-popular amusement park. The park featured a roller coaster, a carnival, kiddie rides, swimming pool, dance hall and later stock car racing.
Journal Star file photo
Queen of the Blue
The excursion steamer Queen of the Blue operated in the 1890s on Old Salt Lake, then called Burlington Beach. The 50-passenger excursion boat was one of the attractions said to draw 150,000 visitors a year.
Journal Star file photo
Out on the lake
In Capitol Beach's heyday, boating was a great attraction that would only cost 50 cents per hour. The beach was a popular resort situated about a mile west of downtown Lincoln.
Journal Star file photo
Relaxing at the pool
The Capitol Beach neighborhood once was known for its salt basins, amusement park and swimming pool that attracted 150,000 people each season.
Journal Star file photo
Beauty Contest
Winners of the bathing beauty contest held at the Capitol Beach grocers and butchers picnic area in 1952 were Diane DeVriendt, Coddey Freeland, and Christine Evans.
Journal Star file photo
Preparation for the summer season
Lincoln's Capitol Beach amusement park appears ready for the summer crowd in 1952. The park lasted for more than 50 years before the amusement devices were removed in 1962 to make way for Capitol Beach Manor.
Journal Star file photo
Train Wreck
This 1956 photo shows the wreckage left after part of the miniature train at the Capitol Beach amusement park tipped over, spilling young passengers and injuring the children.
Journal Star file photo
Along for the ride
Kids are joined by their parents as statehouse employees gathered at Capitol Beach in 1959. Don Kusy, Department of Roads worker, shares a train ride with little Mary and Mark. Rear seat passengers are Lura Marshall, Kathy Nicholson and Linda Marshall.
Journal Star file photo
Memories
This picture shows the deterioration of Lincoln's amusement park in 1962.
Journal Star file photo
A new beginning
Ugly weeds have grown around the deserted buildings of Capitol Beach Amusement Park in August 1962. The bright neon lights are gone and the once popular family park sits silent as wrecking crews start the process of leveling the park.
Journal Star file photo
Tearing down the gate
On Feb. 20, 1963, Lincoln's longtime playground takes one more step to extinction as the gates through which hundreds of thousands of fun seekers passed came tumbling down.
Journal Star file photo
Cooling off by the pool
Twenty-year-old graduate of the University of Nebraska, Jean Brown sits on the fountain at Capitol Beach in 1963.
Journal Star file photo
Modern Day Capitol Beach
Through the years the amusement park equipment and buildings deteriorated and were razed, one by one. Today, the former summer hot spot is a 115-acre residential area.
Journal Star file photo
Related to this collection
Champions Fun Center in Lincoln is closed permanently
The building will become Club LNK, which it describes as "a membership-based gym where youth can come be active, hang out with friends, and have a facility that is focused on solutions for kids."
Renovations to begin in the fall on Irvingdale, Rudge, Stransky parks
Updates are proposed for all three parks, but will start with Irvingdale and Rudge parks due to budget limitations.
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A Lee Enterprises, Incorporated newspaper. Majority shareholder: David Hoffmann, Hoffmann Media Group.
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