The 80s: Unforgettable films, 8 tracks and roller skating rinks. That’s nearly what comes to everyone’s mind when they reminisce about growing up in the 80s — and growing up in the 80s here in Ohio came with its own unique set of traditions and tourist attractions that you, sadly, can’t relive today. The following are a few things you’ll remember if you grew up in the 80s in OH.

1. The original Blue Hole
Brian Herzog/Flickr
This popular tourist attraction in Castalia closed in the 90s. However, Castalia State Fish Hatchery holds another blue hole that's open to public observation and speculation about where this deep, blue water actually comes from. (But, it's just not the same.) Fortunately, there are all sorts of vintage photos of the Blue Hole to bring back memories.
2. Going to Hills Department Store and getting popcorn out of their popcorn machine (if your local store was lucky enough to have one.)
Wikimedia Commons
Most stores of this department store chain (founded in 1957 in Youngstown) were located in Ohio up until the late 90s when the chain was acquired by Ames. Back in the day, Hills was the place to go for Christmas shopping.
3. Idora Park (Youngstown)
Michelle Bada/Flickr
Also referred to as "Youngstown's Million Dollar Playground," this beloved amusement park closed in the 80s. It had previously operated since 1899, so it did have a good run. But, boy, do we miss it.
4. LeSourdsville Lake (Middletown)
tshiverd/Flickr
This fun-filled family park, neighbor to Fantasy Farm, was on its deathbed when a fire broke out in 1990. The site struggled on for a few more years, but its timeline was quietly laid to rest in 2002.

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5. All the classic, former rides at Cedar Point Amusement Park like WildCat (pictured.)
buschap/Flickr
WildCat officially closed in 2011, and it is one of many rides that we can't help but fondly remember. Do you remember when they unveiled Magnum XL-200, the tallest and faster coaster at the time, in 1989?
6. You remember when certain rides were the new kid on the block at King's Island, such as Vortex (pictured.)
Eli Duke/Flickr
...and you watched Kings Island's themes and rides change throughout the years-- along with its owners. Remember The Bat? The media hailed it as the the first and only suspended roller coaster when it opened, but it was retired after three short seasons.
7. Every time you and your family ate at Frich's Big Boy you begged them to buy you one of these banks at the register.
Marty Asif/Flickr
Who else had a Big Boy bank? You get bonus points if you ever encountered an Adventures of the Big Boy comic book.
8. You remember when this was once the thriving Geauga Lake Park, where a lot of your family vacations took place.
Mike/Flickr
Today, little remains of Geauga Lake. Its history can be traced back to 1887, though it ultimately closed its doors for the last time in 2007. Fortunately, we got to experience the park's glory days circa its 100th birthday.
9. You also remember when Ohio had a SeaWorld.
Stig Nygaard/Flickr
Once a neighbor to Geauga Lake from the late 60s until 1997, this beloved aquatic park left Ohio with nothing but memories of fulfilled sea-themed days. Amazingly, the Ohio park was the second to be built as they expanded their chain. Its slogan, The ocean is closer than you think!, truly made each visit feel like an escape from reality.

10. …and playing at this unique park in Canton (Mother Goose Land)

Did you remember these? What other things do you remember about growing up in Ohio in the 80s? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Can’t get enough of old fashioned Ohio fun? These vintage photos should spur your memory and deliver a heavy dose of nostalgia.

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The 80s In OH

Nikki Rhoades | May 24, 2020

Is Ohio a great place to live?

The Buckeye State is full of charm and family pride, and it is a magnificent place to call home. Growing up in Ohio, locals are surrounded by unique communities with diverse personalities. Even visits to big cities like Columbus and Cleveland are enriching, empowering locals with a well-roundedness.

What are the oldest amusement parks in Ohio?

Thinking back to the 1980s in Ohio always stirs up images of days spent at amusement parks and at county fairs. The Great Geauga County Fair is Ohio’s oldest continuous fair, operating since 1823. The oldest amusement park in Ohio made fun a more permanent attraction just a few decades later.

What are the oldest businesses in Ohio?

When we ponder our childhood, we often realize that beloved stores and places of business are no longer in existence. It’s a sad feeling, but it is also amazing to consider that many other old businesses continue to prosper. The Taylor Companies was formerly the oldest business in Ohio before it closed its doors in 2011, closing after circa two centuries in business. Today, the oldest business in Ohio is The Golden Lamb, a charming eatery in Lebanon.

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