Abandoned Places and Urban Exploration

You could drive right past the ruins of Croop’s Glen Park daily without even realizing that an amusement park once thrived right on Route 11, near Nanticoke, in Hunlock Creek.  The ravages of time and nature, along with the valley where the remains are situated, help to keep the location protected from prying human eyes, unless those eyes are already aware of the park’s existence.

TURN HERE AND LOOK TO THE LEFT

The park was opened in 1908 by B. Frank Croop when it was primarily used as a  picnic area with the stream and waterfall as the park’s main attraction.

Between 1926 and 1927, two wooden roller coasters were added.  There was a full size coaster named Twister, and one Kiddie Coaster.  Other attractions added to Croop’s Glenn were a whip, carrousel, bumper cars, a dance pavilion plus a swimming pool.  During the 1928 season, Croop’s Glen advertised parking for 2000 cars.  The park was closed in 1943 because of the conservation efforts for World War II and rising insurance costs.  The dance pavilion was converted into a skating rink which was commercially successful until it burned down in the early 1950’s.

There are just a few remnants left of Croop’s Glen Park– a rusted sign at the entrance and a few tattered buildings—and once they disappear,  Croop’s Glen will become another lost chapter in the history of  Luzerne County.

Since posting this article, I’ve had some people contact me with some new information about Croop’s Glen. 

Baby Contest Pavilion Collapse at Croop’s Glen 

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Lost History Found: Pictures of the Park when Open

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Cheri Sundra © 2010
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