We pulled up to the property which was hard to find to be honest and then drive down the drive. It is creepy, no doubt about that. The ticket booth is still there and it just evokes a time that has passed, memories faded into nothing. Jewel told us all about the land, all the stories, all the rumors, all the good stuff. She showed us a map of the property, where to go, what to see and sent us on our way. quick walk indeed, to the first site of a tent toppled by a tornado. There were old ticket booths scattered throughout the park and you could almost see the long lines waiting, kids unable to sit still with excitement.
We rounded the bend and there was the ferris wheel. I think they are creepy to begin with because they are so tall , but this one took the cake, the pie and the doughsant!!! It loomed high, surrounded by ivy, rusted by time. Yet, the numbers were as clear as day and the designs still evoked that carnival feel. Little girl played with sticks and wandered off towards the swings. We took photos and just awed in it.
I stayed put for a while. It was like I could not step away. Man and child walked tot eh swings (where they say there are lots of hauntings of a little girl that died right there). I watched her circle the area and push the swings back and forth. Though the rides were not in working order, she seemed to be enjoying them. We got up close to the wood seats. We just kept stepping up the them, stepping back, circling. It was amazing. We stayed for a while, then we wandered back through fields of grass to the front. We passed more ticket booths and the swimming hole. Later in the car, I read the information Jewel had given me about the place. Lots of wonderful history (there is a Native American Shawnee burial ground on the other side of the park). I read about the Clay family and the Shawnee and little boys and girls who are said to haunt this site. we may never go back to Lake Shawnee, BUT, if you a re in the southern West Virginia area and are looking for something odd, peculiar and totally different to do, go to Lake Shawnee. It may be the ride of your life!!!