Dayton Fun Facts: Argonne Forest Park

Picture yourself at Possum Creek MetroPark in Dayton. Many people don’t know this but it was the former location of Argonne Forest Amusement Park, which was in its heyday during the 1930s. One of several Dayton OH amusement parks that have long since faded into history.  

Daytonians would attend the park to watch and play baseball, picnic and enjoy the rides.One of its attractions was a giant swimming pool and the metal remnants of the diving board platform and the moss covered steps still remain to this day, now hiding in the overgrowth and trees that are reclaiming the area. If you take a hike through the Possum Creek MetroPark today you’ll still see the rusted remains of 4 buses the owners purchased from the Dayton-Oakwood line. One was used as a concession stand near the pool and the others were used as camping spots for kids.  

Gas rationing of World War II thinned the crowds and eventually the park closed and is now being reclaimed by the forest. I’ve hiked through Possum Creek and it’s a strange, almost eerie feeling to see the decaying relics of this once popular park. Set aside a few hours and visit for yourself. As an active Dayton Realtor I enjoy learning and sharing Dayton’s history with buyers and sellers considering our area.