Inwood Park (later known as Hillsdale Park) opened in 1830 and was located 2322 Vine Street near Hollister Avenue just outside downtown Cincinnati. The park was not your traditional park so to speak. It was located on a hillside and serviced by one of Cincinnati’s incline system in the late 1880’s. The park began as a hunting area by German immigrant George Schoengerger. The area was populated with a heavy influence of German immigrants and the park provided a great area to hold German and American festivals.

In the 1870’s, regular concerts were featured.

Amusement rides were added in 1896 and the name of the park was changed to Hillsdale Park after Samuel Fine worked out an agreement to lease 30 acres to make the park more appealing. One of the first rides was a Cincinnati manufactured Ferris wheel built by Albert Heinichen. A carousel and bowling lanes were also added. The park also featured nightly fireworks and dancing each evening. Admission to the park was 25 cents.

In 1897, a new dance floor was installed.

In 1907, Hillsdale Park was sold to the Cincinnati and transformed into a city park and the name reverted back to Inwood Park. The rides were dismantled and sold.

 Inwood / Hillsdale Park Photo Album

Photo credits: Top: soaphs file, T.Rhein, park archive.