Tumble Bug Trailhead at Chippewa Lake Park Opened on May 15

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
May 13, 2026

Medina County Park District to Open Tumble Bug Trailhead at Chippewa Lake Park

Medina County, Ohio — A portion of the former Chippewa Lake Amusement Park, acquired by the Medina County Park District (MCPD) in 2020, will reopen to visitors on May 15 at noon following a morning ribbon-cutting ceremony with local officials. The reopening marks the debut of the Tumble Bug Trailhead, located at 5796 Longacre Lane (at the corner of Lake Road and Longacre Lane) in Chippewa Lake, Ohio.

This is the first phase of development at the former amusement park, offering new opportunities for the public to explore and enjoy the historic property. Amenities in this phase include a parking area, restrooms, a 20’ x 28’ shared-use picnic shelter, and a half-mile accessible gravel loop trail. Pets are permitted on leash. Biking is also permitted. Golf carts are not permitted on the gravel trail. In the coming years, the trail will be extended to connect with the site of the former Tumble Bug ride, further enhancing the visitor experience. PLEASE NOTE: A future phase of Chippewa Lake Park will lead to the old Ferris wheel. That area remains closed while we are in the planning stages. There are no trails, and trespassers have been cited. Plus, there are ticks, bees, snakes, and plenty of other creepy crawlies.

As part of this initial phase, MCPD is proud to partner with the Chippewa Lake Historical Society (CLHS). The organization leases a park-owned house at the corner of Longacre Lane and Lake Road and will operate a museum at the site beginning this summer. The museum will help preserve and share the rich history of the beloved amusement park and surrounding community.

The opening of the Tumble Bug Trailhead represents an exciting step in bringing new life to a treasured local landmark, blending outdoor recreation with historical preservation.

“This is the first step in making Chippewa Lake Park a destination once again, albeit a different kind of park this time,” said Nathan Eppink, MCPD director. “Since 2020, we’ve created a master plan with public input, cleaned up crumbling debris and asphalt in the old park, and brought on the Chippewa Yacht Club and Chippewa Lake Historical Society as official partners. It’s an exciting time for the park district, our neighbors, and all of Medina County.”

For more information about Chippewa Lake, visit https://chippewalakeohio.com/.