Luna Park, Chicago
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Amusement park |
| Founded | 1907 |
| Founder | James "Big Jim" O'Leary (head of investor consortium) |
| Defunct | 1911 |
| Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois , United States |
Area served | Chicago, Illinois |
Key people | James "Big Jim" O'Leary (owner and manager) |
| Products | Amusement park attractions including roller coaster, ballroom, roller skating rink, concessions, live performances, dining establishment |
Luna Park was an amusement park located in Chicago, Illinois, operating between 1907 and 1911. Positioned on what was once a picnic grove at the intersection of 51st and Halsted Streets, the park was owned by a consortium of investors headed by boxing promoter James "Big Jim" O'Leary, who was the son of Mrs. O'Leary, associated with the Great Chicago Fire. Covering ten acres as a trolley park, Luna Park was smaller in scale compared to other Chicago amusement destinations such as Riverview Park, which was the largest during that era, and White City. In 1908, O'Leary took on the role of park manager.
Among its attractions were a midway, a ballroom, a roller coaster, a roller skating rink, various concessions, live performances including vaudeville acts and boxing matches, as well as a dining establishment.
Although the park initially attracted an average daily crowd of approximately 5,000 visitors, attendance declined due to increased competition. This downturn led to a temporary closure in 1910; it reopened in 1911 while O'Leary attempted to find new ownership but was unsuccessful. By 1912, most rides and attractions had been dismantled, and the remaining buildings were converted into a large food market hall.
In 1916, real estate developer James H. Milligan purchased the property to develop single-family residences.