Eden Springs Amusement Park

The House of David ran a popular amusement park in Benton Harbor, Michigan, from 1908-1975. Initially called Eden Springs Park, the venue entertained generations of locals as well as tourists, many of whom came from the Chicago area. Along with area beaches, resorts, and Silver Beach Amusement Park in nearby St. Joseph, the park was a key attraction that laid the foundation for the thriving tourism industry of southwest Michigan.  


Early on the park was known for its natural springs, baseball stadium, zoo, famed ice cream parlor, top-notch musical entertainment by House of David musicians and touring vaudeville acts, dancing, and signature miniature trains that shuttled visitors about the park. Later, other attractions were added, including bowling alleys, miniature autos, pony rides, a beer garden and larger main stage, and an arcade and pool hall. In the park’s final decades, events like square dances, auto exhibitions, rodeos, rock concerts, and music festivals were held on the grounds.

Members William Robertson, Clayton Lemon Lorey, Percy Bulley, Edmund Bulley, and Paul A Johnson around the Eden Springs Amusement Park fountain, c. 1955, with the Main Stage and Beer Garden in the background. 

Guests could visit for the day, stay overnight in a hotel on the grounds, or rent a cabin at the park and stay longer. A vegetarian restaurant provided delicious and nutritious meals to visitors. Impeccably manicured grounds, featuring flowers, exotic plants, and elaborate fountains made Eden Springs a virtual botanical garden. Numerous gift shops sold myriad souvenirs and House of David-made crafts, ranging from commercial art to musical instruments to House of David-brand jams and jellies. 


Written by Brian Carroll, PhD., 2024

Park Video for Website.mp4

Attractions at Eden Springs 

Arcade

Archway

Auditorium

Auto Speedway

Baseball Stadium

Beer Garden

Bowling Alley

Cabins

Fountain

Hotel/Restaurant - Exterior

Hotel/Restaurant - Interior

Jam & Jelly Stand

Main Stage

Model House

North Depot

Open Air Auditorium

Outdoor Photo Studio

Pavilion

Rock Garden

Roundhouse

Round Stage

South Depot

Souvenir Stands

Zoo