Billed as the “Atlantic City of the Middle West” , the Boardwalk Amusement Park was first conceived in August of 1915 by a group of Chicago investors headed by M. E. Moriarity, who were the owners of the Woodlawn Café located on Cottage Grove Avenue.

The group planned to spend some $60,000 to transform Hammond’s Lake Michigan waterfront into a family entertainment complex. Some twenty-two acres of property were to be leased from the Forsyths', a large property owner in the area. Under utilized, the Indiana lakeshore seemed like a wise move, since the Chicago lakefront was already crowded with development.

Boardwalk Park finally became a reality with its grand opening on Saturday, May 14th, 1927. This ceremonial event was well attended, with then Hammond Mayor A. E. Tinkham, Members of the Hammond Park Board, Gary Mayor Williams, Whiting Mayor Schrage and East Chicago Mayor Hale being present.

Throngs of fun seeking men, women and children of all ages, from all corners of the Calumet Region were on hand as well. As were many citizens from nearby Chicago as well.

The park featured three “Merry Midways” with numerous attractions that included — King Bee Coaster — Giant Thriller of Thrills — “The Old Mill” — Chutes-the-Chutes — Dodgem Junior — Fun for Old and Young — Aero Plane — Ride the Clouds — “The Whip” — Hear Them Scream — Merry-Go-Round — The Kiddies Joy — “Storm-At–Sea — Figure It Out — Ferris Wheel — A Wonderful View — Miniature Railway — For the Little Folks — Pony Track — Real Live Ponies — Skee-Ball Alleys — Everyone Plays — Penny Arcades — A Laugh for a Penny — Photo Gallery — Look Pleasant Please — Shooting Gallery — Hit the Bull’s Eye — Kiddies Zoo — Monkeys and Cub Bears — Picnic Grounds and Games Of Skill.

A new civic baseball and athletic field was also located at the park, which were also very well used for many summertime sporting activities. Many food booths and restaurants were also located inside of the park. Parking was provided for thousands of vehicles for those in attendance.

Unfortunately Boardwalk Park did not stay around for very long, it only lasted a few short, but fun filled years. The site in which the Boardwalk Park was located is now the present day home of the Lever Brothers Soap Factory.