Mountain Park was built in 1894 by the Holyoke Street Railway as a way to increase weekend business on the company's trolley cars.  Over the next 94 years, Mountain Park provided the citizens of Holyoke and its neighbors a variety of entertainment - ranging from the thrills of the midway to the drama of the Summer Theatre.  Early on, one would get to Mountain Park by riding the trolley from downtown Holyoke, for the cost of a shinnyThe trolley ride from downton Holyoke cost 5 cents.  After church on a Sunday, the typical family would pack a picnic lunch and spend a day at the park.

Early attractions were a carousel, "The Great Gorge Water Ride," (Ed - This was Mountain Park's second roller coaster, a version of the popular 'Scenic Railway' roller coaster.) the bear den, deer park, and live entertainment on an open stage.