Niagara Amusement Park won't open for 2026 season; Grand Island fireworks still a go

By Karen Carr Keefe

Senior Contributing Writer

Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World will not open for the 2026 summer season.

That was the word Thursday night from IB Parks & Entertainment.

The management wrote a letter to park guests who are on the parks email list:

“Dear Guests – Today, we are sharing difficult news. This was not the outcome we hoped for.

“Over the past several years, we invested significant effort to revive and improve the park while exploring every possible path to open this year. Ultimately, operating and financial realities made that unsustainable.

“We know this is disappointing, and we truly appreciate the support we’ve received from our guests, employees, and the Grand Island community.”

“For those who purchased a 2026 season pass, full refunds will be processed over the next 30 days. No action is required at this time, and we will reach out directly if anything further is needed.”

“We also plan to continue the July 4th fireworks tradition from the park property, with more details to come.”

As to whether this is a permanent closure of the park, the management team said, "At this time, our focus is on responsibly managing this transition and evaluating future opportunities for the property. We will share updates if additional information becomes available."

Niagara Amusement Park file photos by Robert Haag.

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Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World is the most recent iteration of the amusement park Fantasy Island, which opened in 1961.

The park changed hands several times since its opening in 1961, eventually fell on hard times, and closed in 2020. Then in 2021, IB Parks entered a long-term lease to run the amusement park and has been working ever since to restore and enhance rides, entertainment and food offerings.

Grand Island Moose Lodge 180 hosted fundraisers for the past two years to bring fireworks back to the park. Moose Lodge member Mary Ehde and her committee had worked closely with IB Parks & Entertainment and with Matt Shaw of Skylighters Fireworks to resume the popular community event for the Fourth of July.

The Moose Lodge spurred community donations that will fund the pyrotechnics this year, as well, raising $15,000 with the help of Grand Island residents, businesses and through an Oct. 11 fireworks fundraiser titled, "Let's Band Together."

Ehde said, “Although we are saddened and confused about the future of Fantasy Island, this is where we stand: The only involvement in our display was the use of the land. At this moment, we still have access to that for this year. If that changes, our very capable pyrotechnics company, Skylighters, through owner Matt Shaw, will still dazzle us with a fabulous display. Our only concern is keeping them in the business district. Thanks to the donations from last year's fundraiser, the show will go on. Grand Island paid for fireworks, and Grand Island will have fireworks. I hope this slows down the numerous, understandable inquiries.”

For more information on Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World, visit niagaraamusementpark.com.