Wonderland Amusement Park ( usually simply called Wonderland ) was a trolley park that operated on the east side of Indianapolis , Indiana , United States , from 1906 to 1911 . The park , near the intersection of East Washington Street and Gray Street , surrounded a lake and featured a Shoot-the-Chutes ride , a scenic railway ride , the signature - tall Electric Tower , a ride that simulated the Johnstown Flood , a dirigible ( " Kann 's War Air-Ship " ) , a funhouse , a dance pavilion , and other exhibits and games in its 24 buildings . In addition to the standing attractions , the park also offered live exhibits and performances from bands , acrobats , animal acts , vaudeville acts , and members of a " Filipino tribe " , the " Igorrote . " Throughout its existence , Wonderland competed against the nearby Riverside Amusement Park to the west ( in Riverside ) and White City to the north ( in Broad Ripple Park ) , with each park trying to top the other two with new attractions and activities each year . In 1909 , Wonderland met local resistance when it announced its intentions to add a beer garden ; when Wonderland management applied for a beer license , the Indianapolis Brewers Exchange was instrumental in obtaining the park 's withdrawal of the application . In 1911 , the park management started to operate a " Blind Tiger " establishment ( one that illegally sells alcohol without a license to do so ) ; it was raided by the local police . On August 27 , 1911 , Wonderland burned to the ground ; the park was never rebuilt
Johnstown Flood
Johnstown Flood
Wonderland Amusement Park (Indianapolis)