A few businessmen recognized the lakes potential as a premier resort area. One such entrepreneur was J.J. Coburn.
He bought Ramshorn Island and built Quinsigamond House Hotel in 1867. He provided steamboat service on the lake and later developed what would come to be called Lincoln Park, which offered picnic areas, boat rides, concerts, fireworks and would eventually include amusements, a dance hall, theater and roller skating rink.
Colburn was also instrumental in developing the Worcester and Shrewsbury Railroad, which linked Union Station to Lincoln Park.
The Dummy Railroad, so called because the engines were built to resemble horse carriages so as not to startle horses, was a huge success and transported thousands of city-dwellers to the lakes shores.
The narrow-gauge railroad was eventually replaced by trolleys. The line came to an end in the 1920s.
