Most fairy tale theme parks eventually suffer the fate of a fabled cursed kingdom. Contents 1 Magic Forest 2 Dino Roar Valley 3 References 4 External links Magic Forest [ edit] Pass on this one. Amazing! This was our first time. The train ride was a Diesel engine that kept throwing black smoke in our faces, and at the end of it the animation & recording say that they are going to blow the train up, which really scared our 5 year old son. When sorting through his collection, Gillette knew that those items, in particular, should be auctioned. The park had its first season under new name and ownership in 2021, and that was what pushed Gilette to finally get it done. The information in this post is a record of the parks previous incarnation. He says that all of the figures lived diverseand sometimes manypast lives before they came to the Magic Forest. A good place to spend half a day for kids. Because they are giant, it feels like they will never leave, but the truth is they are well-traveled for as old as they are. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. Putting prices on the items and getting them ready to go was a bit bittersweet for Gillette, but overall he says he would rather see the statues and decor go to people who can continue to get some enjoyment and use out of them. The Spider Man is a creepy top-hatted arachnid, maybe not so scary in a world of chest-bursting aliens and zombies. A lion-head drinking fountain (and lion-head trash can), a caveman family, Ma and Pa Kettle, an Esso tiger, a 15-foot Santa, a one-hump camel, a skull, and several other pieces are still up for sale. WebMagic Forest Address: 1912 U.S. 9, Lake George, NY 12845, USA, United States Magic Forest Contact Number: +1-5186682448 Try the best online travel planner to plan your travel itinerary! My son had nightmares for a few days after that. The best animatronic dinosaurs Ive ever seen, better than the Bronx zoo and several other parks weve been too. Yes, it is small and management is aware it needs work. Create Your Own Bizarre Road Trips! No souvenirs though. Almost all of the quirky attractions of Magic Forest described below -- including the diving horse, the gigantic Uncle Sam, and the Muffler Men -- have been removed. Visit Family Vacation Critic on Facebook! He cataloged the items, helped set prices, and listed them on his website. Information is subject to change. All stuff geared towards Christmas which also explains the Christmas songs played in the mix of music. Receive emails and newsletters to keep in touch with I LOVE NY. $$ - $$$ American Steakhouse Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Italian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, $$ - $$$ American Bar Vegetarian Friendly, $ American Diner Vegetarian Friendly, $ American Cafe Vegetarian Friendly, Points of Interest & Landmarks Civic Centres. Former Magic Forest decorations have also made their way to California, Oregon and Texas. live santa only comes out when the weather isn't too hot. WebMagic Forest 3.5 461 #10 of 27 things to do in Lake George Amusement & Theme Parks Closed now 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Visit website Call Write a review About A family fun park, in the Adirondacks, that features 25 amusement rides, including the Safari Ride, plus live animal performances, magic shows and the ever-popular "Rex the Diving Horse." WebExperience a journey through time. ", Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Albany, Central Troy Historic District Walking Food Tour, Albany Scavenger Hunt: Empire State Of Mind, 2 Hour Private Forest Immersion Retreat in Woodland Sanctuary, 3 Day Reiki Certification Retreat in Vermont, Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. WebYour visit to the park will be a walking tour; for our visitors with mobility difficulties, we will provide alternative means. WebLake George (0.7 miles from Magic Forest) Situated off Interstate 87 and set in the heart of the Adirondack Park Preserve, this Holiday Inn Resort Lake George offers indoor and outdoor pools and an on-site restaurant and lounge. enchanted forest water safari where the fun never stops is up in old forge, this place was near Lake George. The rides were antique pieces that were fascinating to me because it was like an amusement park museum. It depends, Albany Sheriff: Pair arrested for illegal gun possession, Crossgates Mall opening at noon due to weather, Snow begins falling in Capital Region during latest, 03/03/2023: Significant winter storm tonight, Downtown Kansas City bar calls out Jackson Mahomes, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Again the kids enjoyed itand that is the most important part. Sometimes I wonder if we really saw Lightning, the last remaining diving horse in the country, take his famous (and some may say inhumane) dive twice the day we visited, or if it was all a mirage. Web1912 State Route 9 Lake George, NY 12845 Visit Site Adirondacks Region Details Since 1963, Magic Forest has entertained young park goers and their families, creating memories for all. Jack Gillette, the longtime owner of Magic Forest, initially purchased Uncle Sam (and other pieces) at auction from the Danbury Fair decades ago when the fair closed its doors in 1981. Please try signing in with another option or create a new account with Roadpass. I was buying stuff and bringing it back up here and just putting it in my parking lot, wherever I could, Gillette recounted. Longtime residents and visitors of Lake George will undoubtedly be sad when they realize the beloved Uncle Sam statue that was such a significant fixture of Magic Forest is gone. They had visited the Magic Forest for years and always taken their kids photo with that particular bear. Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. For what he does for them, that poor guy is not taken care of very well in return (matted mane, hooves not properly trimmed, SMALL paddock that he is just put back into after his dive, soken wet), and he doesn't seem to enjoy what he's made to do. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. Then there are the fairy tale worlds blessed with good fortune, as if every child who ever visited used up a secret wish on its behalf. Credits, Media/Business Inquiries But we bet this up close encounter will come back in someone's nightmares. Uncle Sam is 38 feet tall and formerly stood at the Danbury Fairgrounds in Connecticut. Most fairy tale theme parks eventually suffer the fate of a fabled cursed kingdom. Best suited for the very young, or anyone with a penchant for quirky roadside attractions, this small amusement park opened in 1963, and retains some of its retro charm. Sometimes, Baker would get ten emails expressing interest in a single item before he could even list it as sold. Contents 1 Magic Forest 2 Dino Roar Valley 3 References 4 External links Magic Forest [ edit] When the Fair went out of business, Jack Gillette bought him in April 1982 (along with dozens of other statues) and stood him in the Magic Forest parking lot. Magic Forest is the park of your childhood dreams! Soon we will require you to update your account to a Roadpass account as it will be the only way to log in to Roadtrippers. That was a bit disturbing to me. Actually, that helps to explain a lot about this place. One family contacted him about a fiberglass teddy bear. Two Muffler Men are particularly disturbing. It wasn't the least bit crowded and they would run the rides for just our two granddaughters. They first went 3 years ago. Information 1912 US Route 9 Lake George, NY 12845 518-668-7627 Memorial Day - October Visit Website Posted in Family Fun, Group Attractions In fact, we were in love with the idea that we could actually achieve time-travel for less than $30 per person. It still happens, but I feel that awareness is growing about the importance of saving and restoring these piecesI like to think that today it is more about relocating Americana rather than disappearing Americana.. 1912 U.S. 9, Lake George, NY 12845, USA, United States, Magic Forest Address: 1912 U.S. 9, Lake George, NY 12845, USA, United States, Magic Forest Contact Number: +1-5186682448. He says to me, Do you know Charlie Woods? "His head is the way we got him. There is so much potential to this park. The admission cost is super reasonable and their snack bar has normal food prices. Hours and dates subject to change. Each ride had info about when and where it was made, when it was bought and info about the hydraulics. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. Attraction status, hours and prices change without notice; call ahead! She dreams of visiting every state in the U.S. and will always stop for a Muffler Man. In addition to Danbury Fair and Carson City, other items come from places like Lake Georges own Gaslight Village; Charles R. Woods Story Town; as well as amusement parks with names like Animal Land, Hoffmans Play Land and Land of Make Believe. The stable and manger are not in use. I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. Get in Touch Things to Know Before Visiting Magic Forest How popular is Magic Forest? Are you associated with this business? 71.18% of people who visit Lake George include Magic Forest in their plan, 42.86% of people start their Magic Forest visit around 3 PM - 4 PM, People usually take around 30 Minutes to see Magic Forest, 95% of people prefer to travel by car while visiting Magic Forest. Best Western of Lake George 2452 State Route 9N, Lake George, NY, 12845 $77 per night Mar 1 - Mar 2 Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lake George. Trip Planning Caution: RoadsideAmerica.com offers maps, directions and attraction details as a convenience, providing all information as is. The dark, woodsy allure of classic fairy tales is part of Magic Forest's charm. Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in New York. There is a area with several picnic table just outside a small snack bar. WebMagic Forest Address: 1912 U.S. 9, Lake George, NY 12845, USA, United States Magic Forest Contact Number: +1-5186682448 Try the best online travel planner to plan your travel itinerary! 10am5pm | 7 Days a Week tourist attractions and odd sights in New York, World's Highest and Longest Pedestrian Bridge. LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. (NEWS10) Up until just a couple years ago, a drive up Route 9 toward the village of Lake George would take visitors past, among other things, Paul Bunyan and Uncle Sam. We have an awkward moment -- not uncommon for us -- when we ask a passing manager why the grimacing, Amishized Alfred E. Neuman holds an ax. Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. Information 1912 US Route 9 Lake George, NY 12845 518-668-7627 Memorial Day - October Visit Website Posted in Family Fun, Group Attractions I hope the utilize this theme in the fall. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. For as long as I live, I wont forget how it felt to teeter on the brink of death, slowly ascending on a rickety Ferris wheel that appeared to have been built from the mismatched pieces of a garage sale Erector set. A great park. About 20 dioramas -- accompanied by audio at the push of a button -- bring to life the Three Little Pigs, Jack Sprat, Hansel & Gretel, assorted princesses and woodsmen Magic Forest opened in 1963, the brainchild of Arthur Gillette, who wisely built his fairyland along a major highway (Route 9) and just south of the town of Lake George, a magnet for summertime and weekend crowds from New York City. Copyright 2023 Family Vacation Critic All Rights Reserved. Just perfect for grandparents with two little ones 5 and 6. After Ellsworth decided to take the park in a different direction, Gillette contacted Joel Baker, owner of the Muffler Man restoration company American Giants, to help facilitate the sale of all of those fiberglass figures. We spot their blistered, sagging entry gates on lonely back roads, or squeezed between the Amusements of the Month in some overdeveloped Mecca. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. Probably nowhere else is the disturbing world of children's' fairy tales brought to life more vividly. The animals were severely underfed. 7.1/10 I have no place to store it, he said. One account for all of our road travel apps. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. Dino Roar Valley is so fun its prehistoric! Best Western of Lake George 2452 State Route 9N, Lake George, NY, 12845 $77 per night Mar 1 - Mar 2 Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lake George. Jack Collins is slated to be the General Manager and COO of the new park; he brings experience working as the General Manager of the Great Escape and has also consulted with Santas Workshop in Wilmington. All rights reserved. More, National Cryptologic Museum, Annapolis Junction, Maryland (Feb 27-Mar 5, 2023). Tall tales, trip guides, and the weird and wonderful. It's perfect. Plan your journey, find amazing places, and take fascinating detours with our app. The next button will take you to Roadpass to create a free Roadpass account and finish the process. Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round! It is now a running joke In our family that as a pumishment we will return to bizzaro world. I was especially concerned about "Lightening" the diving horse. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. Yes. By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. No, I would say age 8 max. The Muffler Mena Paul Bunyan, a Mortimer Snerd, a clown, and Pecos Billwere among the first items to sell. No portion of this document may be reproduced, copied or revised without written permission of the authors. Enjoy watching the magic show by Jimmy Brown and the diving show by the last diving horse called Lightning. ClickSwipe through our gallery for a preview of everything there is to explore when you visit Magic Forest. Our website found buyers who truly have a passion for saving these kinds of things.. Not the first time for the boys. This place is great if you are into any of the following, all others beware: Unsafe broken rides, uneducated senior citizens running rides, creepy overall, sad use and abuse of a horse forced to walk up an inclosure and dive down into a pool multiple times a day, dirty sad animals in cages, safari train ride of ceramic animal heads with choking fumes from extremely slow moving ride, permanent carnival. Was wondering about parking at magic forest theme park (parking is free) and taking the trolley to great escape. Posted by 3 years ago. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. Exhibits like Cinderellas Castle and Santas House as well as the snack bar and the gift shop are also great. I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. Not for family but for the individual. The magic finally ran out last year when longtime owner Jack Gillette sold the park to a local contractor, Ruben Ellsworth. Get a piece of your childhood now! Still gives me creeps every night to look back on it. Probably nowhere else is the disturbing world of children's' fairy tales brought to life more vividly. WebMagic Forest Route 9, Lake George, NY Best For: Infants 0-2 Little Kids 3-6 Big Kids 7-9 Tweens 10-12 Teens 13-17 Best suited for the very young, or anyone with a penchant for quirky roadside attractions, this small amusement park opened in ' Gilette remembers. Magic Forest probably has the longest running permanent "Diving Horse" show since Atlantic City's Steel Pier burned down. One, a giant clown, has to be the most remodeled MM in the world. We are hoping to go back again We got there around 2 and stayed until close. Having trouble using this site? Start here.Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip. The former Magic Forest amusement park, located at the corner of Route 9 and Bloody Pond Road, has since shed the towering fiberglass giants that once loomed over its parking lot. Today, many roar obliviously north on the interstate, but enough families exit to keep MF hopping, under the management of Arthur's successor, Jack Gillette, since 1988. We are located on the seasonal Greater Glens Falls Transit Trolley route. 10am5pm | Sat & Sun Only My guess is that you can, but I'd ask at the entrance. Get a piece of your childhood now! The creepy part is the statues. The park's famous Santa Claus overlooks the parking lot. She likes things that are bigger or smaller than they should be: novelty architecture, miniature worlds, and anything made from fiberglass or neon. Santa had been on the Atkins diet and looked as healthy as the animals. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. But some of the once-over 700 sculptures that once called the park home are just now resurfacing. 3. Gillette sold Magic Forest in Lake George in 2019 and retired. The Magic Forest was a theme park that remained untouched by timeand when we visited, almost nothing about it made sense anymore. Went there with 3 toddlers and spent almost 4 hours. For Everything Lake George, It's On LakeGeorge.com, LakeGeorge.com All Rights Reserved 2023, Uncle Sam is Out & Dinosaurs are In at the Magic Forest, Find more amusement parks and attractions in Lake George >>. The use of the diving horse is not nor should it be an attraction for children or adults. Baker first visited the park in 2012 while he was researching Muffler Men (the park had four). Magic Forest is one, aided by a combination of prime location and classic clean kid fun. But in fact, hes actually returned home. WebYour visit to the park will be a walking tour; for our visitors with mobility difficulties, we will provide alternative means. Its different, he said. By that point, Gillettes father had broken off from the fair to found Carson City, an amusement park in the Catskills themed around the American wild west, and which also has relics in the auction lot. WebMagic Forest 3.5 461 #10 of 27 things to do in Lake George Amusement & Theme Parks Closed now 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Visit website Call Write a review About A family fun park, in the Adirondacks, that features 25 amusement rides, including the Safari Ride, plus live animal performances, magic shows and the ever-popular "Rex the Diving Horse." It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. All four of us had a really awesome day. No masks were required even for the kids as it's all outside. A bean pole droops, a gingerbread house caves in, a Humpty Dumpty falls one last time. Muffler Men and fiberglass figures are notorious for moving around the country. The former Magic Forest amusement park, located at the corner of Route 9 and Bloody Pond Road, has since shed the towering fiberglass giants that once loomed over its parking lot.