The park collected hundreds of fiberglass figures through the years, sourced from the Danbury Fair, mini-golf courses, and other amusement parks. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Loved the nostalgia of this park, the "dated" that everyone seems to be talking about. So many rides. Modern amusement parks just cant compete with the thrill we got when we realizedperhaps too latethat our body weight was testing the load-bearing limits of one of five rides said to accommodate adults. Both are protected with Clear Coat, as are all the statues in the Magic Forest. Will go again when were in the area. My husband told me he was creeped out & felt like the statues were following is with their eyes. I hope the owners decide to open it all the way up. Actually, that helps to explain a lot about this place. Items from local theme park empire hit the auction block With magically delicious food and shows so good you wont believe your eyes, one trip to the Magic Forest will have you checking for vacancies in the Old Womans shoe. Both are protected with Clear Coat, as are all the statues in the Magic Forest. Muffler Men and fiberglass figures are notorious for moving around the country. 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. 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! Uncle Sam is Out & Dinosaurs are I was buying stuff and bringing it back up here and just putting it in my parking lot, wherever I could, Gillette recounted. Former Magic Forest decorations have also made their way to California, Oregon and Texas. Learn more about Roadpass accounts here. Are you associated with this business? Visit Family Vacation Critic on Facebook! The dark, woodsy allure of classic fairy tales is part of Magic Forest's charm. Many lots share a common origin: the now long-defunct Danbury Fair in Danbury, Connecticut. The Magic Forest, a storybook amusement park located in Lake George, New York, looked abandoned for years before it officially closed. Most hotels are fully refundable. 8.6 Fabulous 813 reviews Price from 102 per night Check availability Best Western of Lake George Model characters from fairy tales with the audio interpretation are a great initiative. Start here.Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip. People normally club together Water Slide World and Lumberjack Pass Miniature Golf while planning their visit to Magic Forest. His father and uncle started a carnival together. Rex the Diving Horse leaped on cue into a pool for many years; now his son, Lightning, takes the plunge twice a day. We are hoping to go back again We got there around 2 and stayed until close. Information is subject to change. Magic Forest We couldn't find an existing Roadtrippers account using that service. Magic Forest June 27 - Sept. 5
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. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. WebLake George, New York. Magic Forest 7.1/10 We are located on the seasonal Greater Glens Falls Transit Trolley route. And I said, Charles Wood, and he says, okay.'. More, National Cryptologic Museum, Annapolis Junction, Maryland (Feb 27-Mar 5, 2023). Uncle Sam is Out & Dinosaurs are 10am5pm | 7 Days a Week
enchanted forest water safari where the fun never stops is up in old forge, this place was near Lake George. Lake George live santa only comes out when the weather isn't too hot. 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. 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. Its a good mix of things to do. Amazing! 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Lake George Expedition When Gillette came back down to Danbury, intending to pick up the last of what he had already paid for, he caught the seller while he was still in a bad mood from that conversation. Get a piece of your childhood now! Lake George Expedition Love that it is geared for younger kids and that all of the vintage rides have a brief history displayed. Park is small enough to walk and not get too tired out. WebStatues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. 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. 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. The Muffler Mena Paul Bunyan, a Mortimer Snerd, a clown, and Pecos Billwere among the first items to sell. The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. Magic Forest 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. Lake George Expedition Park Hundreds of fiberglass figures strewn about the heavily-wooded park were faded by decades of sun and exposure to the elements, covered in spider webs and other forest detritus. My son had nightmares for a few days after that. 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. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! 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. 3. By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. There is a area with several picnic table just outside a small snack bar. 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. The park is expected to be open May through October, with tickets going on sale in March. Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. Statues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. Santa is actually there in an air conditioned log house. Try My Sights, Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. "Magic Forest" redirects here. Visitors passing through the garish fairyland entrance building are inundated with choices, as paths curve away into clusters of statues, rides and brightly painted cottages. Get a piece of your childhood now! WebExperience a journey through time. 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. Restoration specialists will be working to spruce him up from the wear and tear hes endured over the years. The best animatronic dinosaurs Ive ever seen, better than the Bronx zoo and several other parks weve been too. Plan your journey, find amazing places, and take fascinating detours with our app. This was our first time. Accessibility is our goal, please contact us with site improvements. Most of the rides are "kiddie rides" and a 10 year old would be bored. One, a giant clown, has to be the most remodeled MM in the world. And how the Magic Forest park will be incorporated into this new park? 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 Jimmy Brown the magician is fantastic and I love that they have Santa there. She doesn't understand our concern, and is probably wondering why grown men traveling without children are in her park in the first place. Magic Forest The Spider Man is a creepy top-hatted arachnid, maybe not so scary in a world of chest-bursting aliens and zombies. 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. 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. 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 Anyone who wants to be one of Gillettes next buyers has a month to do it. WebCompare 721 hotels close to Magic Forest Park with room rates, reviews, and availability. Totally wrong about Magic Forest. He cataloged the items, helped set prices, and listed them on his website. Climb into a dinosaur nest, dig for hidden fossils, and stand next to what is possibly the world's largest dinosaur ever discovered - the Titanosaurus. We got to do and see everything, a few things more than once. The stable and manger are not in use. Tall tales, trip guides, and the weird and wonderful. 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. Not for family but for the individual. Magic Forests rides and layout will mostly remain the same, except for the removal of Uncle Sam and a few other fixtures, including animal statues; 23 of the 25 rides will remain in operation. 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.. Dino Roar Valley is so fun its prehistoric! Get a piece of your childhood now! Magic Forest is one, aided by a combination of prime location and classic clean kid fun. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. Credits, Media/Business Inquiries Get in Touch Things to Know Before Visiting Magic Forest How popular is Magic Forest? The food was not too expensive. Posted by 3 years ago. enchanted forest water safari where the fun never stops is up in old forge, this place was near Lake George. Lake George Expedition Park - Magic Forest Close. 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. 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. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. Along the shaded trails, attractions feature fairy tale characters like Hansel and Gretel and Paul Bunyan. We could see things in the woods by they are roped off. Magic Forest Never ever again will we return. Staff throughout park are great with the kids and very friendly! This place was perfect for my 4 and 6 year old. The former safari area will see the most changes. Are you associated with this business? I was there last week nothing was unsafe it is one of the best children's parks around. I am very grateful to the Magic Forest for essentially saving all this original fiberglass all these years, and also for calling us rather than an auction house who could care less about anything other than the money, says Baker. More, Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. Magic Forest Learn more about Roadpass accounts, Video: How to Plan a Stargazing Road Trip, 12 of the Worlds Largest things tower over the small town of Casey, Illinois, A road trip along New York states Womens Heritage Trail. 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. 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. Is the park recommend for children 7-10 years old? There are adult rides and family rides too. The it in questions runs the amusement part gamut, from typical equipment like a heater and a store product stand to any number of stranger things. Magic Forest This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Alexandra is the features editor at Roadtrippers Magazine. Ruben Ellsworth, owner of Ellsworth & Son Excavating in Fort Ann, purchased the Magic Forest amusement park from the Gillette family, who has operated the park for nearly 60 years. The new park will transport viewers to prehistoric times with animatronic dinosaurs, a Dino-Roar Valley, and more. That means the array of memories up for auction come from a variety of other fairs, carnivals and fun lands. The Magic Forest, a storybook amusement park located in Lake George, New York, looked abandoned for years before it officially closed. Two Muffler Men are particularly disturbing. Would have loved to have seen the dinosaurs. The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. WebLake George Expedition Park is an amusement park located in Lake George, NY along Route 9. Magic Forest You can get the I LOVE NY Travel Guide by, 2023 New York Department of Economic Development, Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources for Travelers, Spotlight: Jamestown and Chautauqua-Allegheny. The pace has slowed, but each week he continues to get inquiries. Get a piece of your childhood now! WebYour visit to the park will be a walking tour; for our visitors with mobility difficulties, we will provide alternative means. Take your kids to the Magic Forest to let them have a perfect time in this retro themed amusement park filled with around 25 fun rides including the kiddie rides that are perfect for both the toddlers and the older kids. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. As Gillette tells it, Wood the creator of StoryTown USA, the former theme park where The Great Escape now stands was protesting the sale of any items from the sale prior to a proper auction. The only thing that I was disappointed in is the fact that the dinosaur are on a section that you have to walk done a steep section and up again therefore my sister and I couldn't go down. However, that didnt keep father and son from getting together at the Danbury Fair after it had closed, for the grounds to become a mall to rescue hundreds of statues and decorations. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Enjoy the Snowy Weekend in the Lake George Area! Magic Forest Contents 1 Magic Forest 2 Dino Roar Valley 3 References 4 External links Magic Forest [ edit] Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Fiery tanker crash kills driver, burns Maryland homes, Ja Morant investigated by NBA over Instagram post, Foster kittens for the Ulster County SPCA, 1 killed when business jet encounters severe turbulence, Saving the Giants: Restoring, selling the statues of Magic Forest, were posted by Schenectady-based Collar City Auction & Realty Management, Over 50 Lake George businesses pledge to stay active in fight to keep lake clean, Author bases new thriller novel on Lake Luzerne, and a true local story, Returning Champlain Valley Fair delights, entertains, North Country Report: Never a happier time at the Washington County Fair, Glens Falls disc golf tournament set to benefit Ed Bartholomew memorial fund, The full, 700+ lot posting will stay online, SP: Albany man arrested after driving while on drugs, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, 1 killed amid turbulence event on business jet, Folks near Jack Daniels facility complain of whiskey, Triangle of Sadness, a satirical look into society, Ukraine: Mourners commemorate 8 men killed in Bucha, War Room offers free meals to workers helping with, Whats the newest city in the US? The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. when we went santa wasn't there and hadn't been for days. Magic Forest The park had its first season under new name and ownership in 2021, and that was what pushed Gilette to finally get it done. He kept my kids entertained the whole show and that is a true magic trick. All rights reserved. The Gillettes bought so many items from the Danbury grounds, in fact, that at one point they were cut off. 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." 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. 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. 8.6 Fabulous 813 reviews Price from 102 per night Check availability Best Western of Lake George The rides are very old school, and my kids. Are rides being disinfected after each use? Lake George Expedition Park There are also a petting zoo, magic shows, and stunt shows with the last remaining diving horse, Lightning. The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. this was our first year visiting but well be back for sure next year! They had visited the Magic Forest for years and always taken their kids photo with that particular bear. The fella Im buying stuff from says, We gotta leave some stuff for the auction.'. Get a piece of your childhood now! The creepy part is the statues. Its a miracle that the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, outlived its expiration date by several yearsmaybe even decadesbut nothing lasts forever. Magic Forest 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. The magic finally ran out last year when longtime owner Jack Gillette sold the park to a local contractor, Ruben Ellsworth. WebMagic Forest - Lake George Expedition Park FUN TO MAKE YOU SOAR Enter a world of nostalgia and wonder Magic Forest is the park of your childhood dreams! Ronald McDonald Vacation Home Coming to Lake George, Check Out Weekend Events With Barrel Fest & More in Lake George, Dont Miss Your Last Chance for Winter Carnival & Ice Bar Fun in Lake George, Winter Carnivals, Fireworks & Fun: See Whats Happening in Lake George This Weekend, Get Into a Valentines Day Mood in Lake George This Weekend, Bundle Up for All the Frozen Fun Going On Around Lake George This Weekend. Yes, it is small and management is aware it needs work. I was impressed by the amount of original International Fiberglass figures there, Baker says. One family contacted him about a fiberglass teddy bear. We put an ax in his hands and made him a woodsman.". Magic Forest is the park of your childhood dreams! 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. 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! The worlds largest Uncle Sam statue greets you in the parking lot. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. 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. Magic Forest Please alert us if there is any inaccurate information here. Definitely recommend for little kids. It wasn't the least bit crowded and they would run the rides for just our two granddaughters. Rides were available for all ages and the Dino roar exhibits were entertaining as much as they were informative. 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. Magic Forest We strive to insure accuracy on Lakegeorge.com however accuracy cannot be guaranteed. A bean pole droops, a gingerbread house caves in, a Humpty Dumpty falls one last time. But some of the once-over 700 sculptures that once called the park home are just now resurfacing. I thought it was really just time to get it out of their way, Gilette said in a phone interview on Thursday. Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you when you hit the road! Officials ended up tipping Uncle Sam onto a 40-foot flatbed truck, and had to remove one of his hands to avoid it getting torn off by a bridge along the route. Magic Forest (Gone Lake George In fact, we were in love with the idea that we could actually achieve time-travel for less than $30 per person. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. ' Gilette remembers. My guess is that you can, but I'd ask at the entrance. Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. Its fiberglass figures had long ago dug in their collective heelsand hoovesas the world evolved around them. WebLake George, New York. We need your email address to send you trip itineraries and other updates. There were buttons to push to tell us their stories but the recordings didn't work so they sounded like Charlie Brown's teacher. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission. Magic Forest The Dinosaur park is amazing!! There were no lines. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Magic Forest One account for all of our road travel apps. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. Most hotels are fully refundable. 51. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. 3. She likes things that are bigger or smaller than they should be: novelty architecture, miniature worlds, and anything made from fiberglass or neon. Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in New York. 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. This used to be Santa's Workshop and they've kept parts of it. Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. In fact, kids seem oblivious to the creepiness of this place, and so do the adults, for that matter. All of that was fine. Get a piece of your childhood now! Hes come to the buyers, too. The park is very clean and the employees are patient and friendly. In fact, kids seem oblivious to the creepiness of this place, and so do the adults, for that matter. Posted by 3 years ago. Magic Forest Park Contents 1 Magic Forest 2 Dino Roar Valley 3 References 4 External links Magic Forest [ edit] Water available for sale all throughout. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others.