Was wondering about parking at magic forest theme park (parking is free) and taking the trolley to great escape. Restoration specialists will be working to spruce him up from the wear and tear hes endured over the years. Information is subject to change. The day we were there, a summer camp group was there and they had their own food item stored in coolers. Former Magic Forest decorations have also made their way to California, Oregon and Texas. I have no place to store it, he said. Get in Touch Things to Know Before Visiting Magic Forest How popular is Magic Forest? The Magic Forest was a theme park that remained untouched by timeand when we visited, almost nothing about it made sense anymore. The former safari area will see the most changes. The women at the snack bar were putting together a puzzle in between filling orders, and when we found that the gift shop had closed before the park did, they allowed us to come back the next day (for free) to shop for souvenirs. Magic Forest WebStatues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. Anyone know if I will be towed for parking there after hours? No, I would say age 8 max. 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 >>. Actually, that helps to explain a lot about this place. 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. 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. He cataloged the items, helped set prices, and listed them on his website. Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. Like most relics of another time, however, these low-tech parksif they still exist at allare becoming harder to find. Yes, it is small and management is aware it needs work. Plan your journey, find amazing places, and take fascinating detours with our app. The park is very clean and the employees are patient and friendly. 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. Model characters from fairy tales with the audio interpretation are a great initiative. In the 1950s, his uncle took that carnival to the Danbury Fair, where it played through the fairs final years. There was this crazy little tiny squirrel that was literally the smallest figure I listed and everyone wanted that thing, he says. Water available for sale all throughout. 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. 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. WebCompare 721 hotels close to Magic Forest Park with room rates, reviews, and availability. For other uses, see, "Dinosaurs coming to Lake George this summer", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lake_George_Expedition_Park&oldid=1074053798, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 26 February 2022, at 04:51. 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. They first went 3 years ago. 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." Magic Forest Start here.Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip. 8.6 Fabulous 813 reviews Price from 102 per night Check availability Best Western of Lake George All rights reserved. Yes. Fun Park 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. Lake George Expedition This place was perfect for my 4 and 6 year old. 7.1/10 But the future doesnt have to be dark for analog attractions like the Magic Forest: I feel like disappearing Americana is not as much a problem as it was just 10 years ago, Baker says. Fun Park A great park. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. Is the park recommend for children 7-10 years old? 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 dark, woodsy allure of classic fairy tales is part of Magic Forest's charm. Are rides being disinfected after each use? I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. The new park will transport viewers to prehistoric times with animatronic dinosaurs, a Dino-Roar Valley, and more. The other is a Happy Halfwit with an Amish beard and hat, holding an ax just opposite the Little Miss Muffet display. ", 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. However, not long after, Gillette got another chance; all thanks, unknowingly, to another local entertainer, whose name lives on in nearby Glens Falls. The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. 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. Memories of Magic Forest up for auction Magic Forest (Gone I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. $$ Photos See all photos Connect with Magic Forest on Facebook Log In or Create new account 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. WebExperience a journey through time. Lake George Expedition Park I hope the owners decide to open it all the way up. 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. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Lake George Expedition Park - Magic Forest The magic show by Jimmy Brown was incredible, full of laughs, both of my girls got to go on stage and participate. Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round! Gilette was something of a collector, amassing his estimated over 700 items over decades while running Magic Forest, which first opened in 1963. One, a giant clown, has to be the most remodeled MM in the world. Get a piece of your childhood now! The worlds largest Uncle Sam statue greets you in the parking lot. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. Magic Forest (Gone 95% of travelers recommend this experience. Plenty of parking. Lake George Expedition Park The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. We strive to insure accuracy on Lakegeorge.com however accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The admission cost is super reasonable and their snack bar has normal food prices. Actually, that helps to explain a lot about this place. Magic Forest The Magic Forest, a storybook amusement park located in Lake George, New York, looked abandoned for years before it officially closed. 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. The Spider Man is a creepy top-hatted arachnid, maybe not so scary in a world of chest-bursting aliens and zombies. WebCompare 721 hotels close to Magic Forest Park with room rates, reviews, and availability. 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. Rex the Diving Horse leaped on cue into a pool for many years; now his son, Lightning, takes the plunge twice a day. Magic Forest I have no place to store it, he said. 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. Its fiberglass figures had long ago dug in their collective heelsand hoovesas the world evolved around them. WebLake George Expedition Park is an amusement park located in Lake George, NY along Route 9. 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. Enjoy the 20 minute train ride to watch the life-size animal statues with kids. I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. Information 1912 US Route 9 Lake George, NY 12845 518-668-7627 Memorial Day - October Visit Website Posted in Family Fun, Group Attractions The Gillettes bought so many items from the Danbury grounds, in fact, that at one point they were cut off. Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Most hotels are fully refundable. The pace has slowed, but each week he continues to get inquiries. Most hotels are fully refundable. There are also a petting zoo, magic shows, and stunt shows with the last remaining diving horse, Lightning. 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. POTUS landmarks, oddities. Keep exploring with the Roadtrippers mobile apps. But then there is a whole dinosaur park with animatronic dinosaurs throughout the forest. 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. Get a piece of your childhood now! Try My Sights, Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. Lake George Expedition Park is an amusement park located in Lake George, NY along Route 9. 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. And I said, Charles Wood, and he says, okay.'. His father and uncle started a carnival together. More, Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. Close. We could see things in the woods by they are roped off. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Gillette sold Magic Forest in Lake George in 2019 and retired. 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. 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. But some of the once-over 700 sculptures that once called the park home are just now resurfacing. Two Muffler Men are particularly disturbing. The Magic Forest, a storybook amusement park located in Lake George, New York, looked abandoned for years before it officially closed. The information in this post is a record of the parks previous incarnation. Will go again when were in the area. 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. Still gives me creeps every night to look back on it. No computerized rides here! WebLake George Expedition Park is an amusement park located in Lake George, NY along Route 9. After 2 hours our son asked if we could leave & never come back. Reddit Jimmy Brown's magic show was great. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. 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. She dreams of visiting every state in the U.S. and will always stop for a Muffler Man. Magic Forest I was impressed by the amount of original International Fiberglass figures there, Baker says. Baker is surprisingly sanguine as he watches the collection split up and scatter around the country. 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. Magic Forest WebMagic Forest (Gone) Lake George, New York The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. Magic Forest It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The next button will take you to Roadpass to create a free Roadpass account and finish the process. Fairies were missing fingers, buttons used to activate animatronics were broken, and, when I put a quarter into a prize machine, I received nothing in return. Magic Forest Most fairy tale theme parks eventually suffer the fate of a fabled cursed kingdom. Lake George The World's Largest Uncle Sam looms in the center of the parking lot, and other friendly icons beckon from the heavily wooded knoll where the Magic Forest lives. It was clean, very clean. 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. "Magic Forest" redirects here. Information 1912 US Route 9 Lake George, NY 12845 518-668-7627 Memorial Day - October Visit Website Posted in Family Fun, Group Attractions He kept my kids entertained the whole show and that is a true magic trick. You just dont get that opportunity every day, says Baker. 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. Are you associated with this business? 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. 3. Create Your Own Bizarre Road Trips! Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you when you hit the road! So many rides. Having trouble using this site? The information in this post is a record of the parks previous incarnation. tourist attractions and odd sights in New York, World's Highest and Longest Pedestrian Bridge. Old, sad, dingy, dirty. The next button will take you to Roadpass to create a free Roadpass account and finish the process. Cookies are used for measurement, ads, and optimization. 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 theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. When they heard about the sale they purchased that teddy bear and it meant the world to them, Baker says. A good place to spend half a day for kids. In fact, kids seem oblivious to the creepiness of this place, and so do the adults, for that matter. Its a miracle that the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, outlived its expiration date by several yearsmaybe even decadesbut nothing lasts forever. There is a area with several picnic table just outside a small snack bar. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Sometimes, Baker would get ten emails expressing interest in a single item before he could even list it as sold. Ellsworth plans to reopen the space as Lake George Expedition Park with all-new attractions, including dinosaurs. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. Are you associated with this business? We got to do and see everything, a few things more than once. Magic Forest probably has the longest running permanent "Diving Horse" show since Atlantic City's Steel Pier burned down. Muffler Men and fiberglass figures are notorious for moving around the country. Gillette sold the park in 2019, but much of the remnants have remained on the property, now operating as Lake George Expedition Park. He comes to me and says, Now, what more do you want? And so Charlie Woods attitude helped me buy more stuff.. Magic Forest We spot their blistered, sagging entry gates on lonely back roads, or squeezed between the Amusements of the Month in some overdeveloped Mecca. Rex the Diving Horse leaped on cue into a pool for many years; now his son, Lightning, takes the plunge twice a day. 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. Get in Touch Things to Know Before Visiting Magic Forest How popular is Magic Forest? The World's Largest Uncle Sam looms in the center of the parking lot, and other friendly icons beckon from the heavily wooded knoll where the Magic Forest lives. 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. Park is small enough to walk and not get too tired out. 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Pass on this one. For Military (Vets, Active, Retired) 2 dollars off the price of admission. The animals were severely underfed. 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. Magic Forest (Lake George) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Hotels near House of Frankenstein Wax Museum, Hotels near SUNY Adirondack Community College Queensbury, NY, Adrenaline & Extreme Tours in Lake George, Game & Entertainment Centers in Lake George, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Lake George, Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, St Maarten Sailing and Snorkeling to St Barts, Bryce Canyon National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour, Paris Tootbus Discovery Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, Adirondack Cottage, Escape, Relax, and Enjoy, View all hotels near Magic Forest on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Magic Forest on Tripadvisor. I think that you would probably be towed. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 3. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. One account for all of our road travel apps. But in fact, hes actually returned home. It was an amazing collection of original piecesthe largest I knew to exist.. 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. Loved the nostalgia of this park, the "dated" that everyone seems to be talking about. Uncle Sam is Out & Dinosaurs are 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. 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. Lake George Expedition Park - Magic Forest WebYour visit to the park will be a walking tour; for our visitors with mobility difficulties, we will provide alternative means. WebExperience a journey through time. The train ride was quite fun. Magic Forest Park WebMagic Forest (Gone) Lake George, New York The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. Close. more, 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. 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. UPDATE 06/2019: The Magic Forest has been taken over by new owners and is now known as the Lake George Expedition Park. Most hotels are fully refundable. Is this worth it for a 2 year old? Animals and astronauts are headed to a campground in Iowa, and Story Land in New Jersey purchased a castle, a Robin Hood figure, and several animals. Magic Forest Both are protected with Clear Coat, as are all the statues in the Magic Forest. The rides were antique pieces that were fascinating to me because it was like an amusement park museum. Or, if I do forget, perhaps my lapse in memory is due to the literal high we got as we were nearly asphyxiated by fumes from the diesel tractor pulling us through the park. 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POTUS landmarks, oddities. Not the first time for the boys. They had visited the Magic Forest for years and always taken their kids photo with that particular bear. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. One, a giant clown, has to be the most remodeled MM in the world. Its different, he said. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. 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.. Its a good mix of things to do. The best animatronic dinosaurs Ive ever seen, better than the Bronx zoo and several other parks weve been too. 51. The park is almost completed shaded. Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in New York. There are adult rides and family rides too. Are you associated with this business? Magic Forest Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Alexandra is the features editor at Roadtrippers Magazine. Items from local theme park empire hit the auction block 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. Along the shaded trails, attractions feature fairy tale characters like Hansel and Gretel and Paul Bunyan. Mixed among the dioramas are giant statues of American icons, several of them reworked Muffler Men: Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan, Smokey Bear, the Statue of Liberty, a big Indian, a couple of space-walking astronauts. Copyright 1996-2023 Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, Mike Wilkins. Posted by 3 years ago. Each ride had info about when and where it was made, when it was bought and info about the hydraulics. Explore the unknown as you traverse the Dino Nest and uncover the world sleeping beneath our feet as you excavate colossal dinosaurs in the Fossil Dig Site. Also cant beat the setting, they are carefully dispersed through a beautiful forest. 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. Located on the seasonal Greater Glens Falls Transit Trolley route. Attraction status, hours and prices change without notice; call ahead! The majority of the items have now sold and most of the well-known, larger items are gonelike the big animals and Muffler Menbut there are still plenty of items online for those that are interested.. We missed the magic show but will catch it next time. This was very nastalgic for us because the rides here were bought from different parks over the years and brought to this one. 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 Try My Sights, Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. Magic Forest also has sheep, pygmy goats and country goats at the farm, whom the kids will love to adore and feed.