magic forest lake george closing

Please alert us if there is any inaccurate information here. Magic Forest (Gone WebExperience a journey through time. Old, sad, dingy, dirty. tourist attractions and odd sights in New York, World's Highest and Longest Pedestrian Bridge. My husband told me he was creeped out & felt like the statues were following is with their eyes. 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. 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. The Dinosaur park is amazing!! Went there with 3 toddlers and spent almost 4 hours. Located on the seasonal Greater Glens Falls Transit Trolley route. These are rides that we as children went on growing up and rides we brought our children to go on when they were little but at different amusement parks. The Magic Forest, a storybook amusement park located in Lake George, New York, looked abandoned for years before it officially closed. And I said, Charles Wood, and he says, okay.'. Most of these giants had already stood at a handful of locations before coming here so it is not surprising they are on the move again, Having worked with these giants for almost 10 years now, I know that nothing ever stays the same, he says. Fun Park 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. We spot their blistered, sagging entry gates on lonely back roads, or squeezed between the Amusements of the Month in some overdeveloped Mecca. 7.1/10 Staff throughout park are great with the kids and very friendly! Copyright 1996-2023 Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, Mike Wilkins. 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. 51. WebLake George Expedition Park is an amusement park located in Lake George, NY along Route 9. The full, 700+ lot posting will stay online until the end of September. Not the first time for the boys. The use of the diving horse is not nor should it be an attraction for children or adults. Probably nowhere else is the disturbing world of children's' fairy tales brought to life more vividly. He kept my kids entertained the whole show and that is a true magic trick. 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. Kids enjoyed it a lot. This place is great! 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 is now a running joke In our family that as a pumishment we will return to bizzaro world. Most fairy tale theme parks eventually suffer the fate of a fabled cursed kingdom. Will go again when were in the area. Magic Forest is one, aided by a combination of prime location and classic clean kid fun. Magic Forest also has sheep, pygmy goats and country goats at the farm, whom the kids will love to adore and feed. Magic Forest Each ride had info about when and where it was made, when it was bought and info about the hydraulics. when we went santa wasn't there and hadn't been for days. Visit Family Vacation Critic on Instagram. Magic Forest The creepy part is the statues. The park is very clean and the employees are patient and friendly. Enjoy the 20 minute train ride to watch the life-size animal statues with kids. Items from local theme park empire hit the auction block 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. He says to me, Do you know Charlie Woods? The park was somewhat enjoyable but I would not return because of the use of the animal in this manner, and it ruined our time at the park. $$ Photos See all photos Connect with Magic Forest on Facebook Log In or Create new account The Spider Man is a creepy top-hatted arachnid, maybe not so scary in a world of chest-bursting aliens and zombies. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. No, I would say age 8 max. You just dont get that opportunity every day, says Baker. Create and Save Your Own Crazy Road Trip! 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. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. Definitely recommend for little kids. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. They had visited the Magic Forest for years and always taken their kids photo with that particular bear. The park had its first season under new name and ownership in 2021, and that was what pushed Gilette to finally get it done. Before Chuck E. Cheese, video games, Six Flags, or Disney World, parks like the Magic Forest used to be the place to take your kids. Follow, like and subscribe to LakeGeorge.com on social media. The admission cost is super reasonable and their snack bar has normal food prices. The next button will take you to Roadpass to create a free Roadpass account and finish the process. Get a piece of your childhood now! Lake George Expedition Park 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! Close. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Credits, Media/Business Inquiries Try My Sights, Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. Magic Forest Both are protected with Clear Coat, as are all the statues in the Magic Forest. In the 1950s, his uncle took that carnival to the Danbury Fair, where it played through the fairs final years. 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. Gillette sold Magic Forest in Lake George in 2019 and retired. Former Magic Forest decorations have also made their way to California, Oregon and Texas. Credits, Media/Business Inquiries Learn more about Roadpass accounts here. There was this crazy little tiny squirrel that was literally the smallest figure I listed and everyone wanted that thing, he says. One, a giant clown, has to be the most remodeled MM in the world. Gillette can be reached at 518-895-8150 to schedule an appointment. 8.6 Fabulous 813 reviews Price from 102 per night Check availability Best Western of Lake George Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. 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. 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. I hope the utilize this theme in the fall. Are you associated with this business? Rides are fun and seeing Santa was really great! As of this week, over 700 lots from Magic Forest were posted by Schenectady-based Collar City Auction & Realty Management, all put there by the parks former owner, Jack Gilette. WebStatues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. They came from Woodys Fiberglass in Tennessee, Bensons Wild Animal Farm in New Hampshire, a mini-golf course in Ohio, and the Danbury Fair in Connecticut. 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. And how the Magic Forest park will be incorporated into this new park? This place was perfect for my 4 and 6 year old. Most hotels are fully refundable. Magic Forest Hes come to the buyers, too. Posted by 3 years ago. Loved the nostalgia of this park, the "dated" that everyone seems to be talking about. 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. Yes. Pass on this one. The animals were severely underfed. Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. Magic Forest Just perfect for grandparents with two little ones 5 and 6. 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. RoadsideAmerica.comYour Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions. 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 sale began last November, and Baker was shocked with the level of interest. Its a great park to bring the kids without the stress of a typical amusement park (parents, youll understand what I mean). 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. Probably nowhere else is the disturbing world of children's' fairy tales brought to life more vividly. Is there a picnic area and can you bring a cooler? The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. enchanted forest water safari where the fun never stops is up in old forge, this place was near Lake George. Statues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. 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. 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. 8.6 Fabulous 813 reviews Price from 102 per night Check availability Best Western of Lake George Items from local theme park empire hit the auction block $$ Photos See all photos Connect with Magic Forest on Facebook Log In or Create new account Magic Forest All rights reserved. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. 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. enchanted forest water safari where the fun never stops is up in old forge, this place was near Lake George. 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 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. Plan your journey, find amazing places, and take fascinating detours with our app. Reddit Its different, he said. 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. There are adult rides and family rides too. 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. Magic Forest Magic Forest Memories of Magic Forest up for auction Please try signing in with another option or create a new account with Roadpass. Magic Forest Actually, that helps to explain a lot about this place. Copyright 2023 Family Vacation Critic All Rights Reserved. Having trouble using this site? For just $12,000, you can literally be the old lady who lived in a (20-foot-tall) shoeold lady and five fiberglass children included. Rex the Diving Horse leaped on cue into a pool for many years; now his son, Lightning, takes the plunge twice a day. 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. RoadsideAmerica.comYour Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions. 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. 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. Returning the statue to its original home was part of the deal. There's a chapel, too. 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. Most of them sit at a starting price of $25. The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. 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 day we were there, a summer camp group was there and they had their own food item stored in coolers. Ellsworth plans to reopen the space as Lake George Expedition Park with all-new attractions, including dinosaurs. In the beginning, I was getting over 30 emails a day, he says. Yes, it is small and management is aware it needs work. Sometimes, Baker would get ten emails expressing interest in a single item before he could even list it as sold. 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! Gillettes over 700 nostalgic lots are all up for the bidding now, and can be seen in-person by appointment. 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. Restoration specialists will be working to spruce him up from the wear and tear hes endured over the years. Gillette sold the park in 2019, but much of the remnants have remained on the property, now operating as Lake George Expedition Park. 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. Train ride wasn't running which was disappointing. Santa had been on the Atkins diet and looked as healthy as the animals. Website Design by Trampoline Advertising & Design Co. | Web Site Development & Hosting by Nolee-O Web Design, Web Site Development & Hosting by Nolee-O Web Design. It means nothing to most people; but for people who went to the fair and loved it, its worth its value to them.. Park is small enough to walk and not get too tired out. Accessibility is our goal, please contact us with site improvements. 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. We are located on the seasonal Greater Glens Falls Transit Trolley route. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. Are rides being disinfected after each use? All four of us had a really awesome day.