Start here.Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip. 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. The best animatronic dinosaurs Ive ever seen, better than the Bronx zoo and several other parks weve been too. Copyright 1996-2023 Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, Mike Wilkins. We spot their blistered, sagging entry gates on lonely back roads, or squeezed between the Amusements of the Month in some overdeveloped Mecca. He cataloged the items, helped set prices, and listed them on his website. Accessibility is our goal, please contact us with site improvements. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. WebExperience a journey through time. But in fact, hes actually returned home. 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. Magic Forest probably has the longest running permanent "Diving Horse" show since Atlantic City's Steel Pier burned down. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. WebLake George, New York. Each ride had info about when and where it was made, when it was bought and info about the hydraulics. 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Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. She doesn't understand our concern, and is probably wondering why grown men traveling without children are in her park in the first place. He says that all of the figures lived diverseand sometimes manypast lives before they came to the Magic Forest. Gillettes own connection to the Danbury Fair comes from a family background in show business. The other is a Happy Halfwit with an Amish beard and hat, holding an ax just opposite the Little Miss Muffet display. WebStatues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. Kids enjoyed it a lot. One account for all of our road travel apps. When sorting through his collection, Gillette knew that those items, in particular, should be auctioned. UPDATE 06/2019: The Magic Forest has been taken over by new owners and is now known as the Lake George Expedition Park. 51. WebLake George, New York. Will go again when were in the area. 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. The park had its first season under new name and ownership in 2021, and that was what pushed Gilette to finally get it done. 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. Magic Forest also has sheep, pygmy goats and country goats at the farm, whom the kids will love to adore and feed. Hours and dates subject to change. May 28 - June 26 One, a giant clown, has to be the most remodeled MM in the world. 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. June 27 - Sept. 5 Model characters from fairy tales with the audio interpretation are a great initiative. 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. A very well run park. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Information 1912 US Route 9 Lake George, NY 12845 518-668-7627 Memorial Day - October Visit Website Posted in Family Fun, Group Attractions Located on the seasonal Greater Glens Falls Transit Trolley route. Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. The use of the diving horse is not nor should it be an attraction for children or adults. We did go early in the season. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. 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. But its hard not to become despondent and dig in your heels when it feels as if the world you love is rapidly disappearing. A bean pole droops, a gingerbread house caves in, a Humpty Dumpty falls one last time. 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. 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. Along the shaded trails, attractions feature fairy tale characters like Hansel and Gretel and Paul Bunyan. Since 1963, Magic Forest has entertained young park goers and their families, creating memories for all. However, not long after, Gillette got another chance; all thanks, unknowingly, to another local entertainer, whose name lives on in nearby Glens Falls. This place was perfect for my 4 and 6 year old. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. Its fiberglass figures had long ago dug in their collective heelsand hoovesas the world evolved around them. 3. 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. 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. Read on to find out the details. 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 UPDATE 06/2019: The Magic Forest has been taken over by new owners and is now known as the Lake George Expedition Park. My husband told me he was creeped out & felt like the statues were following is with their eyes. The Dinosaur park is amazing!! Magic Forest is the park of your childhood dreams! Actually, that helps to explain a lot about this place. 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. The park collected hundreds of fiberglass figures through the years, sourced from the Danbury Fair, mini-golf courses, and other amusement parks. WebLake George Expedition Park is an amusement park located in Lake George, NY along Route 9. "His head is the way we got him. Statues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. Yes. No portion of this document may be reproduced, copied or revised without written permission of the authors. The magic finally ran out last year when longtime owner Jack Gillette sold the park to a local contractor, Ruben Ellsworth. 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. It wasn't the least bit crowded and they would run the rides for just our two granddaughters. There are plenty of unnerving fairy tale statues along the wooded trails of Magic Forest -- an impressive collection of contorted bodies, asymmetrical faces, weird leers, and bulging eyes. The rides were antique pieces that were fascinating to me because it was like an amusement park museum. 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. Where else can you see Esso tigers and Sinclair Dinosaurs peacefully coexisting with pink flamingos and polar bears? 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. Trip Planning Caution: RoadsideAmerica.com offers maps, directions and attraction details as a convenience, providing all information as is. 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. The train ride was quite fun. Tall tales, trip guides, and the weird and wonderful. Again the kids enjoyed itand that is the most important part. The Muffler Mena Paul Bunyan, a Mortimer Snerd, a clown, and Pecos Billwere among the first items to sell. They had visited the Magic Forest for years and always taken their kids photo with that particular bear. POTUS landmarks, oddities. Is this worth it for a 2 year old? 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! They were nice. 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." WebStatues from Magic Forest in Lake George are 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! Simple fun and a great day. There are plenty of unnerving fairy tale statues along the wooded trails of Magic Forest -- an impressive collection of contorted bodies, asymmetrical faces, weird leers, and bulging eyes. I was buying stuff and bringing it back up here and just putting it in my parking lot, wherever I could, Gillette recounted. We are hoping to go back again We got there around 2 and stayed until close. We are located on the seasonal Greater Glens Falls Transit Trolley route. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. Try My Sights, Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. There were buttons to push to tell us their stories but the recordings didn't work so they sounded like Charlie Brown's teacher. 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. 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. this was our first year visiting but well be back for sure next year! 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. The Magic Forest, a storybook amusement park located in Lake George, New York, looked abandoned for years before it officially closed. 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. Jimmys magic show was the highlight of our visit. At Dino Roar Valley, find adventure, make discoveries, and be transported to other places through hands-on experiences. 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. Would have loved to have seen the dinosaurs. We were there 4 years ago. 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. The other is a Happy Halfwit with an Amish beard and hat, holding an ax just opposite the Little Miss Muffet display. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. Fun for the kids and nostalgic for us babyboomers! 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. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. 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. 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. Contents 1 Magic Forest 2 Dino Roar Valley 3 References 4 External links Magic Forest [ edit] Information 1912 US Route 9 Lake George, NY 12845 518-668-7627 Memorial Day - October Visit Website Posted in Family Fun, Group Attractions Rex the Diving Horse leaped on cue into a pool for many years; now his son, Lightning, takes the plunge twice a day. Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. 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. Unfortunately, for each figure whose origins are known, anothers backstory has been lost over time. Most hotels are fully refundable. Staff is great rides are safe & fun for any child or adult. Also cant beat the setting, they are carefully dispersed through a beautiful forest. 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. The animals were severely underfed. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. Is there a picnic area and can you bring a cooler? Are you associated with this business? Please try signing in with another option or create a new account with Roadpass. 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. Gillette sold Magic Forest in Lake George in 2019 and retired. It was clean, very clean. That was a bit disturbing to me. Sometimes, Baker would get ten emails expressing interest in a single item before he could even list it as sold. Enjoy the 20 minute train ride to watch the life-size animal statues with kids. Old, sad, dingy, dirty. Both are protected with Clear Coat, as are all the statues in the Magic Forest. There are adult rides and family rides too. 3. Many recycled rides from other parks. Lake George Expedition Park is an amusement park located in Lake George, NY along Route 9. Two Muffler Men are particularly disturbing. In fact, kids seem oblivious to the creepiness of this place, and so do the adults, for that matter. Create and Save Your Own Crazy Road Trip! On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. Close. All rights reserved. A bean pole droops, a gingerbread house caves in, a Humpty Dumpty falls one last time. Undeterred, we assured her that we were willing participants in the charade that the park was still a viable tourist destination. 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. I hope the owners decide to open it all the way up. Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Enjoy the Snowy Weekend in the Lake George Area! 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. Ellsworth plans to reopen the space as Lake George Expedition Park with all-new attractions, including dinosaurs. In fact, kids seem oblivious to the creepiness of this place, and so do the adults, for that matter. We put an ax in his hands and made him a woodsman.". Most of the rides are "kiddie rides" and a 10 year old would be bored. Not for family but for the individual. We couldn't find an existing Roadtrippers account using that service. enchanted forest water safari where the fun never stops is up in old forge, this place was near Lake George. Gillette sold Magic Forest in Lake George in 2019 and retired. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. The day we were there, a summer camp group was there and they had their own food item stored in coolers. 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. The sale began last November, and Baker was shocked with the level of interest. Statues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. The fella Im buying stuff from says, We gotta leave some stuff for the auction.'. Former Magic Forest decorations have also made their way to California, Oregon and Texas. The stable and manger are not in use. 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. So many rides. Baker first visited the park in 2012 while he was researching Muffler Men (the park had four). 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! 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.. $$ Photos See all photos Connect with Magic Forest on Facebook Log In or Create new account Staff throughout park are great with the kids and very friendly! By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Just perfect for grandparents with two little ones 5 and 6. WebYour visit to the park will be a walking tour; for our visitors with mobility difficulties, we will provide alternative means. Exhibits like Cinderellas Castle and Santas House as well as the snack bar and the gift shop are also great. The pace has slowed, but each week he continues to get inquiries. ClickSwipe through our gallery for a preview of everything there is to explore when you visit Magic Forest. Sign up for our newsletter & stay up to date. The worlds largest Uncle Sam statue greets you in the parking lot. 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. My guess is that you can, but I'd ask at the entrance. One, a giant clown, has to be the most remodeled MM in the world. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. 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. As a separate park, it featured the largest Uncle Sam statue in the world (as of May 9, 2019, the statue has since moved back home to Danbury, CT), a magic show, and cottages and attractions which tell the story of the Three Little Pigs, Jack Sprat, Hansel and Gretel, various princesses, Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, the Statue of Liberty, and the Spider Man. Keep exploring with the Roadtrippers mobile apps. 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. Gillette sold Magic Forest in Lake George in 2019 and retired. Rides are fun and seeing Santa was really great! 51. Follow, like and subscribe to LakeGeorge.com on social media. Cookies are used for measurement, ads, and optimization. Its a miracle that the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, outlived its expiration date by several yearsmaybe even decadesbut nothing lasts forever. My son had nightmares for a few days after that. 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. He was tasked with finding buyers for all of the pieces in the Magic Forests diverse collection. when we went santa wasn't there and hadn't been for days. 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. Anyone who wants to be one of Gillettes next buyers has a month to do it. 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.. I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. 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. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. Are rides being disinfected after each use? Receive emails and newsletters to keep in touch with I LOVE NY. All the classic cautionary tales are here, displayed in miniature within wooden shelters, or lurking in the woods along serpentine trails. Pass on this one. Food is cheap. Credits, Media/Business Inquiries Luckily, anyone with the money and means to drive to Lake George can still own a piece of history. Is there a live Santa the kids can visit with? I was there last week nothing was unsafe it is one of the best children's parks around. Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. 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.