This place is great! Get a piece of your childhood now! A bean pole droops, a gingerbread house caves in, a Humpty Dumpty falls one last time. 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. This was our first time. He cataloged the items, helped set prices, and listed them on his website. He kept my kids entertained the whole show and that is a true magic trick. 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. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. The Magic Forest was a theme park that remained untouched by timeand when we visited, almost nothing about it made sense anymore. Most hotels are fully refundable. Many lots share a common origin: the now long-defunct Danbury Fair in Danbury, Connecticut. The creepy part is the statues. Train ride wasn't running which was disappointing. They include paint-chipped animals, old theme park legends, and quite a few broken fae folk. Anyone who wants to be one of Gillettes next buyers has a month to do it. Close. We spot their blistered, sagging entry gates on lonely back roads, or squeezed between the Amusements of the Month in some overdeveloped Mecca. Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in New York. This place was perfect for my 4 and 6 year old. Just perfect for grandparents with two little ones 5 and 6. When sorting through his collection, Gillette knew that those items, in particular, should be auctioned. I was especially concerned about "Lightening" the diving horse. 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. Staff throughout park are great with the kids and very friendly! The magic finally ran out last year when longtime owner Jack Gillette sold the park to a local contractor, Ruben Ellsworth. Maybe what we actually saw was the ghost of Rex, the parks original equine entertainer and Lightnings fatheror perhaps it was all an elaborate magic trick performed by the resident magician, Jimmy Brown (who also doubledor rather, tripledas the parks lone emcee and balloon animal artist). 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. Get in Touch Things to Know Before Visiting Magic Forest How popular is Magic Forest? The food was not too expensive. This used to be Santa's Workshop and they've kept parts of it. More, National Cryptologic Museum, Annapolis Junction, Maryland (Feb 27-Mar 5, 2023). Rides were available for all ages and the Dino roar exhibits were entertaining as much as they were informative. There's a chapel, too. More, National Cryptologic Museum, Annapolis Junction, Maryland (Feb 27-Mar 5, 2023). A bean pole droops, a gingerbread house caves in, a Humpty Dumpty falls one last time. 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. All of that was fine. 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. Copyright 1996-2023 Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, Mike Wilkins. We were there 4 years ago. We did go early in the season. Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. Not the first time for the boys. We strive to insure accuracy on Lakegeorge.com however accuracy cannot be guaranteed. 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. The Muffler Mena Paul Bunyan, a Mortimer Snerd, a clown, and Pecos Billwere among the first items to sell. Id gladly trade a few more brain cells to take that so-called safari ride again and spend a few more precious moments with the mangy menagerie of animals scattered throughout the woods. 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. Gillette sold Magic Forest in Lake George in 2019 and retired. I made, I dont know, about 20 or 30 trips, sometimes with a tractor-trailer. Read on to find out the details. Gillettes own connection to the Danbury Fair comes from a family background in show business. Hes come to the buyers, too. The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. Transferring the giant statue from Lake George to Danbury, roughly a three hour ride, was reportedly difficult. 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! That means the array of memories up for auction come from a variety of other fairs, carnivals and fun lands. Was wondering about parking at magic forest theme park (parking is free) and taking the trolley to great escape. 8.6 Fabulous 813 reviews Price from 102 per night Check availability Best Western of Lake George The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. $$ Photos See all photos Connect with Magic Forest on Facebook Log In or Create new account 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. The Spider Man is a creepy top-hatted arachnid, maybe not so scary in a world of chest-bursting aliens and zombies. Exhibits like Cinderellas Castle and Santas House as well as the snack bar and the gift shop are also great. We got to do and see everything, a few things more than once. 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. Statues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. Information is subject to change. 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. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. 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 Visit Family Vacation Critic on Instagram. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. In the 1950s, his uncle took that carnival to the Danbury Fair, where it played through the fairs final years. 3. Still gives me creeps every night to look back on it. The kids thought the place was greatmy husband and I thought it could be better. The Magic Forest was originally opened in 1963 by Arthur Gillette. 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. 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. One account for all of our road travel apps. WebLake George, New York. The other is a Happy Halfwit with an Amish beard and hat, holding an ax just opposite the Little Miss Muffet display. Hours and dates subject to change. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. No portion of this document may be reproduced, copied or revised without written permission of the authors. WebLake George Expedition Park is an amusement park located in Lake George, NY along Route 9. I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. The magic show by Jimmy Brown was incredible, full of laughs, both of my girls got to go on stage and participate. 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. Accessibility is our goal, please contact us with site improvements. 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. $$ - $$$ American Steakhouse Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Italian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, $$ - $$$ American Bar Vegetarian Friendly, $ American Diner Vegetarian Friendly, $ American Cafe Vegetarian Friendly, Points of Interest & Landmarks Civic Centres. Enjoy the 20 minute train ride to watch the life-size animal statues with kids. Although they eventually paid the ultimate price, maybe the lesson is that we should celebrate the parks existence and persistenceand not ignore the consequences of resolutely resisting change. Yes, it is small and management is aware it needs work. One, a giant clown, has to be the most remodeled MM in the world. Try My Sights, Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. Gillette can be reached at 518-895-8150 to schedule an appointment. People normally club together Water Slide World and Lumberjack Pass Miniature Golf while planning their visit to Magic Forest. WebStatues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. The full, 700+ lot posting will stay online until the end of September. Jimmys magic show was the highlight of our visit. You may have heard about a new, dinosaur-themed park coming to Lake George, but do you know whats happened to the iconic Uncle Sam statue? 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. Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. 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! 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. In addition to Danbury Fair and Carson City, other items come from places like Lake Georges own Gaslight Village; Charles R. Woods Story Town; as well as amusement parks with names like Animal Land, Hoffmans Play Land and Land of Make Believe. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Close. 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. Three of the four fiberglass giants were purchased by Atlantis Plumbing in Dallas, Georgia. 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. The day we were there, a summer camp group was there and they had their own food item stored in coolers. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. 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. We missed the magic show but will catch it next time. 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. A great park. The dark, woodsy allure of classic fairy tales is part of Magic Forest's charm. 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. The information in this post is a record of the parks previous incarnation. Water available for sale all throughout. WebLake George Expedition Park is an amusement park located in Lake George, NY along Route 9. Since putting those larger fiberglass statues up for sale in 2019, Gillette says hes been impressed over and over by the kindness and care of the interested buyers hes met along the way. Copyright 2023 Family Vacation Critic All Rights Reserved. Magic Forest probably has the longest running permanent "Diving Horse" show since Atlantic City's Steel Pier burned down. when we went santa wasn't there and hadn't been for days. The information in this post is a record of the parks previous incarnation. June 27 - Sept. 5 My son had nightmares for a few days after that. The Magic Forest, a storybook amusement park located in Lake George, New York, looked abandoned for years before it officially closed. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. We spot their blistered, sagging entry gates on lonely back roads, or squeezed between the Amusements of the Month in some overdeveloped Mecca. 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. 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. We took our almost 3 year old and she loved it. Santa had been on the Atkins diet and looked as healthy as the animals. Also cant beat the setting, they are carefully dispersed through a beautiful forest. Dino Roar Valley is so fun its prehistoric! Most of them sit at a starting price of $25. We are located on the seasonal Greater Glens Falls Transit Trolley route. 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. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Old, sad, dingy, dirty. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. He was tasked with finding buyers for all of the pieces in the Magic Forests diverse collection. The dark, woodsy allure of classic fairy tales is part of Magic Forest's charm. 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. Magic Forest probably has the longest running permanent "Diving Horse" show since Atlantic City's Steel Pier burned down. This is a must see. 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. Learn more about Roadpass accounts here. Attraction status, hours and prices change without notice; call ahead! His father and uncle started a carnival together. I have no place to store it, he said. When they heard about the sale they purchased that teddy bear and it meant the world to them, Baker says. In fact, kids seem oblivious to the creepiness of this place, and so do the adults, for that matter. 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." Most of the rides are "kiddie rides" and a 10 year old would be bored. The train ride was quite fun. 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. 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. But then there is a whole dinosaur park with animatronic dinosaurs throughout the forest. "His head is the way we got him. We are grandparents of 5 yo and 9 yo boys and went with them and their parents to the park. RoadsideAmerica.comYour Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. Unfortunately, for each figure whose origins are known, anothers backstory has been lost over time. Would have loved to have seen the dinosaurs. The pace has slowed, but each week he continues to get inquiries. Magic Forest is one, aided by a combination of prime location and classic clean kid fun. 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! 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. 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. 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. Both are protected with Clear Coat, as are all the statues in the Magic Forest. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. [1] Magic Forest also has a small petting zoo where children can feed the animals. After Ellsworth decided to take the park in a different direction, Gillette contacted Joel Baker, owner of the Muffler Man restoration company American Giants, to help facilitate the sale of all of those fiberglass figures. Love the nostalgia of Magic Forest and really like the new Dino Roar Valley addition. 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' Gilette remembers. 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. In fact, we were in love with the idea that we could actually achieve time-travel for less than $30 per person. 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. 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. I even went as far as Kansas this summer, and everybody I have met has been nice, friendly and very appreciative. Yes. Two Muffler Men are particularly disturbing. this was our first year visiting but well be back for sure next year! Attraction status, hours and prices change without notice; call ahead! 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. 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. A bit dirty, rides seem OLD and somewhat banged up, and the animals are not taken care of very well (they seem well fed but cages are dirty and small). enchanted forest water safari where the fun never stops is up in old forge, this place was near Lake George. The park is open every day, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from late June June through Labor Day. It was an amazing collection of original piecesthe largest I knew to exist.. Create Your Own Bizarre Road Trips! 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. 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 >>. 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! POTUS landmarks, oddities. Posted by 3 years ago. All rights reserved. Is this worth it for a 2 year old? Actually, that helps to explain a lot about this place. That was a bit disturbing to me. ", 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. More, Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. "Magic Forest" redirects here. One family contacted him about a fiberglass teddy bear. Most hotels are fully refundable. Contents 1 Magic Forest 2 Dino Roar Valley 3 References 4 External links Magic Forest [ edit] Ellsworth plans to reopen the space as Lake George Expedition Park with all-new attractions, including dinosaurs. The stable and manger are not in use. Totally wrong about Magic Forest. It wasn't the least bit crowded and they would run the rides for just our two granddaughters. The next button will take you to Roadpass to create a free Roadpass account and finish the process. At Dino Roar Valley, find adventure, make discoveries, and be transported to other places through hands-on experiences. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. May 28 - June 26 She doesn't understand our concern, and is probably wondering why grown men traveling without children are in her park in the first place. But in fact, hes actually returned home. There is a area with several picnic table just outside a small snack bar. You just dont get that opportunity every day, says Baker. WebExperience a journey through time. 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. 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. Close. ClickSwipe through our gallery for a preview of everything there is to explore when you visit Magic Forest.