The Magic Forest, a storybook amusement park located in Lake George, New York, looked abandoned for years before it officially closed. The creepy part is the statues. Magic Forest A very well run park. Santa is actually there in an air conditioned log house. All rights reserved. Kids enjoyed it a lot. The fella Im buying stuff from says, We gotta leave some stuff for the auction.'. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. The best animatronic dinosaurs Ive ever seen, better than the Bronx zoo and several other parks weve been too. 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. My husband told me he was creeped out & felt like the statues were following is with their eyes. His father and uncle started a carnival together. It wasn't the least bit crowded and they would run the rides for just our two granddaughters. 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. POTUS landmarks, oddities. When they heard about the sale they purchased that teddy bear and it meant the world to them, Baker says. Copyright 1996-2023 Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, Mike Wilkins. 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. More, Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. The magic show by Jimmy Brown was incredible, full of laughs, both of my girls got to go on stage and participate. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 51. 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. Definitely recommend for little kids. WebExperience a journey through time. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. When I visited the Magic Forest in 2015, the woman at the ticket counter tried to dissuade ustwo adults with nary a child in sightfrom entering. The stable and manger are not in use. live santa only comes out when the weather isn't too hot. He says that all of the figures lived diverseand sometimes manypast lives before they came to the Magic Forest. Magic Forest (Gone Exhibits like Cinderellas Castle and Santas House as well as the snack bar and the gift shop are also great. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. 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. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. when we went santa wasn't there and hadn't been for days. 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. That was a bit disturbing to me. 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 have an awkward moment -- not uncommon for us -- when we ask a passing manager why the grimacing, Amishized Alfred E. Neuman holds an ax. 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. We put an ax in his hands and made him a woodsman.". 8.6 Fabulous 813 reviews Price from 102 per night Check availability Best Western of Lake George 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. Dino Roar Valley is so fun its prehistoric! WebLake George, New York. 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. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. He says to me, Do you know Charlie Woods? The park is almost completed shaded. Most fairy tale theme parks eventually suffer the fate of a fabled cursed kingdom. enchanted forest water safari where the fun never stops is up in old forge, this place was near Lake George. 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. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. 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. All stuff geared towards Christmas which also explains the Christmas songs played in the mix of music. 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. Alexandra is the features editor at Roadtrippers Magazine. Magic Forest I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. Lake George Expedition Park - Magic Forest The park is open every day, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from late June June through Labor Day. Train ride wasn't running which was disappointing. This place is great! Luckily, anyone with the money and means to drive to Lake George can still own a piece of history. 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. Jack Gillette, the longtime owner of Magic Forest, initially purchased Uncle Sam (and other pieces) at auction from the Danbury Fair decades ago when the fair closed its doors in 1981. The 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. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. He cataloged the items, helped set prices, and listed them on his website. WebExperience a journey through time. Sometimes, Baker would get ten emails expressing interest in a single item before he could even list it as sold. 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. 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 >>. Most hotels are fully refundable. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. Magic Forest Get a piece of your childhood now! Keep exploring with the Roadtrippers mobile apps. 51. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. 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. This place was perfect for my 4 and 6 year old. Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Lake George Expedition Park is an amusement park located in Lake George, NY along Route 9. We left & renamed it "bizzaro world". Magic Forest Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. 3. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. Magic Forest The Magic Forest, a storybook amusement park located in Lake George, New York, looked abandoned for years before it officially closed. Magic Forest (Gone WebCompare 721 hotels close to Magic Forest Park with room rates, reviews, and availability. Called and wrote many letters to various places asking to end the poor horses use as a diving attraction. Attraction status, hours and prices change without notice; call ahead! By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. It means nothing to most people; but for people who went to the fair and loved it, its worth its value to them.. $$ Photos See all photos Connect with Magic Forest on Facebook Log In or Create new account We are located on the seasonal Greater Glens Falls Transit Trolley route. The sale began last November, and Baker was shocked with the level of interest. Magic Forest probably has the longest running permanent "Diving Horse" show since Atlantic City's Steel Pier burned down. 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 dark, woodsy allure of classic fairy tales is part of Magic Forest's charm. Memories of Magic Forest up for auction Baker is surprisingly sanguine as he watches the collection split up and scatter around the country. 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! 7.1/10 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Items from local theme park empire hit the auction block Its fiberglass figures had long ago dug in their collective heelsand hoovesas the world evolved around them. Dino Roar Valley is so fun its prehistoric! The food was not too expensive. Gilette was something of a collector, amassing his estimated over 700 items over decades while running Magic Forest, which first opened in 1963. 7.1/10 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. Information 1912 US Route 9 Lake George, NY 12845 518-668-7627 Memorial Day - October Visit Website Posted in Family Fun, Group Attractions Try My Sights, Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. Get a piece of your childhood now! 51. Enjoy watching the magic show by Jimmy Brown and the diving show by the last diving horse called Lightning. Still gives me creeps every night to look back on it. Magic Forest Its also shady as it is indeed in a forest. I am very grateful to the Magic Forest for essentially saving all this original fiberglass all these years, and also for calling us rather than an auction house who could care less about anything other than the money, says Baker. Get a piece of your childhood now! 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. Memories of Magic Forest up for auction She doesn't understand our concern, and is probably wondering why grown men traveling without children are in her park in the first place. Not the first time for the boys. 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.. Pass on this one. "Magic Forest" redirects here. Are you associated with this business? It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. A lion-head drinking fountain (and lion-head trash can), a caveman family, Ma and Pa Kettle, an Esso tiger, a 15-foot Santa, a one-hump camel, a skull, and several other pieces are still up for sale. ", 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. Yes, it is small and management is aware it needs work. 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. WebYour visit to the park will be a walking tour; for our visitors with mobility difficulties, we will provide alternative means. 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. But its hard not to become despondent and dig in your heels when it feels as if the world you love is rapidly disappearing. The worlds largest Uncle Sam statue greets you in the parking lot. Transferring the giant statue from Lake George to Danbury, roughly a three hour ride, was reportedly difficult. Magic Forest 10am5pm | Sat & Sun Only Credits, Media/Business Inquiries Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Our website found buyers who truly have a passion for saving these kinds of things.. 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! 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. The information in this post is a record of the parks previous incarnation. We missed the magic show but will catch it next time. 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. Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in New York. WebLake George Expedition Park is an amusement park located in Lake George, NY along Route 9. More, National Cryptologic Museum, Annapolis Junction, Maryland (Feb 27-Mar 5, 2023). This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Love the nostalgia of Magic Forest and really like the new Dino Roar Valley addition. They had visited the Magic Forest for years and always taken their kids photo with that particular bear. Trip Planning Caution: RoadsideAmerica.com offers maps, directions and attraction details as a convenience, providing all information as is. Also guarding the minivans and SUVs is a large Santa Claus, reportedly the most popular statue on the property. "His head is the way we got him. Just perfect for grandparents with two little ones 5 and 6. The park's famous Santa Claus overlooks the parking lot. There are also a petting zoo, magic shows, and stunt shows with the last remaining diving horse, Lightning. 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. The Muffler Mena Paul Bunyan, a Mortimer Snerd, a clown, and Pecos Billwere among the first items to sell. All four of us had a really awesome day. Actually, that helps to explain a lot about this place. The former safari area will see the most changes. When sorting through his collection, Gillette knew that those items, in particular, should be auctioned. 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. Contents 1 Magic Forest 2 Dino Roar Valley 3 References 4 External links Magic Forest [ edit] My guess is that you can, but I'd ask at the entrance. Gillette sold the park in 2019, but much of the remnants have remained on the property, now operating as Lake George Expedition Park. [1] Magic Forest also has a small petting zoo where children can feed the animals. The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. In the beginning, I was getting over 30 emails a day, he says. UPDATE 06/2019: The Magic Forest has been taken over by new owners and is now known as the Lake George Expedition Park. WebMagic Forest Route 9, Lake George, NY Best For: Infants 0-2 Little Kids 3-6 Big Kids 7-9 Tweens 10-12 Teens 13-17 Best suited for the very young, or anyone with a penchant for quirky roadside attractions, this small amusement park opened in Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round! One, a giant clown, has to be the most remodeled MM in the world. Magic Forest probably has the longest running permanent "Diving Horse" show since Atlantic City's Steel Pier burned down. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! 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. ClickSwipe through our gallery for a preview of everything there is to explore when you visit Magic Forest. this was our first year visiting but well be back for sure next year! Both are protected with Clear Coat, as are all the statues in the Magic Forest. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Also cant beat the setting, they are carefully dispersed through a beautiful forest. I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. Magic Forest Baker first visited the park in 2012 while he was researching Muffler Men (the park had four). With magically delicious food and shows so good you wont believe your eyes, one trip to the Magic Forest will have you checking for vacancies in the Old Womans shoe. Attraction status, hours and prices change without notice; call ahead! All the classic cautionary tales are here, displayed in miniature within wooden shelters, or lurking in the woods along serpentine trails. Gillettes own connection to the Danbury Fair comes from a family background in show business. Plenty of parking. WebLake George Expedition Park is an amusement park located in Lake George, NY along Route 9. 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." Jimmy Brown's magic show was great. The next button will take you to Roadpass to create a free Roadpass account and finish the process. Again the kids enjoyed itand that is the most important part. Get a piece of your childhood now! Uncle Sam is Out & Dinosaurs are This is a must see. Located on the seasonal Greater Glens Falls Transit Trolley route. Is this worth it for a 2 year old? 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. Reddit Memories of Magic Forest up for auction Lake George 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. 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. 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. 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 Magic Forest Many lots share a common origin: the now long-defunct Danbury Fair in Danbury, Connecticut. 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. A good place to spend half a day for kids. I have no place to store it, he said. WebExperience a journey through time. Contents 1 Magic Forest 2 Dino Roar Valley 3 References 4 External links Magic Forest [ edit] 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. 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. Rex the Diving Horse leaped on cue into a pool for many years; now his son, Lightning, takes the plunge twice a day. 7.1/10 enchanted forest water safari where the fun never stops is up in old forge, this place was near Lake George. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. The park collected hundreds of fiberglass figures through the years, sourced from the Danbury Fair, mini-golf courses, and other amusement parks. Hours UPDATE 06/2019: The Magic Forest has been taken over by new owners and is now known as the Lake George Expedition Park. 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. 71.18% of people who visit Lake George include Magic Forest in their plan, 42.86% of people start their Magic Forest visit around 3 PM - 4 PM, People usually take around 30 Minutes to see Magic Forest, 95% of people prefer to travel by car while visiting Magic Forest. Returning the statue to its original home was part of the deal. Was wondering about parking at magic forest theme park (parking is free) and taking the trolley to great escape. The rides are very old school, and my kids. 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. Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. WebStatues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. 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. RoadsideAmerica.comYour Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions. This was our first time. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Are you associated with this business? Most fairy tale theme parks eventually suffer the fate of a fabled cursed kingdom. This used to be Santa's Workshop and they've kept parts of it. The Spider Man is a creepy top-hatted arachnid, maybe not so scary in a world of chest-bursting aliens and zombies. We need your email address to send you trip itineraries and other updates. Also guarding the minivans and SUVs is a large Santa Claus, reportedly the most popular statue on the property. He kept my kids entertained the whole show and that is a true magic trick. There were no lines. So many rides. Start here.Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip. Lake George Expedition Credits, Media/Business Inquiries 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 Magic Forest is one, aided by a combination of prime location and classic clean kid fun. Jimmys magic show was the highlight of our visit. More, Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. 3. WebYour visit to the park will be a walking tour; for our visitors with mobility difficulties, we will provide alternative means. This is by far the greatest place whether you are old or young. Cookies are used for measurement, ads, and optimization. I have no place to store it, he said. Rex the Diving Horse leaped on cue into a pool for many years; now his son, Lightning, takes the plunge twice a day. Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. 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. Lake George Expedition In fact, kids seem oblivious to the creepiness of this place, and so do the adults, for that matter. I was buying stuff and bringing it back up here and just putting it in my parking lot, wherever I could, Gillette recounted. All the classic cautionary tales are here, displayed in miniature within wooden shelters, or lurking in the woods along serpentine trails. She doesn't understand our concern, and is probably wondering why grown men traveling without children are in her park in the first place. The dark, woodsy allure of classic fairy tales is part of Magic Forest's charm. Is the park recommend for children 7-10 years old? 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. Copyright 2023 Family Vacation Critic All Rights Reserved. No portion of this document may be reproduced, copied or revised without written permission of the authors. I hope the utilize this theme in the fall. Most hotels are fully refundable. People normally club together Water Slide World and Lumberjack Pass Miniature Golf while planning their visit to Magic Forest. Where else can you see Esso tigers and Sinclair Dinosaurs peacefully coexisting with pink flamingos and polar bears? Rides are fun and seeing Santa was really great! 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.
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