when we went santa wasn't there and hadn't been for days. Former Magic Forest decorations have also made their way to California, Oregon and Texas. The dark, woodsy allure of classic fairy tales is part of Magic Forest's charm. 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." 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. Like most relics of another time, however, these low-tech parksif they still exist at allare becoming harder to find. All stuff geared towards Christmas which also explains the Christmas songs played in the mix of music. We are located on the seasonal Greater Glens Falls Transit Trolley route. Ever. POTUS landmarks, oddities. There is so much potential to this park. They first went 3 years ago. All four of us had a really awesome day. The Magic Forest, a storybook amusement park located in Lake George, New York, looked abandoned for years before it officially closed. This used to be Santa's Workshop and they've kept parts of it. WebCompare 721 hotels close to Magic Forest Park with room rates, reviews, and availability. 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. The magic finally ran out last year when longtime owner Jack Gillette sold the park to a local contractor, Ruben Ellsworth. 7.1/10 enchanted forest water safari where the fun never stops is up in old forge, this place was near Lake George. Contents 1 Magic Forest 2 Dino Roar Valley 3 References 4 External links Magic Forest [ edit] WebStatues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. Hours Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. 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. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Many lots share a common origin: the now long-defunct Danbury Fair in Danbury, Connecticut. Are you associated with this business? My son had nightmares for a few days after that. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. 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. We are grandparents of 5 yo and 9 yo boys and went with them and their parents to the park. The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. A bean pole droops, a gingerbread house caves in, a Humpty Dumpty falls one last time. Plenty of parking. Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. Most of them sit at a starting price of $25. Follow, like and subscribe to LakeGeorge.com on social media. ClickSwipe through our gallery for a preview of everything there is to explore when you visit Magic Forest. We are hoping to go back again We got there around 2 and stayed until close. In fact, we were in love with the idea that we could actually achieve time-travel for less than $30 per person. I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. The kids thought the place was greatmy husband and I thought it could be better. In fact, kids seem oblivious to the creepiness of this place, and so do the adults, for that matter. Jimmys magic show was the highlight of our visit. I was impressed by the amount of original International Fiberglass figures there, Baker says. All rights reserved. The information in this post is a record of the parks previous incarnation. 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. But in fact, hes actually returned home. Are you associated with this business? The Gillettes bought so many items from the Danbury grounds, in fact, that at one point they were cut off. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. Posted by 3 years ago. Not the first time for the boys. Are rides being disinfected after each use? Credits, Media/Business Inquiries Two Muffler Men are particularly disturbing. I hope the utilize this theme in the fall. Each ride had info about when and where it was made, when it was bought and info about the hydraulics. The admission cost is super reasonable and their snack bar has normal food prices. 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. 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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! There are also a petting zoo, magic shows, and stunt shows with the last remaining diving horse, Lightning. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. There were no lines. Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. He says to me, Do you know Charlie Woods? [2], The other part of the park is Dino Roar Valley, which opened in 2019 and featuring animatronic dinosaurs.[3]. She likes things that are bigger or smaller than they should be: novelty architecture, miniature worlds, and anything made from fiberglass or neon. 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. enchanted forest water safari where the fun never stops is up in old forge, this place was near Lake George. A great park. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. The rides were antique pieces that were fascinating to me because it was like an amusement park museum. Get in Touch Things to Know Before Visiting Magic Forest How popular is Magic Forest? The next button will take you to Roadpass to create a free Roadpass account and finish the process. Model characters from fairy tales with the audio interpretation are a great initiative. Simple fun and a great day. Start here.Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip. Along the shaded trails, attractions feature fairy tale characters like Hansel and Gretel and Paul Bunyan. The Muffler Mena Paul Bunyan, a Mortimer Snerd, a clown, and Pecos Billwere among the first items to sell. Sometimes, Baker would get ten emails expressing interest in a single item before he could even list it as sold. Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. 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. 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! For Military (Vets, Active, Retired) 2 dollars off the price of admission. Statues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. Learn more about Roadpass accounts here. Trip Planning Caution: RoadsideAmerica.com offers maps, directions and attraction details as a convenience, providing all information as is. UPDATE 06/2019: The Magic Forest has been taken over by new owners and is now known as the Lake George Expedition Park. 8.6 Fabulous 813 reviews Price from 102 per night Check availability Best Western of Lake George Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. 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 Spider Man is a creepy top-hatted arachnid, maybe not so scary in a world of chest-bursting aliens and zombies. 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. Also guarding the minivans and SUVs is a large Santa Claus, reportedly the most popular statue on the property. Food is cheap. 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. "Magic Forest" redirects here. Keep exploring with the Roadtrippers mobile apps. I was buying stuff and bringing it back up here and just putting it in my parking lot, wherever I could, Gillette recounted. This was our first time. 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. May 28 - June 26 When Gillette came back down to Danbury, intending to pick up the last of what he had already paid for, he caught the seller while he was still in a bad mood from that conversation. 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 review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The park is open every day, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from late June June through Labor Day. Again the kids enjoyed itand that is the most important part. Amazing! Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. 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. Try My Sights, Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. I was especially concerned about "Lightening" the diving horse. Dino Roar Valley is so fun its prehistoric! We are located on the seasonal Greater Glens Falls Transit Trolley route. Attraction status, hours and prices change without notice; call ahead! 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! Santa had been on the Atkins diet and looked as healthy as the animals. $$ Photos See all photos Connect with Magic Forest on Facebook Log In or Create new account You just dont get that opportunity every day, says Baker. Magic Forest probably has the longest running permanent "Diving Horse" show since Atlantic City's Steel Pier burned down. Unfortunately, for each figure whose origins are known, anothers backstory has been lost over time. Copyright 1996-2023 Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, Mike Wilkins. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. One, a giant clown, has to be the most remodeled MM in the world. I thought it was really just time to get it out of their way, Gilette said in a phone interview on Thursday. 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. Anyone know if I will be towed for parking there after hours? The magic show by Jimmy Brown was incredible, full of laughs, both of my girls got to go on stage and participate. Dino Roar Valley is so fun its prehistoric! The people who worked there were either teenagers from Europe or seniors. 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. This is a must see. The park collected hundreds of fiberglass figures through the years, sourced from the Danbury Fair, mini-golf courses, and other amusement parks. 51. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. 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. Love that it is geared for younger kids and that all of the vintage rides have a brief history displayed. They were nice. The other is a Happy Halfwit with an Amish beard and hat, holding an ax just opposite the Little Miss Muffet display. 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. Staff is great rides are safe & fun for any child or adult. I have no place to store it, he said. This is by far the greatest place whether you are old or young. Jimmy Brown's magic show was great. WebYour visit to the park will be a walking tour; for our visitors with mobility difficulties, we will provide alternative means. 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 information in this post is a record of the parks previous incarnation. Muffler Men and fiberglass figures are notorious for moving around the country. 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. I havent had a bad experience with anything Ive sold.. WebExperience a journey through time. Hes come to the buyers, too. WebExperience a journey through time. Get a piece of your childhood now! 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. No portion of this document may be reproduced, copied or revised without written permission of the authors. 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. The Magic Forest felt like it was from a different time not only physically, but spiritually. The train ride was a Diesel engine that kept throwing black smoke in our faces, and at the end of it the animation & recording say that they are going to blow the train up, which really scared our 5 year old son. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. We got to do and see everything, a few things more than once. I even went as far as Kansas this summer, and everybody I have met has been nice, friendly and very appreciative. Kids enjoyed it a lot. The former safari area will see the most changes. Close. 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. Enjoy the 20 minute train ride to watch the life-size animal statues with kids. 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! Posted by 3 years ago. The park is almost completed shaded. There was this crazy little tiny squirrel that was literally the smallest figure I listed and everyone wanted that thing, he says. In the 1950s, his uncle took that carnival to the Danbury Fair, where it played through the fairs final years. "His head is the way we got him. Visit Family Vacation Critic on Facebook! Yes, it is small and management is aware it needs work. 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. 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. Tall tales, trip guides, and the weird and wonderful. Close. 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.. 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. We did go early in the season. But then there is a whole dinosaur park with animatronic dinosaurs throughout the forest. Fear not, Magic Forest lovers the new Lake George Expedition Park will be adding onto the Magic Forest park along Route 9 between Lake George and Queensbury. Ronald McDonald Vacation Home Coming to Lake George, Check Out Weekend Events With Barrel Fest & More in Lake George, Dont Miss Your Last Chance for Winter Carnival & Ice Bar Fun in Lake George, Winter Carnivals, Fireworks & Fun: See Whats Happening in Lake George This Weekend, Get Into a Valentines Day Mood in Lake George This Weekend, Bundle Up for All the Frozen Fun Going On Around Lake George This Weekend. It's perfect. We put an ax in his hands and made him a woodsman.". 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. Is the park recommend for children 7-10 years old? RoadsideAmerica.comYour Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions. 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. Rex the Diving Horse leaped on cue into a pool for many years; now his son, Lightning, takes the plunge twice a day. Prices range from a few hundred dollars into the tens of thousands. Water available for sale all throughout. More, Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. He comes to me and says, Now, what more do you want? And so Charlie Woods attitude helped me buy more stuff.. Gillettes over 700 nostalgic lots are all up for the bidding now, and can be seen in-person by appointment. Contents 1 Magic Forest 2 Dino Roar Valley 3 References 4 External links Magic Forest [ edit] 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.. 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. There are adult rides and family rides too. This place was perfect for my 4 and 6 year old. Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you when you hit the road! Many recycled rides from other parks. All rights reserved. Magic Forest is one, aided by a combination of prime location and classic clean kid fun. Both are protected with Clear Coat, as are all the statues in the Magic Forest. Anyone who wants to be one of Gillettes next buyers has a month to do it. 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. 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. 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." On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. WebCompare 721 hotels close to Magic Forest Park with room rates, reviews, and availability. It was clean, very clean. 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. WebLake George Expedition Park is an amusement park located in Lake George, NY along Route 9. 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. Undeterred, we assured her that we were willing participants in the charade that the park was still a viable tourist destination. It wasn't the least bit crowded and they would run the rides for just our two granddaughters. The animals were severely underfed. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. But some of the once-over 700 sculptures that once called the park home are just now resurfacing. I have no place to store it, he said. Baker first visited the park in 2012 while he was researching Muffler Men (the park had four). 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We strive to insure accuracy on Lakegeorge.com however accuracy cannot be guaranteed. My husband told me he was creeped out & felt like the statues were following is with their eyes. 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. The full, 700+ lot posting will stay online until the end of September. Two Muffler Men are particularly disturbing. She doesn't understand our concern, and is probably wondering why grown men traveling without children are in her park in the first place. Totally wrong about Magic Forest. 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. Loved the nostalgia of this park, the "dated" that everyone seems to be talking about. Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. The Dinosaur park is amazing!! He kept my kids entertained the whole show and that is a true magic trick. Actually, that helps to explain a lot about this place. Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. 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. Attraction status, hours and prices change without notice; call ahead! 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. 3. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Called and wrote many letters to various places asking to end the poor horses use as a diving attraction. I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. All of that was fine. The Magic Forest was originally opened in 1963 by Arthur Gillette. 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. 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. No computerized rides here! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. 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. Most hotels are fully refundable. 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. However, that didnt keep father and son from getting together at the Danbury Fair after it had closed, for the grounds to become a mall to rescue hundreds of statues and decorations. There were buttons to push to tell us their stories but the recordings didn't work so they sounded like Charlie Brown's teacher. Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. Three of the four fiberglass giants were purchased by Atlantis Plumbing in Dallas, Georgia. Dino Roar Valley is so fun its prehistoric! Get a piece of your childhood now! So many rides. We have a couple of similar parks here in NH that are WAY ahead of Magic Forest. 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 Our website found buyers who truly have a passion for saving these kinds of things.. Receive emails and newsletters to keep in touch with I LOVE NY. One account for all of our road travel 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. 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 other is a Happy Halfwit with an Amish beard and hat, holding an ax just opposite the Little Miss Muffet display. WebYour visit to the park will be a walking tour; for our visitors with mobility difficulties, we will provide alternative means. Probably nowhere else is the disturbing world of children's' fairy tales brought to life more vividly. The best animatronic dinosaurs Ive ever seen, better than the Bronx zoo and several other parks weve been too. 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.. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. Probably nowhere else is the disturbing world of children's' fairy tales brought to life more vividly. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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