At Dino Roar Valley, find adventure, make discoveries, and be transported to other places through hands-on experiences. All rights reserved. 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. Credits, Media/Business Inquiries The park is open every day, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from late June June through Labor Day. 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! WebExperience a journey through time. 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. No souvenirs though. 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. 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. Called and wrote many letters to various places asking to end the poor horses use as a diving attraction. Sign up for our newsletter & stay up to date. They first went 3 years ago. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. He was tasked with finding buyers for all of the pieces in the Magic Forests diverse collection. The Gillettes bought so many items from the Danbury grounds, in fact, that at one point they were cut off. Trip Planning Caution: RoadsideAmerica.com offers maps, directions and attraction details as a convenience, providing all information as is. 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! We took our almost 3 year old and she loved it. I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. The full, 700+ lot posting will stay online until the end of September. Its also shady as it is indeed in a forest. 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. A good place to spend half a day for kids. 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. Its different, he said. 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 >>. Would have loved to have seen the dinosaurs. Accessibility is our goal, please contact us with site improvements. She doesn't understand our concern, and is probably wondering why grown men traveling without children are in her park in the first place. Follow, like and subscribe to LakeGeorge.com on social media. No portion of this document may be reproduced, copied or revised without written permission of the authors. Also guarding the minivans and SUVs is a large Santa Claus, reportedly the most popular statue on the property. The information in this post is a record of the parks previous incarnation. 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. Visit Family Vacation Critic on Instagram. Was wondering about parking at magic forest theme park (parking is free) and taking the trolley to great escape. He comes to me and says, Now, what more do you want? And so Charlie Woods attitude helped me buy more stuff.. The dark, woodsy allure of classic fairy tales is part of Magic Forest's charm. RoadsideAmerica.comYour Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions. And how the Magic Forest park will be incorporated into this new park? The Magic Forest was a theme park that remained untouched by timeand when we visited, almost nothing about it made sense anymore. Dino Roar Valley is so fun its prehistoric! That means the array of memories up for auction come from a variety of other fairs, carnivals and fun lands. Gillette sold the park in 2019, but much of the remnants have remained on the property, now operating as Lake George Expedition Park. 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. Get a piece of your childhood now! Close. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. There's a chapel, too. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. UPDATE 06/2019: The Magic Forest has been taken over by new owners and is now known as the Lake George Expedition Park. Muffler Men and fiberglass figures are notorious for moving around the country. 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. Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. Simple fun and a great day. They were nice. Where else can you see Esso tigers and Sinclair Dinosaurs peacefully coexisting with pink flamingos and polar bears? I have no place to store it, he said. A bean pole droops, a gingerbread house caves in, a Humpty Dumpty falls one last time. WebExperience a journey through time. He kept my kids entertained the whole show and that is a true magic trick. 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. The fella Im buying stuff from says, We gotta leave some stuff for the auction.'. The dark, woodsy allure of classic fairy tales is part of Magic Forest's charm. One account for all of our road travel apps. I have no place to store it, he said. 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. Hours and dates subject to change. Statues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. 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. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. Alexandra is the features editor at Roadtrippers Magazine. The rides were antique pieces that were fascinating to me because it was like an amusement park museum. 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! 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 She dreams of visiting every state in the U.S. and will always stop for a Muffler Man. Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in New York. Get in Touch Things to Know Before Visiting Magic Forest How popular is Magic Forest? The park is expected to be open May through October, with tickets going on sale in March. 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. ", 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. Transferring the giant statue from Lake George to Danbury, roughly a three hour ride, was reportedly difficult. 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. There are also a petting zoo, magic shows, and stunt shows with the last remaining diving horse, Lightning. I was there last week nothing was unsafe it is one of the best children's parks around. 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? Yes, it is small and management is aware it needs work. Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you when you hit the road! Magic Forest is one, aided by a combination of prime location and classic clean kid fun. Model characters from fairy tales with the audio interpretation are a great initiative. For Military (Vets, Active, Retired) 2 dollars off the price of admission. "His head is the way we got him. We missed the magic show but will catch it next time. There were buttons to push to tell us their stories but the recordings didn't work so they sounded like Charlie Brown's teacher. This is by far the greatest place whether you are old or young. 10am5pm | Sat & Sun Only We are located on the seasonal Greater Glens Falls Transit Trolley route. The other is a Happy Halfwit with an Amish beard and hat, holding an ax just opposite the Little Miss Muffet display. "Magic Forest" redirects here. But its hard not to become despondent and dig in your heels when it feels as if the world you love is rapidly disappearing. You just dont get that opportunity every day, says Baker. The park is very clean and the employees are patient and friendly. May 28 - June 26 Anyone know if I will be towed for parking there after hours? A great park. We left & renamed it "bizzaro world". The park is almost completed shaded. Santa had been on the Atkins diet and looked as healthy as the animals. She doesn't understand our concern, and is probably wondering why grown men traveling without children are in her park in the first place. Is there a live Santa the kids can visit with? 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. We couldn't find an existing Roadtrippers account using that service. Get in Touch Things to Know Before Visiting Magic Forest How popular is Magic Forest? It's perfect. Went there with 3 toddlers and spent almost 4 hours. Fun for the kids and nostalgic for us babyboomers! The Muffler Mena Paul Bunyan, a Mortimer Snerd, a clown, and Pecos Billwere among the first items to sell. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission. The other is a Happy Halfwit with an Amish beard and hat, holding an ax just opposite the Little Miss Muffet display. 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. 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. 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.. 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. The Magic Forest, a storybook amusement park located in Lake George, New York, looked abandoned for years before it officially closed. Park is small enough to walk and not get too tired out. WebCompare 721 hotels close to Magic Forest Park with room rates, reviews, and availability. 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. Read on to find out the details. Again the kids enjoyed itand that is the most important part. The Spider Man is a creepy top-hatted arachnid, maybe not so scary in a world of chest-bursting aliens and zombies. All four of us had a really awesome day. Undeterred, we assured her that we were willing participants in the charade that the park was still a viable tourist destination. 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 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." I hope the owners decide to open it all the way up. 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. There is a area with several picnic table just outside a small snack bar. Posted by 3 years ago. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! My husband told me he was creeped out & felt like the statues were following is with their eyes. We did go early in the season. He says that all of the figures lived diverseand sometimes manypast lives before they came to the Magic Forest. Try My Sights, Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round! 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. And I said, Charles Wood, and he says, okay.'. For other uses, see, "Dinosaurs coming to Lake George this summer", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lake_George_Expedition_Park&oldid=1074053798, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 26 February 2022, at 04:51. 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. Gillette can be reached at 518-895-8150 to schedule an appointment. The information in this post is a record of the parks previous incarnation. However, not long after, Gillette got another chance; all thanks, unknowingly, to another local entertainer, whose name lives on in nearby Glens Falls. 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. POTUS landmarks, oddities. Unfortunately, for each figure whose origins are known, anothers backstory has been lost over time. Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. No computerized rides here! 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. 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. Actually, that helps to explain a lot about this place. Anyone who wants to be one of Gillettes next buyers has a month to do it. Ellsworth plans to reopen the space as Lake George Expedition Park with all-new attractions, including dinosaurs. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Visit Family Vacation Critic on Facebook! The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. Most fairy tale theme parks eventually suffer the fate of a fabled cursed kingdom. Posted by 3 years ago. The park's famous Santa Claus overlooks the parking lot. Gillette sold Magic Forest in Lake George in 2019 and retired. 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. We need your email address to send you trip itineraries and other updates. Most of them sit at a starting price of $25. I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. Magic Forest also has sheep, pygmy goats and country goats at the farm, whom the kids will love to adore and feed. More, National Cryptologic Museum, Annapolis Junction, Maryland (Feb 27-Mar 5, 2023). There were no lines. Create and Save Your Own Crazy Road Trip! The Spider Man is a creepy top-hatted arachnid, maybe not so scary in a world of chest-bursting aliens and zombies. 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! Statues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. 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. Statues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. We are located on the seasonal Greater Glens Falls Transit Trolley route. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. WebYour visit to the park will be a walking tour; for our visitors with mobility difficulties, we will provide alternative means. Posted by 3 years ago. Still gives me creeps every night to look back on it. Start here.Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip. The next button will take you to Roadpass to create a free Roadpass account and finish the process. In fact, we were in love with the idea that we could actually achieve time-travel for less than $30 per person. The kids thought the place was greatmy husband and I thought it could be better. 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. 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 animals were severely underfed. enchanted forest water safari where the fun never stops is up in old forge, this place was near Lake George. 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 theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. The food was not too expensive. The use of the diving horse is not nor should it be an attraction for children or adults. It means nothing to most people; but for people who went to the fair and loved it, its worth its value to them.. I have no place to store it, he said. The pace has slowed, but each week he continues to get inquiries. Santa is actually there in an air conditioned log house. Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. Probably nowhere else is the disturbing world of children's' fairy tales brought to life more vividly. Contents 1 Magic Forest 2 Dino Roar Valley 3 References 4 External links Magic Forest [ edit] [2], The other part of the park is Dino Roar Valley, which opened in 2019 and featuring animatronic dinosaurs.[3]. Information is subject to change. 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. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. More, National Cryptologic Museum, Annapolis Junction, Maryland (Feb 27-Mar 5, 2023). The next button will take you to Roadpass to create a free Roadpass account and finish the process. Former Magic Forest decorations have also made their way to California, Oregon and Texas. That was a bit disturbing to me. Gillette sold Magic Forest in Lake George in 2019 and retired. 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. 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. Most hotels are fully refundable. 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. Get a piece of your childhood now! Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. Old, sad, dingy, dirty. Get a piece of your childhood now! Many recycled rides from other parks. $$ - $$$ 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. 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. A very well run park. When they heard about the sale they purchased that teddy bear and it meant the world to them, Baker says. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. 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. 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. Receive emails and newsletters to keep in touch with I LOVE NY. WebCompare 721 hotels close to Magic Forest Park with room rates, reviews, and availability. No masks were required even for the kids as it's all outside. live santa only comes out when the weather isn't too hot. Since 1963, Magic Forest has entertained young park goers and their families, creating memories for all. 8.6 Fabulous 813 reviews Price from 102 per night Check availability Best Western of Lake George But then there is a whole dinosaur park with animatronic dinosaurs throughout the forest. The former safari area will see the most changes. Magic Forest is the park of your childhood dreams! 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. Rex the Diving Horse leaped on cue into a pool for many years; now his son, Lightning, takes the plunge twice a day. Definitely recommend for little kids. Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. Just perfect for grandparents with two little ones 5 and 6. Learn more about Roadpass accounts here. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. Loved the nostalgia of this park, the "dated" that everyone seems to be talking about.

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