Gilette was something of a collector, amassing his estimated over 700 items over decades while running Magic Forest, which first opened in 1963. 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.. 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. The food was not too expensive. Luckily, anyone with the money and means to drive to Lake George can still own a piece of history. Trip Planning Caution: RoadsideAmerica.com offers maps, directions and attraction details as a convenience, providing all information as is. The Magic Forest, a storybook amusement park located in Lake George, New York, looked abandoned for years before it officially closed. Probably nowhere else is the disturbing world of children's' fairy tales brought to life more vividly. 3. The next button will take you to Roadpass to create a free Roadpass account and finish the process. Information 1912 US Route 9 Lake George, NY 12845 518-668-7627 Memorial Day - October Visit Website Posted in Family Fun, Group Attractions Contents 1 Magic Forest 2 Dino Roar Valley 3 References 4 External links Magic Forest [ edit] The sale began last November, and Baker was shocked with the level of interest. Most fairy tale theme parks eventually suffer the fate of a fabled cursed kingdom. $$ Photos See all photos Connect with Magic Forest on Facebook Log In or Create new account enchanted forest water safari where the fun never stops is up in old forge, this place was near Lake George. Our son loved it and so did we, will definitely be back! 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. 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. 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. By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. Information 1912 US Route 9 Lake George, NY 12845 518-668-7627 Memorial Day - October Visit Website Posted in Family Fun, Group Attractions This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. Get in Touch Things to Know Before Visiting Magic Forest How popular is Magic Forest? He cataloged the items, helped set prices, and listed them on his website. The dark, woodsy allure of classic fairy tales is part of Magic Forest's charm. June 27 - Sept. 5 The information in this post is a record of the parks previous incarnation. 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. We need your email address to send you trip itineraries and other updates. 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 number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Many recycled rides from other parks. 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. "His head is the way we got him. 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. Staff throughout park are great with the kids and very friendly! Magic Forest is one, aided by a combination of prime location and classic clean kid fun. Most of them sit at a starting price of $25. In fact, we were in love with the idea that we could actually achieve time-travel for less than $30 per person. 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. Kids enjoyed it a lot. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. 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. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Read on to find out the details. Ever. 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. You just dont get that opportunity every day, says Baker. 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. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. 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. Most fairy tale theme parks eventually suffer the fate of a fabled cursed kingdom. 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 >>. The park's famous Santa Claus overlooks the parking lot. ", 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. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. The fella Im buying stuff from says, We gotta leave some stuff for the auction.'. Gillette sold Magic Forest in Lake George in 2019 and retired. 7.1/10 The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. She likes things that are bigger or smaller than they should be: novelty architecture, miniature worlds, and anything made from fiberglass or neon. Yes, it is small and management is aware it needs work. WebLake George Expedition Park is an amusement park located in Lake George, NY along Route 9. They first went 3 years ago. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. 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. Start here.Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip. Gillettes over 700 nostalgic lots are all up for the bidding now, and can be seen in-person by appointment. WebExperience a journey through time. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The park is almost completed shaded. 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. Old, sad, dingy, dirty. 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. The park is very clean and the employees are patient and friendly. Try My Sights, Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. WebStatues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. We strive to insure accuracy on Lakegeorge.com however accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. She doesn't understand our concern, and is probably wondering why grown men traveling without children are in her park in the first place. live santa only comes out when the weather isn't too hot. Where else can you see Esso tigers and Sinclair Dinosaurs peacefully coexisting with pink flamingos and polar bears? The day we were there, a summer camp group was there and they had their own food item stored in coolers. Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in New York. All stuff geared towards Christmas which also explains the Christmas songs played in the mix of music. Simple fun and a great day. Start here.Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip. Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in New York. 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. Jimmys magic show was the highlight of our visit. Copyright 1996-2023 Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, Mike Wilkins. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission. Dino Roar Valley is so fun its prehistoric! Get in Touch Things to Know Before Visiting Magic Forest How popular is Magic Forest? Sometimes, Baker would get ten emails expressing interest in a single item before he could even list it as sold. There was this crazy little tiny squirrel that was literally the smallest figure I listed and everyone wanted that thing, he says. 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. Try My Sights, Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. Yes. Are you associated with this business? Lake George Expedition Park is an amusement park located in Lake George, NY along Route 9. Are you associated with this business? Information is subject to change. This is a must see. 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. The park is expected to be open May through October, with tickets going on sale in March. 8.6 Fabulous 813 reviews Price from 102 per night Check availability Best Western of Lake George Will go again when were in the area. Fun for the kids and nostalgic for us babyboomers! I was there last week nothing was unsafe it is one of the best children's parks around. Love the nostalgia of Magic Forest and really like the new Dino Roar Valley addition. Both are protected with Clear Coat, as are all the statues in the Magic Forest. Undeterred, we assured her that we were willing participants in the charade that the park was still a viable tourist destination. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. 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." 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. Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round! 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 park had its first season under new name and ownership in 2021, and that was what pushed Gilette to finally get it done. Close. tourist attractions and odd sights in New York, World's Highest and Longest Pedestrian Bridge. 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. Returning the statue to its original home was part of the deal. 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. 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 originally opened in 1963 by Arthur Gillette. It is now a running joke In our family that as a pumishment we will return to bizzaro world. Plan your journey, find amazing places, and take fascinating detours with our app. The full, 700+ lot posting will stay online until the end of September. Gillette sold the park in 2019, but much of the remnants have remained on the property, now operating as Lake George Expedition 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. Since 1963, Magic Forest has entertained young park goers and their families, creating memories for all. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It was an amazing collection of original piecesthe largest I knew to exist.. The new park will transport viewers to prehistoric times with animatronic dinosaurs, a Dino-Roar Valley, and more. Went there with 3 toddlers and spent almost 4 hours. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. He kept my kids entertained the whole show and that is a true magic trick. My husband told me he was creeped out & felt like the statues were following is with their eyes. And I said, Charles Wood, and he says, okay.'. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you when you hit the road! 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. The people who worked there were either teenagers from Europe or seniors. Get a piece of your childhood now! Accessibility is our goal, please contact us with site improvements. 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 also has sheep, pygmy goats and country goats at the farm, whom the kids will love to adore and feed. Actually, that helps to explain a lot about this place. We left & renamed it "bizzaro world". 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. 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. When sorting through his collection, Gillette knew that those items, in particular, should be auctioned. Having trouble using this site? Rides were available for all ages and the Dino roar exhibits were entertaining as much as they were informative. The park is open every day, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from late June June through Labor Day. 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). 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 Also cant beat the setting, they are carefully dispersed through a beautiful forest. Ellsworth plans to reopen the space as Lake George Expedition Park with all-new attractions, including dinosaurs. Magic Forest is one, aided by a combination of prime location and classic clean kid fun. 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. 51. I hope the utilize this theme in the fall. 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. His father and uncle started a carnival together. Rides are fun and seeing Santa was really great! I was impressed by the amount of original International Fiberglass figures there, Baker says. 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. 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. Would have loved to have seen the dinosaurs. 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. We are grandparents of 5 yo and 9 yo boys and went with them and their parents to the park. A good place to spend half a day for kids. Called and wrote many letters to various places asking to end the poor horses use as a diving attraction. Hes believed to be the largest Uncle Sam statue in the world. Gillette can be reached at 518-895-8150 to schedule an appointment. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. Gillettes own connection to the Danbury Fair comes from a family background in show business. But its hard not to become despondent and dig in your heels when it feels as if the world you love is rapidly disappearing. People normally club together Water Slide World and Lumberjack Pass Miniature Golf while planning their visit to Magic Forest. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. Love that it is geared for younger kids and that all of the vintage rides have a brief history displayed. Never ever again will we return. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. 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. All the classic cautionary tales are here, displayed in miniature within wooden shelters, or lurking in the woods along serpentine trails. Was wondering about parking at magic forest theme park (parking is free) and taking the trolley to great escape. Credits, Media/Business Inquiries 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. Totally wrong about Magic Forest. 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 portion of this document may be reproduced, copied or revised without written permission of the authors. Both are protected with Clear Coat, as are all the statues in the Magic Forest. There is a area with several picnic table just outside a small snack bar. 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. Still gives me creeps every night to look back on it. Its fiberglass figures had long ago dug in their collective heelsand hoovesas the world evolved around them. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Modern amusement parks just cant compete with the thrill we got when we realizedperhaps too latethat our body weight was testing the load-bearing limits of one of five rides said to accommodate adults. Amazing! ClickSwipe through our gallery for a preview of everything there is to explore when you visit Magic Forest. But then there is a whole dinosaur park with animatronic dinosaurs throughout the forest. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. 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. UPDATE 06/2019: The Magic Forest has been taken over by new owners and is now known as the Lake George Expedition Park. The rides are very old school, and my kids. The Spider Man is a creepy top-hatted arachnid, maybe not so scary in a world of chest-bursting aliens and zombies. 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. Copyright 2023 Family Vacation Critic All Rights Reserved. "Magic Forest" redirects here. 7.1/10 Most hotels are fully refundable. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. 8.6 Fabulous 813 reviews Price from 102 per night Check availability Best Western of Lake George Just perfect for grandparents with two little ones 5 and 6. Is there a picnic area and can you bring a cooler? Most hotels are fully refundable. 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.

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