This place is great! On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! Please alert us if there is any inaccurate information here. when we went santa wasn't there and hadn't been for days. He says to me, Do you know Charlie Woods? Also guarding the minivans and SUVs is a large Santa Claus, reportedly the most popular statue on the property. The Muffler Mena Paul Bunyan, a Mortimer Snerd, a clown, and Pecos Billwere among the first items to sell. All rights reserved. Its different, he said. There are adult rides and family rides too. They were nice. My son had nightmares for a few days after that. And I said, Charles Wood, and he says, okay.'. Enjoy watching the magic show by Jimmy Brown and the diving show by the last diving horse called Lightning. Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. 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. The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. The sale began last November, and Baker was shocked with the level of interest. No souvenirs though. 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. live santa only comes out when the weather isn't too hot. Climb into a dinosaur nest, dig for hidden fossils, and stand next to what is possibly the world's largest dinosaur ever discovered - the Titanosaurus. 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. The fella Im buying stuff from says, We gotta leave some stuff for the auction.'. 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. ClickSwipe through our gallery for a preview of everything there is to explore when you visit Magic Forest. 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. A good place to spend half a day for kids. Is the park recommend for children 7-10 years old? 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. 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. Follow, like and subscribe to LakeGeorge.com on social media. Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. Both are protected with Clear Coat, as are all the statues in the Magic Forest. The Magic Forest, a storybook amusement park located in Lake George, New York, looked abandoned for years before it officially closed. Enjoy the Snowy Weekend in the Lake George Area! Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. This place was perfect for my 4 and 6 year old. Undeterred, we assured her that we were willing participants in the charade that the park was still a viable tourist destination. Sometimes, Baker would get ten emails expressing interest in a single item before he could even list it as sold. 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. We put an ax in his hands and made him a woodsman.". The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. There were buttons to push to tell us their stories but the recordings didn't work so they sounded like Charlie Brown's teacher. Most fairy tale theme parks eventually suffer the fate of a fabled cursed kingdom. $$ Photos See all photos Connect with Magic Forest on Facebook Log In or Create new account Information is subject to change. They had visited the Magic Forest for years and always taken their kids photo with that particular bear. It wasn't the least bit crowded and they would run the rides for just our two granddaughters. Soon we will require you to update your account to a Roadpass account as it will be the only way to log in to Roadtrippers. Get in Touch Things to Know Before Visiting Magic Forest How popular is Magic Forest? Totally wrong about Magic Forest. The kids thought the place was greatmy husband and I thought it could be better. 3. WebMagic Forest Address: 1912 U.S. 9, Lake George, NY 12845, USA, United States Magic Forest Contact Number: +1-5186682448 Try the best online travel planner to plan your travel itinerary! The new park will transport viewers to prehistoric times with animatronic dinosaurs, a Dino-Roar Valley, and more. No, I would say age 8 max. Statues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. The dark, woodsy allure of classic fairy tales is part of Magic Forest's charm. WebMagic Forest (Gone) Lake George, New York The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. Get a piece of your childhood now! Old, sad, dingy, dirty. Jimmys magic show was the highlight of our visit. Love that it is geared for younger kids and that all of the vintage rides have a brief history displayed. Returning the statue to its original home was part of the deal. $$ Photos See all photos Connect with Magic Forest on Facebook Log In or Create new account The information in this post is a record of the parks previous incarnation. We are hoping to go back again We got there around 2 and stayed until close. The other is a Happy Halfwit with an Amish beard and hat, holding an ax just opposite the Little Miss Muffet display. I was there last week nothing was unsafe it is one of the best children's parks around. Visitors passing through the garish fairyland entrance building are inundated with choices, as paths curve away into clusters of statues, rides and brightly painted cottages. Longtime residents and visitors of Lake George will undoubtedly be sad when they realize the beloved Uncle Sam statue that was such a significant fixture of Magic Forest is gone. Please try signing in with another option or create a new account with Roadpass. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. ", 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. I was especially concerned about "Lightening" the diving horse. Website Design by Trampoline Advertising & Design Co. | Web Site Development & Hosting by Nolee-O Web Design, Web Site Development & Hosting by Nolee-O Web Design. 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. Simple fun and a great day. 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. The food was not too expensive. The creepy part is the statues. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. The park's famous Santa Claus overlooks the parking lot. The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. 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. It's perfect. 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. Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. Anyone who wants to be one of Gillettes next buyers has a month to do it. By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. June 27 - Sept. 5 This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Information 1912 US Route 9 Lake George, NY 12845 518-668-7627 Memorial Day - October Visit Website Posted in Family Fun, Group Attractions I have no place to store it, he said. I was impressed by the amount of original International Fiberglass figures there, Baker says. 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. He was tasked with finding buyers for all of the pieces in the Magic Forests diverse collection. Its a great park to bring the kids without the stress of a typical amusement park (parents, youll understand what I mean). Train ride wasn't running which was disappointing. Most hotels are fully refundable. The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. The former safari area will see the most changes. 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. Attraction status, hours and prices change without notice; call ahead! Will go again when were in the area. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. One account for all of our road travel apps. The park is very clean and the employees are patient and friendly. Gillette sold Magic Forest in Lake George in 2019 and retired. Alexandra is the features editor at Roadtrippers Magazine. Posted by 3 years ago. Gillette sold Magic Forest in Lake George in 2019 and retired. Keep exploring with the Roadtrippers mobile apps. Along the shaded trails, attractions feature fairy tale characters like Hansel and Gretel and Paul Bunyan. This place is great if you are into any of the following, all others beware: Unsafe broken rides, uneducated senior citizens running rides, creepy overall, sad use and abuse of a horse forced to walk up an inclosure and dive down into a pool multiple times a day, dirty sad animals in cages, safari train ride of ceramic animal heads with choking fumes from extremely slow moving ride, permanent carnival. 7.1/10 This was very nastalgic for us because the rides here were bought from different parks over the years and brought to this one. 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. I hope the utilize this theme in the fall. 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. I think that you would probably be towed. The next button will take you to Roadpass to create a free Roadpass account and finish the process. Gilette was something of a collector, amassing his estimated over 700 items over decades while running Magic Forest, which first opened in 1963. tourist attractions and odd sights in New York, World's Highest and Longest Pedestrian Bridge. Actually, that helps to explain a lot about this place. enchanted forest water safari where the fun never stops is up in old forge, this place was near Lake George. It was an amazing collection of original piecesthe largest I knew to exist.. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The Gillettes bought so many items from the Danbury grounds, in fact, that at one point they were cut off. Create and Save Your Own Crazy Road Trip! WebYour visit to the park will be a walking tour; for our visitors with mobility difficulties, we will provide alternative means. ' Gilette remembers. Exhibits like Cinderellas Castle and Santas House as well as the snack bar and the gift shop are also great. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. 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. And how the Magic Forest park will be incorporated into this new park? 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. 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. Like most relics of another time, however, these low-tech parksif they still exist at allare becoming harder to find. But then there is a whole dinosaur park with animatronic dinosaurs throughout the forest. $$ - $$$ 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. All the classic cautionary tales are here, displayed in miniature within wooden shelters, or lurking in the woods along serpentine trails. Most fairy tale theme parks eventually suffer the fate of a fabled cursed kingdom. The Magic Forest, a storybook amusement park located in Lake George, New York, looked abandoned for years before it officially closed. The pace has slowed, but each week he continues to get inquiries. Unfortunately, for each figure whose origins are known, anothers backstory has been lost over time. 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. He cataloged the items, helped set prices, and listed them on his website. Rides are fun and seeing Santa was really great! All four of us had a really awesome day. There's a chapel, too. LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. (NEWS10) Up until just a couple years ago, a drive up Route 9 toward the village of Lake George would take visitors past, among other things, Paul Bunyan and Uncle Sam. Probably nowhere else is the disturbing world of children's' fairy tales brought to life more vividly. 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. WebLake George Expedition Park is an amusement park located in Lake George, NY along Route 9. 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. He says that all of the figures lived diverseand sometimes manypast lives before they came to the Magic Forest. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. Is there a live Santa the kids can visit with? Transferring the giant statue from Lake George to Danbury, roughly a three hour ride, was reportedly difficult. 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. The Magic Forest was a theme park that remained untouched by timeand when we visited, almost nothing about it made sense anymore. Probably nowhere else is the disturbing world of children's' fairy tales brought to life more vividly. Visit Family Vacation Critic on Instagram. WebYour visit to the park will be a walking tour; for our visitors with mobility difficulties, we will provide alternative means. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. The park is almost completed shaded. 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. Gillette can be reached at 518-895-8150 to schedule an appointment. But some of the once-over 700 sculptures that once called the park home are just now resurfacing. 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. 3. Trip Planning Caution: RoadsideAmerica.com offers maps, directions and attraction details as a convenience, providing all information as is. There is so much potential to this park. "Magic Forest" redirects here. 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! The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. Learn more about Roadpass accounts here. Get in Touch Things to Know Before Visiting Magic Forest How popular is Magic Forest? The Spider Man is a creepy top-hatted arachnid, maybe not so scary in a world of chest-bursting aliens and zombies. Definitely recommend for little 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. The animals were severely underfed. I made, I dont know, about 20 or 30 trips, sometimes with a tractor-trailer. 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 The best animatronic dinosaurs Ive ever seen, better than the Bronx zoo and several other parks weve been too. The park collected hundreds of fiberglass figures through the years, sourced from the Danbury Fair, mini-golf courses, and other amusement parks. 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. WebStatues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. Visitors passing through the garish fairyland entrance building are inundated with choices, as paths curve away into clusters of statues, rides and brightly painted cottages. 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. 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 theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. Sign up for our newsletter & stay up to date. WebLake George, New York. Its also shady as it is indeed in a forest. [2], The other part of the park is Dino Roar Valley, which opened in 2019 and featuring animatronic dinosaurs.[3]. 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. In the beginning, I was getting over 30 emails a day, he says. 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.. 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. More, National Cryptologic Museum, Annapolis Junction, Maryland (Feb 27-Mar 5, 2023). 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. There are also a petting zoo, magic shows, and stunt shows with the last remaining diving horse, Lightning. Fun for the kids and nostalgic for us babyboomers! Would have loved to have seen the dinosaurs. The Magic Forest felt like it was from a different time not only physically, but spiritually. 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. 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.