The park is open every day, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from late June June through Labor Day. He kept my kids entertained the whole show and that is a true magic trick. 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. They first went 3 years ago. UPDATE 06/2019: The Magic Forest has been taken over by new owners and is now known as the Lake George Expedition Park. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. All the classic cautionary tales are here, displayed in miniature within wooden shelters, or lurking in the woods along serpentine trails. No portion of this document may be reproduced, copied or revised without written permission of the authors. Visit Family Vacation Critic on Facebook! Are rides being disinfected after each use? Jimmys magic show was the highlight of our visit. 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. Accessibility is our goal, please contact us with site improvements. 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. Sign up for our newsletter & stay up to date. All four of us had a really awesome day. It means nothing to most people; but for people who went to the fair and loved it, its worth its value to them.. Most of the rides are "kiddie rides" and a 10 year old would be bored. 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. Located on the seasonal Greater Glens Falls Transit Trolley route. 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. Many recycled rides from other parks. 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. Attraction status, hours and prices change without notice; call ahead! Rides are fun and seeing Santa was really great! Close. Loved the nostalgia of this park, the "dated" that everyone seems to be talking about. Called and wrote many letters to various places asking to end the poor horses use as a diving attraction. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. No souvenirs though. Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. $$ Photos See all photos Connect with Magic Forest on Facebook Log In or Create new account Its fiberglass figures had long ago dug in their collective heelsand hoovesas the world evolved around them. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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 expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round! Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission. enchanted forest water safari where the fun never stops is up in old forge, this place was near Lake George. Baker first visited the park in 2012 while he was researching Muffler Men (the park had four). I even went as far as Kansas this summer, and everybody I have met has been nice, friendly and very appreciative. His father and uncle started a carnival together. Since 1963, Magic Forest has entertained young park goers and their families, creating memories for all. Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in New York. Former Magic Forest decorations have also made their way to California, Oregon and Texas. Also guarding the minivans and SUVs is a large Santa Claus, reportedly the most popular statue on the property. The best animatronic dinosaurs Ive ever seen, better than the Bronx zoo and several other parks weve been too. Would have loved to have seen the dinosaurs. Hes believed to be the largest Uncle Sam statue in the world. The magic finally ran out last year when longtime owner Jack Gillette sold the park to a local contractor, Ruben Ellsworth. POTUS landmarks, oddities. 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. Exhibits like Cinderellas Castle and Santas House as well as the snack bar and the gift shop are also great. She likes things that are bigger or smaller than they should be: novelty architecture, miniature worlds, and anything made from fiberglass or neon. 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. 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. WebStatues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. As of this week, over 700 lots from Magic Forest were posted by Schenectady-based Collar City Auction & Realty Management, all put there by the parks former owner, Jack Gilette. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. Jimmy Brown the magician is fantastic and I love that they have Santa there. More, National Cryptologic Museum, Annapolis Junction, Maryland (Feb 27-Mar 5, 2023). 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. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Credits, Media/Business Inquiries 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. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. It is now a running joke In our family that as a pumishment we will return to bizzaro world. In fact, kids seem oblivious to the creepiness of this place, and so do the adults, for that matter. Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. WebCompare 721 hotels close to Magic Forest Park with room rates, reviews, and availability. I think that you would probably be towed. They came from Woodys Fiberglass in Tennessee, Bensons Wild Animal Farm in New Hampshire, a mini-golf course in Ohio, and the Danbury Fair in Connecticut. 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. 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. Magic Forest is one, aided by a combination of prime location and classic clean kid fun. The park is expected to be open May through October, with tickets going on sale in March. Web1912 State Route 9 Lake George, NY 12845 Visit Site Adirondacks Region Details Since 1963, Magic Forest has entertained young park goers and their families, creating memories for all. The admission cost is super reasonable and their snack bar has normal food prices. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. In fact, we were in love with the idea that we could actually achieve time-travel for less than $30 per person. We did go early in the season. The Magic Forest was originally opened in 1963 by Arthur Gillette. 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. Old, sad, dingy, dirty. Pass on this one. The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. When they heard about the sale they purchased that teddy bear and it meant the world to them, Baker 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. 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. One, a giant clown, has to be the most remodeled MM in the world. Start here.Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip. Amazing! 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. Not for family but for the individual. UPDATE 06/2019: The Magic Forest has been taken over by new owners and is now known as the Lake George Expedition Park. 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. 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. 8.6 Fabulous 813 reviews Price from 102 per night Check availability Best Western of Lake George It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. This was very nastalgic for us because the rides here were bought from different parks over the years and brought to this one. Most of them sit at a starting price of $25. 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. Cookies are used for measurement, ads, and optimization. I was buying stuff and bringing it back up here and just putting it in my parking lot, wherever I could, Gillette recounted. Statues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. 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. It wasn't the least bit crowded and they would run the rides for just our two granddaughters. 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 day we were there, a summer camp group was there and they had their own food item stored in coolers. Its a great park to bring the kids without the stress of a typical amusement park (parents, youll understand what I mean). Rex the Diving Horse leaped on cue into a pool for many years; now his son, Lightning, takes the plunge twice a day. Start here.Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip. WebYour visit to the park will be a walking tour; for our visitors with mobility difficulties, we will provide alternative means. Please alert us if there is any inaccurate information here. The animals were severely underfed. 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 use of the diving horse is not nor should it be an attraction for children or adults. 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. She dreams of visiting every state in the U.S. and will always stop for a Muffler Man. Copyright 1996-2023 Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, Mike Wilkins. But then there is a whole dinosaur park with animatronic dinosaurs throughout the forest. 7.1/10 The Magic Forest, a storybook amusement park located in Lake George, New York, looked abandoned for years before it officially closed. WebLake George, New York. 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. Magic Forest probably has the longest running permanent "Diving Horse" show since Atlantic City's Steel Pier burned down. 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. The new park will transport viewers to prehistoric times with animatronic dinosaurs, a Dino-Roar Valley, and more. Transferring the giant statue from Lake George to Danbury, roughly a three hour ride, was reportedly difficult. I was there last week nothing was unsafe it is one of the best children's parks around. Is there a picnic area and can you bring a cooler? "His head is the way we got him. 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! Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you when you hit the road! Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. 51. WebCompare 721 hotels close to Magic Forest Park with room rates, reviews, and availability. Prices range from a few hundred dollars into the tens of thousands. The park is almost completed shaded. Water available for sale all throughout. 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 people who worked there were either teenagers from Europe or seniors. The magic show by Jimmy Brown was incredible, full of laughs, both of my girls got to go on stage and participate. Gillette sold Magic Forest in Lake George in 2019 and retired. The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. The Magic Forest was a theme park that remained untouched by timeand when we visited, almost nothing about it made sense anymore. Actually, that helps to explain a lot about this place. 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! 8.6 Fabulous 813 reviews Price from 102 per night Check availability Best Western of Lake George WebLake George, New York. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Is this worth it for a 2 year old? Dino Roar Valley is so fun its prehistoric! 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. 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 Its different, he said. We couldn't find an existing Roadtrippers account using that service. Along the shaded trails, attractions feature fairy tale characters like Hansel and Gretel and Paul Bunyan. I havent had a bad experience with anything Ive sold.. The full, 700+ lot posting will stay online until the end of September. Try My Sights, Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. Plan your journey, find amazing places, and take fascinating detours with our app. She doesn't understand our concern, and is probably wondering why grown men traveling without children are in her park in the first place. Hours I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. Ever. By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. Food is cheap. "His head is the way we got him. But its hard not to become despondent and dig in your heels when it feels as if the world you love is rapidly disappearing. The other is a Happy Halfwit with an Amish beard and hat, holding an ax just opposite the Little Miss Muffet display. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Get in Touch Things to Know Before Visiting Magic Forest How popular is Magic Forest? 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. I thought it was really just time to get it out of their way, Gilette said in a phone interview on Thursday. For Military (Vets, Active, Retired) 2 dollars off the price of admission. Get in Touch Things to Know Before Visiting Magic Forest How popular is Magic Forest? 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. Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. Plenty of parking. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. It depends, Albany Sheriff: Pair arrested for illegal gun possession, Crossgates Mall opening at noon due to weather, Snow begins falling in Capital Region during latest, 03/03/2023: Significant winter storm tonight, Downtown Kansas City bar calls out Jackson Mahomes, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. There's a chapel, too. One, a giant clown, has to be the most remodeled MM in the world. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. 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. Get in Touch Things to Know Before Visiting Magic Forest How popular is Magic Forest? Where else can you see Esso tigers and Sinclair Dinosaurs peacefully coexisting with pink flamingos and polar bears? WebYour visit to the park will be a walking tour; for our visitors with mobility difficulties, we will provide alternative means. 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 >>. Contents 1 Magic Forest 2 Dino Roar Valley 3 References 4 External links Magic Forest [ edit] 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.. Information 1912 US Route 9 Lake George, NY 12845 518-668-7627 Memorial Day - October Visit Website Posted in Family Fun, Group Attractions Baker is surprisingly sanguine as he watches the collection split up and scatter around the country. June 27 - Sept. 5 WebStatues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. 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. Many lots share a common origin: the now long-defunct Danbury Fair in Danbury, Connecticut. The kids thought the place was greatmy husband and I thought it could be better. Are you associated with this business? 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. My son had nightmares for a few days after that. Also cant beat the setting, they are carefully dispersed through a beautiful forest. 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 comes to me and says, Now, what more do you want? And so Charlie Woods attitude helped me buy more stuff.. 3. Get a piece of your childhood now! A very well run park. WebCompare 721 hotels close to Magic Forest Park with room rates, reviews, and availability. $$ - $$$ American Steakhouse Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Italian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, $$ - $$$ American Bar Vegetarian Friendly, $ American Diner Vegetarian Friendly, $ American Cafe Vegetarian Friendly, Points of Interest & Landmarks Civic Centres. But some of the once-over 700 sculptures that once called the park home are just now resurfacing. So many rides. Gillette sold Magic Forest in Lake George in 2019 and retired. Sometimes, Baker would get ten emails expressing interest in a single item before he could even list it as sold. Totally wrong about Magic Forest. 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. 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. I made, I dont know, about 20 or 30 trips, sometimes with a tractor-trailer. I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. We were there 4 years ago. 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. The other is a Happy Halfwit with an Amish beard and hat, holding an ax just opposite the Little Miss Muffet display. Learn more about Roadpass accounts, Video: How to Plan a Stargazing Road Trip, 12 of the Worlds Largest things tower over the small town of Casey, Illinois, A road trip along New York states Womens Heritage Trail. 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. 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 fella Im buying stuff from says, We gotta leave some stuff for the auction.'. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. We need your email address to send you trip itineraries and other updates. The pace has slowed, but each week he continues to get inquiries. Probably nowhere else is the disturbing world of children's' fairy tales brought to life more vividly. We could see things in the woods by they are roped off. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. He says to me, Do you know Charlie Woods? Yes. Also guarding the minivans and SUVs is a large Santa Claus, reportedly the most popular statue on the property. "Magic Forest" redirects here. 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. The Magic Forest, a storybook amusement park located in Lake George, New York, looked abandoned for years before it officially closed. But in fact, hes actually returned home. Definitely recommend for little kids. 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." 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. Is the park recommend for children 7-10 years old? 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. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. Luckily, anyone with the money and means to drive to Lake George can still own a piece of history.