One family contacted him about a fiberglass teddy bear. Are you associated with this business? Water available for sale all throughout. I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. Items from local theme park empire hit the auction block 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." Will go again when were in the area. Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. 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. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. A bean pole droops, a gingerbread house caves in, a Humpty Dumpty falls one last time. ", 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. 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. Amazing! They had visited the Magic Forest for years and always taken their kids photo with that particular bear. Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in New York. Magic Forest I was impressed by the amount of original International Fiberglass figures there, Baker says. 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. Lake George Expedition Park We need your email address to send you trip itineraries and other updates. Not the first time for the boys. Close. The creepy part is the statues. They include paint-chipped animals, old theme park legends, and quite a few broken fae folk. Jack Gillette, the longtime owner of Magic Forest, initially purchased Uncle Sam (and other pieces) at auction from the Danbury Fair decades ago when the fair closed its doors in 1981. The Gillettes bought so many items from the Danbury grounds, in fact, that at one point they were cut off. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This place is great! Totally wrong about Magic Forest. But then there is a whole dinosaur park with animatronic dinosaurs throughout the forest. Loved the nostalgia of this park, the "dated" that everyone seems to be talking about. Gillette sold Magic Forest in Lake George in 2019 and retired. Read on to find out the details. The Spider Man is a creepy top-hatted arachnid, maybe not so scary in a world of chest-bursting aliens and zombies. There was this crazy little tiny squirrel that was literally the smallest figure I listed and everyone wanted that thing, he says. Magic Forest The best animatronic dinosaurs Ive ever seen, better than the Bronx zoo and several other parks weve been too. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. The worlds largest Uncle Sam statue greets you in the parking lot. $$ Photos See all photos Connect with Magic Forest on Facebook Log In or Create new account Magic Forest (Gone He says to me, Do you know Charlie Woods? Definitely recommend for little kids. 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. Statues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. The animals were severely underfed. My son had nightmares for a few days after that. 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I think that you would probably be towed. Magic Forest Again the kids enjoyed itand that is the most important part. Start here.Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. Unfortunately, for each figure whose origins are known, anothers backstory has been lost over time. enchanted forest water safari where the fun never stops is up in old forge, this place was near Lake George. 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. The Magic Forest was a theme park that remained untouched by timeand when we visited, almost nothing about it made sense anymore. 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. Information is subject to change. 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. 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. 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). A very well run park. 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. Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. 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. 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. 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. Magic Forest She doesn't understand our concern, and is probably wondering why grown men traveling without children are in her park in the first place. Magic Forest "His head is the way we got him. 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 The park is expected to be open May through October, with tickets going on sale in March. Sometimes, Baker would get ten emails expressing interest in a single item before he could even list it as sold. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in New York. Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you when you hit the road! Having trouble using this site? Most hotels are fully refundable. However, not long after, Gillette got another chance; all thanks, unknowingly, to another local entertainer, whose name lives on in nearby Glens Falls. Explore the unknown as you traverse the Dino Nest and uncover the world sleeping beneath our feet as you excavate colossal dinosaurs in the Fossil Dig Site. I was there last week nothing was unsafe it is one of the best children's parks around. We are hoping to go back again We got there around 2 and stayed until close. 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. Located on the seasonal Greater Glens Falls Transit Trolley route. 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. Also guarding the minivans and SUVs is a large Santa Claus, reportedly the most popular statue on the property. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. I have no place to store it, he said. Get a piece of your childhood now! Love that it is geared for younger kids and that all of the vintage rides have a brief history displayed. The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. 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. WebYour visit to the park will be a walking tour; for our visitors with mobility difficulties, we will provide alternative means. This is by far the greatest place whether you are old or young. 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. Most fairy tale theme parks eventually suffer the fate of a fabled cursed kingdom. Lake George Expedition The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. 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. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. 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. Rex the Diving Horse leaped on cue into a pool for many years; now his son, Lightning, takes the plunge twice a day. No souvenirs though. 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. Gillettes own connection to the Danbury Fair comes from a family background in show business. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Memories of Magic Forest up for auction Never ever again will we return. Information 1912 US Route 9 Lake George, NY 12845 518-668-7627 Memorial Day - October Visit Website Posted in Family Fun, Group Attractions 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 Muffler Mena Paul Bunyan, a Mortimer Snerd, a clown, and Pecos Billwere among the first items to sell. His father and uncle started a carnival together. Rex the Diving Horse leaped on cue into a pool for many years; now his son, Lightning, takes the plunge twice a day. Magic Forest 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. The pace has slowed, but each week he continues to get inquiries. The park is almost completed shaded. The park's famous Santa Claus overlooks the parking lot. The magic show by Jimmy Brown was incredible, full of laughs, both of my girls got to go on stage and participate. 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. 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. The Magic Forest was originally opened in 1963 by Arthur Gillette. Its a miracle that the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, outlived its expiration date by several yearsmaybe even decadesbut nothing lasts forever. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. Get a piece of your childhood now! 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. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. We did go early in the season. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. Anyone know if I will be towed for parking there after hours? 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. 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. [1] Magic Forest also has a small petting zoo where children can feed the animals. One account for all of our road travel apps. 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. Hours and dates subject to change. 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. Jimmys magic show was the highlight of our visit. POTUS landmarks, oddities. WebLake George Expedition Park is an amusement park located in Lake George, NY along Route 9. 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.. Magic Forest is one, aided by a combination of prime location and classic clean kid fun. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. We put an ax in his hands and made him a woodsman.". Uncle Sam is Out & Dinosaurs are Prices range from a few hundred dollars into the tens of thousands. 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. 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. RoadsideAmerica.comYour Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions. At Dino Roar Valley, find adventure, make discoveries, and be transported to other places through hands-on experiences. 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. 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. Plenty of parking. $$ Photos See all photos Connect with Magic Forest on Facebook Log In or Create new account [2], The other part of the park is Dino Roar Valley, which opened in 2019 and featuring animatronic dinosaurs.[3]. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. 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. The park had its first season under new name and ownership in 2021, and that was what pushed Gilette to finally get it done. 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. Cookies are used for measurement, ads, and optimization. Is there a live Santa the kids can visit with? "Magic Forest" redirects here. The use of the diving horse is not nor should it be an attraction for children or adults. Not for family but for the individual. 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. Gillette sold Magic Forest in Lake George in 2019 and retired. Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round! WebStatues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. Gillette sold Magic Forest in Lake George in 2019 and retired. Keep exploring with the Roadtrippers mobile apps. We left & renamed it "bizzaro world". Magic Forest Restoration specialists will be working to spruce him up from the wear and tear hes endured over the years. Lake George We strive to insure accuracy on Lakegeorge.com however accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. I didnt want to go to six flags or another big park that would take the entire day waiting in lines. Create Your Own Bizarre Road Trips! Copyright 1996-2023 Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, Mike Wilkins. The information in this post is a record of the parks previous incarnation. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 51. 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 next button will take you to Roadpass to create a free Roadpass account and finish the process. Magic Forest Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Ronald McDonald Vacation Home Coming to Lake George, Check Out Weekend Events With Barrel Fest & More in Lake George, Dont Miss Your Last Chance for Winter Carnival & Ice Bar Fun in Lake George, Winter Carnivals, Fireworks & Fun: See Whats Happening in Lake George This Weekend, Get Into a Valentines Day Mood in Lake George This Weekend, Bundle Up for All the Frozen Fun Going On Around Lake George This Weekend. Baker is surprisingly sanguine as he watches the collection split up and scatter around the country. All rights reserved. Magic Forest Exhibits like Cinderellas Castle and Santas House as well as the snack bar and the gift shop are also great. The food was not too expensive. There is a area with several picnic table just outside a small snack bar. WebExperience a journey through time. Magic Forest 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. Id gladly trade a few more brain cells to take that so-called safari ride again and spend a few more precious moments with the mangy menagerie of animals scattered throughout the woods. Gillette can be reached at 518-895-8150 to schedule an appointment. A bean pole droops, a gingerbread house caves in, a Humpty Dumpty falls one last time. Plan your journey, find amazing places, and take fascinating detours with our app. Magic Forest Park 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. Uncle Sam is Out & Dinosaurs are 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. 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. Its fiberglass figures had long ago dug in their collective heelsand hoovesas the world evolved around them. The fella Im buying stuff from says, We gotta leave some stuff for the auction.'. Train ride wasn't running which was disappointing. Like most relics of another time, however, these low-tech parksif they still exist at allare becoming harder to find. It was an amazing collection of original piecesthe largest I knew to exist.. The 38-foot-tall Uncle Sam has been returned to its original location in Danbury, Connecticut. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. Probably nowhere else is the disturbing world of children's' fairy tales brought to life more vividly. "His head is the way we got him. One, a giant clown, has to be the most remodeled MM in the world. Rides are fun and seeing Santa was really great! WebCompare 721 hotels close to Magic Forest Park with room rates, reviews, and availability. 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.. 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. A great park. Went there with 3 toddlers and spent almost 4 hours. We are located on the seasonal Greater Glens Falls Transit Trolley route. Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. Baker first visited the park in 2012 while he was researching Muffler Men (the park had four). 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 next button will take you to Roadpass to create a free Roadpass account and finish the process. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! Magic Forest Magic Forest The Dinosaur park is amazing!! Embark on a ride that will take you sky high or take the scenic route through the forest on our park train. 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 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. Items from local theme park empire hit the auction block WebLake George, New York. It wasn't the least bit crowded and they would run the rides for just our two granddaughters. UPDATE 06/2019: The Magic Forest has been taken over by new owners and is now known as the Lake George Expedition Park. The train ride was a Diesel engine that kept throwing black smoke in our faces, and at the end of it the animation & recording say that they are going to blow the train up, which really scared our 5 year old son. 8.6 Fabulous 813 reviews Price from 102 per night Check availability Best Western of Lake George Accessibility is our goal, please contact us with site improvements. Yes. 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. 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. 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. Just perfect for grandparents with two little ones 5 and 6. Trip Planning Caution: RoadsideAmerica.com offers maps, directions and attraction details as a convenience, providing all information as is. The it in questions runs the amusement part gamut, from typical equipment like a heater and a store product stand to any number of stranger things. 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. Magic Forest is the park of your childhood dreams! Lake George Expedition Actually, that helps to explain a lot about this place. Start here.Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip. tourist attractions and odd sights in New York, World's Highest and Longest Pedestrian Bridge.