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. 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. Most of the rides are "kiddie rides" and a 10 year old would be bored. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Exhibits like Cinderellas Castle and Santas House as well as the snack bar and the gift shop are also great. All rights reserved. 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. This place was perfect for my 4 and 6 year old. Its a good mix of things to do. Gillette sold Magic Forest in Lake George in 2019 and retired. I made, I dont know, about 20 or 30 trips, sometimes with a tractor-trailer. I even went as far as Kansas this summer, and everybody I have met has been nice, friendly and very appreciative. 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. No portion of this document may be reproduced, copied or revised without written permission of the authors. One family contacted him about a fiberglass teddy bear. 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. May 28 - June 26 Statues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. All of that was fine. 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. We missed the magic show but will catch it next time. 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. 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. Please try signing in with another option or create a new account with Roadpass. The Dinosaur park is amazing!! One, a giant clown, has to be the most remodeled MM in the world. 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. Both are protected with Clear Coat, as are all the statues in the Magic Forest. 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. Most hotels are fully refundable. Most fairy tale theme parks eventually suffer the fate of a fabled cursed kingdom. The park is expected to be open May through October, with tickets going on sale in March. 10am5pm | Sat & Sun Only 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. Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in New York. Posted by 3 years ago. All the classic cautionary tales are here, displayed in miniature within wooden shelters, or lurking in the woods along serpentine trails. The best animatronic dinosaurs Ive ever seen, better than the Bronx zoo and several other parks weve been too. 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. The Magic Forest, a storybook amusement park located in Lake George, New York, looked abandoned for years before it officially closed. Hours UPDATE 06/2019: The Magic Forest has been taken over by new owners and is now known as the Lake George Expedition Park. 7.1/10 Get in Touch Things to Know Before Visiting Magic Forest How popular is Magic Forest? enchanted forest water safari where the fun never stops is up in old forge, this place was near Lake George. The Magic Forest was a theme park that remained untouched by timeand when we visited, almost nothing about it made sense anymore. 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. He was tasked with finding buyers for all of the pieces in the Magic Forests diverse collection. Enjoy the 20 minute train ride to watch the life-size animal statues with kids. RoadsideAmerica.comYour Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. 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. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. 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. But in fact, hes actually returned home. The pace has slowed, but each week he continues to get inquiries. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. We left & renamed it "bizzaro world". 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.. Trip Planning Caution: RoadsideAmerica.com offers maps, directions and attraction details as a convenience, providing all information as is. 8.6 Fabulous 813 reviews Price from 102 per night Check availability Best Western of Lake George live santa only comes out when the weather isn't too hot. Are rides being disinfected after each use? On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! 51. 7.1/10 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. Take time to enjoy the rides - the merry-go-round, you-drive car track, sail in the boats, and others. [2], The other part of the park is Dino Roar Valley, which opened in 2019 and featuring animatronic dinosaurs.[3]. Is there a picnic area and can you bring a cooler? 51. 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. Create and Save Your Own Crazy Road Trip! 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. We are hoping to go back again We got there around 2 and stayed until close. The magic show by Jimmy Brown was incredible, full of laughs, both of my girls got to go on stage and participate. 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. They include paint-chipped animals, old theme park legends, and quite a few broken fae folk. 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. Water available for sale all throughout. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Along the shaded trails, attractions feature fairy tale characters like Hansel and Gretel and Paul Bunyan. 7.1/10 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. We got to do and see everything, a few things more than once. Not the first time for the boys. 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. One, a giant clown, has to be the most remodeled MM in the world. Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you when you hit the road! 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. Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. Probably nowhere else is the disturbing world of children's' fairy tales brought to life more vividly. 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. Transferring the giant statue from Lake George to Danbury, roughly a three hour ride, was reportedly difficult. Credits, Media/Business Inquiries Before Chuck E. Cheese, video games, Six Flags, or Disney World, parks like the Magic Forest used to be the place to take your kids. 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. enchanted forest water safari where the fun never stops is up in old forge, this place was near Lake George. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I hope the owners decide to open it all the way up. All the classic cautionary tales are here, displayed in miniature within wooden shelters, or lurking in the woods along serpentine trails. Gilette was something of a collector, amassing his estimated over 700 items over decades while running Magic Forest, which first opened in 1963. My husband told me he was creeped out & felt like the statues were following is with their eyes. 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! Park is small enough to walk and not get too tired out. tourist attractions and odd sights in New York, World's Highest and Longest Pedestrian Bridge. tourist attractions and odd sights in New York, World's Highest and Longest Pedestrian Bridge. One account for all of our road travel apps. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. He says that all of the figures lived diverseand sometimes manypast lives before they came to the Magic Forest. Gillette sold the park in 2019, but much of the remnants have remained on the property, now operating as Lake George Expedition Park. ", 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. You may have heard about a new, dinosaur-themed park coming to Lake George, but do you know whats happened to the iconic Uncle Sam statue? Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round! Rides were available for all ages and the Dino roar exhibits were entertaining as much as they were informative. "His head is the way we got him. Gillette sold Magic Forest in Lake George in 2019 and retired. Rides are fun and seeing Santa was really great! Old, sad, dingy, dirty. Its different, he said. Sometimes, Baker would get ten emails expressing interest in a single item before he could even list it as sold. It opened in 2019, and incorporates the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, along with a new attraction entitled Dino Roar Valley. The use of the diving horse is not nor should it be an attraction for children or adults. In the 1950s, his uncle took that carnival to the Danbury Fair, where it played through the fairs final years. They first went 3 years ago. 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. Not for family but for the individual. Copyright 1996-2023 Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, Mike Wilkins. Is this worth it for a 2 year old? The next button will take you to Roadpass to create a free Roadpass account and finish the process. He cataloged the items, helped set prices, and listed them on his website. In fact, kids seem oblivious to the creepiness of this place, and so do the adults, for that matter. When sorting through his collection, Gillette knew that those items, in particular, should be auctioned. Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. ClickSwipe through our gallery for a preview of everything there is to explore when you visit Magic Forest. Muffler Men and fiberglass figures are notorious for moving around the country. The information in this post is a record of the parks previous incarnation. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. 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. 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. They were nice. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Its fiberglass figures had long ago dug in their collective heelsand hoovesas the world evolved around them. 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. No, I would say age 8 max. She doesn't understand our concern, and is probably wondering why grown men traveling without children are in her park in the first place. Hes believed to be the largest Uncle Sam statue in the world. More, Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. Yes, it is small and management is aware it needs work. Trip Planning Caution: RoadsideAmerica.com offers maps, directions and attraction details as a convenience, providing all information as is. Food is cheap. Follow, like and subscribe to LakeGeorge.com on social media. We put an ax in his hands and made him a woodsman.". 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. 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. There are adult rides and family rides too. I was impressed by the amount of original International Fiberglass figures there, Baker says. Are you associated with this business? Please alert us if there is any inaccurate information here. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. Close. enchanted forest water safari where the fun never stops is up in old forge, this place was near Lake George. There were no lines. Contents 1 Magic Forest 2 Dino Roar Valley 3 References 4 External links Magic Forest [ edit] 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. The people who worked there were either teenagers from Europe or seniors. This place is great! $$ Photos See all photos Connect with Magic Forest on Facebook Log In or Create new account This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. This used to be Santa's Workshop and they've kept parts of it. Contents 1 Magic Forest 2 Dino Roar Valley 3 References 4 External links Magic Forest [ edit] We could see things in the woods by they are roped off. Statues from Magic Forest in Lake George are up for sale. I was buying stuff and bringing it back up here and just putting it in my parking lot, wherever I could, Gillette recounted. The fella Im buying stuff from says, We gotta leave some stuff for the auction.'. Two Muffler Men are particularly disturbing. After 2 hours our son asked if we could leave & never come back. In fact, we were in love with the idea that we could actually achieve time-travel for less than $30 per person. So many rides. We are located on the seasonal Greater Glens Falls Transit Trolley route. $$ Photos See all photos Connect with Magic Forest on Facebook Log In or Create new account Are you associated with this business? Are you associated with this business? Posted by 3 years ago. Jimmy Brown's magic show was great. Staff throughout park are great with the kids and very friendly! I have no place to store it, he said. However, not long after, Gillette got another chance; all thanks, unknowingly, to another local entertainer, whose name lives on in nearby Glens Falls. The full, 700+ lot posting will stay online until the end of September. 51. Also cant beat the setting, they are carefully dispersed through a beautiful forest. When they heard about the sale they purchased that teddy bear and it meant the world to them, Baker says. Gillette can be reached at 518-895-8150 to schedule an appointment. Get a piece of your childhood now! 3. Magic Forest is one, aided by a combination of prime location and classic clean kid fun. Kids enjoyed it a lot. Its a miracle that the Magic Forest, which opened in 1963, outlived its expiration date by several yearsmaybe even decadesbut nothing lasts forever. He kept my kids entertained the whole show and that is a true magic trick. 3. The train ride was quite fun. 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. 8.6 Fabulous 813 reviews Price from 102 per night Check availability Best Western of Lake George There is a area with several picnic table just outside a small snack bar. The dark, woodsy allure of classic fairy tales is part of Magic Forest's charm. Posted by 3 years ago. ' Gilette remembers. 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. 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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. 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. 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. This park is a cute stop and great for small kids without the meltdowns that come with large parks when theyre beyond exhausted. 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 former safari area will see the most changes. Theyve added Dino valley and are working on updates around magic forest. People normally club together Water Slide World and Lumberjack Pass Miniature Golf while planning their visit to Magic Forest. Simple fun and a great day. Where else can you see Esso tigers and Sinclair Dinosaurs peacefully coexisting with pink flamingos and polar bears? Like most relics of another time, however, these low-tech parksif they still exist at allare becoming harder to find. The Muffler Mena Paul Bunyan, a Mortimer Snerd, a clown, and Pecos Billwere among the first items to sell. Yes. Love the nostalgia of Magic Forest and really like the new Dino Roar Valley addition. More, Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. 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. The theme park reopened in 2019 with a new owner and a new name: Lake George Expedition Park. 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. 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. We strive to insure accuracy on Lakegeorge.com however accuracy cannot be guaranteed. 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.