15 of America’s Eeriest Abandoned Theme Parks
Amusement parks lose their magic once the crowds vanish, and what was once vibrant turns unsettlingly quiet. Over time, fences decay, and nature reclaims the space, leaving behind haunting reminders of stories left unfinished. Let’s explore 15 eerie American attractions where abandonment has preserved more than just memories.
Lake Shawnee Amusement Park
Lake Shawnee, established in the 1920s on land with a tragic history, now hosts rusted rides overtaken by grass. Soon, it became associated with accidents and eerie tales. The stillness of the site feels unsettling, as if remnants of the past still haunt the space. Whether or not you believe the stories, they linger long after you’ve left.
Six Flags New Orleans
Holy Land USA
Holy Land USA, a former religious theme park in Connecticut, was once known for its biblical dioramas and scripture displays. Now closed, the site features deteriorating structures, including a weathered tower and cracked statues partially hidden by overgrowth.
Dogpatch USA
This Arkansas property, inspired by the comic strip Li’l Abner, closed in the 1990s. Log cabins, water wheels, and a mine ride stand still, abandoned. Fenced off and hidden behind trees, it remains barely visible, yet curiosity always wins over the “No Trespassing” signs, drawing the brave to glimpse what’s left behind.
Chippewa Lake Park
Chippewa Lake Park in Ohio has been closed since 1978, leaving rides like its Ferris wheel untouched for decades. Once a popular summer destination, the park gradually faded, with vegetation overtaking much of the former midway. While the crowds are gone, remnants of its past remain visible among the overgrowth.
The Land Of Oz
Each fall, North Carolina’s Land of Oz briefly reopens for visitors to walk its yellow brick road and explore the remaining sets. The park, largely closed since the 1980s, retains key features but shows signs of age and overgrowth. Outside of seasonal events, it remains quiet—familiar yet noticeably altered from the version popularized by the film.
Joyland
Joyland, a former amusement park in Wichita, Kansas, closed in the early 2000s after operating for decades. Known for its carousel and iconic clown marquee, the park has since suffered from vandalism, fire damage, and neglect. What remains are deteriorating structures and fading attractions, with the clown figure still visible among the ruins.
Ghost Town In The Sky
Ghost Town in the Sky is a former Wild West-themed amusement park. It has experienced multiple closures and sporadic repair efforts over the years. Portions of the park remain intact, while others have deteriorated. Though the location offers expansive mountain views, its quiet, abandoned state reflects years of decline.
Williams Grove Park
Williams Grove, located in Pennsylvania, officially closed in 2005 but still hosts occasional events at its racetrack. Carousels and wooden rides remain on-site, unused but largely intact. The area presents a mix of operational and abandoned elements, offering a setting where past and present intersect.
Bushkill Park
Bushkill Park’s aging arcade machines flicker dimly beside rusted rides. Floods, closure, and slow restoration efforts shaped its current form. The park operates in a limited capacity, with some attractions functional and others dormant. For many in the community, it remains a work in progress.
Enchanted Forest
The original Enchanted Forest closed, but many of its statues can be found nearby at Clark’s Elioak Farm. Some pieces remain in storage or have faded photos. Kids once climbed storybook castles here. Now, their wide-eyed wonder feels like a memory left under the leaves.
Santa’s Land
Open seasonally, Santa’s Land carries decades of holiday spirit in its sleighs and snowy cottages. Some displays look unchanged from decades past. While some visitors appreciate the nostalgic elements, others note that parts of the park appear outdated.
Lincoln Park’
This Massachusetts venue shuttered in the 1980s. Its wooden coaster continues to lean above the brush, warped and skeletal. Weathered beams stretch between trees. You won’t find ride attendants here, only reminders of a thrill that time refused to fully erase.
Magic Forest
Magic Forest blends tall storybook statues with fading paint and quiet charm. Now part of Lake George Expedition Park, it continues to welcome guests. The towering characters and giant animals feel playful, but their wide eyes and motionless faces often leave a curious impression.
Fantasy Forest
Situated beside the ruins of the 1964 World’s Fair, Fantasy Forest continues to operate. Rides spin beside aging concrete towers and a long-quiet globe. Although often overlooked, the park is home to Queens’ oldest amusement ride: the historic Flushing Meadows Carousel, originally carved in 1903.
