Amusement Park Galleries

Coney Island Labor Day Weekend 2009 : Labor Day weekend 2009 was bittersweet...it was a rough year for Coney with no Astroland, horrible weather, and the horrible Dreamland attempt (no offense to Geren rides, but plenty to all the other parties involved). I spent all 4 days of the weekend there and thoroughly enjoyed myself with rides, ice cream, tacos, hot dogs, fireworks, playing games and people watching - that is what Coney is REALLY about to me! Hoping for an amazing 2010 season (without Joe Sitt)!

Coney Island Labor Day Weekend 2009

Labor Day weekend 2009 was bittersweet...it was a rough year for Coney ...

Updated: Sep 09, 2009 7:34am PST

Coney Island - 8-22-09 : So the water is off limits, but the beach isn't. Dreamland is closed, but Coney Island isn't. It's a hot, muggy Saturday in August and it's not crowded. The Coney Island t-dance rocks and made me a little less depressed.

Coney Island - 8-22-09

So the water is off limits, but the beach isn't. Dreamland is closed ...

Updated: Aug 22, 2009 6:21pm PST

Coney - 8-21-2009 : Coney Island shouldn't look like this on a Friday night 8pm in August when it's hot. Barely rained at all.

Coney - 8-21-2009

Coney Island shouldn't look like this on a Friday night 8pm in August ...

Updated: Aug 21, 2009 6:44pm PST

Palace Playland; Old Orchard Beach, ME - 8-16-09 : Old Orchard Beach has been a tourist destination since the early 1800's and offered some sorts of amusements since the late 1800's. Today Palace Playland is the last remaining beach front amusement area left in all of the New England states (Maine, Mass, Rhode Island and Connecticut). It proves that you can a lot into a small space - 26+ rides in 2 blocks plus a huge arcade, food stands and more. They offer a nice mix of classic and new at a reasonable price. Plus they have clam bellies!

Palace Playland; Old Orchard Beach, ME - 8-16-09

Old Orchard Beach has been a tourist destination since the early 1800' ...

Updated: Aug 17, 2009 2:35pm PST

Funtown; Saco, ME - 8/15-16/09 : Funtown Spashtown USA is the result of over 40 years of growth starting from a drive-in restaurant and miniature golf course to becoming the full-fledged amusement and water park that it is now. It has the charm and quirkiness that has been lost by many traditional amusement parks, and the family obviously takes a lot of pride in the appearance and operations of their park.

Funtown; Saco, ME - 8/15-16/09

Funtown Spashtown USA is the result of over 40 years of growth startin ...

Updated: Aug 17, 2009 4:03pm PST

Coney Island Opening Day - 4-5-09 : Palm Sunday is always opening day at Coney Island. It was definitely much different this year with the absence of Astroland, but I am still hopeful for the future. Enjoy. (AND NO! This is not the Cyclone or Coney Island's last year)

Coney Island Opening Day - 4-5-09

Palm Sunday is always opening day at Coney Island. It was definitely ...

Updated: Apr 05, 2009 4:03pm PST

Coney Island 2-13-09 : Got a chance to get out and get some Coney pictures on Friday the 13th.

Coney Island 2-13-09

Got a chance to get out and get some Coney pictures on Friday the 13th ...

Updated: Feb 13, 2009 3:12pm PST

Coney Island 9-5-08 :

Coney Island 9-5-08

Updated: Sep 05, 2008 10:47pm PST

Waldameer Park - Erie, PA - 6-7 and 8-16, 2008 : Waldameer is an excellent small traditional amusement park in Erie, PA. The park is located on a bluff overlooking Lake Erie. The one thing this park had been missing was a signature wooden roller coaster and after many years of roadblocks - this is finally a reality. Ravine Flyer II has opened to rave reviews (including my own) and should secure the parks future for years to come. I was lucky enough to have two opportunities to visit the park this year at the beginning and end of their season. These photos are a culmination of those visits.

Waldameer Park - Erie, PA - 6-7 and 8-16, 2008

Waldameer is an excellent small traditional amusement park in Erie, PA ...

Updated: Aug 18, 2008 7:59pm PST

Lakemont Park, Altoona, PA - 8-15-08 : Lakemont Park is a small, charming, laid-back park park in Altoona, PA. It is home to the world's oldest roller coaster, Leap the Dips, which opened at the park in 1902. The park has seen more than its fair share of ups and downs but continues to survive. I had an amazing visit at the park this day. They also have a great miniature golf course - pix are here: http://jimvid.smugmug.com/gallery/5739324_DmZAV#354505129_yedSm

Lakemont Park, Altoona, PA - 8-15-08

Lakemont Park is a small, charming, laid-back park park in Altoona, PA ...

Updated: Aug 18, 2008 5:27pm PST

Water Safari/Enchanted Forest, Old Forge, NY - 7-11-08 : Opened in the 1956 as the Enchanted Forest - a storybook land with a handful of kiddie rides - the Water Safari/Enchanted Forest has survived and thrived with the addition of a water park in the mid 80's and has continued to expand it's waterpark. One of the biggest selling points to visit this park on a cooler overcast day - HEATED WATER! Throw a good wooden coaster in the park and I think you might have the next Holiday World! I really like this park!

Water Safari/Enchanted Forest, Old Forge, NY - 7-11-08

Opened in the 1956 as the Enchanted Forest - a storybook land with a h ...

Updated: Aug 06, 2008 4:45am PST

Sylvan Beach, NY - 7-10-08 : Sylvan Beach is a small summer vacation community on the southern tip of Oneida Lake in upstate NY. It is home to a very small amusement park with the name (Sylvan Beach). The park is owned and operated by the town as a not-for-profit. It is home to great classic Pretzel dark ride, a Fascination parlor, some classic flats and a strange carousel. www.sylvanbeach.org

Sylvan Beach, NY - 7-10-08

Sylvan Beach is a small summer vacation community on the southern tip ...

Updated: Jul 17, 2008 6:05am PST

Seabreeze Amusement Park - Rochester, NY - 7-6-08 : Seabreeze is a classic traditional amusement park located on a bluff overlooking Lake Ontario. It dates back to the 1870's and in many ways reminded me of Waldameer Park in Erie. The park is still owned and operated by the Long Family who brought the park it's first carousel in the early 1900's.

Seabreeze Amusement Park - Rochester, NY - 7-6-08

Seabreeze is a classic traditional amusement park located on a bluff o ...

Updated: Jul 17, 2008 7:16am PST

Marineland, Niagara Falls, ONT, CA - 7-5-07 : Marineland of Canada is one of the strangest parks I've ever been to. Opened in the late 70's and still operated by the Holer Family - it owns 500 acres and currently occupies 150 for the park. The park has very slowly grown and has taken it's time to expand. Along with numerous animal exhibits are a nice selection of rides - most notably their 1983 Arrow coaster Dragon Mountain. Marineland requires A LOT of walking - there are lots of areas of NOTHING -- additionally the park has no lights so it closes at dusk. I didn't take a whole lot of pictures but this will hopefully give you a little taste.

Marineland, Niagara Falls, ONT, CA - 7-5-07

Marineland of Canada is one of the strangest parks I've ever been to. ...

Updated: Jul 14, 2008 3:58pm PST

Ontario Place, Toronto, CA - 7-5-08 : Ontario Place was opened in the late 1960's to make use of unused waterfront on the CNE grounds. When the CNE is open - it becomes part of it. It is primarily gears towards kids and families although it also has a large amphitheater that hosts large concerts. The primary purpose of this visit was to ride their unique 1984 Arrow flume "Wilderness Adventure" - which is definitely a must ride for any flume enthusiast.

Ontario Place, Toronto, CA - 7-5-08

Ontario Place was opened in the late 1960's to make use of unused wate ...

Updated: Jul 09, 2008 9:39am PST

Centreville Amusement Park, Centre Island, Toronto, CA - 7-5-08 : Centreville Amusement Park opened in the late 1960's on Centre Island off of Toronto (essentially the Central Park of Toronto). I made several visits in my youth and it was nice to return to a place that hadn't changed at all. A few rides have been added but it was almost exactly as I remembered it. It's home to a beautiful Dentzel Carousel, Lusse Auto Skooters, and a great dark ride. Centre Island requires a ferry ride - and it's very busy on the weekends. http://www.centreisland.ca/default.aspx

Centreville Amusement Park, Centre Island, Toronto, CA - 7-5-08

Centreville Amusement Park opened in the late 1960's on Centre Island ...

Updated: Jul 09, 2008 9:27am PST

Canada's Wonderland - 7-4-08 : Canada's Wonderland was the last of the Taft Broadcasting amusement park ventures opening in 1981 just northwest of Toronto. It's an enormous park with a an amazing collection of flat rides and a lot of production model coasters with the exception of Behemoth - their new B&M Hyper coaster. I didn't take a whole lot of pictures.

Canada's Wonderland - 7-4-08

Canada's Wonderland was the last of the Taft Broadcasting amusement pa ...

Updated: Jul 31, 2008 5:08pm PST

Mermaid Parade 2008 (6-21-08) : Here are my pix from the 26th Annual Mermaid parade sponsored by Coney Island USA. They couldn't have asked for better weather and the crowds were huge. The parade pix are not in the order of appearance. Enjoy! SAVE CONEY ISLAND - GO HERE TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP! http://saveconey.10gbfreehost.com/saveconey.html

Mermaid Parade 2008 (6-21-08)

Here are my pix from the 26th Annual Mermaid parade sponsored by Coney ...

Updated: Jun 22, 2008 6:28am PST

Coney Island weekend of 6/20-21/08 : These pictures were taken on the evening of 6/20 (Friday) and the day of 6/21 - these are of the general amusement area not of the Mermaid parade.

Coney Island weekend of 6/20-21/08

These pictures were taken on the evening of 6/20 (Friday) and the day ...

Updated: Jun 22, 2008 11:46am PST

Knoebels Spring 2008 : I visited Knoebels Amusement Park in Elysburg, PA for opening weekend and the following weekend. Here's a hodgepodge of pix from both visits....enjoy!

Knoebels Spring 2008

I visited Knoebels Amusement Park in Elysburg, PA for opening weekend ...

Updated: May 05, 2008 8:47am PST

Adventurers FEC - Brooklyn, NY 4-19-08 : Adventurers Family Entertainment Center has taken over the park formerly known as Nellie Bly amusement park. The group running this endeavour formerly operated Adventurer's Inn in Queens (http://www.bbrent.com/gallery/ad_inn.htm). Thankfully the mini-golf course is still there but the bumper car pavilion has been razed and there are a few old Nellie Bly attractions SBNO (water slide, haunted house). They have definitley put some effort into this park with new bathrooms, paving, lighting and construction continues. It'll be interesting to see how it progresses. You can see my pictures of Nellie Bly in 2005 here: http://jimvid.smugmug.com/gallery/649330_GrLfj#27812462_F3T5j

Adventurers FEC - Brooklyn, NY 4-19-08

Adventurers Family Entertainment Center has taken over the park former ...

Updated: Apr 20, 2008 7:29am PST

Polar Bear Plunge 1-1-08 - Coney Island, New York : There's nothing quite like Coney Island in the winter! And no better tradition than the annual Polar Bear plunge (mind you the Coney Island Polar Bear club takes swims every weekend if you care to join)! After observing two years ago and being sick last year...I finally made the plunge myself! Words don't describe the overall experience but I highly recommend it! Enjoy! (These pictures were taken by my friend Dave and I greatly appreciate him sharing them)

Polar Bear Plunge 1-1-08 - Coney Island, New York

There's nothing quite like Coney Island in the winter! And no better ...

Updated: Jan 02, 2008 6:48pm PST

Coney Island 2007 : This gallery contains photos taken throughout the 2007 season at Coney Island. While Astroland has received a one year reprieve for the 2008 season - the future is still unclear. Enjoy.

Coney Island 2007

This gallery contains photos taken throughout the 2007 season at Coney ...

Updated: Nov 05, 2007 1:33pm PST

Ocean City, MD & Rehoboth, DE August 2007 : Ocean City and Rehoboth are about 30 miles from each other, and are amazing beach front destinations. Ocean City sports a variety of amusements - the real stand-out being Trimpers Rides which is now on the endangered list - but will be open for the 2008 season. Rehoboth has a very small amusement park called Funtown which is home to one of the best ride-through haunted houses out there.

Ocean City, MD & Rehoboth, DE August 2007

Ocean City and Rehoboth are about 30 miles from each other, and are am ...

Updated: Nov 05, 2007 8:34am PST

Cedar Point, Sandusky, OH, 6/15/07 : America's Rollie Coast.....

Cedar Point, Sandusky, OH, 6/15/07

America's Rollie Coast.....

Updated: Jul 02, 2007 4:59am PST

Cedar Point Coliseum 6/15/07 : The Cedar Point Coliseum was originally built in 1906. The building has had interior changes over the years, but the exterior has pretty much stayed intact. The upper level of the building holds a grand art-deco ballroom while the lower level holds the park's main arcade. The arcade is one of Cedar Point's best kept secrets, as behind the rows of modern video games and skeeball tucked in the very back of the building is one the better collection of vintage (circa 1978-1984) video games and classic pinballs (circa late 1960's - early 1980's). The machines are very well kept and are still .25/game!

Cedar Point Coliseum 6/15/07

The Cedar Point Coliseum was originally built in 1906. The building h ...

Updated: Jul 02, 2007 4:34am PST

Geauga Lake 6/16/07 : Geauga Lake is an amusement park located just SE of Cleveland in Aurora, OH. While the park has a long history, the last 10 years have been turbulent with constant ownership changes (from Funtime to Premier to Six Flags to Cedar Fair) - and while the park is struggling it seems to beginning to find its nitch. I didn't take many photos here, and I was actually asked several times not to take photos even though it is not against the rules to take photos at the park??? You will find only pictures of the two remaining original park attractions - their amazing 1926 Illions Carousel which is run at a nice clip and their classic John Miller Big Dipper out and back from 1927. - EDIT: AT THE END OF THE 2007 SEASON CEDAR FAIR CLOSED THE PARK FOR GOOD.

Geauga Lake 6/16/07

Geauga Lake is an amusement park located just SE of Cleveland in Auror ...

Updated: Jun 29, 2007 10:46am PST

Kings Island, Kings Mill, OH, 6/17-18/07 : Kings Island is a large theme park just north of Cincinnati. It opened in 1972 to replace Cincinnati's Coney Island which was prone to constant flooding problems. It was recently acquired by Cedar Fair (owner of Cedar Point) who bought the entire chain of Paramount parks. I always think of it as the Brady Bunch park as an episode of the show was shot here in the early 1970's.

Kings Island, Kings Mill, OH, 6/17-18/07

Kings Island is a large theme park just north of Cincinnati. It open ...

Updated: Jul 01, 2007 7:22pm PST

Stricker's Grove 6/18/07 : Stricker's Grove is a small private picnic amusement park located just north of Cincinnati. It is open to the public 2 days a year (4th of July and one day in August); otherwise, this park is only available to groups that book it for picnics/events. The parks boasts two wooden coasters which were both built by the late owner, Ralph Stricker. The Tornado is a full-sized coaster and the Teddy Bear is a kiddie coaster. The park also has a nice assortment of classic flat rides for the big and small. It was a real treat to finally get to see and experience this unique operation. You can learn more here: http://home.fuse.net/strickersgrove/index.html

Stricker's Grove 6/18/07

Stricker's Grove is a small private picnic amusement park located just ...

Updated: Jun 29, 2007 7:38am PST

Indiana Beach 6/19-20/07 : Indiana Beach is a small (15 acres) amusement park located NW of Indianapolis on the man-made Lake Schafer. Despite amazing weather, the crowds were very light....just a little too early in the season I guess. The park has an amazing number of attractions packed into it...including 5 coasters (3 wood), a water park, and countless flat rides (some very well-placed) directly over water. www.indianabeach.com

Indiana Beach 6/19-20/07

Indiana Beach is a small (15 acres) amusement park located NW of India ...

Updated: Jun 28, 2007 10:24am PST

Camden Park, Huntington, WV, 6/23/07 : Camden Park is located in western West Virginia in the small city of Huntington. The park was originally a trolley park and opened in 1903. It has seen some harder times recently, but seems to be in the midst of revival. The park is home to two classic wooden coasters (one full-sized ,one kiddie) and a nice collection of classic flats including a very well-run whip. The park was very crowded the day we visited. www.camdenpark.com

Camden Park, Huntington, WV, 6/23/07

Camden Park is located in western West Virginia in the small city of H ...

Updated: Jul 01, 2007 4:34pm PST

Indiana Beach - 8/28/06 : Indiana Beach is a small (15 acres) amusement park located NW of Indianapolis on the man-made Lake Schafer. While it never rained during our short visit at IB, the lousy weather combined with schools being in session meant for a VERY empty park – there couldn’t have been more than 100 people in the park during our visit. Despite that, all rides, food stands, games, etc. were open and ready to go.

Indiana Beach - 8/28/06

Indiana Beach is a small (15 acres) amusement park located NW of India ...

Updated: Sep 04, 2006 10:25am PST

Bay Beach Amusement Park, Green Bay - 8/30/06 : Bay Beach is located on the Bay in Green Bay, WI. The park originally opened in 1892 and became a city-owned entity in 1920. While modest in ride selection, it's an incredibly well kept park and the location is beautiful. Most rides cost between .25 & .50 each. http://www.ci.green-bay.wi.us/geninfo/baybeach_web/baybeachhome.html

Bay Beach Amusement Park, Green Bay - 8/30/06

Bay Beach is located on the Bay in Green Bay, WI. The park originall ...

Updated: Sep 03, 2006 8:52pm PST

Shawano County Fair, WI - 8/30/06 : We attended opening night of the 125th Annual Shawano County fair in Shawano, Wisconsin. Rainbow Valley rides were running the midway and had a nice assortment of well-kept classic rides with a few spectaculars - namely the KMG Freak Out. They also had a fairly large freakshow along with the usual assortment of booths, exhibitions, and livestock you would expect at a County Fair. http://www.shawanocountyfair.net/fair2006fairindex.htm

Shawano County Fair, WI - 8/30/06

We attended opening night of the 125th Annual Shawano County fair in S ...

Updated: Sep 03, 2006 9:30pm PST

Central Wisconsin State Fair - 8/30/06 : The Central Wisconsin State Fair is held in Marshfield, WI and is celebrating it's 103rd year. The fair and city are proud to be the manure capital of Wisconsin (and the smell backs it up). The fair is also home to the world's largest round barn. Unfortunately light was not on my side, but the last picture in this gallery will give you a feel for the roof of the barn (at least part of it). The Nitty Gritty Dirt band played the night we were there. The rides at the fair are from A&P Shows (http://www.apcarnival.com/) and the home site to the fair is: http://www.centralwisconsinstatefair.com/

Central Wisconsin State Fair - 8/30/06

The Central Wisconsin State Fair is held in Marshfield, WI and is cele ...

Updated: Sep 05, 2006 7:01am PST

Como Park, St. Paul, MN - 8/31/06 : Como Park is a large city park in the heart of Saint Paul, MN. In the middle of the park is Como Town, a small amusement park geared towards the smaller set with a nice assortment of kiddie rides. Como Town is connected with the park's zoo and botanical gardens/conservatory. Additionally there is a classic PTC carousel that is its own operation. The machine is in stellar condition and run at a very nice clip. http://www.ourfaircarousel.org/ and http://www.comozooconservatory.org/como_park/index.shtml

Como Park, St. Paul, MN - 8/31/06

Como Park is a large city park in the heart of Saint Paul, MN. In th ...

Updated: Sep 04, 2006 9:30am PST

Minnesota State Fair - 8/31/06 : The Minnesota State fair is one of the largest state fairs in the country - the fair grounds are on 350 acres of land and with average daily attendance of 100,000 -It's huge!

Minnesota State Fair - 8/31/06

The Minnesota State fair is one of the largest state fairs in the coun ...

Updated: Sep 03, 2006 6:41pm PST

Mall of America - 9/1/06 : Mall of America is the largest mall in the US and home to the Park at Mall of America (formerly known as Camp Snoopy). The park is definitely in the midst of an identity crisis as the Snoopy theme has been completely removed. The park is home to 2 roller coasters, a log flume, and an odd but cool assortment of flats including a Zierer Fireball and Zamperla Rotoshake. Being that the park is indoors - weather and seasons are a non-issue, but photos are difficult.

Mall of America - 9/1/06

Mall of America is the largest mall in the US and home to the Park at ...

Updated: Sep 03, 2006 6:57pm PST

Valleyfair - 9/1/06 : Valleyfair opened in 1976 just south of the Twin Cities and was purchased by Cedar Point in 1978 forming the company we know today as Cedar Fair. While definitely receiving some larger thrill rides in recent years including the first Morgan Hyper coaster Wild Thing, an Intamin impulse coaster, S&S Swings and tower...the park really brought me that feeling of traditional amusement parks in the 1970's. I was really charmed by the park.

Valleyfair - 9/1/06

Valleyfair opened in 1976 just south of the Twin Cities and was purcha ...

Updated: Sep 03, 2006 8:35pm PST

Magic Forest, Lake George, NY - 7/8/06 : Magic Forest is a really amazing kiddie land / story land amusement park in Lake George, NY trapped in time and the resting of place of many artifacts from now defunct kiddie parks. There is no rhyme or reason to the layout or theme of Magic Forest as it is the culmination of several parks thrown into one - petting zoo, kiddie land, Storybook land, Christmas land, and Indian Village are all meshed together.

Magic Forest, Lake George, NY - 7/8/06

Magic Forest is a really amazing kiddie land / story land amusement pa ...

Updated: Jul 10, 2006 10:33pm PST

Great Escape, Lake George, NY - 7/9/06 : The Great Escape is a Six Flags property with a long history. It's a beautiful family park with an interesting assortment of attractions, some of which I don't think will last much longer.

Great Escape, Lake George, NY - 7/9/06

The Great Escape is a Six Flags property with a long history. It's a ...

Updated: Jul 10, 2006 6:10pm PST

Hoffman's Playland, Latham, NY - 7/9/06 : Hoffman's Playland is a very small kiddieland located in Latham, NY just north of Albany. Opened in 1952, it is still owned and operated by the Hoffman family and not a whole lot has changed since it originally opened. It's almost a museum piece of roadside kiddie lands of the 50's/60's.

Hoffman's Playland, Latham, NY - 7/9/06

Hoffman's Playland is a very small kiddieland located in Latham, NY ju ...

Updated: Jul 10, 2006 12:19pm PST

Lake George trip - 7/7-9/06 : These are various photos from my trip up to Lake George that I wasn't sure where to put.

Lake George trip - 7/7-9/06

These are various photos from my trip up to Lake George that I wasn't ...

Updated: Jul 10, 2006 11:34pm PST

State Museum of New York 7/9/06 : Located in downtown Albany. The State Museum is a treasure trove of all things NY. The primary purpose of my visit was to see the 1915 Herschell-Spillman Carousel....words do not do justice to how spectacular this machine, so hopefully the photos will...enjoy.

State Museum of New York 7/9/06

Located in downtown Albany. The State Museum is a treasure trove of a ...

Updated: Jul 11, 2006 6:40am PST

Coney Island Mermaid Parade 6-24-06 : The beginning of summer is always marked by Coney Island's Mermaid Parade. This year was grey and wet, but not a complete washout...attendance was way down and the Cyclone was broken as well!

Coney Island Mermaid Parade 6-24-06

The beginning of summer is always marked by Coney Island's Mermaid Par ...

Updated: Jun 26, 2006 6:17am PST

Seaside Heights - 6-21-06 : Seaside Heights is a large boardwalk community located about 40 miles north of Atlantic city. It has two seperate amusement parks/piers - Casino Pier and Funtown Pier. It also has some great boardwalk food...behind Wildwood it's probably one of my favorite boardwalks in the country.

Seaside Heights - 6-21-06

Seaside Heights is a large boardwalk community located about 40 miles ...

Updated: Jun 23, 2006 8:49pm PST

Sesame Place - 6-21-06 :

Sesame Place - 6-21-06

Updated: Jun 22, 2006 9:43pm PST

Six Flags Great Adventures 6-21-06 :

Six Flags Great Adventures 6-21-06

Updated: Jun 23, 2006 8:32am PST

Wildwood - 6/9-10/06 : I try to get to Wildwood at least once a year and make a weekend of it. This year we opted for a little earlier in the season. The weather was cool and windy and crowds were very light (maybe just a little too light). It was a great visit. For great Wildwood info and history visit: www.mrboardwalk.net and http://www.funchase.com/

Wildwood - 6/9-10/06

I try to get to Wildwood at least once a year and make a weekend of it ...

Updated: Jun 12, 2006 6:13pm PST

Ocean City, NJ - 6/12/06 : We made a quick visit to OC, NJ Sunday morning on our way home from Wildwood. OC is very different from Wildwood. We didn't get to ride anything as the amusements don't open til later in the day, but it gave us a chance to get a quick round of mini-golf and to look at Gillian's new L&T coaster.

Ocean City, NJ - 6/12/06

We made a quick visit to OC, NJ Sunday morning on our way home from Wi ...

Updated: Jun 13, 2006 7:56am PST

Holiday World - 5/25-27/06 : I am still at a loss for words about this particular trip and I barely took any pictures. These are more to remind me that it all actually happened.

Holiday World - 5/25-27/06

I am still at a loss for words about this particular trip and I barely ...

Updated: May 30, 2006 6:42pm PST

Beech Bend - 4-26-06 : Beech Bend is a small amusement park outside of Bowling Green Kentucky. Originally opened in the 1940's, the park suffered through hard times and closed in the early 80's until it's current owners reopened the park in the early 1990's. It's also home to a race track and huge campgrounds. New this year, is the Kentucky Rumbler wooden coaster. It was closed on my visit due to lightning hitting a sensor the night before; regardless, I found the park to be absolutley charming and I look forward to returning!

Beech Bend - 4-26-06

Beech Bend is a small amusement park outside of Bowling Green Kentucky ...

Updated: May 30, 2006 3:03pm PST

Enchanted Forest - defunct park - Porter, Indiana : The Enchanted Forest opened in the early 1960's in Porter, Indiana just a few miles from the Indiana Dunes state park. It was primarily a kiddie land, but it had a nice handful of adult rides - primarily Herschell rides including a Mad Mouse & Twister. The park closed in 1991 and many of the rides can now be found at Little A-Merrick-A in Marshall, Wisconsin. The land is now the site of Splash Down Dunes Water Park. ****check out the Enchanted Forest TV ad I stumbled across: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9zVnu1A2GU ****

Enchanted Forest - defunct park - Porter, Indiana

The Enchanted Forest opened in the early 1960's in Porter, Indiana jus ...

Updated: Apr 28, 2006 8:14am PST

Myrtle Beach - Misc - 4/14-15/06 : Myrtle Beach is a city in the middle of a major transformation from a local seaside to resort into a national seaside destination. I tried to capture some of the old, new, and odd - hope you enjoy.

Myrtle Beach - Misc - 4/14-15/06

Myrtle Beach is a city in the middle of a major transformation from a ...

Updated: Apr 19, 2006 9:11am PST

Family Kingdom 4-14-06 : Family Kingdom is Myrtle Beach's second amusement park that opened in the 1960's. It's premier attraction is the 1966 John Allen Swamp Fox roller coaster. The also have an interesting newer Hopkin’s log flume, the original prototype Sally Shoot ‘em up dark ride, and Asbury Park’s former carousel (frame only, the horses are all fiberglass repros). It doesn't quite have the charm of the Pavilion, but next year (2007), it'll be the only game in town.

Family Kingdom 4-14-06

Family Kingdom is Myrtle Beach's second amusement park that opened in ...

Updated: Apr 18, 2006 5:45am PST

South of the Border 4/15/06 : South of the Border is a true piece of Americana roadside kitsch. Not too many roadside attractions survive these days and this has to be one of the largest. Located in South Carolina, literally feet south of the North Carolina border, it was started as a beer stand in the 1950's by Alan Schafer who continually built up the 135 acres into a multitude of attractions til his death in 2001. It features 300+ hotel rooms, campgrounds, mini-golf, a small amusement park, the Sombrero observation tower and many other shops and food stands. Since Schafer's death, the facility has been managed (or mismanaged) by his daughter and the place is really beginning to fall apart. It's worth a peek, but just a peek - I'd say it's days are numbered unless some major bucks are reinvested.

South of the Border 4/15/06

South of the Border is a true piece of Americana roadside kitsch. Not ...

Updated: Apr 17, 2006 6:01am PST

Pavilion @ Myrtle Beach - 4/14-15/06 : The Pavilion Amusement Park at Myrtle Beach opened in the late 50's and 2006 marked it's last year of operations unless a miracle happens. The entire complex has been demolished and now is an empty lot whose fate has yet to be decided (condos). Of the two ocean front parks in Myrtle Beach, the Pavilion was by far the nicer and more complete park. I'm not sure if Myrtle Beach really understand what a tragedy it is to have lost such an institution until.

Pavilion @ Myrtle Beach - 4/14-15/06

The Pavilion Amusement Park at Myrtle Beach opened in the late 50's an ...

Updated: Apr 19, 2006 8:39am PST

SOLACE 2006 : a few extra photos I didn't know where to put, but I had to share.

SOLACE 2006

a few extra photos I didn't know where to put, but I had to share.

Updated: Mar 17, 2006 9:16pm PST

Knotts Berry Farm - 3/11/06 : Knott's Berry Farm is a small theme park in Buena Park, CA just miles from Disneyland. It was a family run and oriented park until the late 1990's when the Knott's family sold the park to Cedar Fair. I didn't grow up going to this park, but in the last 6 years of attending there have been many changes. There is still a lot of charm to the park, but you have to look a lot harder for it and know where to look. The latest addition to the park, the B&M inverted coaster Silver Bullet, is a very good ride. It is very quiet, but I found it's presence to be overwhelming to the park.

Knotts Berry Farm - 3/11/06

Knott's Berry Farm is a small theme park in Buena Park, CA just miles ...

Updated: Mar 17, 2006 8:06pm PST

Disney's California Adventure 3-10-06 : Disney's California Adventure opened in 2000 and is still struggling to gain an audience, but it is slowly getting there. It's a park with a LOT of potential and some very good attractions. I only spent a very short time in the park, thus only a few pictures.

Disney's California Adventure 3-10-06

Disney's California Adventure opened in 2000 and is still struggling t ...

Updated: Mar 16, 2006 7:16pm PST

Griffith Park Merry Go Round 3-12-06 : The Griffith Park Merry Go Round was built in 1926 and moved to Griffith Park in 1937 where it has operated ever since. Griffith Park is a huge sprawling public park north of Los Angeles - they also have a train ride, pony rides, and a famous observatory. This Merry Go Round (it is not referred to as a carousel) is a rare Herschell-Spillman machine with it's original horses. Unlike other H-S machines which often have a menegarie of animals or are mixed machines (horses by various makers) - this machine is strictly horses and spectacular ones at that. The Merry Go Round is in the process of receiving a long, loving restoration that it is thankfully operating through.

Griffith Park Merry Go Round 3-12-06

The Griffith Park Merry Go Round was built in 1926 and moved to Griffi ...

Updated: Mar 16, 2006 6:35pm PST

Disneyland - 3-10-06 : Weird weather day at Disneyland - we only had a partial day to spend at the park. One moment it was sunny with blue skies the next it would be hailing. The weather kept us guessing our entire trip. Needless to say, I did not end up taking a lot of Disneyland photos.

Disneyland - 3-10-06

Weird weather day at Disneyland - we only had a partial day to spend a ...

Updated: Mar 16, 2006 12:17pm PST

Coney Island 1-1-2006 : Coney Island New Years Day 2006! After years of putting it off I finally made it out to Coney to see the annual Polar Bear plunge. I will definitely be a participant next year. I also wanted to get some photos of Coney in the off-season. Enjoy!

Coney Island 1-1-2006

Coney Island New Years Day 2006! After years of putting it off I fina ...

Updated: Jan 02, 2006 9:46am PST

Texas State Fair - 10/17/05 : What better way to spend my birthday than at the Texas State Fair. To make things even better - it was a hot October day and absolutely no crowds. Along with being a great State Fair - it boasts one of the largest collections of European spectaculars in the US. Not to mention a beautiful carousel, ferris wheel, and an impressive collection of walk throughs. I've tried to give a balanced look at the fair - if I've incorrectly identified a ride please let me know.

Texas State Fair - 10/17/05

What better way to spend my birthday than at the Texas State Fair. T ...

Updated: Oct 21, 2005 12:54pm PST

Six Flags Over Texas - 10/16/05 :

Six Flags Over Texas - 10/16/05

Updated: Oct 21, 2005 8:28pm PST

Six Flags Fiesta Texas - 10/15/05 :

Six Flags Fiesta Texas - 10/15/05

Updated: Oct 21, 2005 5:51pm PST

Enchanted Village, Federal Way, WA - 9-25-05 : Enchanted Village and Wild Waves is located in Federal Way, WA just south of Seattle. It originally opened in 1977 as a kiddie park, and in the 1980's opened a water park. It's a very small park. The water park is the major draw and it's a VERY impressive water park squeezed into a very small space with some really wacky slides. Six Flags bought the park in 2000. The park is home to three coasters, two of which you will see in the photos. The third is a poor excuse for a wooden coaster, TimberHawk, that opened in 2003.

Enchanted Village, Federal Way, WA - 9-25-05

Enchanted Village and Wild Waves is located in Federal Way, WA just so ...

Updated: Sep 26, 2005 7:08pm PST

Six Flags Astroworld - 10/14/05 : Six Flags Astroworld (originally Astroworld) was a theme park in Houston located next to the Astrodome. It was a very special and unique theme park for many years. In September 2005, Six Flags announced that the park was closing for good and would be razed. I managed to get my first and last visit in on 10/14/05. I only had about 30 minutes of light, so getting pictures was more than a little challenging. I hope that I have captured some of the good in this often slighted park.

Six Flags Astroworld - 10/14/05

Six Flags Astroworld (originally Astroworld) was a theme park in Houst ...

Updated: Oct 20, 2005 7:41pm PST

Riverfront Park, Spokane, WA - 9-23-05 : Riverfront Park in Spokane Washington was built for the Expo '74 World's Fair (who knew!) It's a spectacular city park with the Spokane river running through the middle of it. It has a small amusement park that is open during the summer and a beautiful 1909 Loof Carousel with ring grab. It's also home to the world's largest Radio Flyer wagon! For more info on the park: http://www.spokaneriverfrontpark.com/index.asp for more info on the carousel: http://www.spokaneriverfrontpark.com/index.asp

Riverfront Park, Spokane, WA - 9-23-05

Riverfront Park in Spokane Washington was built for the Expo '74 World ...

Updated: Sep 26, 2005 6:48pm PST

Puyallup Fair - Puyallup, WA - 9-25-05 : The Puyallup Fair is the Washington State Fair. It is open for a 3 day fair in the spring and the 2 week state fair in September. Unlike many state fairs, the Puyallup fair grounds has a number of permanently installed rides including 4 roller coasters (one wood) and a beautiful PTC carousel. I attended on the last day of the fair this year and the place was PACKED, but this gave me a good opportunity to wander and take pictures. If you have the opportunity to visit the fair, I would highly recommend it!!! For more info goto www.thefair.com

Puyallup Fair - Puyallup, WA - 9-25-05

The Puyallup Fair is the Washington State Fair. It is open for a 3 da ...

Updated: Sep 27, 2005 11:29am PST

The Land of Oz - Summer 1975 : The Land of Oz was a theme park in Beech Mountain, Banner Elk, North Carolina. It was open from 1970 to 1980. These photos are from a family trip in 1975. The park was not home to any major rides, but was more like an enourmous walk-through attraction. You had to take a sky ride to the top of the mountain where the park was actually located. You started at the Dorothy's house where you were put through a mock tornado (rear projections were used in the windows and the house shook). When you exited the house you were in Munchkin City and you proceeded along the yellow brick road till you reached Emerald City. You can also find a little more info here: http://www.ozclub.org/reference/bannerelk.asp The real estate firm that manages the parks property now holds hold an annual event in October celebrating the park: http://www.emeraldmtn.com/oz.htm

The Land of Oz - Summer 1975

The Land of Oz was a theme park in Beech Mountain, Banner Elk, North C ...

Updated: Sep 11, 2005 2:43pm PST

Silverwood Theme Park, Athol ID - 9-24-05 : Silverwood Theme park opened in Athol, Idaho in the mid 1980's by Gary Norton the inventor of the ATM. Originally, Norton had built himself a small airport and steam train line being an afficianado of both and gradually expanded into a full sized theme park. The park is still growing and their 2003 water park expansion greatly increased their attendance. I would expect big things from this way out of the way park in the future. It's already home to 2 world class wooden coasters.

Silverwood Theme Park, Athol ID - 9-24-05

Silverwood Theme park opened in Athol, Idaho in the mid 1980's by Gary ...

Updated: Sep 27, 2005 9:36am PST

Knoebel's Grove Amusement Park 2005 : These photos are from three seperate visits to Knoebels in 2005 - opening day weekend in April, Labor Day Weekend, and PPP (pheonix phall phunfest) weekend in October. Knoebels is located in Elysburg, PA and is one of the finest (if not the finest) examples of traditional amusement parks left in North America. If you would like to see more PPP photos please check out: http://whispers.smugmug.com/gallery/874057 and http://cyclonic.smugmug.com/photos/39520372-M.jpg

Knoebel's Grove Amusement Park 2005

These photos are from three seperate visits to Knoebels in 2005 - open ...

Updated: Oct 11, 2005 8:12am PST

Williams Grove Amusement park & Grangers Annual Steam Show - 9-3-05 : Williams Grove amusement park originally opened in the 1870's and was located just south of Harrisburg, Pa. In 1971, Mickey Hughes, a major ride broker in the US and owner of many of the rides at Palisades Park (NJ), purchased the park and moved many of his rides from Palisades to Williams Grove. Of note, the Allotria funhouse and the trains of the Cyclone coaster. Williams Grove was a unique place and sadly closed for good the day after this visit. Mickey Hughes passed in 2008. Much of the park is still standing and being used for flea markets. Most of the rides were sold off. The Grangers Steam fair has been (and continues to be) held every Labor Day weekend in the original parking lot of the park since 1960 and is considered to be one of the largest 'celebrations' of steam in the US - It's very impressive. (updated 9-30-08)

Williams Grove Amusement park & Grangers Annual Steam Show - 9-3-05

Williams Grove amusement park originally opened in the 1870's and was ...

Updated: Sep 04, 2005 9:23pm PST

Ocean City, MD - 8-20-05 :

Ocean City, MD - 8-20-05

Updated: Aug 22, 2005 11:52am PST

Wildwood 8-20-05 : Wildwood - 8-20-05 - here are some selects from my trip down to Wildwood - Wildwood is a resort community on the very Southern tip of the Jersey Shore - with immense beaches and some great amusement piers, boardwalk., and 2 Fascination parlours!

Wildwood 8-20-05

Wildwood - 8-20-05 - here are some selects from my trip down to Wildwo ...

Updated: Aug 22, 2005 4:52pm PST

Adventureland, Long Island, NY - 7-10-05 : Adventureland in Farmingdale, Long Island is a very small, but incredibly nice amusement park. I didn't get to document the park to it's full extent as I was enjoying the place far too much. The park is a big step up from an FEC or Kiddieland as it boasts some major (and unique) thrill rides, a very unique flume, and an SDC Hurricane coaster. Hopefully get a feel for this charming park with these few choice pix.

Adventureland, Long Island, NY - 7-10-05

Adventureland in Farmingdale, Long Island is a very small, but incredi ...

Updated: Jul 10, 2005 2:15pm PST

Nellie Bly Amusement Park 7-10-05 : Nellie Bly is a small kiddie land located in Brooklyn about 2 miles from Coney Island. It opened in the early 1960's and I can remember driving by it in the mid 1970's. While primarily a kiddie park, they do have a handful of adult rides and very nice minature golf course.

Nellie Bly Amusement Park 7-10-05

Nellie Bly is a small kiddie land located in Brooklyn about 2 miles fr ...

Updated: Jul 10, 2005 10:56am PST

Rye Playland 7-6-05 : Rye Playland visit on 7/6/05 - A completely deserted park. Unfortunately, the super high-humidty kept on creating condensation on my lens - so most of the pictures I took were unusable, but here's what I felt I could put up for the time being. I'll definitely try to get out there again before the summer is up for more photos and Whip rides! Make sure to write a letter to Rye to tell them to get the back-and-forth mechanism working again on the Derby Racer!

Rye Playland 7-6-05

Rye Playland visit on 7/6/05 - A completely deserted park. Unfortunat ...

Updated: Jul 07, 2005 8:09am PST

Coney Island & Mermaid Parade 6-25-05 : The 22nd Annual Mermaid Parade at Coney Island - I wasn't able to capture as much of the parade as I would've liked to, but I did get some and some great establishing shots of Coney too!

Coney Island & Mermaid Parade 6-25-05

The 22nd Annual Mermaid Parade at Coney Island - I wasn't able to capt ...

Updated: Jun 30, 2005 6:57am PST

Wisconsin Dells Amusement: Mount Olympus, Riverview, and Timber Falls 6/19-20/05 : I didn't end up taking as many pictures as I had expected but I did take a few. This covers Mount Olympus, Riverview Park, and Timber Falls

Wisconsin Dells Amusement: Mount Olympus, Riverview, and Timber Falls 6/19-20/05

I didn't end up taking as many pictures as I had expected but I did ta ...

Updated: Jun 23, 2005 10:58am PST

Six Flags Great America 6/17/05 :

Six Flags Great America 6/17/05

Updated: Jun 23, 2005 11:26am PST

Little A-Merrick-A - Marshall, WI - 6/19/05 : Little A-Merrick in Marshall, WI is a small but very quaint little park that is slowly growing. Many of the parks rides are from the defunct Enchanted Forest (Chesterton, IN) where I grew up going. I tried to document the park as bet as I can as I've found few pictures of the place.

Little A-Merrick-A - Marshall, WI - 6/19/05

Little A-Merrick in Marshall, WI is a small but very quaint little par ...

Updated: Jun 22, 2005 8:25pm PST

Ocean City Memorial Day Weekend 2005 :

Ocean City Memorial Day Weekend 2005

Updated: Jun 12, 2005 8:03pm PST