For generations, amusement parks have been a source of thrills, family fun, and unforgettable summer memories. But not every park stood the test of time. Many beloved amusement parks from the past have faded into history, taking their wild, one-of-a-kind rides with them. Whether it was due to changing tastes, safety concerns, or financial troubles, these forgotten amusement parks once had some of the most daring, bizarre, and downright thrilling rides ever built.
1. Freedomland U.S.A. (1960-1964) – The World’s Most Ambitious Theme Park Failure
When Freedomland U.S.A. opened in the Bronx, it was billed as the “Disneyland of the East.” Designed as a massive, historically themed park, it had sections representing different parts of the United States, including the Great Chicago Fire ride, where visitors floated through a burning city while firefighters battled the flames. Another standout was the “Civil War” attraction, which let guests fire cannons at enemy boats in a simulated battle. Atlas Obscura notes that this park’s rise and fall happened at a shocking speed, faster than some coasters.
Despite its grand ambitions, Freedomland closed after just four years, plagued by financial troubles and poor attendance. Its rides were unlike anything else, blending history with action in a way that was both thrilling and educational. While some of its attractions lived on in other parks, the wild, immersive experience of Freedomland was lost forever.
2. Chippewa Lake Park (1878-1978) – A Century of Thrills Left to Rot
Chippewa Lake Park in Ohio operated for an astonishing 100 years before shutting down in 1978. It was home to a terrifying wooden roller coaster that had no seat belts or restraints, meaning riders simply had to hold on tight. Another unique attraction was its “Tumble Bug,” a bizarre spinning ride that whipped guests around on a track in little bug-shaped cars. To journey through this park is to journey through time and turmoil, as outlined in Third Stop to the Right.
After closing, the park sat abandoned for decades, with its rusting rides overtaken by nature. Urban explorers have since documented the haunting remains of its roller coasters and Ferris wheel, making it a legend among lost amusement parks. Though its rides are long gone, Chippewa Lake Park’s eerie ruins remain a reminder of its wild past.
3. Pontchartrain Beach (1928-1983) – New Orleans’ Lakeside Playground
Pontchartrain Beach in New Orleans was famous for its waterside location and its collection of thrilling, sometimes downright dangerous rides. One of its biggest attractions was the “Zephyr,” a classic wooden roller coaster that delivered an incredibly fast, bumpy ride along the shore. The park also featured a looping coaster in the 1970s—one of the earliest of its kind—that sent riders upside down in a single, heart-stopping flip. New Orleans Historical celebrates this peculiar site’s remarkable place in the region’s history.
The park eventually closed in 1983, and its land was repurposed for a university. Though it’s been gone for decades, Pontchartrain Beach is still remembered fondly by those who grew up riding its wild coasters and midway attractions.
4. Magic Mountain (1960-1981) – A Lost Land of Fantasy in Colorado
Not to be confused with the Six Flags park of the same name, Colorado’s Magic Mountain was meant to be the “Disneyland of the Rockies.” It was built into the side of a mountain and featured underground boat rides through caves filled with animatronic creatures. Another standout attraction was the “Burro Ride,” where guests rode real donkeys up a steep trail. It’s even something of an archaeological site, as outlined on Colorado Encyclopedia.
Despite its creative rides and stunning setting, Magic Mountain struggled to compete with larger parks and shut down after just a couple of decades. While parts of it were later repurposed into what is now Heritage Square, its wilder attractions disappeared into history.
5. Joyland Amusement Park (1949-2006) – The Roller Coaster Ghost Town
Joyland in Wichita, Kansas, was a small but beloved amusement park that had some surprisingly intense rides for its size. Its most famous attraction was the “Wooden Coaster,” a rickety thrill ride that had been around since the park’s early days. Joyland also had an old-school barrel roll funhouse that disoriented guests with moving floors and spinning tunnels.
After closing in 2006, the park was abandoned and quickly became a favorite spot for urban explorers. Sadly, many of its classic rides were vandalized or left to decay. Though Joyland is gone, its ghostly remnants remind us of the wilder days of classic amusement parks.
6. Lincoln Park (1894-1987) – Home to One of the Scariest Wooden Coasters Ever
Located in Massachusetts, Lincoln Park was a small, classic amusement park that had one unforgettable ride—the “Comet” roller coaster. This wooden coaster was notorious for its brutal speed, sharp turns, and lack of modern safety features, making every ride an adrenaline rush. The park also had old-school bumper cars that were faster and rowdier than today’s tame versions.
Lincoln Park closed in 1987, and the Comet was left standing for decades before finally being torn down. Its legendary coaster is still remembered by those brave enough to ride it.
7. Frontier Village (1961-1980) – The Wild West Theme Park That Disappeared
Frontier Village in San Jose, California, brought the Old West to life with interactive gunfights, stagecoach rides, and a runaway mine train coaster. One of its wildest rides was the “Lost Dutchman Mine,” a spooky indoor dark ride that sent guests through tunnels filled with glowing eyes and eerie effects.
Despite its popularity, the park closed in 1980 and was demolished for commercial development. Many of its unique props and artifacts were auctioned off, but its exciting, immersive rides disappeared forever.
8. Elitch Gardens (1890-1994) – A Park with a Haunted History
The original Elitch Gardens in Denver was one of the longest-running amusement parks in the U.S. It was known for its classic wooden coaster, the “Mister Twister,” which had a terrifyingly steep drop that left riders breathless. The park also had a dark ride called “The Wildcat,” featuring creepy animatronic creatures that startled guests at every turn.
Elitch Gardens was eventually relocated to a new, modernized site, but the original location was torn down. Many still remember the old park’s unique mix of thrills and old-world charm.
9. Riverview Park (1904-1967) – Chicago’s Most Dangerous Amusement Park
Riverview Park in Chicago was once one of the most popular amusement parks in America, but it was also home to some of the most intense (and unsafe) rides ever built. Its most famous attraction was “The Bobs,” a wooden roller coaster that was so fast and rough that it regularly left riders bruised. Another terrifying ride was the “Pair-O-Chutes,” which dropped guests from an 85-foot tower with nothing but a flimsy parachute-like device slowing them down.
Safety regulations eventually caught up with Riverview, and it shut down in 1967. Though it was beloved by thrill-seekers, its hair-raising rides would never pass modern safety standards.
10. Williams Grove Amusement Park (1850-2005) – A Park Lost to Time
One of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S., Williams Grove in Pennsylvania was home to a legendary wooden roller coaster known simply as “The Cyclone.” This coaster had an intense, rickety ride that felt like it could fly off the track at any moment. The park also had classic carnival-style rides, including a funhouse that featured old-school gags like air blasts and moving floors.
After closing in 2005, the park was left abandoned, with its roller coasters and rides slowly being reclaimed by nature. Though its glory days are long gone, its wild attractions live on in the memories of those who rode them.
While these forgotten amusement parks are no longer around, their wild rides, daring coasters, and unique attractions made them unforgettable. Whether they were known for speed, danger, or sheer creativity, they offered experiences that modern theme parks rarely replicate. For those lucky enough to have visited, these parks were truly one-of-a-kind.
