Introduction
Once filled with laughter and excitement, many amusement parks across the U.S. have been abandoned, leaving behind haunting remnants of the past. These eerie parks are frozen in time, overtaken by nature and decay, creating mysterious and ghostly landscapes that attract urban explorers and thrill-seekers alike.
If you’re fascinated by forgotten places, here are some of the most haunting abandoned amusement parks in the U.S.
- Six Flags New Orleans – Louisiana
Why Visit?
Devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, this once-thriving amusement park has sat abandoned ever since.
What to See:
- Rusting Roller Coasters – Twisted tracks stand motionless, overgrown with weeds.
- Graffiti-Covered Rides – Urban artists have turned the park into a canvas.
- Apocalyptic Atmosphere – A real-life movie set, featured in Jurassic World (2015).
Travel Tip:
Access is strictly prohibited, but you can view it from the outside or explore with special permission.
- Dogpatch USA – Arkansas
Why Visit?
Based on the Li’l Abner comic strip, this Ozark-themed amusement park opened in the 1960s but failed financially and was abandoned in 1993.
What to See:
- Decaying Wooden Cabins – Once part of the park’s hillbilly-themed attractions.
- Empty Trout Ponds – Previously used for fishing attractions.
- Overgrown Trails – The forest is reclaiming the park.
Travel Tip:
The land was recently sold to new owners, so check if visits are allowed before attempting to explore.
- Lake Shawnee Amusement Park – West Virginia
Why Visit?
Built on a Native American burial ground, this cursed amusement park is known for its eerie past.
What to See:
- Ferris Wheel & Swing Rides – Still standing, but rusting and swaying in the wind.
- Haunted Stories – Legends of ghostly children playing on the swings.
- Paranormal Tours – Available for those brave enough.
Travel Tip:
This park is privately owned, but guided ghost tours are available for a fee.
- Williams Grove Amusement Park – Pennsylvania
Why Visit?
Abandoned since 2005, this family-owned amusement park now sits in eerie silence.
What to See:
- Old Wooden Roller Coaster – Slowly rotting away.
- Empty Water Slides – Once full of summer fun, now cracked and dry.
- Carnival Ruins – Ticket booths and food stands covered in vines.
Travel Tip:
The park is technically off-limits, but urban explorers often visit discreetly.
- Holy Land USA – Connecticut
Why Visit?
Not a traditional amusement park, but a religious-themed park that once attracted thousands of visitors before closing in the 1980s.
What to See:
- Decaying Religious Statues – Biblical figures covered in moss.
- Crumbling Miniature Jerusalem – A once-grand replica now in ruins.
- Cross on the Hill – A towering symbol that still stands over Waterbury.
Travel Tip:
Some parts of the park are accessible for photography, but be respectful.
Conclusion
America’s abandoned amusement parks are haunting, beautiful, and eerie all at once. While some remain off-limits, others offer ghost tours and urban exploration opportunities, making them perfect for those drawn to the mysteries of the past.
FAQs
- Are these abandoned amusement parks safe to visit?
Many are structurally unstable and off-limits—visit at your own risk or join official tours.
- Why were these parks abandoned?
Financial failure, natural disasters, and shifting tourism trends led to their closure.
- Can I take photos at these locations?
Yes, but some require special permission—always check local rules.