Have you ever heard of the Enchanted Forest in Ellicott City, Maryland? Once a beloved theme park, its pieces have been restored and relocated to Clark’s Elioak Farm. Intrigued, we set out to uncover the magic that remains!
The Enchanted Forest, located in Ellicott City, opened its doors in August 1955—just a month after Disneyland! Designed by Howard and Julianne Harrison, it was one of the first theme parks on the East Coast, themed around nursery rhymes and fairy tales.
Visitors to the Enchanted Forest could stroll through whimsical attractions such as:
- A giant house shaped like a shoe, inspired by “There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe,” where guests could walk through.
- An Alice in Wonderland maze that invited guests to get lost in whimsy.
- A Hansel and Gretel-inspired gingerbread house that was a sweet delight.
- Little Toot’s Train Ride that brought the story to life.
- The Three Bears House and a larger-than-life Humpty Dumpty.
- A petting zoo filled with adorable animals.
However, as larger amusement parks like Hershey Park and Kings Dominion began to dominate the market, the Enchanted Forest struggled to keep up. In 1987, the Harrisons sold the park to a shopping center developer who promised to keep it open, but by 1995, the park had closed entirely.
Fortunately, in 2004, the owners agreed to move the remaining attractions to Clark’s Elioak Farm, where restoration began in 2005. Over a decade later and at a cost of about half a million dollars, more than 100 pieces of the Enchanted Forest were restored and are now part of the farm’s enchanting experience.
Visitors can explore these nostalgic pieces, enjoy a petting zoo, and partake in seasonal events, making it a delightful destination for families. If you find yourself nearby, I highly recommend checking it out!
Similar Theme Parks Across the Country
After sharing our visit, one of our listeners, Shawn, mentioned a similar park in New Jersey, which inspired me to dig deeper. Here are some other enchanting parks that celebrate fairy tales and storybook characters:
Storybook Land – Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey
Storybook Land, located near Atlantic City, opened on May 20, 1955, making it one of the oldest continuously operating theme parks in the U.S. This charming park features attractions dedicated to beloved fairy tales and nursery rhymes, including Cinderella, Snow White, and Alice in Wonderland.
Visitors can enjoy rides like Bubble the Coaster, J&J Railroad, Tick Tock Clock Drop, and Happy Dragon, along with storybook character sculptures, playgrounds, and scenic pathways. Seasonal events add to the magic, especially during fall and winter.
I can’t believe I didn’t know this was nearby during my trips to Atlantic City—I would have much preferred it over the casinos!
Children’s Fairyland – Oakland, California
Children’s Fairyland is another whimsical theme park located in Oakland, California. Opened on September 2, 1950, it’s one of the oldest parks in the country. Notably, Walt Disney visited Fairyland and drew inspiration for Disneyland, even hiring its first executive director and a puppeteer from the park.
Fairyland features enchanting storybook sets that bring beloved characters to life, including The Jolly Roger Pirate Ship, Old West Junction, and The Dragon Slide.
Rides include the Jolly Trolly train, which is the oldest ride in the park, as well as a mini Ferris wheel inspired by an African folktale. Visitors can also explore gardens, interact with animals, and enjoy various community events, including those just for adults.
Story Land – Glen, New Hampshire
Next, we travel to Story Land in Glen, New Hampshire, which opened in 1954. This park, designed to bring nursery rhymes and fairy tales to life, features over 30 attractions, including a petting zoo, games, and play areas.
With a focus on family-friendly rides, guests can experience the Roar-O-Saurus Coaster, Polar Kids Coaster, Huff Puff & Whistle Railroad, and the Bamboo Chutes log flume ride. Story Land also offers live shows and character breakfasts, along with special events throughout the year, including over-21 nostalgia nights that sound like a blast!
Santa’s Village – East Dundee, Illinois & Jefferson, New Hampshire
Next, I uncovered information about a chain of amusement parks themed around Christmas called Santa’s Village. The first opened in East Dundee, Illinois, on April 20, 1959, followed by a second location in Jefferson, New Hampshire, on June 18, 1966.
These parks are designed for family-friendly fun, celebrating the spirit of Christmas year-round. The Illinois location has changed ownership but continues to grow, adding attractions like a water park. Seasonal events like a drive-through light display and photo ops with Santa create magical memories.
The New Hampshire park carries the holiday theme throughout its attractions and hosts seasonal events for Fall, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. They limit ticket sales to ensure a more enjoyable experience, so be sure to book in advance!
I find myself wishing I lived closer to one of these charming, active parks. While exploring the remnants of the Enchanted Forest was a delightful experience, visiting a fully operational theme park filled with rides and vibrant attractions would be a dream come true. Large theme parks have their appeal, but the nostalgia and magic of these smaller parks truly resonate with me. I suppose it’s time to start planning a road trip!
