Once upon a time, there was an abandoned theme park in Howard County,Maryland…
It was a magical place that captured the imagination of countless Marylanders and out-of-towners, adults and children alike, for over thirty years. To the chagrin of all who held such fond memories of this special site, it was left to deteriorate and crumble. Until one day, the community overcome with nostalgiacame together and made it possible to save parts of the beloved childhood park and restored them so future visitors could enjoy the park as they once had.
Fortunately, this is not a fairy tale, but rather the compelling story of how the Enchanted Forest was brought back to life.
The Enchanted Forest opened in Ellicott City as a storybook-themed park in August 1955, one month after Disneyland in California. Visitors to the park enjoyed attractions such as Cinderella’s Castle, Humpty Dumpty, Willie the Whale, and the Three Bear’s House, among many other favorites.
The park became incredibly popular in the decades that followed, drawing 300,000 visitors each summer during its peak. When the park was shuttered in 1989, the property was purchased by a development company. A shopping center of the same name was built on the location in 1992, but the park itself was padlocked in the years that followed, with the exception of select openings for private events and one additional summer season in 1994.
Behind the castle facade entrance, that served as ornamentation to the shopping center, the remaining attractions deteriorated over time. The decay of the buildings was well-documented over the years by local photographers. The abandoned park was even described by one blogger as “Candyland after a neutron bomb strike.”
In 1999, passionate community members formed theFriends of the Enchanted Forestwith the hope of forming solutions to resuscitate the theme park. Four years later, the Enchanted Forest Preservation Society emerged with that same aim, but the focus was placed on saving the artifacts, characters, and structures from being lost forever. Then in 2004, Martha Clark, owner of Clark’s Elioak Farm in Ellicott City and former director of theHoward County Historical Society,acquired Cinderella’s pumpkin coach from the Enchanted Forest to embellish the offerings at her family farm and petting zoo. Cinderella’s Coach inspired Ms. Clarkand she has since saved and restored many more artifacts from the Forest. Her efforts were so essential to saving this special placethat theSmithsonian Magazinedubbed her the “Fairy Godmother” of the Enchanted Forest.
Just last Summer, the 60th anniversary of the Enchanted Forest was celebrated by a grand reopening at Elioak Farm. Preservation Maryland joined with Preservation Howard County and hosted a historic preservation resource table for the thousands of visitors. And today, anyone nostalgic for their childhood and simple joys can visit and explore the Enchanted Forest!
PHOTOS FROM THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY
The lead-in photo of this post is a vintage souvenir postcard of Hansel and Gretel’s House from the Enchanted Forest theme park. Postcard published by H. S. Crocker, Baltimore, Md in 1956.Our Preservation Month posts were written and prepared by Rachel Rettaliata, one of Preservation Maryland’s Waxter Interns. Rachel’s work with us focuses on communications and advocacy.She is a Fulbright Scholar, and will be attending the historic preservation program at the University of Marylandthis fall. Learn more about Rachel and our intern program here: presmd.org/waxter.
FAQs
Although the park closed in the early 1990s, passionate community members formed the Friends of the Enchanted Forest and in 2004, a preservation victory was achieved when many of the pieces were moved to Clark's Elioak Farm in Howard County, where they can still be enjoyed today.
What happened to the Enchanted Forest in Maryland? ›
The park expanded from 20 acres (81,000 m2) to 52 acres (210,000 m2). At its peak, the Enchanted Forest welcomed 300,000 children per summer season. After its original owners, the Harrison family, sold the park for $4.5 million to JHP Development in 1988, the park closed for the first time in 1989.
Where is the abandoned Enchanted Forest? ›
Opening in 1955 (a month after Disneyland), The Enchanted Forest was a roadside amusem*nt park in Ellicott City, Maryland that featured figures from nursery rhymes and fairy tales.
What is the abandoned theme park that finally got a storybook ending? ›
The Abandoned Theme Park That Finally Got a Storybook Ending | Enchanted forest theme, Abandoned theme parks, Enchanted forest maryland.
What is the old amusem*nt park in Ellicott City Maryland? ›
Once upon a time, there was a wonderful storybook park in Ellicott City, Maryland called The Enchanted Forest. Opened in August 1955, it thrilled and delighted generations of families from far and wide throughout the next 30 years.
Who is trapped in the enchanted forest? ›
Lieutenant Destin Mattias
A loyal guard of Arendelle, Mattias has long protected the kingdom against its enemies, including the Northuldra, but becomes trapped in the enchanted forest by a magical mist for over 30 years.
Who bought Enchanted Forest? ›
Water Safari Resort announced Monday that it has been acquired by Innovative Attraction Management. IAM, a Florida-based company, officially took over Enchanted Forest Water Safari and its related properties from K&K of Old Forge, Inc., and the Noonan family on Friday, March 1.
Who owned the Enchanted Forest in Maryland? ›
The park was owned by the Harrison family, but the magical pieces – like Willie the Whale, the Old Woman's Shoe, and Cinderella's Pumpkin Coach – were fabricated by Howard Adler and his team at Adler Display in Baltimore.
Can you walk through the Enchanted Forest? ›
The main trail at The Enchanted Forest takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. The Wildland Interpretive Nature Walk takes approximately 1 hour to complete.
Who lived in the Enchanted Forest? ›
Known inhabitants and traits
Often forests will be the home of dragons, dwarves, elves, fairies, giants, gnomes, satyrs, goblins, orcs, trolls, dark elves, leprechauns, halflings, centaurs, half-elves, and unicorns.
In 2005, Disney officially announced that River Country would remain closed permanently, and removed the entrance water tower. For the next 17 years, River Country sat abandoned, rotting and gradually being reclaimed by nature.
What American theme park was left abandoned? ›
Lake Shawnee Amusem*nt Park
This abandoned amusem*nt park was built on a site with a dark history.
What is the world's largest abandoned theme park? ›
Once dubbed the biggest theme park in Europe and a “symbol of pride” for a nation, this theme park now sits abandoned after closing its doors after just one year of business. Turkey's Ankapark is a forlorn place today, with abandoned rides and decaying attractions where once there were crowds of happy thrillseekers.
When did Enchanted Forest in Maryland close? ›
Did Gordon Ramsay help Ellicott City? ›
“Gordon Ramsay and his team brought excitement and much-needed resources to Historic Ellicott City,” said County Executive Calvin Ball. “Over the course of several days, Ramsay's crew, in partnership with hundreds of volunteers, worked nonstop to renovate, clean, and beautify our beloved historic Main Street.
What is Ellicott City, Maryland known for? ›
The historic district includes the Ellicott City Station, which is the oldest surviving train station in the United States, having been built in 1830 as the first terminus of the original B&O Railroad line.
Why did they move Santa's Enchanted Forest? ›
Originally located at Tropical Park, the attraction moved to Hialeah Park locations because the owners would not renew their lease.
What is the new name for the enchanted forest? ›
Water Safari Resort encompasses Enchanted Forest Water Safari, Calypso's Cove Family Fun Park, Old Forge Camping Resort and Water's Edge Inn.
Do they ever return to the Enchanted Forest? ›
Everyone except Henry will be transported back to the Enchanted Forest, prevented from ever returning. Since he was born in the Land without Magic, he can't be brought into the Forest. Only Emma will be able to stay with him because she is the Savior and thus able to escape the curse once again.
