6 Creepiest Abandoned Amusement Parks in the U.S.
While amusement parks like Disney World or Six Flags are still visited by millions each year, other parks have succumbed to time and decay. These abandoned amusement parks are scattered across the United States and the world, but all have the same creepy atmosphere. If you want to learn more about these eternally decaying locations, keep reading below.
6. Fun Spot Amusement Park
Starting our list of abandoned amusement parks is Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo in Angola, Indiana. The park was once home to Indiana’s only inversion coaster until Indiana Beach in Monticello added one. Some of the rides featured in the park were sold, but many are still left on the grounds, overgrown with tall grass. The rural setting only increases the isolation and the feeling that someone is watching you.
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5. Shawnee Amusement Park
Fifth on our list of abandoned amusement parks is the Shawnee Amusement Park in Princeton, West Virginia. The park was built on Native American burial grounds and closed in the 70s after two mysterious deaths of children. Since then, locals believe the park to be haunted and avoid it. However, it has also brought attention to the park, with several tours of the park happening regularly.
4. Joyland Amusement Park
Next on our list of abandoned amusement parks is Joyland Amusement Park in Wichita, Kansas. The park used to be well-visited and vibrant until it eventually closed in 2006 due to financial troubles. There are several eerie sections of the park, including the Wacky Shack, a fun-house-themed ride. Even creepier? Tornadoes touched down not far from the park, throwing shadow and wind onto the buildings.
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3. Williams Grove Amusement Park
Rounding out our top three abandoned amusement parks is Williams Grove Amusement Park in Williams Grove, Pennsylvania. The park opened in 1850 and closed in 2005, being abandoned ever since. During its heyday, Williams Grove was known for its family-friendly atmosphere. Today, the Cyclone wood roller coaster is almost entirely hidden by overgrown foliage.
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2. Disney’s River Country
Second on our list of abandoned amusement parks is Disney’s River Country in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. While it’s hard to believe a Disney park could be on this list, River Country was Disney’s first water park. It was designed to look like a rustic swimming hole, inspired by books like Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Its demise may be partially due to newer water attractions opening nearby and was never dismantled after closing.
1. Chippewa Lake Amusement Park
Last but not least on our list of abandoned amusement parks is Chippewa Lake Amusement Park in Chippewa Lake, Ohio. The park opened for business in 1878 and closed around 100 years later, mostly due to declining attendance over the last few years. Most of the rides are untouched, overgrown with weeds, and stained with rust. The original Ferris Wheel is probably the creepiest attraction, moving when the wind blows with a gentle crying noise.
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