Johann Hunt
Theme parks are built for thrills, laughter, and nonstop fun. But not every one of them stays that way. Some were left behind after decades of joy, while others never even got the chance to open their gates. What remains are haunting traces—rusted rides and crumbling signs. These 15 deserted parks each carry a story frozen in time.
Pripyat Amusement Park, Ukraine
Scheduled for its debut just days before the Chernobyl disaster, it never officially welcomed visitors. The haunting Ferris wheel, still standing in silence, now symbolizes the tragic nuclear catastrophe that forever altered the region. There’s even a rumor that the park briefly opened to evacuees as the meltdown unfolded.
Six Flags New Orleans, USA
Six Flags New Orleans decayed after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, ultimately becoming a forgotten relic. With its rides now rusting away, the eerie atmosphere draws visitors seeking a glimpse of its past. The park’s abandoned tracks have become backdrops for Hollywood films like “Percy Jackson” and “Jurassic World.”
Chippewa Lake Park, USA
Chippewa Lake Park in Ohio is a true relic of amusement history. The Ferris wheel and roller coaster still stand, slowly being consumed by rust and ivy as nature reclaims the area. The park’s haunting beauty has made it a favorite for documentary filmmakers and horror fans.
Spreepark, Germany
It was once the pride of East Berlin, which operated from 1969 to 2002, enchanting visitors with its iconic swan boats and towering Ferris wheel. Following its shutdown, the park’s story took a bizarre turn when the owner attempted to smuggle rides to Peru in a failed bid for revival.
Williams Grove Amusement Park, USA
Operating since the 1850s, Williams Grove Amusement Park offered a century of classic rides and a racetrack until its closure in 2005. Though no longer operational, the park is occasionally used for car shows and haunted exhibits. Its vintage charm and eerie silence make it a favorite spot for nostalgia seekers.
Joyland Amusement Park, USA
For generations of Kansans, Joyland was the place where summer memories were made. The park was famous for its classic wooden roller coaster—one of the last of its kind in the Midwest—and its unsettling animatronic clown mascot. Following its closure, the park became a magnet for vandals and even caught fire.
Lake Dolores Waterpark, USA
This park reinvented itself several times, but the relentless desert heat and shifting tastes couldn’t keep it afloat, ultimately leading to its final abandonment in 2004. Today, its skeletal remains are a magnet for photographers and skaters, who turn the cracked pools and rusted slides into canvases and skateparks.
Camelot Theme Park, UK
Recreating the legend of King Arthur, Camelot Theme Park invited visitors to wander among decaying castles, dragon statues, and echoes of medieval fantasy. Despite its mythical theme, the park closed in 2012 due to low attendance, leaving behind frozen grounds, which are now used as a surreal backdrop for zombie events.
Fantasy World, Philippines
Think of it as the Philippines’ answer to Disneyland—Fantasy World appeared in the early 2000s with a storybook castle and big dreams of enchanting millions. Yet, the gates never officially opened. Untouched by crowds, its medieval castle remains a favorite backdrop for wedding photos and film shoots.
Yongma Land, South Korea
After struggling to attract visitors, the park quickly found new life as a haven for photographers, cosplayers, and K-pop music video directors. For a small fee, guests can wander through faded rides and overgrown paths, and if they’re lucky, the owner might even light up the carousel for a touch of nostalgia.
Heritage USA, USA
Once the third most visited theme park in America, Heritage USA was the brainchild of televangelist Jim Bakker. Its meteoric rise was cut short by scandal and hurricane damage in the late 1980s, leading to its closure. The majority of the park has now been repurposed into a church complex.
Dogpatch USA, USA
Dogpatch USA opened in 1968 with quirky hillbilly-themed attractions inspired by the Li’l Abner comic strip. The park’s whimsical charm faded by 1993 when it closed due to financial woes, leaving behind rustic buildings and water slides still surprisingly intact. Despite several attempts at revival, Dogpatch USA remains frozen in time.
Ghost Town In The Sky, USA
Roller coasters and saloons once waited atop Buck Mountain, where visitors reached the ridge by chairlift for a full Wild West experience. Though the park closed in 2002, its skeletal remains still stand with the iconic Cliff Hanger coaster looming eerily over the valley below.
Marshal Scotty’s Playland Park, USA
This park was a charming Western-themed amusement destination that offered kids a small roller coaster and train rides. However, by the late 1990s, declining attendance forced the park to close. The site still occasionally comes to life, hosting haunted house events and seasonal walkthroughs.
Nara Dreamland, Japan
Nara Dreamland, inspired by Disneyland, closed in 2006 after attendance dropped significantly and later became a popular spot for urban explorers. The park’s entrance gates still stand tall, ultimately evoking nostalgia and memories of its once-magical atmosphere.