Remembering Lost & Forgotten Roadside Tourist Attractions & Amusement Parks On The West Coast

Remembering Lost & Forgotten Roadside Tourist Attractions

& Amusement Parks On The West Coast

Marineland of the Pacific

With the unofficial arrival of summer comes the wonderful memories of treasured family summer vacations of the past as well as quite a few weekend road trips and stops along the way at eye-catching signs and kitschy trading posts. My goal here was to briefly reflect on those that are abandoned, lost, forgotten or no longer in existence – or in other words – defunct. I simply wanted to acknowledge or pay tribute to these closed, abandoned or destroyed places of enjoyment from our youth. They may be gone but they are definitely NOT FORGOTTEN. These include but are not limited to theme parks, amusement parks, animal parks, roadside attractions, ball parks, stadiums, speedway, racetracks, concert venues, military installations, super parks, off-the-wall eye-catchers, cheesy or kitschy tourist traps, museums, water parks, etc. They all offer one thing in common – pleasant childhood memories of growing up in times that are so very different than they are today. Now that these places are closed, all we have left are our memories to share with others who can more or less relate. So here begins a small journey or an escape, if you will, to recollected fun places and locations from family vacations and short excursions of years past – a majority of which are in California, but also including a number of places in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, British Columbia plus a few more elsewhere. By no means is this list complete (doubt that it could ever be possible) – but just a good start on that stroll down that path called memory lane …The years that appear following the location are the opening and closing years of the attraction (if known). To make listings easier to find, they are listed alphabetically. Please feel free to comment, update, or to add your own input. This list is by no means, complete. Please feel free to suggest additional places that should be included here – places that drew attention to motorists on that long road trip adventure – at some time in the past. I’m always interested to find out what others have come across in their travels. Enjoy :)

► On-going updates continue on this post with the latest entries being added on 2/1/2011) – Links are also being added from time-to-time on attraction listings for more details and/or history whenever possible. In some cases, Wikipedia links are used when no others can be found.

Are you aware of other places of interest that you have been to that are not listed here? Let me know – Also try to give some details about the attraction. Suggestions, comments and ideas are always welcome and encouraged.

1. 24 Hour Church Of Elvis – Portland, OR (1985-2002) – link
2. Abbot Kinney Pier – Venice, CA  (1905-1920) – link
3. Africa USA – Soledad Canyon/Los Angeles, CA (1962-1969) wild animal preserve where several TV shows , movies and commercials were filmed – In 1987 the property was purchased and restored by actress Tippi Hedren and is now called Shambala Preserve – link#1/link#2
   

   Daktari TV Series (1966-69) filmed @ Africa USA – Soledad Canyon

4. Alameda Naval Air Station – Alameda, CA (1936-1997)
5. Alpine Slide @ Boreal Ridge Ski Area – Donner Summit – Truckee, CA
6. Altamont Speedway/Altamont Raceway/Altamont Motorsports Park (Rolling Stones Concert 1969) – Altamont Pass, CA (1966-2008) – link#1 / link#2
   

   Altamont Speedway – Altamont Pass

7. American Advertising Museum – Portland, OR (1986-2004) – link
8. American Heritage Wax Museum – Scottsdale, AZ
9. American Meteorite Museum/Meteor Crater Observatory – Meteor City along old Route 66 near Winslow, AZ (1946-1953), then the museum moved to Sedona, AZ (1953-1960) – link #1/link #2   
10. Amusement City (?) – Lincoln City, OR (1970’s – 1980’s ??) carnival type rides & attractions
11. Antelope Valley Raceway (Palmdale International Raceway) (Drag Strip) – Palmdale, CA (1964-1980)
    

    Apacheland Movie Ranch – Apache Junction, AZ

12. Apacheland Movie Ranch/Studio – Gold Canyon/Apache Junction, AZ (1960-2004) – link#1/link#2
13. Arizona Alligator Farm & Kiddies Zoo – Tempe, AZ  (1946-19??) – link
    

    Arizona Alligator Farm – Mesa

14. Ascot Park (famous dirt racetrack) – Gardena, CA (1932-1990) - link
15. Aztec Bowl (stadium) – San Diego, CA (1936-1966)
    

    Balboa Fun Zone -Newport Beach, CA

16. Balboa Fun Zone (Balboa Peninsula) – Newport Beach, CA (1936-1972) & (1986-2006) – link
17. Bandon Cheese Factory – Bandon, OR (early 1900’s-2002) cheese tour & tasting – bought out by the Tillamook Cheese Company and then closed 
    

    Bandon Cheese Factory

18. Barbie Doll Hall of Fame – Palo Alto, CA (closed 1999)
19. Barnes Circus Zoo – Barnes City/Culver City, CA (1923-1927) – link
20. BayFair Shopping Center/Kiddieland/Playland – San Leandro, CA (1957-196?) – link
    

    Baylands Raceway – Fremont, CA

21. Baylands Raceway Park/Fremont Drag Strip – Fremont, CA (1959-1988) link #1 – link #2 – Facebook Page
22. Bay Meadows (Horse Racing Track) – San Mateo, CA (1934-2008) – link
    

    Bay Meadows – San Mateo, CA

23. Bedrock City/Flintstone’s Park – Chilliwack, BC, Canada (1975-1994) eventually sold and renamed Dino Town in 1994 - see Dino Town listing that was just added
    

    Bedrock City/Flintstones Park – Chilliwack, BC

    

24. Bedrock City/Flintstone’s Park – Kelowna, BC, Canada (19??-1998) – link
25. Bell Gardens Farm & Railroad – Valley Center, CA (1993-2003??) – link
    

    Bell Gardens Farm RR – Valley Center, CA

26. Bernheimer Oriental Gardens – Pacific Palisades, CA (1924-194?) – link
27. Beverly Park Kiddieland/Ponyland – Los Angeles, CA (1946 -1974) – link#1 – link#2 – out-of-print ‘E’ Ticket magazine link#3 – newspaper article link#4
28. Bible Land (sand sculptures) – originally located in Temecula – then moved to Calimesa in 1973 (late 1960’s – early 1990’s) –  link#1/link#2
    

    Bible Land (Last Supper sand sculpture) – Calimesa, CA

29. Big Bear Park / Big Bear Water Resort (Waterslide Park / RV Park) – Waterford, CA (1970’s-2003) featured 11 water slides at one time – link#1 – link#2
30. Birch Bay Resort / Shore Acres Resort – Birch Bay, WA (1912-1978) several ownership changes over the years along with attraction changes – check out extensive info link here – link
31. Black Canyon Greyhound Park (Dog Track) – Black Canyon, AZ (1967-1982) Originally built as a dog racing track and later used as a swap meet in the 1980’s – now sitting vacant and slowly deteriorating – link
    

    Black Canyon Greyhound Park – Black Canyon, AZ

32. Blue Lagoon Water Park – Vacaville, CA (1981-????) Attractions included 4 Waterslides built into the side of a hill, bumper boats, skeeter boats, kiddie pool, arcade
33. Blue Lake Park – Fairview/Troutdale, OR (1925-1960) rides removed in 1960 – link
    

    The Brown Derby – Hollywood, CA

34. Brown Derby Resteraunt – Los Angeles, CA (1926-1980) 4 locations in the Los Angeles area (Wilshire, Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Los Feliz) The Hollywood location attracted movie stars frequently during the “Golden Age of Hollywood” – link#1/link#2
35. Buckhorn Mineral Wells (Baths) & Wildlife Museum – Mesa, AZ (1939-2005?) – link
    

    Buckhorn Hot Mineral Baths & Wildlife Museum – Mesa, AZ

36. Buckskin Joe Frontier Town & Railway – Cañon City, CO (1958-2010) A Western-style theme park & Railway, originally an MGM movie set – link #1 – Colorado Springs Gazette newspaper about it’s closing
    

    Buckskin Joe Frontier Town – Canon City, CO

37. Buffalo Park – Flagstaff, AZ (1964-1969) This short-lived Wildlife Park featured more than 200 animals in a Wild West setting – link
    

    Buffalo Park – Flagstaff, AZ

38. Buffalo Ranch – Corona Del Mar/Newport Harbor, CA (1954-1959) – link#1/link#2/link#3
    

    Buffalo Ranch Miniature Steam Train – Carona Del Mar, CA

39. Bullwinkle’s Pizza & Family Entertainment – similar to Chuck E Cheese – themed after Rocky & Bullwinkle TV cartoon – large arcade, redemption center ‘tradin’ post’, kiddie rides, animatronic entertainment – at one time back in the 80’s there were multiple locations throughout California – now there are only 2 – Tukwila, WA and Wilsonville, OR – current website link
    

    Bullwinkles Pizza & Family Entertainment

40. Busch Gardens – Pasadena, CA (original location) (1905-1937) – link
41. Busch Gardens/Busch Bird Sanctuary – Van Nuys, CA (1966-1979) – link#1/link#2
    

    Busch Gardens – Van Nuys, CA

42. Cajon Speedway – El Cajon, CA (1961-2004) – link#1  
43. California Alligator Farm – Buena Park, CA (1953-1986) relocated from Lincoln Park in Los Angeles – (see listing further down page of Los Angeles Alligator Farm) - link
    

    California Alligator Farm – Buena Park, CA

44. California State Fairgrounds & Race Track – Sacramento, CA (1906-1968/1970) Original location before the move to Cal Expo – link
45. Camelot Family Fun Park – former chain of family amusement centers located in Bakersfield, Fresno, Livermore, Modesto, Palm Springs & Santa Maria – all in California – merged with Boomers! in 2001 and still operate under the the Boomers! name (although the Bakersfield location still operates under the Camelot name) - link
46. Carr’s One of A Kind In The World Museum – Spokane (Hillyard), WA (1990’s-2013) http://www.spokesman.com/video/2011/feb/23/one-kind-world-museum/
47. Carlsbad Raceway – Carlsbad, CA (1964-2004) – link
    

    Carlsbad Raceway – Carlsbad, CA

48. Casino Legends Hall of Fame Museum – Las Vegas, NV (inside the former Tropicana Casino Resort) Featured the world’s largest collection of casino memorabilia – link  –    
49. Castle Air Force Base (Air Museum) – Atwater, CA (1941-1995)
50. Caverns of Mystery/Dinosaur Caves – Shell Beach, CA (1948-1950’s?) history link  
51. Cawston Ostrich Farm – South Pasadena (Arroyo Seco Valley)  (1886-1935) – link#1 / link#2
52. Chandler Vintage Museum of Transportation & Wildlife – Oxnard, CA (1987-2006) – featured an extensive collection of vintage and rare classic, antique & sport automobiles, motorcycles and trains as well as fine art and wildlife game – link  –
    

    Chandler Vintage Museum of Transportation & Wildlife – Oxnard, CA

53. Chutes Park – Los Angeles, CA (1900-1910) see Luna Park-LA listing – link#1/link#2
54. Chutes-At-The-Beach – San Francisco, CA (1884-1926)  eventually evolved into Playland-At-The-Beach – see Playland-At-The-Beach listing below – link
    

    Chutes-At-The-Beach – San Francisco, CA

55. Circle Star Theatre – San Carlos, CA (196?-1993) featured a revolving concert stage link#1 / link #2      
56. Clovis Speedway (formerly Clovis Rodeo Grounds)- Clovis, CA (1960-1980?) link – brief info here (pdf)
57. Club Disney – Thousand Oaks, CA (1997-1999) A Disney-themed regional childrens play center – this was  the first location – additional locations were in West Covina, CA as well as Chandler, AZ and Glendale, AZ  – All locations were closed in 1999 –  link
58. Colonial Greens Miniature Golf + Carousel Roller Rink – Fresno (Maple @ Shields)
59. Columbia Beach Amusement Park – Sand Island/Tomahawk Island/Hayden Island, OR (1916-1926) – link
60. Columbia Gardens – Butte, MT (1899-1973) – link
    

    Columbia Gardens – Butte, MT

61. Coney Island Amusement Park – Reno/Sparks, NV (1909-192??) – link #1/link #2 
62. Corriganville Movie Ranch – Santa Susana (Simi Valley), CA (1949-1965) sold to Bob Hope and renamed Hopetown 1966 – Fires destroyed most of the structures in 1970 and again in 1979 – Now named Corriganville Regional Park, the Corriganville Movie Ranch is now a public park operated by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District – link#1 – link#2 / PDF brochure & history
    

    Corriganville Movie Ranch – Santa Susana, CA

63. Cotati Raceway – Cotati, CA (1957-1972) – link
64. Council Crest Amusement Park (“The Dreamland of the Northwest”) + Big Tree Observatory – Portland, OR (1907-1929) – link
    

    Council Crest “The Dreamland of the Northwest” – Portland, OR

65. Crazy Horse Campground & Waterslide – Shingle Springs, CA (1972-2000?) Supposedly the very 1st man-made waterslide – Also featuring miniature golf, pedal boats, horseback riding, fishing & swimming in addition to the campground – Here is the link to archived newspaper article referencing Crazy Horse Waterslide
66. Deerland Park Zoo & Flea Market  – Klamath Falls, OR (1969-1980) – recent obituary link of founder/owner
67. Dennis The Menace Playground @ El Estero Park  – Monterey, CA … Footnote: This incredible & unique playground was opened in 1956 and although it is still in existence today, there has been a huge overhaul of the play structures with many of the age old favorites from previous generations (“edgy” metal structures) being replaced by modern plastic & foam structures that are much safer by today’s standards… follow this LINK for details, first-hand stories, pics and the history of this memorable place – Here’s yet another…  Facebook link
    
    

    Dennis The Menace Playground – Monterey, CA

68. Depoe Bay Aquarium – Depoe Bay, OR (1927-1998) Oregon’s first aquarium as well as the oldest privately-owned aquarium in the US – link#1/link#2
    

    Depoe Bay Aquarium – Depoe Bay, OR (circa 1934)

69. Depoe Bay Wildlife Museum – Depoe Bay, OR (1937-19??) – link
70. Dino Town – Bridal Falls, BC Canada (1994- 2010) Formerly known as Flinstone’s Park & Bedrock City (see that listing above) – link #1/link #2
    

    DinoTown – Bridal Falls, BC, Canada

71. Dinosaur Land – Alpine, CA (1962-1964) short-lived dinosaur theme park  that had big plans for inclusion of a rollercoaster, water rides and more – several life-size dinosaurs “roamed” the park as well as other living creatures – Bob The Dinosaur can still be found on the property although somewhat hidden – link
    

    Dinosaur Park – Sun Valley, AZ

72. Dinosaur Park/International Petrified Forest & Painted Desert/Museum of The Americas – Sun Valley, AZ  (just east of Holbrook) (1999-2007) not to be confused with the Petrified Forest National Park 20 miles further to the east towards the New Mexico state line – link#1/link#2/link#3
    

    Doggie Diner

73. Doggie Diner – San Francisco, CA (multiple locations) (1949-1986) –  link
74. Earthquake The Ride/Enchanted World of Old San Francisco (at Fisherman’s Wharf) – San Francisco, CA (1975 -1995) -link  (check out the following vintage footage from YouTube and watch the promo from 4:48 on)           . 
    
75. Edmonds Field (Sacramento Solons – PCL) – Sacramento, CA (1949-1964)
76. Elitch Gardens (Amusement Park) (original location – West Highland area) Denver, CO (1890-1994) currently open in new location & new owners –  link#1/link#2
    

    Elitch Gardens – original Denver location

77. Elvis-A-Rama Museum – Las Vegas, NV (closed in 2006) – link#1/link#2
    

    Elvis-A-Rama Museum – Las Vegas, NV

78. Enchanted Village – Buena Park, CA (1976-1977) see listing for Japanese Village & Deer Park – link#1  link#2  link#3
    

    Enchanted Village – Buena Park, CA

79. Enchanted Village – Federal Way, WA (opened 1977 as a small ‘kiddie ride park’)merged with newly built Wild Waves Water Park in 1984 – a few ownership changes since- still in operation – link
80. End of The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center & Museum – Oregon City, OR (closed 2009)
81. The Engine House – Sunnyvale, CA (closed in 1991) (huge train and hobby dungeon-like store with  permanent expansive operating train layout) – link to the 1995 newspaper article about the auctioning off of the massive inventory dating back to the 1930’s
    
82. Exotic World/Strippers Hall of Fame – Helendale, CA (closed in 2006)
    

    Family Fun World – Eloy, AZ (remnants)

83. Family Fun World – Eloy, AZ – not sure whether this one ever truly “opened for business” – link#1/link#2 
84. Family Fun Center – Former chain of Southern California family amusement centers located in Anaheim, El Cajon, Escondido, Fountain Valley, San Diego (Kearny Mesa), Upland & Vista – merged with Boomers! in 2001 and still operate under the Boomers! name
85. Family Fun Center – LaMesa, CA (1961-1990) relocated to El Cajon to make room for a freeway offramp – LA Times newspaper article linkfrom Sept/1990
    

    Family Fun Center – LaMesa

86. Fantasy Gardens/Fantasy Garden World – Richmond, BC CANADA – link
    

    Fantasy Gardens – Richmond, BC Canada

87. Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour – 130 locations nationwide at their peak (1963-1990) (“Farrell’s Features Fabulous Food and Fantastic Fountain Fantasies for Frolicking Fun-Filled Festive Families”) (1963-1990) -link#1/link#2
88. The Fillmore – San Francisco, CA (famous auditorium/concert hall) (196?-1989) decimated by 1989 SF earthquake – link#1/link#2
89. Fillmore West – San Francisco, CA (famous concert hall)(1968-1989)
    

    Fleishacker Pool (Dive Platform) – San Francisco, CA

90. Fleishhacker Pool – San Francisco, CA (1925-1971) was the largest pool in the U.S. and supposedly could be seen from space – link
    

    Old Fleishacker Pool – San Francisco (circa 1930’s)

91. Fort Ord (US Army Base) – Monterey Bay (Sand City/Seaside), CA (1917-1994)
92. Fossil Cabin (Museum)/Como Bluff Dinosaurium – Como Bluff (Medicine Bow), WY (1932-199?) cabin constructed entirely of dinosaur bones excavated from the neighboring Como Bluff “Dinosaur Graveyard” – link#1/link#2/link#3
    

    Fossil Cabin – Como Bluff, WY

93. Fraser’s Million Dollar Pier – Venice, CA (1911-1912) – link
94. Fraser, Pickering & Lick Pier – Santa Monica, CA (1913-1924) – link
95. Fresno Metropolitan Museum of Art & Science – Fresno, CA (1984-2010) – link
96. Frontier Relics Museum – Dos Cabezas, AZ (A partial Ghost Town just south of Wilcox,AZ) – (1982-2007) – link#1 – link#2 – link#3 (founder’s recent obituary)
    

    Frontier Town – near Helena, Montana

97. Frontier Town – near Helena, MT (1946-1999?) – link
98. Frontier Town/Big Oak Ranch (Wild West Theme Park) – Dehesa/Granite Hills/Harbinson Canyon just east of El Cajon, CA (1960’s-198?) – link#1 – link#2 (1996 LA Times newspaper article about the owner of this property and his murder trial committed at this once popular western tourist attraction)
    

    Frontier Town / Big Oak Ranch (near El Cajon, CA)

99. Frontier Village – San Jose, CA (1961-1980) – link
    

    Frontier Village – San Jose, CA

100. Fun Forest Amusement Park @ Seattle Center – Seattle, WA (scheduled for closing in 2010) – website link – May/2010 newspaper article link – 2007 newspaper article link
     

     Fun Forest at Seattle Center (circa 1972)

101. Fun Junction – Grand Junction, CO (1954-2004) – info link
     

     Gay’s Lion Farm – El Monte, CA

102. Gay’s Lion Farm – El Monte, CA (1925-1942) – link
103. Gayway Park (on the pier) – Seaside, OR (1950’s-1980’s) – link
     

     Gayway Park Carousel – Seaside, OR

104. George Air Force Base – Victorville, CA (1941-1992)
105. Gilmore Field (Hollywood Stars-PCL) – Los Angeles, CA (1939-1957)
106. Gilmore Stadium – Los Angeles, CA (1934-1952)
     

     Goebel’s Lion Farm – Thousand Oaks, CA

107. Goebel’s Lion Farm/Wild Animal Farm – Thousand Oaks, CA (1926-1945) eventually evolved into Jungleland after being sold(see Jungleland listing below) – link#1/link#2
     

     Thousand Oaks, CA

108. Golfland – South El Monte, CA
109. Golfland / Wild West Waterslide – Stockton, CA (1970’s-1980’s) – miniature golf, waterslides, bumper boats, batting cages
     
110. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (original) – Hollywood, CA (1927-????) legendary Hollywood theater now known as Mann’s Chinese Theater – link
     

     Original Grauman’s Chinese Theater – Hollywood, CA

111. Green Lake Aqua Theater – (Green Lake) Seattle, WA (1950-1969) – link #1/ link #2
112. Griffith Park  Zoo (the old – but not original – Los Angeles Zoo) (1912 – 1965) relocated a couple of miles north – remnants of the zoo’s housing facilities still can be found in various degrees of decay and ruins - lots of trails still remain – see sign below – link#1 (great pics)/link#2
     

     Old Los Angeles Zoo @ Griffith Park

113. Grouse Mouse/Mountain Coaster @ Grouse Mountain – North Vancouver, BC Canada (1970’s-1980’s)
     

     Grouse Mouse/Mountain Coaster – North Vancouver, BC

114. Guinness Museum of World Records – San Francisco, CA (on Fisherman’s Wharf)
     
115. Guinness Museum of World Records – Las Vegas, NV
116. Hall of Health Hands-On Health Museum – Berkeley, CA (1974-2009) – link
117. Hamilton Air Force Base – Novato, CA (1929-1974)
118. Hangman’s Tree Historic Spot – Placerville, CA  
119. Happyland (Hastings Park) – Vancouver, BC, Canada (1910-1957) evolved into Playland At The Pacific Nation Exhibition (PNE) on the opposite side of the PNE in 1958 – link#1/link#2 
120. Harrah’s Automobile Museum (Original) – Sparks, NV
121. Hart’s Reptile World – Canby, OR (1980-2002) the actual facility is closed but they still offer community educational programs as well as tour around the region – website link  
122. Haunted Gold Mine (at Fisherman’s Wharf)  – San Francisco, CA (1979-1998)   link (scroll down to almost the bottom within the link)                                                    
123. Hershey’s Chocolate Factory & Visitor Center (tour) – Oakdale, CA (1965-2008) main facility in Hershey, PA still remains in production at this time website – Here’s the link about it’s closure
     

     Hershey’s Plant – Visitor Center – Oakdale, CA

124. Hill Country (Antique Auto/Plane Museum/Country Club) – San Martin, CA (evolved into Wings of History Museum) – link
125. Hi Jolly Date Gardens & Petting Zoo – Mesa, AZ (1950’s-1970’s??)
     

     Hi-Jolly Date Gardens – Mesa, AZ

126. Hobbiton USA/The Living Chimney Tree – Phillipsville, CA (closed in 2008?) (located along Avenue of the Giants off Hwy 101 in the Northern California Redwoods of Humboldt County) Link / YouTube Link
     
     

     Hobbiton USA – Philipsville, CA

127. Holiday On Ice – Touring Ice Show Production at various arenas (1943-1970)
128. Hollywood Palace/Playhouse – Hollywood, CA (1927-1978)
129. Hoppyland – Venice, CA (1951-1954) – link – link#2
     

     Hoppyland – Venice, CA

130. House of Poverty Museum – Moses Lake, WA (closed in 2006) – Link #1 / Link#2
     

     House of Poverty Museum – Moses Lake, WA

131. Ice Capades – Touring Ice Show Production at various arenas (1940-1995)
132. Ice Follies – Touring Ice Show Producion at various arenas (1937-1979)
133. Idlewild Park Playland (Lion’s Kiddie Park) – Reno, NV – A small kiddie amusement park located within Idlewild Park – Idlewild Park is still intact however the rides have been closed and removed from the park with the exception of the miniature train ride –  Link
134. Idora Park – Oakland, CA (1904-1929) – link#1/link#2
     

     Idora Park – Oakland, CA

135. Indian Forest – Florence, OR (1970’s-1980’s) authentic Walk-Thru Indian Village with live buffalo Link to pic of entrance & gift shop (currently vacant & for sale)
     
     

     Indian Forest – Florence, OR

136. Indian Village – (Eastlake Park/Lincoln Park) Los Angeles, CA – link
137. J’s Amusement Park – Guerneville, CA (197?-2003) – link #1 / link #2
     

     J’s Amusement Park – Guerneville, CA

138. Jack Adam’s Alligator Farm – Mesa, AZ  (1950’s – 1960’s??)
     

     Jack Adam’s Alligator Farm – Mesa, AZ

139. Japanese Flower Garden/South Mountain Flower Gardens – South Phoenix (Near South Mountain stretching for miles along Baseline Road) (mid-1930’s-late 1980’s) link
     

     Japanese Flower Gardens – Phoenix (near South Mountain)

140. Japanese Village & Deer Park – Buena Park, CA (196?-1975) see listing for Enchanted Village – link#1/link#2
     

     Japanese Village & Deer Park – Buena Park, CA

141. Jantzen Beach Amusement Park – Hayden Island (Portland), OR (1928-1970) – link#1/link#2
     

     Jantzen Beach Amusement Park – Portland, OR

142. Jellystone Park (Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park) – Soledad Sands (Acton), CA (1960’s-70’s?) popular cartoon themed resort/campground with miniature steam train, giant slide, waterslide?, pool, BMX track, pinball arcade… also there were a number of other campgrounds in the area, Soledad Sands, White Rock Lake, Robin’s Nest (where they used to film the original Tarzan TV show), Vasquez Rocks (Agua Dulce), Oasis Park, Cypress Resort, etc.)  link
143. Jones Fantastic Museum – Lynnwood, WA – then relocated to Seattle Center (1950’s – 1970’s) – link (scroll further down to see listing called Museum of the Fantastic)
144. Joy Zone – Seal Beach, CA (1916-1920?) – link
     

     The Joy Zone – Seal Beach, CA

145. Julia Davis Fun Depot (in Julia Davis Park) – Boise, ID (1991-2002)
146. Jungle Island – Buena Park, CA (across Beach Blvd. from Knott’s Berry Farm)
     

     Jungle Island – Buena Park, CA

147. Jungle Jim’s Playland – Glendale/Mesa/Phoenix, AZ (closed ??) 
148. Jungleland/World Jungle Compound – Thousand Oaks, CA (1945-1969) started out initially as Goebel’s Lion Farm (see Goebel listing above) and evolved into Jungleland through various ownership changes – link#1l/ink#2/link#3

149. 

     Jungleland – Thousand Oaks, CA

150. Karts N’ Golf – Fremont, CA (closed in 2008)
151. Kearney Bowl Speedway/Airport Speedway (original name) – Fresno, CA (1950’s-1970) across from the Chandler Airport in Southwest Fresno – brief info (pdf)
152. Kern River Park / Hart Park – Bakersfield, CA (1929-197?) This large park featured a large amphitheater, cascading waterfall, large swimming pool (2nd largest in California) with a gigantic “Plunge” attraction (Kern River Park Plunge), peddle boats rentals, bike rentals, bath house, ‘People’s Playground’, Hart Park Zoo, ‘Kiddieland’ amusement park (1940), large metal rollercoaster, electric bumper cars, train ride (Kern River Railroad) – PDF file link#1 – link#2
153. Kezar Stadium (original) (Golden Gate Park)  – San Francisco, CA (1925-1989)
154. Kiddieland/Grampaw Mack’s Kiddieland – Garden Grove, CA (1950’s-early 1970’s) – link
     

     Grampaw Mack’s Kiddieland – Garden Grove, CA

155. Kiddie Land @ William Land Park – Sacramento, CA (early 1940’s-1983) evolved into Funderland – history link in PDF format
156. Kiddieland @ Kern River Park / Hart Park – Bakersfield, CA – link (check out listing above for Kern River Park for much more info and 2 additional historical links about this attraction)
157. Kiddie Land Amusement Park – San Bernardino, CA – Formerly located inside of Perris Hill Park
158. Kiddyland of Lake Arrowhead – Lake Arrowhead, CA (1950’s) link #1 (photos of attractions from worthpoint auction)  – link #2 (obituary of owner)
159. Kingdom of Dancing Stallions – Buena Park, CA (1978-1983) sold in 1984 and converted into the Medieval Times Dinner Theater 
160. The Kingdome – Seattle, WA (1976-2000) – link#1/link#2/link#3/link#4
     

     The Kingdome – Seattle, WA

161. Lake Dolores (1962-1989)/Rock-A-Hoola Waterpark (1990-2001)/Discovery Waterpark (2002-2004) – Newberry Springs, CA – America’s first water park – link#1/link#2/link#3
     

     Rock-A-Hoola Waterpark – Newberry Springs, CA

     

     Rock-A-Hoola Waterpark – Newberry Springs, CA

162. Lakeside Amusement Park – Tempe, AZ (1949-1950??)
163. Lane Field (San Diego Padres-PCL) – San Diego, CA (1936-1957)
164. Legend City – Tempe, AZ (1963-1983) – link#1/link#2
     

     Legend City – Tempe, AZ (Lost Dutchman Mine)

165. Legion Ascot Speedway – El Sereno/Los Angeles, CA (1924-1936) – link
166. Leschi Park – Seattle, WA (1889-1909?) features included a casino, amusement park, garden, boat rentals & zoo – link
167. Liberace Museum – Las Vegas, NV (1979-2010) – link
     

     Liberace Museum – Las Vegas, NV

168. Lion Country Safari – Irvine, CA (1970-1984) – link#1/link#2
     

     Lion Country Safari – Irvine, CA

169. Little Indy 500 Go-Karts – Milpitas, CA (1970’s-1980’s)
170. Longacres Race Track (horse racing) – Renton, WA (1933-1992) – link
171. Long Beach Pike (1902-1949)/Nu Pike (1949-1971)/Queens Pike (1971-1979) – Long Beach, CA – link#1/link#2
     

     Long Beach Pike (Cyclone Racer) – Long Beach, CA

172. Los Angeles/California Alligator Farm – Lincoln Heights (Los Angeles), CA (1907-1953) then moved to Buena Park in 1953 (see listing above) – link
     

     California Alligator Farm – Los Angeles (Lincoln Park)

173. Los Angeles Ostrich Farm – Lincoln Heights (Los Angeles), CA (1906-????) – link
     

     Los Angeles Ostrich Farm

174. Los Angeles County Raceway (Palmdale Dragstrip) (NHRA Drag Racing) – Palmdale, CA (1980-2007)
175. The Lost Flea Market – San Jose, CA (1960’s-1980’s ??) A western-themed flea market formerly located on Montery Road 
176. Lost World/Enchanted Forest – Scotts Valley, CA (1963-1975) also see listing below under Tree Circus – updated newspaper link#1 / link#2 / Facebook page Link  
     

     Lost World – Scotts Valley

177. Lotus Isle Amusement Park (Wonderland of the Pacific) – Tomahawk Island (on the outskirts of Portland), OR (1930-1932) – link
178. Louis Lee’s Oriental Rock Garden – Paradise Valley, AZ (1958-2006?) – link#1/link#2
     

     Louis Lee’s Oriental Rock Garden – Paradise Valley, AZ

179. Luna Park – Los Angeles, CA (1911-1914) see Chutes Park listing link#1/link#2
180. Luna Park – San Jose, CA (early 1900’s – late 1920’s) early historic amusement park with a carousel, rollercoaster, other rides, amusement games and sports fields – link
181. Luna Park – Seattle, WA (1907-1913) – link#1/ link#2 /link#3/ link#4
182. Luna Park Zoo – (Eastlake Park/Lincoln Heights) Los Angeles, CA (1925-1931) evolved into California Zoological Gardens – link
183. Magic Carpet Miniature Golf – Tucson, AZ (1969-2008) – great photos – flicker photos   
184. Magic Landing Amusement Park – El Paso, TX (1984-1988) - link#1/link#2/link#3
     

     Original Magic Mountain sign & tower – Valencia, CA

185. Magic Mountain (original) – Valencia, CA (1971-1979) then purchased by Six Flags -still in operation after numerous management & ownership changes) – link#1/link#2
     

     Magic Mountain (vintage 70’s) – Valencia, CA

186. Magic Mountain – Golden, CO (1959-1960) – link #1 / link # 2
     

     Magic Mountain – Golden, CO

187. Manhattan Beach (1881-1908) /Luna Park (1908-1914) Edgewater (on the edge of Sloan’s Lake), CO – This was supposedly the 1st amusement park built and operated west of the Mississippi - link
188. Mahan’s Half Acre (Hula-Ville) – Hesperia, CA (1956 – 1996) – several artifacts were salvaged and moved to the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville before the site was torn down in 1997 – link#1/link#2/link#3 (great pics)
     

     Mahans Half-Acre (Hula-Ville) – Hesperia, CA

189. Malibu Grand Prix – Arizona (2 seperate locations) Tempe & Tucson – Both closed in the mid-90’s
190. Malibu Grand Prix/ Malibu Raceway – Beaverton, OR – Closing in April2013
191. Malibu Grand Prix – Fresno, CA (1977-1997) – link  – changed to Fresno Grand Prix towards the end
192. Malibu Grand Prix – Oakland, CA (1970’s-mid 90’s) was located next to the Oakland Coliseum and Arena – link
193. Malibu Grand Prix – Pacheco, CA (mid 70’s-mid 80’s)
194. Malibu Grand Prix/Castle Golf & Games – Redwood City, CA (1978-2013) Closing August 2013
195. Malibu Grand Prix – Los Angeles County (5 seperate locations) were located in Northridge, Pasadena, Reseda, City of Industry & Redondo Beach – link
     
196. Malibu Grand Prix – Orange County (2 seperate locations) were located in Anaheim & Fountain Valley
197. Malibu Grand Prix – San Diego, CA
198. Mammoth Orange/Giant Orange Drive-In – Chowchilla, CA (originally) then moved to Fairmead (along Hwy 99) (giant orange structure featuring fast food/fruit stand/freshly-squeezed orange juice) [forerunner of the Orange Julius chain] at one time there were 50+ independent locations throughout California – link#1 / link#2 /link#3
     

     Mammoth Orange – Fairmead, CA

199. Manhattan Beach Amusement Park – Edgewater, CO (1881-1908) burned down in 1908, then reopened as Luna Park (1908-1914) – link
200. Manzanita Speedway – Phoenix, AZ (1951-2009) link  /  Facebook link
     

     Manzanita Speedway – Phoenix

201. Marine World – Redwood City, CA (1968-1972) evolved into Marine World/Africa USA (1972-1986) moved to Vallejo, CA in 1986 – now known as Six Flags Discovery Kingdom – link
     

     Marine World Africa USA – Redwood City, CA

202. Marineland of The Pacific – Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (1954-1987) - link
     

     Marineland of the Pacific – Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

203. Marriott’s Great America (original) – Santa Clara, CA (1976-1985) then became simply Great America (Kings Entertainment) (1985-1993) then Paramount’s Great America (1993-2006) – now known as  California’s Great America (Cedar Fair Entertainment) after more ownership changes – link
     

     Marriott’s Great America – Santa Clara, CA

     

     Marriott’s Great America – Santa Clara, CA (circa 1979)

204. Marshal Scotty’s Playland Park (1967-1993?)/Frazier’s Frontier (1993-1996?) – La Mesa/El Cajon/Lakeside, CA - link#1 – link#2 – San Diego Union Tribune update on the re-opening as Canyon Raceway 11/2011
     

     Marshal Scotty’s Playland Park – El Cajon, CA

     

     Marshal Scotty’s Playland Park – El Cajon, CA

205. Mather Air Force Base – Rancho Cordova, CA (1918-1993)
206. Mayan Adventure – Sandy, UT (2008-2011) Mayan/Jungle themed – was a 40,000 sq. ft., 700-seat restaurant that featured exotic waterfalls, cliff divers, fire dancers and a robotic talking toucan. 
207. McClellan Air Force Base – North Highlands, CA (1935-2001)
208. Mercer Arena (Seattle Center Arena) – Seattle, WA (1928-2003) – link
     

     MGM Grand Adventures – Las Vegas, NV

209. MGM Grand Adventures Theme Park – Paradise/Las Vegas, NV (1993-2000) – link
     

     MGM Grand Adventures – Las Vegas (Log Flume Ride)

210. Medieval Dungeon (at Fisherman’s Wharf) – San Francisco, CA (1989-1998) – link (scroll down to almost the bottom of the page within the link)
211. Meridell Park – Pocatello, ID (1920-late 1960’s?) former historic amusement park and dance pavilion – link#1 (PDF link to newspaper article about the amusement park being built) – link#2
212. Mesa Marin Raceway – Bakersfield, CA (1977-2005) – link#1
     

     Mesa Marin Raceway – Bakersfield, CA

213. Midway Drive-In & Swap Meet – Kent, WA (1940-2005) indoor & outdoor market with amusement rides & miniature golf next door
214. Mile High Stadium/Bears Stadium – Denver, CO (1948-2001)
215. Million Dollar Museum – White’s City, NM (1927-2007?) link
     

     Million Dollar Museum – Whites City, NM

216. Milpitas Water Slides – Milpitas, CA (1970’s – 1980’s?)
217. The Mine Shaft – Rancho Cordova, CA (large two-story building featuring an indoor/outdoor miniature golf(s), huge arcade, indoor games, batting cages, go-karts, tanks that you drove & shot tennis balls at others using compressed air guns, (there was also a dance floor in the basement)
     
218. Mission Beach Amusement Center/”The Plunge”/Historic Belmont Park – San Diego, CA (1925-1976) – link#1/link#2
     

     Mission Beach Amusement Center – San Diego

219. Moffett Field Naval Air Station (huge twin hangars) – Mountain View, CA
     

     Moffett Field NAS – Mountain View, CA

220. Mojave Phone Booth – (1960’s-2000) Mojave Desert in the middle of nowhere … near the small town of Baker between Barstow & Las Vegas some 15 miles from the nearest highway (I-15) known as “The Loneliest Phone Booth In The World” – link#1 – link#2 – link#3
     

     Mojave Phone Booth – Mojave Desert (middle of nowhere)

221. Morrison Planetarium@Golden Gate Park (original) , San Francisco, CA (1952-??)
222. Mott’s Miniatures & Doll House Shop – Buena Park, CA (1949-2009) – link
223. Movie World/Cars of Stars/Planes of Fame Museum – Buena Park, CA (1970-19??) –  link#1/link#2
     

     Movie World Cars of Stars/Planes of Fame – Buena Park

224. Movieland of the Air Museum – Santa Ana, CA (1963-1968) (1969-1985) (located at the John Wayne/Orange County International Airport) – link
     
225. Movieland Wax Museum/Palace of Living Art/Cars of the Stars – Buena Park, CA (1962-2005) – link#1/link#2 
     

     Movieland Wax Museum – Buena Park, CA

226. Mt. St. Helen’s Experience (Cinedome/IMAX Theatre) – Castle Rock, WA (1980’s – ??)
227. Museum of the Fantastic - Redmond/Sisters, OR (1980’s-1990’s) (originally named Jones Fantastic Museum – see listing further above) – link
228. Natatorium Park – Spokane, WA (1889-1967) – link
     

     Natatorium Park – Spokane, WA

229. NBC Burbank Studio Tours – Burbank, CA (closing this year & relocating to Universal Studios) – link#1 / link#2 / link#3
     

     NBC Studio Tours – Burbank, CA

230. Neptune Beach – Alameda, CA (1917-1939) – link
231. Never Never Land@Point Defiance Park – Tacoma, WA (1964-2001) – link
     

     Never Never Land (Point Defiance Park) – Tacoma, WA

232. Nut Tree – Vacaville, CA (1921-1996) featured a kiddie amusement park, train ride, children’s play structures, toy store, restaurant and airstrip – link#1 / link#2  –  Re-Opened under new ownership as Nut Tree Family Park within the Nut Tree Village and Nut Tree Complex (2006-2009)

     The Nut Tree – Vacaville, CA

233. Oak Grove Beach & Amusement Resort – Oak Grove/Milwaukie, OR (1920’s ??) – link (scroll down near bottom of pagewithin the link)
234. Oakland Indoor Midget Race Track – Oakland, CA (1940s-1950s)
235. Oakland Speedway – San Leandro, CA (1931-19??)
236. Oakwood Lake Resort/Manteca Waterslides – Manteca, CA (1974-2004) one of the first waterparks in the nation along with a large 400 site campground, 2500 sq ft. pool and lake – the original  water slide was made of cement/concrete and at it’s peak had 22 water slides including the very first tubular fiberglass recreational waterslide –  link#1 / link#2 /link#3
     

     Oakwood Lake Resort – Manteca Waterslides – Manteca, CA

237. Oaks Park Stadium (Oakland Oaks – Pacific Coast League) – Oakland, CA (1913-1956)
238. Oasis Water Works (Water Park) – Kennewick, WA (closed in 2003)
239. Ocean Park Pier – Santa Monica, CA (1926-1956) evolved into Pacific Ocean Park – link
240. Okanagan Game Farm – Kaleden/Penticton, BC CANADA (1967-1999)
241. Old MacDonald’s Farm (originally at Knotts Berry Farm) – Buena Park, CA (1955-1969) relocated to an independent location in Mission Viejo in 1969 – see listing below
     

     Old McDonald’s Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm

242. Old MacDonald’s Farm – Mission Viejo, CA (1969-197?) – link#1/link#2
243. Old MacDonald’s Farm – Westbank, BC – CANADA (included a petting zoo, waterslide, miniature train ride, mini golf, fishing pond, pony rides)
     

     Old McDonald’s Farm – Westbank, BC

244. Old Vegas / Westworld – Henderson, NV (1979-1986) located on the Boulder Hwy in Henderson, NV on 128 acres – originally opened under the ‘West World’ name but was changed less than 2 years later to ‘Old Vegas’ to coincide with the company’s other amusement attraction in Arizona, ‘Old Tucson’. A Theme Park and Casino which also included Hollywood-style reconstruction of an old west settlement that offered make-believe gunfights, saloon brawls, steam train rides, stagecoach rides – all located inside a make-believe Western Fort – closed in 1986 and torn down in 1996 for a housing tract — Las Vegas  Sun pdf link / link #2
     

     Old Vegas

245. Old West Wax Museum – Thermopolis, WY (19??-2009) – link #1/link #2
     

     Old West Museum – Thermopolis, Wyoming

246. Ontario Motor Speedway – Ontario, CA (1970-1981)
247. Orange County International Raceway – Irvine, CA (1967-1983) – link
248. Outrageous Waters Water Park & Fun Center – Clearlake, CA – link
     

     Outrageous Waters – Clear Lake, CA

249. Pacific Ocean Park (POP) – Santa Monica, CA (1958-1967) – link#1 / link#2 / link#3
     

     Pacific Ocean Park – Santa Monica, CA

250. Pacific City – Coyote Point/Burlingame, CA (1922-1923)  “The Coney Island of the West” –  Link
251. Pan Pacific Auditorium – Fairfax District/Los Angeles, CA (1935-1972)
252. Paradise Island Amusement Park – Sacramento, CA (1990’s??) – located inside Cal Expo
     
253. Paramount Movie Ranch(1927-??)/Paramount Ranch Raceway (1955-1957) – high up in the Santa Monica Mountains in what is now Agoura Hills, CA Previously a working Movie Ranch and now a National Park still featuring a remodeled Old West building/town set – link
254. Pat Derby’s Famous Wild Animals/Wildcat Sanctuary – Leggett, CA (1970’s-??) featuring “retired” wild animals of TV and motion pictures
     

     Pat Derby’s Famous Wild Animals – Leggett, CA

255. Pharaoh’s Lost Kingdom/Pharaoh’s Theme & Water Park – Redlands, CA (1994-2006) This Adventure Park was a 17-acre Egyptian theme park that included a water park, an amusement park, three race car tracks, four nine-hole miniature golf courses, a laser tag arena, an outdoor 2,550-seat amphitheater for concerts, midway rides, Namcoland arcade, bumper boats, kiddie rides, indoor soft-play area, had a sand beach, picnic area, a Skycoaster, indoor sports arena with a lounge – Reopened in 2010 under new ownership as Pharaoh’s Adventure Park, closed again a year later – Sold yet again and getting ready to re-open again in 2012 as Splash Kingdom at Pharaoh’s   Link
     

     -

     

     Pharoah’s Lost Kingdom – Redlands, CA

256. Phoenix Museum of History – Phoenix, AZ (1920’s-2009) – Link
257. Phoenix Trotting Park (Horse Racing Track) – Goodyear, AZ (1965-1966) – Link #1 / Link #2
     

     Phoenix Trotting Park – Goodyear, AZ

258. Phonehenge West – Acton, CA (1980s?-2011) an innovative wonderland of strange but beautiful sculptures & buildings from one mans dedication & determination.  Link #1 / Link #2
259. Piedmont Baths/Japanese Tea Garden (Piedmont Park) – Oakland, CA – Link
260. Pierpoint Landing – Long Beach, CA (located at the end of Pier A) (1948-1972) -A sportfishing, eating & entertainment complex that included kiddie rides, a Sea Lion feeding tank and souvenir shops – not to be confused with the existing sportfishing company near the Long Beach Aquarium – link#1 / link#2
     

     Pierpoint Landing – Long Beach (end of pier A)

     

     Pixieland – Central Oregon Coast (Otis Jct)

261. Pixieland – Otis Junction/Lincoln City, OR (1969-1975) A small but fun amusement park with it’s own train, log flume ride, western village, arcade, opera house (melodrama theater) restaurant and more on the central Oregon Coast – Link
     

     Pixieland – Central Oregon Coast

     

     Pixieland – Central Oregon Coast

262. Pizza Time Theater (aka Chuck E Cheese) – San Jose, CA  1974 – original location (1st store) located in Town & Country Village) –  Link#1 / Link#2
263. Planes of Fame Museum – Ontario, CA (1965-1973) expanded & relocated to the Chino Airport in 1973
264. Playland – Roseville, CA (1990’s) (large indoor video arcade & ticket redemption center, play area, and 4 kiddie rides including a coaster)
265. Playland  – Clovis, CA (1990’s) (same as above)
266. Playland – (Bitter Lake/Shoreline) North Seattle, WA (1930-1961) – Link
     

     Playland-at-Beach – San Francisco, CA

267. Playland-At-The-Beach – San Francisco, CA (1926-1972) – Link#1 / Link#2 / Link#3
     

     Playland-at-the-Beach along the Great Highway – San Francisco

268. Playland Pier/Barbary Coast – Coeur d’Alene, ID (1941-1975) –  great pics / link #1 /  link#2
     

     Playland Pier – Coeur D’Alene, ID

269. Pollardville Ghost Town – Stockton, CA (1946-2007) – this attraction featured the Palace Showboat Dinner Theater & Saloon, Chicken Kitchen Restaurant, the “smallest post office in the U.S., Jamestown Jail, authentic 1957 “Big Country” movie set, CKRR Narrow-Gauge Railroad (train rides), a stagecoach line and gunfights on Main Street, fishing and gold panning – Link #1 / Link #2 [newspaper article Link#3]
     

     Pollardville – Stockton, CA

270. Ponderosa Ranch (Home of the Cartwright Family from the Legendary Western TV Series, Bonanza) – Incline Village, NV (1967-2004) – Link
     

     Ponderosa Ranch – Incline Village

271. Portland Ice Arena – Portland, OR (1914-195?)
272. Portland Speedway – Portland, OR (1924-2000) link
273. The Presidio (US Army Base) – San Francisco, CA (1776-1994) (included military artifacts, fort, cannons, lots more) - Link#1 / Link #2
     

     Presidio of San Francisco

274. Prospector Hill – Auburn, CA (closed in the 1990’s)(miniature golf, batting cages, water shooter, arcade)
     
275. Putt-Putt Fun Center/Boomers – Escondido, CA (1973-2006) mini golf, go-karts, bumper boats – Link
276. Putt-Putt Golf – Modesto, CA (1960-1995) – Link
277. Q-Zar Lazer Tag – several locations
278. Querino Canyon Trading Post – Houck, AZ (located off the old US Route 66 (now Hwy I-40) at the Arizona/New Mexico state line) the building is now in advance decay/ruins – link
279. Rainforest Reptile Refuge – Surrey, BC – CANADA
280. Ripley’s Believe-It-Or-Not Odditorium – Buena Park, CA (closed in 2009)
281. Riverside International Raceway – Riverside, CA (1957-1989)
282. Roy Rogers Museum – Apple Valley, CA (1967-1976), Victorville, CA (1976-2003) (then relocated to Branson, Missouri in 2003 – closed permantly in 2009) – Link#1 / Link#2
283. Royal London Wax Museum – Scottsdale, AZ & Phoenix, AZ
284. Royal London Wax Museum – Victoria, BC, CANADA (1961-2010) Link about closure 
285. Royal Pacific Wax Museum – Newport, OR (1969-1984) collection relocated to the Wax Works on the Bayfront in Newport – link
286. Saltair Pavilion/The Hippodrome – Magna, UT (just southwest of  Salt Lake City) (1893-1958) – link#1 link#2
     

     Saltair Pavilion – Utah (on the eastern shores of the Great Salt Lake)

287. Sam’s Town – Cameron Park, CA (1967-2001) an old-fashion Western/Frontier mining-themed village featuring and elaborate restaurant, saloon, museum of turn-of-the-century memorabilia, Wells Fargo Stagecoach and a huge arcade – link #1link #2
     

     Sam’s Town Arcade – Cameron Park, CA

288. San Jose Go Karts – Monterey Road, San Jose, CA (197?-2001) – link to article
289. San Jose Speedway – San Jose, CA (1967-1999) track used to be across from the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds main entrance off Tully/Monterey Rd
290. Santa Claus Acres – Santa Claus, AZ located on Hwy 93 North of Kingman (1937-197?) – link#1 – link#2 – link#3 (Christmas Tree Inn – 1951 postcard & brief story)
     

     Santa Claus, Arizona

291. Santa Claus Lane – Carpenteria, CA (1948-1984) Santa Claus, California was built as a roadside attraction along the coastal highway south of Santa Barbara beginning in 1948. “Santa Claus Lane” started with a post office and juice shop selling date shakes. The attraction grew during the 1950s when Toyland and Santa’s Kitchen were added. By 1960 there were novelty shops, cafes, a candy store, a miniature train, a small petting zoo, pony rides, a wishing well and a 20-foot tall Frosty The Snowman was added to the roof of Santa’s Kitchen. Eventually Santa Claus Lane became rundown. The last part to operate was a Christmas train which stopped running in 1984. The famous statue of Santa coming out of a chimney was taken down in 2002 and moved to Oxnard, CA. link#1 – link#2 – link#3
     

     Santa Claus Lane – Carpinteria, CA

     

     Santa Claus Lane

292. Santafair – Federal Way, WA (1960s-1970s) – link#1 / link#2 (scroll down to page 43 of PDF file)
293. Santa’s Village – Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley, CA (1957-1979) - link
     

     Santa’s Village – Scotts Valley/Santa Cruz, CA

294. Santa’s Village – Lake Arrowhead/Skyforest, CA (1955-1998) – link
     

     Santa’s Village – Skyforest/Lake Arrowhead, CA

295. Santa Monica Pier – Santa Monica, CA (1924-1927) – link
296. Santa Monica’s North Beach – Santa Monica, CA (1887-1905) – link
297. Saratoga Springs Resort (Amusement Park) – Saratoga Springs/Lehi, UT (1884-????) –  link
298. Sea Gulch – Seal Rock, OR  (1970’s-1980’s??) This was a neat little hiking adventure trail through a small forest interspersed with small villages and characters/creatures handcarved/chainsaw carved by theowner/craftsman and home to the elusive “Bigfoot” –  Link – (scroll 2/3 down page)
     

     Sea Gulch – Seal Rock (Central Oregon Coast)

299. Sealand of The Pacific – Oak Bay/Victoria (Vancouver Island), BC, Canada – link
     

     Sealand of The Pacific – Oak Bay/Victoria, BC

300. Seals Stadium – San Francisco, CA (1931-1959) formerly located in the Mission District , home of the San Francisco Seals, Mission Reds & original home of the newly relocated San Francisco Giants – link#1
     

     Seals Stadium – San Francisco, CA

301. Seattle Center Coliseum (Washington State Pavilion) – Seattle, WA (1962-1994) – link
302. Selig Zoo (Eastlake Park Zoo) & Movie Studio – (Eastlake Park/Lincoln Heights) Los Angeles, CA (1864-1948) – link
303. Sheridan Deer Park – Sheridan, OR (1970’s – 1980’s??)
     

     Ship Ashore Museum – Smith River, CA

304. Ship Ashore Museum – Smith River, CA featured a gift shop on the upper deck with stairs leading down to the museum –  featured a ‘Pirate’s Den’, sea life specimens, ship captain’s steering wheel & control center hands-on exhibit – all on the lower level - link
305. Shipwreck – Eureka, CA (1960’s – 1970’s??) old ship with a seal pond
306. Sick’s Stadium – Seattle, WA (1938-1976) the former home of the old Seattle Rainiers/Angels of the PCL as well as the 1969 Seattle Pilots, later concerts featuring the likes of Elvis & Hendrix were held here –  link#1 – link#2 – Seattle PI newspaper link article
     

     Sick’s Stadium – Seattle, WA

     

307. Showbiz Pizza Place – huge arcade, redemption center, kiddie rides, animatronic entertainment – multiple locations in the 70’s and 80’s – merged with Chuck E Cheese (Pizza Time Theater) in 1984 – link#1 / link#2
308. Soledad Sands Park – Acton, CA (1970’s??) park included a huge swimming pool, waterslide, miniature train, BMX track & more –  Facebook Link
309. Speed Ring Indoor Kart Racing – Santa Clara, CA (closed in 2006)
310. Speed The Ride/Cyber Speeday – Las Vegas, NV (1999-2011) a full-size rollercoaster plus a simulated sound & motion racing experience located at the recently-closed Sahara Hotel Casino on the Las Vegas Strip – Link#1 – Link#2
311. Spirit Lake Lodge/Spirit Lake – Mount St. Helens, WA (Very popular winter retreat & tourist destination as well as the home of legendary owner/historian Harry R. Truman – link#1 /link#2 – lost forever after the volcanic eruption on May 18, 1980) link#3
     
312. Spokane Coliseum – Spokane, WA (1954-1995)
313. Spruce Goose – Long Beach, CA (1980-1988) The famous Hughes H-4 Hercules flying boat that Howard Hughes commissioned and flew on a trial run on 2 Nov. 1947 was housed in a huge dome hangar adjacent to the Queen Mary ship in Long Beach, CA  from 1980 til 1988 when it was acquired by the Walt Disney Company and relocated in 1993 to the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, OR. 
314. Squaw Valley Ice Arena (aka Blyth Arena) – Squaw Valley at North Lake Tahoe, CA (1959-1983) built for the 1960 Winter Olympic Games  
     

     Squaw Valley Ice Arena – North Lake Tahoe

     

     Squaw Valley Ice Arena – North Lake Tahoe, CA

315. Stanley Park Zoo – Vancouver, BC – CANADA (within Stanley Park) (closed 1997) zoo was relocated to Aldergrove, BC
316. Star Trek: The Experience/History of The Future Museum – Las Vegas, NV (1998-2008) located inside the Las Vegas Hiltonlink#1link#2link#3
317. Stone Age Park – Langlois, OR (1970’s – 1980’s ??) museum of Indian artifacts – rocks, minerals & geode collection – featuring live reindeer, hand feed birds and farm animals, trout fishing, botanical gardens, and duck pond/picnic grounds
     

     Stone Age Park – Langlois, OR

     

     Stone Age Park – Langlois, OR

318. Storyeum – Vancouver, BC, Canada (2000-2006) located in Gastown link  history link
     

     Storyeum – Vancouver, BC (Gastown District)

319. Sunny Cove Baths – Alameda, CA (early 1900’s-1950)
320. Sunset Pier – Venice, CA (1921-1947) link
321. Sutro Baths – San Francisco, CA (1896-1966)  link#1link#2link#3
     

     Sutro Baths – San Francisco, CA

322. Tacoma Ice Palace – Tacoma, WA
323. Tahoe Amusement Park – South Lake Tahoe, CA (1960’s-2008?) Little information can be found on this small 4-acre amusement park which had been in deteriorating condition for several years 
     

     Tahoe Amusement Park – South Lake Tahoe, CA

324. Tanforan Racetrack – San Bruno, CA (1899-1964) link
325. Teapot Dome Service Station – Zillah, WA (1922-????)

326. 

     Teton Mystery – Jackson Hole, WY (courtesy of TravellingMel.com)

327. Teton Mystery – Jackson Hole, WY (closed in 2005) - another mystery house that defies gravity -link#1 – link#2
328. Territorial Prison & Wax Museum – Virginia City, NV (originally built in 1869) (closed about 1997-98)
329. The Beach Waterpark – Albuquerque, NM (1987-2005) Albuquerque Journal newspaper article about closure
     

     The Chutes – San Francisco (Haight Street location)

330. The Chutes – San Francisco, CA (1895-1911) 3 different locations around SF (the 1st location was at the end of Haight Street in 1895, then moved to Fulton at 10th Street in 1902, then moved to Fillmore/Webster/Eddy/Turk block in 1907) link#1link#2
     

     The Chutes – San Francisco (Richmond District location)

331. The Thing (originally located between Barstow & Baker, CA) (1950-1965) moved to Dragoon, AZ in 1965 and still operates there today link#1link#2link#3
     
     

     Thrill-Ville USA – Turner, OR

332. Thrill-Ville USA -Turner/Salem, OR (1971-2007)  link#1link#2
     

     Thrill-Ville USA – Turner, OR

333. Thunderbeast Park (dinosaur park) – Chiloquin, OR (1962-199?)  link
     

     Thunderbeast Park – Chiloquin, OR

     

     Thunderbeast Park (courtesy of vintageroadside.com)

334. Tivoli Gardens/Columbia Gardens – Orange County (1876-1921) theme park was a miniature replica of the famous Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark link
     
335. Treasure Island Museum – On Treasure Island in the San Francisco Bay (1976-1997) link
336. Tree Circus – Scott’s Valley (1947-1963) see listing above for Lost World link#1link#2 – Santa Cruz Public Library History Link
     
337. Tropical Tees Miniature Golf – Fresno, CA
338. Twin Arrows Trading Post / Canyon Padre Trading Post – Twin Arrows, AZ (1949-late 1998) – link#1 – link#2 – link#3 – link#4 – link#5 – Flagstaff newspaper article Link#6 from 2009 about the refurbishing of this site
     

     Twins Arrows Trading Post – Twin Arrows, AZ

339. Two Guns – Northern Arizona – (30 miles east of Flagstaff along I-40 – formerly along Route 66) – Ghost Town, trading post, tavern, campground, motel,  zoo, reptile house, caves & caverns – link
     

     Two Guns, Arizona

340. Uncanny Canyon (House of Mystery) –  Lost Creek Lake vicinity, OR (flooded over in the 1970’s)
     
341. UnderSea Gardens/Undersea World – Crescent City, CA (1964-1985) originally opened on a barge – a 2nd attraction also here but now long gone was known as ‘Shipwreck’ link
342. Undersea Gardens – Santa Barbara, CA (1950’s – 1969)
     

     Undersea Gardens – Santa Barbara, CA

343. Undersea Gardens – Seattle, WA (Shilshole Bay Marina) (1965-1969) link
     

     Undersea Gardens – Seattle, WA

344. Utah Fun Dome/49th Street Galleria – Salt Lake City/Murray, UT (closed in 2004)
345. Vaca Valley Raceway – Vacaville, CA (1958-1972)  link
346. Valley Fair Shopping Center “Kiddieland” (Macy’s rooftop) – San Jose, CA (1956-1958) link
347. Velveteria (The Museum of Velvet Paintings) – Portland, OR (2005-2010) link #1 – link #2
348. Venice Amusement Pier – Venice, CA (1921-1946) link
     

     Venice Amusement Pier – Venice, CA

349. Vernalis Waterslides At ‘The Orchard’ – Vernalis, CA (1970’s – 1990’s?) featured 2 waterslides in a park-like setting, swimming pool, Campground & RV Park, fruit stand and a flea market
350. Wagon Wheel Kiddie Land – Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ (Thomas@42nd) (1948-1986) – forum link
351. Water World (water theme park) – Bakersfield, CA (early 1980’s-1992) included bumper boats – PDF link (scroll down to page 39)
352. Waterworld (late 70’s-early 80’s)/WaterWorld USA (1986-2003) /Six Flags WaterWorld (2003-2006) – Sacramento, CA – Originally featured 6 tall platform waterslides, Bumper Boats, Speed Boats, Pedal Boats & pools – changed owership at least 3 times – reopened as Raging Waters in 2007 – Link
     

     Waterworld – Sacramento, CA

353. Wawona Drive-Thru Tree (Mariposa Grove) – Yosemite National Park, CA (1881-1969)
     

     Wawona Drive-Thru Tree – Yosemite National Park

354. Wax Museum At Fisherman’s Wharf (original) – San Francisco, CA (1963-1998) – Link
355. Westgate Park (stadium) – Mission Valley/San Diego (1958-1967)
356. Wet-N-Wild Water Park – Las Vegas, NV (1985-2004)
     

     Wet-N-Wild Water Park – Las Vegas, NV

357. White City Amusement Park – Lakeside, CO (opened 1908) eventually evolved into Lakeside Amusement Park in the 1930’s – still in operation today – link#1 / link#2
358. White City Amusement Park – (Lake Whatcom/Silver Beach) Bellingham, WA (1906-1919) – link #1 /  link #2 / link #3 /  link #4 (Bellingham Herald 2003 article)
     

     White City Amusement Park – (Lake Whatcom) Bellingham, WA

359. White City/Madison Park – Seattle, WA (1908-1912) – link #1  /  link #2
360. White Water Canyon Waterslides – Chula Vista, CA evolved into Knott’s Soak City
361. Wide World In Wax – Anaheim, CA (1965-1967) – link#1 / link#2  (scroll down to Holiday Inn picture and article)
     

     Wide World In Wax Museum – Anaheim, CA

362. Wild Bill’s Wild West Dinner Extravaganza – Buena Park, CA (dinner and live stage show) – link
363. Wild Rivers Waterpark – Irvine, CA (1986-2011) – link – Orange County Register newspaper article about this water park’s recent closure LINK
364. Wild West Waterslides – Stockton, CA (see listing under Golfland/Stockton)
365. Wild Wild Wet (Water Park) – Anaheim, CA (1970’s-1980’s?)
366. Windsor Waterworks & Slides – Windsor, CA (early 1980-2004) – link#1 – Facebook link#2  – link#3 (property for sale disclosure)
     

     Windsor Waterworks & Slides – Windsor, CA

     

     Windsor Waterworks & Slides – Windsor, CA

367. Winterland – San Francisco, CA (1928-1979) (Ice Rink/Ballroom/Arena/Concert Hall
368. Wonderland Amusement Park – Ocean Beach/San Diego, CA (1913-1916) Featured a large Roller Coaster, Waterslide, Dance Pavilion, Ballroom, large Menagerie, Roller Skating Rink, Merry-Go-Round, Children’s Playground and 22,000 lights outlining the buildings – Most of it was washed away by high tides in 1916 – pdf link #1 (San DiegoTribune)
369. Wonderland Inn & Amusement Park – Wallowa Lake (near Joseph), OR (1923-1940) Developed in 1923 as an amusement park at the south end of the lake, the park contained a restaurant, store, bowling alley, dance hall, outdoor movie theater, horse drawn carousel and cabins for those wishing to stay overnight. An 18 passenger boat carried the guests who arrived in Joseph (which lies at the north end of the lake) down the entire four mile stretch of Wallowa Lake, finally arriving that the inn and amusement park - Link #1   Link #2
     

     Woodland Deer Park – Cave Junction, OR

370. Woodland Deer Park – Cave Junction, OR
     

     Woodland Deer Park – Cave Junction, OR

371. Woodward’s Gardens – San Francisco, CA (1866-1891) One of the oldest attractions on this list and most obscure and needless to say forgotten due to the fact that no living person today was alive during it’s 25 years in operation – This sprawling 6-acre attraction featured (in a lush manicured garden setting) a zoo, marine aquarium, trout ponds, seal pit, aviary, 4 museums, conservatory, fine art gallery, amusement pavilion, circus performers, stage shows, roller skating rink, rotary boat rides on the lake, hot air balloon rides, playground, gymnasium, ornate fountains, 4 acres of winding paths through the gardens and a concert pavilion – most of these attractions were pioneering first of the kind at this early time period – link#1 / link#2 / link#3 / link#4 / link#5
     

     Woodward’s Gardens – San Francisco, CA

372. The Wooz (Labyrinth/Maze & Fun Park) – Vacaville, CA (1988-199?) – Link#1 – Newspaper article Link – Facebook Link
     

     The Wooz – Vacaville, CA (Hwy sign off I-80)

     

     The Wooz – Vacaville, CA (ariel view)

373. World of Coca Cola – Las Vegas, NV (1998-2000) Everything imaginable Coca-Cola – includes huge museum, tasting room of World flavors, and mega gift shop – Link #1 / Link #2
     

     World of Coca-Cola – Las Vegas, NV

374. World of the Unexplained Museum – San Francisco – this was the next door neighbor of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum on Fisherman’s Wharf back in the 70’s
375. Yakima Meadows (Horse Racing) – Yakima, WA (1961-1998)
376. Yosemite “Firefall” – Yosemite National Park, CA (1880’s-1968) – Link
     

     Yosemite “Firefall” (early years)

377. Yuma Fun Factory – Yuma, AZ (2009-2010) – newspaper article link
378. Zapp’s Park – Fresno, CA (1904-1920) ground-breaking family park, gardens, swimming hole, zoo, scenic railway, carousel, Ferris wheel, shooting gallery, rollercoaster, bowling alley – Link
     

     Zapps Park – Fresno, CA

379. Zzyzx Mineral Springs & Health Spa – Zzyzx, CA (1944-1974) located in the middle of the Mojave Desert 7 miles south of Baker on I-15 – Link
     

     Zzyzx Mineral Springs Resort

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EARLY DAY NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WATERSLIDES 

► Here is another LINK to wonderful newspaper article and review on 6 different Northern California Waterslides from the Modesto Bee dated August 26, 1982 – The featured waterslides are Blue Lagoon in Vacaville, Crazy Horse in Shingle Springs, WaterWorld at Cal Expo in Sacramento, The Orchard in Vernalis, Oakwood Lake Resort in Manteca and Wild West in Stockton….. each of these are also listed in the comprehensive list above.

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A Few More Images of Long Gone Attractions

Lake Dolores – Newberry Springs, CA

Marriott’s Great America (Kid Kingdom) – Santa Clara, CA

Magic Mountain – Colossus – 1978 – before Six Flags takeover

Yosemite “Firefall”

Woodward’s Gardens – San Francisco, CA

Sam’s Town – Cameron Park, CA

Pharoah’s Lost Kingdom – Redlands, CA

Frasier’s Frontier / Marshal Scotty’s – El Cajon, CA

Jungleland – Thousand Oaks, CA

Santa Claus Lane – Carpenteria, CA

Santa Claus Lane – Carpinteria, CA

Ponderosa Ranch – Incline Village, NV (TV Home of Bonanza)

Legend City – Tempe, AZ

Frontier Village – San Jose, CA

Santa’s Village – Scotts Valley, CA

Marine World (Children’s Play Zone) – Redwood City, CA

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Here’s a link to an awesome tribute site reflecting on past Disney attractions and much more ~ definitely worth a visit! :)

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Check Out My Other Travel Related Posts About Tourist Attractions & Destinations Below:

(The following six links are posts within this website)

• 50 Most Popular Tourist Attractions In The World

• Best National & State Parks in the USA

• Fun Family Attractions In British Columbia

• Fun Family Attractions In California

• Fun Family Attractions In The Pacific Northwest

• Most Popular US Attractions: State By State

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Links To More Roadside Attraction Websites:

(Added Dec/2009)

• Abandoned But Not Forgotten – Preserving Our History Thru Pictures

• AlamedaInfo.com – Lots of pictures of several Northern California Attractions (past and present)

• Back On Tack

• Best Unknown Strange Roadside Attractions in the West

• Canadian Roadside Attractions

• Defunct Amusement Parks

• Early Amusement Parks of Orange County

• Eccentric America – Your Guide to All That’s Weird & Wacky in the USA

• Eccentric Roadside – Blog Devoted to Old-Fashion American Roadside Attractions – The Big, Bizarre, Wacky, Quirky & Weird…

• Florida’s Lost Tourist Attractions

• Gone But Not Forgotten (Roadside America) – California Oddities & Attractions that are extinct or have closed down

• Hometown America – Offbeat & Unusual Travel Attractions

• Jurnii - The Best in US Travel

• Legends of America – Offbeat Roadside Attractions

• Defunct Amusement Parks / Wikipedia List

• Defunct Amusement Parks / Waymarking.com

• Mike’s Historic Amusement Parks

• News Plus Notes – NewsPlusNotes is a blog dedicated to the coverage of the amusement industry – Their content runs the gamut from major industry headlines to exclusive reports and items of historical significance.

• Offbeat Tourist Attractions

• PDX History – Highly Recommended Site covering the Pacific Northwest’s Attractions, History & Memories

• Road Trip America – Provides Resources, Tips & Advice For Planning Road Trips Throughout North America

• Road Trip USA – Cross-Country Adventures On America’s 2-Lane Highways

• Roadside America – Highly Recommended Site – Your Online Guide To Offbeat Tourist Attractions

• Roadside Architecture

• Roadside Peek – An Adventure In Time

• Roadside Tourist

• Roadside Wonders - Tacky, kitchy, big, weird & funky roadside finds!

• Rollercoasters Of The Pacific Northwest

• Screamscape – The Ultimate Guide To Theme Parks

• TakeMyTrip.com –  Cool Road Trips, USA Travel Ideas, Hidden Attractions, and lots of Photos

• The American Roadside

• Theme Park Memories – Remembering Closed California Theme Parks

• Theme Park Timelines

• Untraveled Road – Cruise along highways, roads and trails with the virtual travel pages – stopping and sightseeing along the way at your leisure.

• USA Yesterday & Today – Old Sites along the roads of the USA

• Vintage Roadside – Rediscover America’s Roadside

• Visitor Attractions / Wikipedia List

• Weird California - Offbeat & Unusual Attractions & Sites

• Wesley Treat’s Roadside Resort – Superb Photos & First-Hand Experiences On The Road 

• World’s Largest Roadside Attractions