15 Haunted Amusement Parks and Fairgrounds That Closed for Good Reason

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Adventureland – Farmingdale, New York

Adventureland was once a vibrant theme park, full of family-friendly attractions. However, it earned a haunted reputation due to tragic accidents and eerie sightings. Guests reported strange occurrences, including unexplained lights, eerie sounds, and sightings of shadowy figures near the rides. Many claimed to feel an overwhelming sense of dread while walking through the park, especially after dark.

The park eventually closed its doors, with rumors swirling about its haunted past. Some say that the spirit of a young girl who tragically passed away haunts the area. Despite efforts to revitalize the park, its ghostly reputation became too much to overcome, and it was shuttered for good.

Lake Shawnee Amusement Park – Rock, West Virginia

Lake Shawnee has a long and dark history, dating back to the 1920s. The amusement park was built over the site of a former Native American burial ground, and many believe this connection contributed to its ghostly activity. Over the years, guests reported sightings of ghostly children, strange voices, and shadowy figures lurking near the abandoned rides.

Several tragic events, including a fatal accident involving a ride, added to the park’s grim history. The unsettling atmosphere became too much for visitors to bear, and the park ultimately shut down. Today, Lake Shawnee remains abandoned and is considered one of the most haunted amusement parks in the country.

Magic Kingdom, Florida

The Magic Kingdom roller coaster was a popular ride known for its high speed and thrilling twists. However, it became infamous after a series of unfortunate accidents that led to its closure. Riders began reporting unusual sensations during their trips, with some feeling as if the roller coaster was moving of its own accord. Others claimed to have seen figures appearing and disappearing while on the ride.

The park’s management attempted to address the safety concerns, but the spooky reports continued. Eventually, after several more incidents and the growing sense of fear surrounding the ride, the roller coaster was dismantled and shut down permanently. Despite its closure, rumors about its haunted legacy persist.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach – Blackpool, England

Blackpool Pleasure Beach, one of the most famous amusement parks in the UK, is known for its eerie reputation. Several guests have reported strange occurrences, such as hearing unsettling laughter in the distance and encountering cold spots in otherwise warm areas. The park’s long history, coupled with numerous accidents, led to a growing fear among the local community.

Many believe that the park’s ghostly inhabitants are the restless spirits of past riders who met tragic fates. In the 1970s, the park was shut down for good after several terrifying incidents that were attributed to these hauntings. Though the park has since been reopened, it is said that the spirits still linger, causing unease among visitors.

The Haunted Mansion – Disneyland, California

The Haunted Mansion in Disneyland is a beloved attraction, but it has a backstory that involves more than just thrilling ghostly thrills. Originally designed to be a spooky walk-through, the mansion became notorious for strange happenings during its early years. Reports of apparitions, objects moving on their own, and unsettling sounds inside the ride led to widespread rumors of the building being truly haunted.

Although the attraction continues to draw crowds, its past remains shrouded in mystery. Many of the park’s staff claim to have encountered unusual occurrences while working on the ride, adding to the air of superstition surrounding the mansion. Despite its continued popularity, it’s clear that this amusement park feature is not without its dark history.

Funtown Pier – Seaside Heights, New Jersey

Funtown Pier, a well-known amusement park on the Jersey Shore, was a staple of summer fun until its untimely closure. The park’s haunted reputation grew after several tragic accidents, including a deadly fire that destroyed part of the pier in the late 1980s. The spirit of a worker who perished in the blaze is said to still roam the area.

Visitors have reported hearing voices, seeing unexplained lights, and feeling an eerie presence at the park, especially near the destroyed areas. As the years passed, the hauntings only seemed to intensify, and the pier was eventually closed for good. Today, it remains an abandoned site, haunted by memories of the past.

Luna Park – New York City, New York

Luna Park, once a grand amusement destination in Coney Island, became notorious for its supernatural occurrences. Many visitors have claimed to have seen ghostly figures walking through the park, while others report hearing eerie laughter coming from the abandoned rides. In its early years, Luna Park was the site of several deadly accidents, which are believed to have contributed to the hauntings.

The park’s haunted reputation was solidified when workers and visitors alike reported unsettling experiences. After a tragic fire in the 1940s, the park was closed, and many believed that the spirits of those lost in the blaze remained behind. Today, the site is a shadow of its former self, haunted by the memories of the past.

Crescent Park – Riverside, California

Crescent Park was a popular amusement destination known for its scenic beauty and family-friendly rides. However, the park became notorious for its haunted attractions and strange occurrences. Over the years, reports of eerie happenings increased, with many visitors claiming to have heard unexplained noises and seen ghostly apparitions around the rides.

The park’s dark history, including several accidents and a tragic fire, contributed to its haunting reputation. After the park closed in the early 1970s, the unsettling presence of spirits continued to be felt by those who dared to visit the site. Crescent Park remains abandoned, with its haunted legacy still alive in the memories of those who experienced its eerie atmosphere.

Dixie Landin’ – Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Dixie Landin’ was a family-friendly amusement park known for its thrilling rides and Southern charm. However, after several unexplained accidents and reports of ghostly figures, the park’s reputation became tarnished. Many who visited claimed to have seen shadowy figures near the Ferris wheel and experienced sudden temperature drops.

A tragic incident involving the death of a young rider is believed to be the source of the park’s paranormal activity. The park closed its gates after attendance dwindled and rumors of hauntings spread. Today, Dixie Landin’ is nothing more than an eerie reminder of the past, still said to be haunted by spirits.

Playland – Rye, New York

Playland Amusement Park in Rye, New York, was a staple of summer fun for decades. However, strange and frightening occurrences soon became the park’s legacy. Visitors reported hearing unsettling voices on the rides and seeing ghostly figures standing by the old attractions. Many locals attributed the hauntings to a tragic drowning that occurred in the park’s early years.

Despite attempts to revitalize the park, the eerie atmosphere persisted, causing many to avoid visiting after dark. Eventually, Playland’s reputation as a haunted amusement park grew too overwhelming, and the park was forced to close its doors. While some attractions remain operational, rumors of ghostly activity still linger around the property.

Six Flags New Orleans – New Orleans, Louisiana

Six Flags New Orleans, once a popular destination for thrill-seekers, was heavily impacted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Following the devastating storm, the park was abandoned, and it quickly gained a reputation for being one of the most haunted amusement parks in the world. Visitors who dared to enter reported seeing figures standing near the rusting rides and hearing strange noises in the empty park.

In addition to the eerie sightings, many people believed the spirits of those who perished during the hurricane lingered in the park. Despite efforts to sell the park or restore it, Six Flags New Orleans remains abandoned. The ghostly stories surrounding the park’s desolation continue to make it a place of fear and fascination.

Santa Claus Land – Santa Claus, Indiana

Santa Claus Land was an amusement park that promised festive joy to children for decades. However, after several tragic accidents, reports of unexplained occurrences began to surface. Visitors claimed to have heard ghostly laughter and saw figures of children playing near the rides. Some reported seeing a strange glowing light around the Christmas decorations, giving the park an unsettling atmosphere.

The park’s closure came after multiple attempts to reopen it failed to draw large crowds. The tragic events that occurred over the years, combined with the supernatural experiences, left a permanent mark on the park’s history. Santa Claus Land remains abandoned, with its haunted reputation still intact.

Rocky Point Amusement Park – Warwick, Rhode Island

Rocky Point Amusement Park was a beloved destination in Rhode Island before its eventual decline. The park was plagued by multiple incidents, including ride malfunctions and a devastating fire that destroyed a significant portion of the park. Visitors began reporting strange occurrences, such as hearing disembodied voices and feeling cold drafts in the midst of summer heat.

These paranormal events were said to be linked to the tragic deaths of workers and visitors over the years. After the park closed in the mid-1990s, it became a prime location for ghost hunters. Today, the site remains abandoned, with many claiming it is still haunted by the spirits of those who died in the accidents.

Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City was a popular attraction along the Maryland coast, known for its iconic rides and lively atmosphere. However, it became infamous after several accidents, including one involving a fatal fall from a ride. Following these incidents, guests began reporting strange activity, such as hearing footsteps and seeing unexplained shadows near the rides at night.

The park’s spooky reputation only grew after these incidents, and many staff members shared eerie stories of their own experiences. After several years of declining attendance and safety concerns, the park was closed. Today, Ocean City remains a haunted relic, still visited by those curious about its dark history.

Funtown USA – Saco, Maine

Funtown USA was an amusement park known for its family-friendly attractions and exciting rides. However, after a series of strange accidents and paranormal encounters, it gained a reputation as a haunted destination. Guests reported feeling strange sensations while riding the roller coasters, and some even claimed to have seen ghostly figures walking through the park.

After years of safety concerns and increasing reports of supernatural occurrences, the park shut its doors. Despite its closure, many locals still believe the spirits of the past haunt the grounds. Funtown USA remains abandoned, with its eerie atmosphere still captivating those who dare to visit.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.