…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
The Enchanted Forest was a fairy tale-themed park located in Howard County, Maryland, that opened just a month after Disneyland in 1955.
It was one of the oldest theme parks in the US, featuring castles and magical characters that delighted visitors, especially families with small children.
The park even served as a backdrop for one of Johnny Depp’s early movies, Cry Baby, which also starred Ricki Lake.
Overgrown and Filled with Rotting Figures
Despite attracting 300,000 visitors annually at its peak, the Enchanted Forest closed in 1988 and was demolished in 1995.
Today, the 20-acre site, which expanded to 52 acres, is overgrown and filled with rotting plaster storybook figures, as revealed in a collection of stunning photos by Matthew Christopher of Abandoned America.
Nursery Rhyme Theme
The Enchanted Forest was a popular destination for families with small children, as it featured fairy tale buildings and characters.
Originally, the park did not have mechanical rides, but later added track rides, including the Alice in Wonderland ride and Cinderella’s castle ride.
Entrance to the park cost $1 for adults and 50¢ for kids.
Attempts to Reopen the Park
After closing in 1988, the park reopened for a summer season in 1994 but then closed again.
Several attempts were made to reopen the park more permanently, but none succeeded.
In 2005, a successful effort to save the figures and structures was mounted, and many were moved to Clark’s Elioak Farm nearby.
By 2015, the last salvageable remnants of the park, including the castle and dragon at the entrance, were moved to Clark’s.
A Story of Ruins
Matthew Christopher has a regular podcast, where he tells the story of the ruins he visits.
His photos of the Enchanted Forest serve as a reminder of the magic and nostalgia that once existed in this now-abandoned theme park.