Abandoned theme parks could be the scariest Halloween attractions

Theme parks can be magical, but abandoned theme parks can be some of the eeriest, scariest Halloween attractions on earth.

Do you think that abandoned theme parks are part of haunted movies or part of haunted lore? The truth is that some formerly popular theme parks have become the overgrown, discarded lands that look like your worst nightmare. Sometimes, reality is scarier than anyone’s imagination.

While it seems counter-intuitive, some theme parks have become abandoned. With so many people planning lavish vacations around those immersive theme park experiences, it seems strange these bastions of fun would ever turn into neglected areas.

There are various reasons a theme park can turn into a discarded, ruined land. From natural disaster to lack of funding to just becoming outdated, these abandoned theme parks look as if they have stepped out of a horror movie. Actually, some locations have become movie locations.

Here are four abandoned theme parks that could give you nightmares.

Disney River County

Did you know the most magical place on Earth has a dark side? Disney River County was Disney’s first water park. After Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon became more popular, the water park was abandoned.

While Disney usually hides its magic behind those green screens, this forgotten land is overgrown with plants. Although it never cleared the land, the eerie photos from those who have visited make you wonder why it still sits in such a state. Maybe there are some escaped ghosts from Haunted Mansion hiding on those islands.

Six Flags New Orleans (formerly Jazzland)

Natural disasters can devastate areas. When Hurricane Katrina hit the area, the Six Flags theme park took a heavy toll. From ripping apart a roller coaster to wiping away entire areas, the visuals show the power of nature.

Apparently, there is a sign that still says closed for storm. Even after 13 years, the theme park sits in ruins. On the positive side, the theme park has been used as a movie set, like for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

Given the current state, it might be beneficial to wipe the land clean and remove the debris.

Fun Spot in Amusement Park and Zoo in Indiana

Nestled in the Indiana’s northern lakes, this family-oriented attraction opened its doors in 1956. When bigger, more thrilling theme parks attracted large crowds, the smaller attraction had to close its doors. Many Midwesterners were sadden by the closure.

Although Six Flags Great America still has one of the theme park’s attractions, the Indiana theme park sits empty in the middle of lush green fields. With the roller coaster looming across the landscape and rides stuck motionless, it begs to be brought back to life.

While there isn’t an incredibly eerie feel to this area, there is something just sad about the pictures. It is a reminder that sometimes big isn’t always better. Too bad there wasn’t a way to keep this theme park running.

Bushkill’s Park in Pennsylvania

Another theme park ruined by a natural disaster, Bushkill’s Park closed in 2007. It is unfortunate that this historic theme park is no longer in tact. Originally opened in 1902, the vintage feel would have been quite unique in today’s landscape.

Although the owners say that the theme park might re-open, the majority of the vintage attractions have been sold over the years. On the park’s 115th anniversary, the doors were open to guests. Even though nothing was operational, people wanted to see this historic location.

In some ways, the vintage feel would be perfect for haunted experience. There seems to be something quite eerie about those old school clowns and simplistic ideas. Sometimes the scariest moments don’t need big elements.

These abandoned theme parks are just a few examples of the many haunting, eerie locales. In some ways, the remnants of those happy memories can conjure moments of fright in the most dismal way. Sometimes the less said has a bigger impact.

Have you visited any of these abandoned theme parks? What scares you during the spooky season?