New Jersey was once home to some of the most beloved amusement parks that graced countless summers, but now remain only in memory. One of the most iconic is the Palisades amusement park, located above the Hudson River.
It wasn't just a park. It was a cultural touchstone. From breathtaking views of Manhattan to epic roller coasters and thrilling Cyclone rides, the Palisades was the perfect place for a family outing.
Open from the early 1900s until it closed in 1971, it had everything from a saltwater pool to live music and games. A song was even created to express how much it meant to the people who visited there.
Then there was Action Park, Legendary, and some Scars. If you grew up near Vernon, New Jersey in the '80s or '90s, you probably went to Action Park or heard some wild stories.
The water park's most infamous ride was Cannonball Loop, a 360-degree water slide that was quickly shut down because it was too dangerous. Despite (or perhaps because of) its notoriety, people still look back on Action Park with a mixture of fear and nostalgia.
It was a place I walked away with some scrapes, but also some of the best summer stories.
Bowcraft Amusement Park, a more laid-back, family-friendly destination in Scotch Plains, also makes its mark. For more than 70 years, we've been offering rides and attractions for kids, including the Dragon roller coaster and the enchanting merry-go-round. It may not have had the wild reputation of larger parks, but Bowcraft was the perfect place for birthdays and weekends for many local families until it closed in 2018.
Bertrand Island Amusement Park on Lake Hopatcong was another classic, combining the feel of a lakeside retreat with the thrills of an amusement park. The wooden roller coaster and beachfront rides attracted families from all over the world. Opened in the 1920s and closed in the early '80s, it had a kind of small-town charm that's rare today.
And of course, no discussion of New Jersey's lost amusement parks would be complete without mentioning Hunt's Pier in Wildwood. Wildwood's boardwalk continues to flourish, but Hunt Pier stood out for its unique rides, especially the Golden Nugget Mine Ride. From the 1950s to the mid-1980s, it was a must-see for families heading to the Shore.
These parks have disappeared, replaced by housing developments, strip malls, or just nostalgic memories, but they have left an indelible mark on those who visit. Whether we braved the coasters at Palisades, braved the dangers of Action Park, or spent the day on the boardwalk at Hunt's Pier, these parks gave us unforgettable memories. .
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