Enchanted Forest: How a Fairytale Theme Park Captured Hearts—Then Disappeared

 One of the best theme parks in Maryland, Enchanted Forest Maryland was a magical fairytale-inspired destination that captivated families for decades. Unlike modern amusement parks, this whimsical storybook attraction focused on nursery-rhyme fantasy themes, bringing beloved childhood tales to life. However, after enchanting visitors for years, the park closed its doors in the mid-1990s, leaving a void in the East Coast entertainment scene.

Growing up, I often heard my older cousins and elder sister reminisce about their childhood visits to Enchanted Forest in Maryland. Our parents took them there every summer, and I always wished I could experience the same magic. While the original park was abandoned for years, I finally got a glimpse of its storybook revival when I visited Clark’s Elioak Farm in 2019, where several original structures have been restored.

In this article, we’ll explore the history, decline, restoration, and timeless charm of this once-beloved Enchanted Forest Theme Park Maryland.

The Birth of a Fairytale Wonderland: Enchanted Forest Maryland

In 1955, the Harrison family founded Maryland Enchanted Forest, inspired by the idea of creating a nursery-rhyme fantasy world. Unlike other amusement parks, it didn’t focus on thrill rides but instead brought fairytales to life through immersive storytelling and interactive attractions.

To bring this vision to reality, Howard Adler, a renowned calligrapher and architect, was commissioned to design the park’s whimsical buildings and life-size fairytale characters. Working alongside a team of ten dedicated artisans, Adler transformed Enchanted Forest Maryland into a storybook kingdom, making it one of the most enchanting storybook parks in Maryland at the time.

A Magical Experience for Generations

At its peak, the park welcomed over 300,000 visitors each summer. Families from across the East Coast came to walk through its storybook attractions, meet beloved fairytale characters, and experience a one-of-a-kind, imagination-driven adventure. Admission was only $1 for adults and 50 cents for children, making it an affordable destination for families.

Last month, at a family reunion, my siblings and cousins reminisced about their childhood visits to Maryland Enchanted Forest. Hearing their stories about stepping through the park’s castle gates, exploring its magical scenes, and meeting larger-than-life fairytale characters made me wish I could have experienced the original park myself.

Iconic Attractions of Enchanted Forest Maryland

Some of the most beloved attractions that made Enchanted Forest in Maryland so special included:

  • The Old Woman’s Shoe – A massive shoe house inspired by The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe.

  • Humpty Dumpty’s Wall – A towering sculpture of Humpty Dumpty sitting precariously on a brick wall.

  • Gingerbread Men – Sweet candy-themed structures from Hansel and Gretel.

  • Jack and the Beanstalk Slide – A beanstalk-themed slide that let kids feel like they were climbing into the clouds.

  • The Crooked House – Inspired by There Was a Crooked Man, this tilted house offered a wobbly walk-through experience.

  • Cinderella’s Pumpkin Carriage – A giant orange carriage straight out of Cinderella.

  • Snow White’s Cottage – A charming little house where visitors could peek into Snow White’s world.

  • The Three Bears’ House – A cozy wooden cottage that brought Goldilocks and the Three Bears to life.

  • Little Red Riding Hood’s House – Complete with the Big Bad Wolf lurking nearby.

  • The Alice in Wonderland Tunnel – A whimsical entrance to Wonderland.

These fairytale attractions allowed children to step into the pages of a storybook adventure, making Maryland Enchanted Forest one of the best theme parks in Maryland at the time.



The Decline and Closure of Enchanted Forest Maryland

After over three decades of delighting families, Enchanted Forest Maryland faced challenges that led to its closure. In 1988, the Harrison family sold the property to JHP Development, and in 1989, the park temporarily shut down. By 1992, part of the land had been converted into Enchanted Forest Shopping Center, while the remaining attractions reopened in 1994.

However, by this time, high-tech thrill rides and modern amusement parks had reshaped the entertainment industry. The once-magical Enchanted Forest Theme Park Maryland struggled to compete with these state-of-the-art attractions, leading to its final closure in 1995.

For years, the remaining fairytale structures sat abandoned, decaying, and forgotten. What was once a beloved family destination had turned into an overgrown ghost park, leaving behind only memories.

Restoring the Magic: The Revival of Enchanted Forest in Maryland

In 2003, the Enchanted Forest Preservation Society took action to save and restore the park’s iconic structures. With approval from Kimco Realty Group, the current landowners, many of the original attractions were carefully relocated to Clark’s Elioak Farm in Ellicott City, Maryland.

Through countless hours of dedication and restoration efforts, Clark’s Elioak Farm brought Enchanted Forest Maryland back to life. Today, families can once again walk through these magical fairytale displays, reliving the nostalgia of the past.

Restored Attractions at Clark’s Elioak Farm

During my 2019 visit, I saw several beautifully restored attractions, including:

  • The Three Bears’ House

  • The Old Woman’s Shoe

  • Cinderella’s Pumpkin Carriage

  • Mother Goose and Her Gosling

  • Humpty Dumpty’s Wall

  • The Easter Bunny’s House

  • The Crooked House

  • Jack and the Beanstalk Slide

  • Alice in Wonderland Characters

  • Gingerbread Men

  • Little Red Schoolhouse

Seeing these whimsical structures brought the magic of Maryland Enchanted Forest back to life, even if only in a different setting.

The Everlasting Legacy of Enchanted Forest Theme Park Maryland

Though the original Enchanted Forest Maryland no longer stands in its entirety, its charm and magic continue to inspire generations. Families still visit Clark’s Elioak Farm to experience the nostalgia and share the storybook magic with their children.

For those who once walked through its castle gates, Enchanted Forest in Maryland remains an irreplaceable part of Maryland’s history. It may no longer be one of the best theme parks in Maryland, but its legacy of imagination and wonder will never fade.

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