Land of Oz Theme Park Opens This Weekend

Somewhere over the rainbow…is the Land of Oz. The Land of Oz theme park in Beech Mountain, NC, that is. The abandoned theme park opened in 1970, and visitors were ecstatic about following the yellow brick road, and hanging out with Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion. There was even a show at Emerald City featuring a balloon ride. Opening day saw thousands of people; the strange little amusement park was off to a great start. Unfortunately just a short 10 years later, the park shut its doors. Vandalism and nostalgia seekers eventually left the park in a state of disrepair, the Yellow Brick Road missing some bricks.

It really was no miracle, what happened was just this…

20 years ago the abandoned theme park was given a reviving breath of air. Every October we welcome you to Oz’s little secret: the Autumn of Oz festival. Once a year the quirky park comes to life again for this little-known festival, and former employees and past guests come to reminisce about the excitement of the Land of Oz. People stroll down the yellow brick road and enjoy the cast’s performances. And each year the park starts to become more like it used to be when it first opened. All proceeds of the event go to the restoration of the park so that we can continue to enjoy Oz for more years to come. Tour Auntie Em’s and Uncle Henry’s farm, and meet up with the gang on the yellow brick road. Guests are even encouraged to wear something Oz related. Both adults and children will love being a part of the re-creation of Dorothy’s adventure to Oz. Spend the day—or the weekend—enjoying the magic of Autumn of Oz, and the beautiful scenery of Beech Mountain. Just follow the yellow brick road.