10 Abandoned Amusement Parks and Malls That Will Give You Chills
Abandoned amusement parks and malls are eerie, haunting places that leave visitors with a sense of nostalgia for a time long gone. These once vibrant and bustling destinations have now become forgotten relics of the past, waiting to be explored by urban explorers seeking adventure and excitement. In this article, we will explore some of the top 10 abandoned amusement parks and malls around the world.
1. Pripyat Amusement Park – Ukraine
Located in the ghost town of Pripyat, Ukraine, the Pripyat Amusement Park is one of the most famous abandoned amusement parks in the world. The park was scheduled to open on May Day in 1986 but was never opened due to the Chernobyl disaster which occurred only a few kilometers away from it. The park’s Ferris wheel still stands tall today as a stark reminder of what could have been.
2. Spreepark – Germany
The Spreepark in Plänterwald Berlin was once one of East Germany’s largest theme parks before its closure in 2002 following financial difficulties. Since then, it has become an urban explorer’s paradise with overgrown rides including a Ferris wheel surrounded by trees.
3. Nara Dreamland – Japan
Nara Dreamland was built-in 1961 and closed permanently in August 2006 due to low attendance numbers after Disney opened Tokyo Disneyland nearby. It has since become an iconic location for urban explorers looking to capture photographs of its rusted roller coasters amid nature’s overgrowth.
4. Chippewa Lake Park – USA
Chippewa Lake Park first opened its doors back in 1878 near Ohio City but later moved near Medina County when new owners purchased it during World War II as part of their war effort efforts towards victory gardens instead transforming into an amusement park until closing down permanently during Labor Day weekend September 1978.
5.Takakanonuma Greenland – Japan
Takakanonuma Greenland, located on top of a mountain in Tohoku region’s Fukushima prefecture, opened its doors in 1973 and closed only six years later due to bankruptcy. The park still has its rusted and overgrown rollercoasters that have been left abandoned since the closure.
6. Wonderland Amusement Park – China
Wonderland Amusement Park was set to be one of the largest theme parks in Asia when it began construction back in 1998 but was shut down before completion due to financial constraints. Since then, the skeletal remains of half-built structures have become an eerie reminder of what could have been.
7. Dixie Square Mall – USA
Dixie Square Mall is located south of Chicago, Illinois was built-in 1966 at a cost equivalent to $69 million (USD). It operated for over two decades before being forced into closure due to security concerns following excessive crime rates which leveled businesses there until abandonment by 1979.
8. Six Flags New Orleans – USA
Six Flags New Orleans stood tall for four-years prior Hurricane Katrina hit shores leaving no option but for management & authorities to abandon the park as it became submerged under flood waters caused by storm surges from Lake Pontchartrain making it a complete ghost town today.
9. Okpo Land – South Korea
Okpo Land once served as a popular amusement park attraction near Busan City but suffered multiple accidents and deaths leading up towards its eventual closing date sometime during late-1999 with many claiming paranormal activity persists within vicinity where visitors can explore rusting rides amid nature’s encroachments inside out.
10. Al Zubarah Fort – Qatar
The fort was part of UNESCO World Heritage Site that got abandoned after oil discovery shifted interest towards modernity instead heritage preservation efforts causing desertification surrounding area turning into urban exploration destination albeit not necessarily amusement-related per se; however, exploring ancient ruins is an adventure in itself.
In conclusion, abandoned amusement parks and malls may be spooky; however, the exploration of these places can offer a sense of excitement and intrigue to urban adventurers. It is important to remember that these sites are often dangerous and should only be explored by those who have experience in urban exploring.