by Joe Tracy, editor of Theme Park Magazine
Enchanted Forest Theme Park has been named the “Best Family-Owned Amusement Park” by Newsweek readers. Joining Enchanted Forest in the top five are Knoebels Amusement Resort, Waldameer, Santa’s Village, and Adventure Park USA. The charm of these amusement and theme parks comes not from a corporate structure but from families who put their hearts and souls into building, operating, and maintaining parks for the public to enjoy.
About Enchanted Forest
Nestled in the lush forests near Salem, Oregon, Enchanted Forest Theme Park has delighted visitors since 1971 with its whimsical storybook charm. With most of the park built by hand by Roger Tofte, the park embodies a unique charm reflective of its close-knit, family-owned origins.
As you enter through the main gates, you are instantly transported to a realm where fairy tales come alive. The park’s enchanting atmosphere is meticulously crafted, with stunning concrete sculptures and buildings from beloved children’s stories adorning every corner.
Regarding Enchanted Forest, Newsweek writes:
“Opened by the Tofte family in 1971 as the Storybook Trail, the Enchanted Forest theme park has evolved over the years to include various districts, each with a unique theme. From Western towns to European villages, each region of the park offers a unique whimsy.”
One of the highlights of Enchanted Forest is its collection of unique rides and attractions that blend seamlessly with the storybook theme. There are several fantasy areas to travel through at Enchanted Forest, including Storybook Lane, Tofteville Western Town, and an Old European Village. The iconic Challenge of Mondor dark ride takes riders on a journey through a mystical land. Engineers from Walt Disney Imagineering once visited Challenge of Mondor to see its trackless system.
Because family-owned amusement/theme parks across the country offer a distinct appeal compared to their corporate counterparts, Newsweek decided to find out which people loved the most. A panel of travel experts and Newsweek editors compiled the original list. Readers then voted to determine the final ranking. Here is the rundown of winners of “Best Family-Owned Amusement Parks:”
- First Place: Enchanted Forest in Salem, OR
- Second Place: Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA
- Third Place: Waldameer & Water World in Erie, PA
- Fourth Place: Santa’s Village in Jefferson, NH
- Fifth Place: Adventure Park USA in New Market, MD
- Sixth Place: StoryBook Land in Egg Harbor Township, NJ
- Seventh Place: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, CO
- Eighth Place: Hersheypark in Hershey, PA
- Ninth Place: Holiday World and Splashin Safari in Santa Claus, IN
- Tenth Place: Cliff’s Amusement Park in Albuquerque, NM
Enchanted Forest has been owned and operated by the same family since its creation more than 50 years ago. The creator, 94-year-old Roger Tofte, can still be found working around the park, showcasing his enduring commitment to the park’s success. At the same time Newsweek was awarding Enchanted Forest its top honor, Roger Tofte was honored with an “Ageless Award” by Age+ for his continued contributions to the park.
Read Theme Park Magazine’s article about Enchanted Forest here.
From the list, which is your favorite amusement or theme park? Let us know in the comments below.
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