This is an abandoned children's amusement park in Hope Valley, Rhodes Island. The park was made of fictional cartoon and movie characters and other recreational rides that kids loved and adored. Due to poor management and tough economic times, the enchanted forest was closed, abandoned, and is currently decaying in despair.

History of the enchanted forest

In 1972, amusement parks and hotels were the most lucrative business that one would engage in. For this reason, Marcus James and Philip Herlle came together with their savings and decided to open up a small fairytale-themed amusement park for kids. Filled with replica cities and castles from kids’ movies, the newly opened park was irresistible for both parents and their kids. 

Roller coasters, bumper cars, Ferris wheel, the scrambler, and swirling teacups were some of the attractions that made visits to the Enchanted Park memorable for children. To teach the young about environmental preservation and animal petting, a small petting zoo was incorporated in the extensive world-class amusement park. A mini-golf course was among the attractions at the park.

Closure of Enchanted Forest came after only 3 decades of operation, the enchanted forest did fairly well until its ownership changed. Marcus James and Phillip Herlle after making fortunes out of the park decided to sell the property to Harold Fera. Not long afterward, the new owner was hit by hard economic times prompting him to shut the amusement park down. By the 2000s, the enchanted forest was closed down and its attractions sold at auctions and other amusement parks.

Enchanted Forest Today

What remains of the former amusement park are dilapidated buildings, fallen barns, and stagnant pools of water all over the property. The trails and paths that were once cleanly paved and maintained have been reduced to cracks encouraging the growth of plants and grasses. Graffiti dominates major chunks of the almost falling roofless walls. Slowly but steadily, the Enchanted forest is making sense of its name as the park is rapidly turning into a forest.  The thick woodland that now covers a major section of the property is a good breeding place for dangerous animals like snakes. Water that accumulates at the pits and pools on the site can cause serious life-threatening illnesses. The buildings that still stand are also not safe having been built in the 1900s when asbestos was used largely in construction. It is private property and for that reason does not allow trespassers in the property. However, this has not stopped graffiti artists and vandals that have turned the place into a modern-day dumpsite. Of course, with no trash but with the valuables that made it the most preferred family recreational center.