Enchanted Forest Water Safari, New York's Largest Water Theme Park, Old Forge NY, in Adirondacks, Ne

Over the past several years, we have been updating our history and archives for our 50th Anniversary and for the addition of The Museum of Enchanted Memories in 2005. We would still appreciate your help in continuosly updating and adding to our past. If you have any old photos of the park, or artifacts such as old brochures, postcards, posters, merchandise & news clippings, or information & stories you would like to share, send them in, call or email! We will make copies of any photos you wish to keep.

info@watersafari.com

3183 Route 28
Old Forge, NY 13420
(315) 369-6145

History of the Enchanted Forest Water Safari

July 7, 1956
Enchanted Forest of the Adirondacks opens for business with 35 employees. Featured are Paul Bunyan, The Paul Bunyan Wood Center, where guests watch woodenware being produced from the log to the finished product and Storybook Lane Little Houses. Admission is considered reasonable: $1.00 for adults and $.25 for children.

1956 - 1976

The park grows little by little, catering to families with young children. The daily circus shows feature internationally known stars such as the Great Wallendas. Part of an NBC special documentary, as well as a CBS documentary on the Wallendas are filmed at the Enchanted Forest. Other acts throughout the years included, John “Tarzan” Zerbini, The Zacchinis, and Emmett Kelly Jr. Storybook characters such as Robin Hood, and Cinderella roam the ‘Forest’. The 1/2 mile Skyride is installed. Captain Kidd’s Pirate Ship, The Alamo, Alice’s Wonder Island and Whale Boats are popular attractions, as well as Storybook Lane’s Little Houses. Chief Maurice Dennis and his family recreate an Indian Village and explain Adirondack Indian life and lore to guests who ride the Train to this exhibit.

Old water rides at Enchanted Forest in the Adirondacks. Old bumper sticket that says Enchanted Forest in Old Forge NY featuring the Great Wallendas trapeeze Chief Dennis and the old Indian Village

1977

New Owners purchase the Enchanted Forest of the Adirondacks and begin long-term plan for improvement and added fun!
A Step Beyond

Enchanted Forest adds amusement rides.

1978
The amusement ride, back area is constructed and called “A Step Beyond”.

1984

Wild Waters, a two flume, 350 ft. Water Slide is constructed, the first water slide at the Enchanted Forest.

1988
The first rides of their kind in NYS are constructed - Water Safari is opened. The park is now known as... Enchanted Forest Water Safari.

1991

The 1100 ft Amazon Family Tube Ride and the 1/4 acre Tidal Wave Pool are built next to the island.

Calypso's Cove Family Entertainment Center in Old Forge, NY is born.

Calypso's Cove Construction

1995

Calypso’s Cove is born. The family entertainment center features go-karts, batting cages, miniature golf, bumper boats and an arcade.

1999

The Adirondack Expedition is added to the EF/WS. The new expansion is themed on the Adirondack’s and includes two double tube rides, “Rondaxe Run” and “The Black River”, a family tube ride, “Cascade Falls”, a great water activity structure “The Sawmill”, and an action river, “The Log Jammer”

2002

Enchanted Forest’s first and oldest water slide “Wild Waters” is taken down and the new body slide “The Shadow” is constructed.

2005

The Enchanted Forest celebrates its 50th season! The Museum of Enchanted Memories, a museum dedicated to preserving the park's history, is added the added attraction. Tino Wallenda returns to the EF/WS ring with his family as the Flying Wallendas to help celebrate the park's 50th season! Enchatned Forest Water Safari adds a museum to the water park.

Enchatned Forest Water Safari adds a museum to the water park.

The Great Wallendas return for the family circus show in 2005.