According to the National Amusement Park Historical Society, a renaissance may be seen at the outdoor theme amusement parks in the Maggie Valley.
Regional travel guide website Blue Ridge Mountain Life notes that some people refer to Ghost Town Village, formerly known as “a ghost town in the sky” and “a cursed amusement park.” The frustrating title refers to many failed attempts to reopen the park, which was once a popular attraction but has not been opened since 2009.
NAPHA published a Facebook post on May 9, saying that potential buyers from Florida expressed interest in buying the resolved amusement park.
The same article says Jill McClure, the current owner of the property, was for sale for entertainment purposes, rather than for buyers of housing. The buyer envisions “a venue, country music, rodeo and festivals designed to keep the park family friendly.”
Is the Ghost Town Village/Ghost Town reopening in the sky?
So far, NAPHA has only mentioned initial considerations for purchasing the park from potential Florida buyers. But, current owner McClure clarified that she hopes to sell the park for recreational purposes.
Why is the Ghost Town Village/The Ghost Town in the Sky abandoned?
Larry Deane, co-owner of Blue Ridge Mountain Life, explained in an article on the website that the reason behind the initial closure of Ghost Town Village was “widespread”.
“Over the years, the park has slowly fallen into disrepair, with some major infrastructure issues such as water, electricity, sewage,” Dean wrote. “After all, it’s not easy to provide these services to the amusement park on the top of the mountain.”
Dean also believes that the decline in popularity of the “Wild West” theme is the reason for the closure of villages in Ghost Town.
Can you still reach the ghost town/ghost town in the sky?
Since abandoned parks are private property, access to the area without permission is illegal.
“It is illegal to enter the property and you will be charged with trespassing based on our conversations with local authorities,” Dean wrote.
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Iris Seaton is a popular journalist for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today network. Contact her at isaton@citizenimes.com.
This article originally appeared in Asheville Citizen Times: Ghost Town in the Sky, Ghost Town Village May Attract New Masters
