A highway draftsman bought 20 acres of woods for $4,000 and spent seven years hand-sculpting a fairy-tale world. He used concrete, fiberglass, and plaster of paris. No big studio backed him. Just a man, his family, and a very stubborn dream.
The result opened in 1971 on a forested hillside in Oregon. Today, you can walk through a giant witch’s mouth, crawl down a rabbit hole, and slide out of a shoe. Kids get it instantly. Adults usually need a minute.
I’m particularly drawn to how personal the whole place feels. His daughters still help run it, writing plays and composing music for the shows. That kind of family touch is rare in the theme park world.
One Man’s Seven-Year Project Became A Family Legacy
Back in 1964, Roger Tofte bought 20 wooded acres for $4,000 and started building. He worked as a highway draftsman and watch repairman, so this was very much a side project.
That side project became Enchanted Forest, which opened to the public on August 8, 1971. Tofte spent seven years shaping the first section by hand before a single ticket was sold.
Think about that for a second. Most people struggle to finish a backyard deck in one summer.
Tofte passed away on February 13, 2026, at age 96. His legacy didn’t fade with him, though. The park remains family-owned and operated today.
His daughters, Susan Vaslev, Mary, and Lori, carry the work forward. Third-generation family members are involved too, keeping his vision alive.
One detail I find worth mentioning is how much of the family’s creativity shows up in daily park life. Susan writes and directs the original musical plays and created the music for the water-light show.
That’s not a corporate team cranking out content. It’s a family that grew up inside a fairy tale and kept adding chapters.
When you visit, you’re stepping into decades of homemade dedication. Few places in Oregon can say that with a straight face.
A Castle Gate Leads Straight Into Nursery Rhyme Land
A castle greets you at the start of Storybook Lane, and yes, it has a hidden dungeon. That’s a strong opening move for any walk.
Storybook Lane is the original section of the park. Classic nursery rhymes and fairy tales come to life here through handmade sculptures and walkthrough displays.
You’ll spot Humpty Dumpty, Mary Had a Little Lamb, and Hansel and Gretel’s house. Many displays invite you inside instead of just admiring from a rope line.
Kids can crawl through a rabbit hole near the Alice in Wonderland scene. There’s also a maze, which is great for burning extra energy.
The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe has a slide built right inside. Grown-ups ride it too, and nobody seems to mind.
Then there’s the giant witch’s mouth. You walk straight through it, which is either delightful or slightly alarming, depending on your age.
The paths wind between tall trees, so each scene appears like a new page turning. Give yourself time here instead of rushing to the rides.
Bring a camera and comfy shoes. The hillside setting means some uphill stretches between rhymes.
Saddle Up For The Wild West Side Of The Woods
Fairy tales and cowboys sharing one hillside sounds odd on paper. In practice, it works surprisingly well.
Tofteville Western Town was added during the park’s early years, bringing old-time storefronts and rustic displays of Western characters. It feels like a frontier town shrunk down for family adventures.
There’s a shooting gallery for anyone who wants to test their aim. Remote control boats offer a calmer kind of competition.
The walkthrough Haunted House lives here too. It’s spooky in a family-friendly way, though younger kids may want a hand to hold.
Here’s my favorite part. Tofteville also houses a museum about the park’s own history.
Vintage photos and original artwork show how the whole place came together. Seeing early sketches next to finished sculptures gives you real respect for the effort.
A gift shop rounds things out, so you can grab a souvenir before moving on. Tofte’s original art is sold in gift shops around the park as well.
Tip for families: let the kids pick between the shooting gallery and the boats first. Then sneak in some museum time while they’re happy.
History has never been this easy to sell.
Cobblestone Charm Waits In The Old European Village
Developed in stages, with its second phase opening in 1993, the Old European Village looks like it wandered out of a Bavarian postcard. The cobblestone-style charm sets a totally different mood from the rest of the park.
Pinocchio’s Playroom is a big draw for younger visitors. Merlin’s Magic Shop adds a wizardly twist to the browsing.
Science fans should find Sir Newton’s Gravity Factory. It’s a perpetual motion machine, and watching it run is oddly hypnotic.
Then there’s the Blackbird Bakery. An animatronic singing blackbird performs there, which is exactly as charming as it sounds.
Face painting is offered in this area too. Expect a few tigers and butterflies to join your group by afternoon.
The Gathering Hall hosts live music from Possibly Irish on most afternoons. The family-friendly Irish band adds a lively soundtrack to your snack break.
I find it easy to appreciate how much detail fills this corner of the park. Every doorway seems to hide another small surprise.
Plan to slow down here. It’s one of the best spots to rest your legs without getting bored.
Hold On Tight For The Bobsled And A Big Splash
Fair warning: you will get wet on the Big Timber Log Ride. That’s not a risk, it’s a promise.
This hybrid log flume and roller coaster carries you through an old logging mill and up into the trees. Then comes a 40-foot splashdown drop.
It’s considered the largest log ride of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. Pretty bold for a park that began as a one-man art project.
The Ice Mountain Bobsled Roller Coaster came first, opening in 1983 as the park’s first ride. It stands 100 feet tall with 1,600 feet of track.
Enclosed cars twist, drop, and hit bunny hops along the way. Each car fits one adult and one child, two average-sized adults, or three small kids.
So who rides with whom? Settle that before reaching the front of the line.
Both rides use ride tickets on top of park admission. Gift shops sell ponchos if you’d rather stay mostly dry on the log ride.
Do the log ride on a warm afternoon. Oregon sunshine dries you faster than a soggy morning will.
Grab A Laser And Battle Mythical Creatures
Wizards, monsters, and a scoreboard. The Challenge of Mondor packs a lot into one ride.
Added in 2006, this interactive dark ride uses a trackless system. That means your vehicle moves freely instead of following a rail.
The story sends you on a wizard’s quest to fight mythical creatures. You aim laser guns at targets and rack up points as you go.
Families love a little friendly rivalry. Expect someone to demand a rematch the second you exit.
It’s a great pick for kids who are too old for gentle rides but not ready for big drops. Parents get to play along instead of just waving from the sidelines.
Shooting fans have another option, too. The shooting gallery in Tofteville offers a different kind of target practice.
Since Mondor is indoors, it also makes a smart choice if the weather turns drizzly. Oregon skies do love a surprise.
My advice? Let the youngest rider win once in a while.
Or don’t. Some scores are meant to be bragged about all the way back to the car.
Little Riders Get Their Own Happy Corner
Small legs need small adventures, and Kiddy Land delivers them. This area is built for younger children who want rides sized just right.
A carousel features a variety of animals to choose from. Picking the perfect one can take longer than the ride itself.
Bumper boats and bumper cars bring the giggles. There’s something deeply satisfying about bonking into a sibling with zero consequences.
The Tiny Tune Train offers a gentle loop. A Frog Hopper adds little bounces, and a small Ferris wheel gives a fun view.
These rides make a nice reset between bigger attractions. Toddlers can enjoy their own moment while older siblings tackle the bobsled.
Remember that rides use separate tickets beyond admission. Wandering first and deciding on rides as you go can help you budget.
Parents should also note the park’s hilly layout. Paths are paved, but some slopes are steep.
Strollers work, though you’ll get a workout pushing them uphill. Consider it a bonus fitness class with a carousel prize at the end.
For little ones, this corner might become the highlight of the whole day.
Fountains Dance And Fairy Tales Get A Comic Twist
Some 359 water jets perform together inside the Jolly Roger Inn. The Fantasy Fountains Water-Light Show blends those jets with lights and music.
It repeats every 15 minutes, so you won’t need to plan your whole day around it. Just wander in when your feet ask for a break.
Susan Vaslev created the music and choreography. Knowing a family member designed it makes the show feel extra personal.
The Comedy Theatre adds another layer of fun. Original musical plays based on classic fairy tales run here.
Vaslev writes and directs those shows too. Clearly, the creative gene runs strong in this family.
Showtimes vary, so check the schedule when you arrive. Missing a show because of poor timing would be a real shame.
Pizza and the fountain show pair nicely if you need lunch. You get dinner theater energy at a fraction of the fuss.
I noticed that these shows fill a gap many parks ignore. Not every highlight here involves a line or a seatbelt.
Sometimes the best moment is simply sitting still and watching water dance.
Pack A Picnic And Plan Your Visit Around The Season
Hungry visitors have plenty of casual choices. Pizza, corn dogs, chicken strips, fries, and pulled pork sandwiches all show up on the lineup.
There’s an ice cream parlor and a coffee cottage too. Barbecue items round out the savory side of things.
Even better, you can bring your own food. The park encourages picnics, which is a welcome rarity among theme parks.
You’ll find Enchanted Forest at 8462 Enchanted Way SE, Turner, OR 97392. It sits about seven miles south of Salem, just off Interstate 5.
Parking is free, which always feels like a small win. Tickets can be bought online ahead of time or at the gate.
Buying admission online between one and 14 days before your visit can save money, although discounted tickets are limited. That’s a smart move for big families.
The park runs seasonally, opening in late March for spring break. It’s open weekends in spring, daily in summer through Labor Day, then weekends through September.
The next season opens March 20, 2027. Most days run from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mark your calendar early. This little Oregon wonderland is worth the planning.
