4 Abandoned Amusement Parks in Arizona You Can Still Visit

Arizona doesn’t have many abandoned amusement parks compared to other states, but the ones that remain are worth noting. Some sit quietly in the desert as ruins, while others are preserved as roadside relics that you can still safely explore. I’ve tracked down a few that stand out.

1. Legend City (Phoenix, remnants only)

Few places capture the spirit of old Phoenix quite like the vanished Legend City. I’ve met longtime locals who still remember the buzz of its opening day in 1963, when a western-themed amusement park felt like the perfect fit for Arizona’s capital. Legend City never really took off the way developers hoped, but it became part of Phoenix folklore for those who grew up nearby. The park officially closed in 1983 after changing owners multiple times.

The rides are long gone, and the grounds have changed hands many times. Today, you can’t walk through the original park, but traces linger in unlikely spots. Around the Salt River Project campus and Papago Park, you’ll discover interpretive displays set up by devoted historians. They feature vintage photos and some salvaged artifacts, letting you piece together the park’s story without stepping onto the original site.

For me, the real value lies in how Legend City survives through community memory. The displays aren’t flashy; instead, they feel heartfelt, almost like a scrapbook made public. If you want to see what Phoenix once dreamed of, stop by these subtle shrines. You’ll find a small, rewarding detour for anyone curious about Arizona’s ever-changing landscape and the amusements that once tried to call it home.

A fun tidbit: the park briefly hosted live performances from future stars like Wayne Newton. Those connections pop up in old photos and local lore, adding an extra layer for anyone who likes a side of celebrity history with their travels.

2. Dogpatch / Bedrock City (in Valle, just south of the Grand Canyon, near Williams)

If you’ve ever driven Route 64 heading toward the Grand Canyon, you might have caught a glimpse of Bedrock City’s stone archway and colorful figures peeking out from the trees. This quirky Flintstones-themed park opened in 1972 and became part of many road-trip traditions. Even though it officially closed in 2019, much of its concrete cartoon landscape remains in view for the curious traveler.

You’ll spot dinosaur slides and the familiar orange-and-black dwellings inspired by the iconic TV family. The property now forms part of Raptor Ranch, a bird sanctuary that keeps some of the old park’s features accessible. While you can’t roam as freely as when the park was open, you’re allowed to view several structures, snap photos, and chat with staff about Bedrock’s history.

What stands out most is the park’s odd blend of nostalgia and wild Arizona charm. The statues are faded but still cheerful, and the setting feels both playful and slightly surreal. It’s a slice of Americana that’s easy to appreciate, especially if you grew up watching animated Saturday mornings. I always recommend pairing a visit with a stop at the ranch to see the raptors, making it a unique double feature you won’t find anywhere else in the state.

Fun fact: Bedrock City once offered themed weddings, complete with cartoon costumes for the happy couple!

3. Apacheland Movie Ranch (near Apache Junction)

You won’t find roller coasters at Apacheland, but the site carries a charisma all its own. Originally built as a Western movie set in the late 1950s, Apacheland brought film crews and big stars to the edge of Arizona’s Superstition Mountains. Later, it began welcoming tourists, adding live stunt shows and attractions that gave it a real amusement park feel.

Disaster struck more than once here; fires in 1969 and again in 2004 destroyed almost all the original buildings. Rather than let history be swallowed by the desert, dedicated fans salvaged iconic structures like the chapel and barn, relocating them to the Superstition Mountain Museum. Today, you can walk through these rescued pieces, browse displays of old film memorabilia, and even watch classic Westerns shot on the grounds.

What I enjoy most is how Apacheland’s story connects Arizona’s Hollywood ties with its wild landscape. The museum’s staff are full of behind-the-scenes tales, and the buildings themselves feel frozen in time. Whether you’re a film buff or just passing through, it’s a chance to step onto a real piece of Old West cinema history, without leaving the state.

Did you know? Elvis Presley once filmed scenes for the movie “Charro!” at Apacheland, making it a pilgrimage spot for devoted fans.

4. Rock-A-Hoola Waterpark (Arizona–California border road trip stop)

Most who’ve driven I-40 between Arizona and California have at least glimpsed the haunting silhouette of Rock-A-Hoola Waterpark. Perched just across the border near Newberry Springs, this waterpark opened in the late 1990s with big plans and a retro vibe. Years of financial trouble left it shuttered and slowly surrendering to the relentless Mojave sun.

What’s left now are skeletal water slides and graffiti-tagged pools, creating a striking contrast with the quiet desert around it. While the park is officially closed and entry is not permitted, it has become a kind of unofficial landmark for photographers and road-trippers. Many Arizona travelers include it as a must-see from the highway, even if only for a quick stop at the fence line.

There’s an eerie beauty to the place that can’t be denied. I’ve never seen another abandoned waterpark that manages to feel both nostalgic and strangely peaceful. If you pull over, keep your distance, take some photos, and let your imagination fill in the splashes that once echoed here, and remember that Arizona’s connection to this spot comes from countless travelers passing through.

Fun fact: The park was briefly known as “Lake Dolores” and has appeared in several music videos and commercials for its unique, post-apocalyptic look.