If you’re traveling through Illinois and think you’ve seen all its landmarks, think again. Scattered across the state once stood some of America’s most beloved amusement parks – places that shaped childhoods, inspired dreamers, and left behind stories that locals still tell today. From Chicago’s Riverview Park to the vanished rides of Adventureland and Fairyland Park, here’s a look at Illinois’ lost parks that defined the state’s golden age of fun – and what remains of them today.
1. Riverview Park
Once one of America’s largest amusement parks, Riverview Park ruled Chicago’s North Side from 1904 to 1967. The park’s wooden coaster, The Bobs, sent riders screaming through gravity-defying drops, while the Pair-O-Chutes parachute ride offered breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Walt Disney’s father once visited here, and many believe the park’s innovative spirit inspired Disney’s own theme park dreams. Families gathered here every summer, creating memories that would last generations.
Today, a Walgreens parking lot occupies the site at Western and Belmont Avenues. But if you look closely at the pavement, traces of the foundation still remain. Local historians occasionally lead walking tours that bring the park’s magic back to life through stories and photographs, making it a must-visit for nostalgia seekers exploring Chicago’s forgotten landmarks.
2. Kiddieland Amusement Park
For eighty years, Kiddieland in Melrose Park was where Chicago-area families introduced their children to the magic of amusement parks. Opening in 1929, this beloved park featured the Little Dipper roller coaster, a gentle introduction to thrills that became a rite of passage for generations of kids.
The classic train ride circled the park grounds while parents waved from benches, cameras ready. Every ride was designed with young children in mind, creating a safe, joyful environment where laughter filled the air from opening to closing time.
When Kiddieland closed in 2009, heartbroken fans mourned the loss. Now a Costco stands where the park once thrived, but the Little Dipper lives on at Six Flags Great America. The original entrance sign is beautifully preserved at the Melrose Park Library, where visitors can still feel a spark of that childhood wonder.
3. Old Chicago
America’s first indoor amusement park opened in Bolingbrook in 1975, revolutionizing the concept of year-round entertainment. Old Chicago featured three roller coasters, including the famous Chicago Loop, alongside a Ferris wheel and dozens of carnival rides – all under one massive roof.
The turn-of-the-century themed shopping mall wrapped around the attractions, creating an immersive experience unlike anything visitors had seen before. Families could shop, dine, and ride coasters without worrying about Illinois weather ruining their plans.
Despite its innovative concept, Old Chicago closed in 1980 and was demolished by 1986. One of its corkscrews now sits proudly in the National Roller Coaster Museum in Texas. Today, a shopping center occupies the site, but locals who remember still talk about the thrill of riding coasters while snow fell outside.
4. FunTown / KiddyTown
Tucked away on Chicago’s South Side, FunTown (later known as KiddyTown) operated from 1950 to 1982 as a charming neighborhood treasure. Unlike the grand parks downtown, this was a modest operation focused entirely on young children discovering their first rides.
Summer evenings here became a beloved tradition for local families. Kids clutched tickets while parents watched from nearby benches, savoring ice cream cones and the sound of their children’s delighted squeals. The park’s small scale made it feel intimate and safe, a place where everyone knew the operators by name.
When it closed in 1982, the neighborhood lost more than just a park – it lost a gathering place. Nothing remains at the site today, but former visitors still share memories online, recounting first roller coaster rides and birthday parties celebrated under twinkling lights.
5. Dispensa’s Kiddie Kingdom
Bright colors and gentle rides defined Dispensa’s Kiddie Kingdom, a quirky family-run park in Oakbrook Terrace that operated from 1975 to 1984. The Dispensa family poured their hearts into creating an affordable, accessible destination where every child felt special.
What the park lacked in size, it made up for in personality. Hand-painted signs, meticulously maintained rides, and personal attention from the owners created an atmosphere that felt more like visiting a friend’s backyard than a commercial enterprise.
Though its run was brief, those who visited remember it fondly. The site has long since been redeveloped, with no physical traces remaining. Yet online communities dedicated to Chicago-area amusement park history frequently mention Dispensa’s, with former visitors sharing photos and stories that keep the memory alive for a new generation curious about Illinois’ small-park heritage.
6. Adventureland
From 1961 to 1977, Adventureland in Addison drew crowds from across Chicagoland with its suburban charm and classic attractions. Positioned perfectly between the city and outlying communities, it became a weekend destination for families seeking affordable thrills without the downtown commute.
The park featured a mix of traditional carnival rides, arcade games, and food stands serving classic fair treats. Summer nights here meant teenagers on dates, children begging for just one more ride, and parents calculating whether they had enough tickets left.
When Adventureland closed in 1977, the land was quickly cleared for development. Today, commercial properties occupy the former park grounds, with no markers indicating what once stood there. Still, local history buffs occasionally organize meetups at nearby restaurants, sharing photographs and reminiscing about the park that defined their suburban childhoods in an era before mega theme parks dominated the landscape.
7. Electric Park
Opening in 1904, Electric Park in Plainfield was part of a nationwide phenomenon that showcased the wonder of electricity. Hundreds of light bulbs transformed the park into a glowing spectacle each evening, drawing visitors who marveled at this modern miracle.
Early mechanical rides offered thrills that seem tame by today’s standards but were cutting-edge for their time. Families traveled from surrounding towns by streetcar, making an evening at Electric Park a special occasion that required planning and anticipation.
The park closed in 1932 as the Great Depression took its toll and electricity became commonplace rather than novel. The site has been absorbed into modern Plainfield’s residential development. While nothing physical remains, the Plainfield Historical Society maintains archives of photographs and newspaper clippings, offering researchers and curious travelers a window into Illinois’ early amusement park era when electric lights alone could draw crowds.
8. Santa’s Village
Christmas magic lasted year-round at Santa’s Village in Dundee, which opened in 1959 and quickly became a beloved family tradition. Reindeer roamed the grounds, carnival rides spun beneath candy-cane striped canopies, and a petting zoo let children interact with gentle animals while parents snapped countless photos.
The park’s whimsical atmosphere made every visit feel special, whether in summer heat or autumn chill. Meeting Santa in July became a cherished tradition for thousands of Illinois families who returned year after year.
When the park closed in 2006, it seemed like the end of an era. But in a rare happy twist, Santa’s Village reopened in 2011 with updated attractions while preserving its nostalgic charm. Today’s visitors can experience both the magic of the original concept and modern improvements, making it a perfect stop for travelers seeking Illinois nostalgia that’s still very much alive.
9. Harlem Park
Among Illinois’ earliest amusement destinations, Harlem Park in Rockford operated from 1891 to 1928, serving as a gathering place for families seeking entertainment and respite. The park featured boating on a scenic lake, early thrill rides, and a concert pavilion that hosted performances throughout the summer season.
Victorian-era families arrived dressed in their finest, treating a park visit as a social event. The combination of natural beauty and mechanical entertainment created an experience that felt both refined and exciting, appealing to multiple generations simultaneously.
When Harlem Park closed in 1928, Rockford lost a significant piece of its cultural identity. The land has since been redeveloped, with residential neighborhoods replacing the old park grounds. The Rockford Public Library maintains a collection of historical materials about Harlem Park, and local historians occasionally give presentations that bring this pioneering Illinois amusement park back to life through stories and rare photographs.
10. Fairyland Park
Fairyland Park in Lyons operated from 1938 to 1977 as a neighborhood favorite where summer nights came alive with laughter and carnival music. The park’s famous funhouse featured tilted rooms, spinning barrels, and mirror mazes that left visitors dizzy with delight.
What made Fairyland special wasn’t its size or its cutting-edge attractions – it was the sense of community it fostered. Local families returned week after week, creating traditions that marked the passage of summer. Teenagers met friends here, children won goldfish at game booths, and parents relaxed knowing their kids were safe and happy.
When Fairyland closed in 1977, a shopping center eventually took its place. Today, shoppers park where the funhouse once stood, unaware of the joy that once filled this space. Online forums dedicated to Chicago-area amusement parks frequently feature Fairyland memories, with former visitors describing the park’s unique charm and wishing they could share it with their own children.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
