The Enchanted Forest at Clark's Elioak Farm
This working family farm has lovingly salvaged and restored the mid-century storybook structures from Ellicott City's beloved, long-closed Enchanted Forest theme park. Visitors can wander among nostalgic attractions like the Old Woman's Shoe, Mother Goose, and the Three Little Pigs' houses, seamlessly integrated alongside a petting zoo and hayrides. It is a rare, delightful rescue story of classic mid-century roadside Americana.
- Admission
- $8.00 per person (children under 1 are free)
- Hours
- Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (mid-March through early November); closed Mondays
- Duration
- 1.5 to 3 hours
- Parking
- Free on-site parking in a designated grass and gravel lot
- Access
- Mostly dirt and grass paths which can be uneven and muddy after rain, posing challenges for standard wheelchairs and strollers
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Opened in 1955, the original Enchanted Forest on Route 40 in Ellicott City was one of the nation's premier storybook theme parks, predating Disneyland by several months. For decades, families flocked to see giant fiberglass and concrete interpretations of classic nursery rhymes. However, by the late 1980s, changing entertainment tastes and suburban development forced the park to close. The magical structures were left to decay in the woods, seemingly destined for the bulldozer as a shopping center grew around them.
Recognizing the deep nostalgia locals held for the park, the owner of the nearby Clark’s Elioak Farm stepped in to orchestrate one of the most whimsical preservation efforts in roadside history. Beginning in 2004, the farm began acquiring and painstakingly relocating the fragile, oversized structures. Over the next decade, a surreal parade of cranes and flatbed trucks transported giant mushrooms, fairy tale castles, and Mother Goose herself across Ellicott City to their new home.
Today, the Enchanted Forest lives on as an integrated attraction within Clark’s Elioak Farm, a working agricultural operation. Visitors can wander among the restored structures, which are nestled alongside a petting zoo, hayrides, and active pastures. The juxtaposition of historic, mid-century theme park design and rural Maryland farm life creates an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and wonderfully surreal.
Among the highlights of the collection are the Old Woman’s Shoe, Willie the Whale, and the Castle entrance. The restoration work is ongoing, with each piece carefully repainted to match its original, vibrant 1950s color scheme, ensuring that a unique piece of American roadside pop culture remains preserved for future generations.
Ratings
attractionLore & References
- The Great Castle RescueLocals recall the surreal sight of a flatbed truck hauling a massive, concrete castle-shaped park entrance down busy Maryland highways during the initial relocation effort in 2004.
- The Hidden ForestFor years after the original park closed, teenagers and urban explorers whispered about a 'ghost park' hidden in the woods behind a shopping center, where fairytale creatures were slowly being reclaimed by nature.
Visitor Tips
- ◆ Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes, as the attraction is spread across a working farm with uneven turf and gravel paths.
- ◆ Bring cash or quarters if you want to purchase feed for the petting zoo animals that live alongside the storybook characters.
- ◆ Visit during the autumn months to combine the fairytale sights with the farm's seasonal pumpkin patch and maze activities.
- ◆ Look for the historic photo markers that show what the structures looked like in their original location decades ago.
Heads Up
- ◆ Do not allow children to climb on the fragile, restored fiberglass structures, as many are delicate, historic artifacts.
- ◆ The farm fields can become quite muddy after heavy rain, so plan footwear accordingly.
Common questions
Are these the original structures from the defunct Enchanted Forest amusement park?
Yes, many of the original storybook structures and figures were moved from their original Route 40 location and restored here at Clark's Elioak Farm.
Can children still climb inside the Old Woman in the Shoe structure?
Yes, the Old Woman's Shoe is fully restored and children are allowed to climb inside and slide down the back.
Is Willie the Whale located at this farm?
Yes, Willie the Whale was moved to the farm, restored, and is currently situated in a small pond on the property.
Are the train and pony rides included with general admission?
No, rides such as the pony rides, cow train, and the Enchanted Express train require additional ticket purchases separate from general admission.