Creatures long thought to be extinct have reappeared in Lake George just in time for Memorial Day Weekend. You can hear their rumbling growls, shrill screeches and tremendous roars before you even step foot into Dino Roar Valley at Lake George Expedition Park. The park, which includes Magic Forest and Dino Roar Valley, opens this Saturday, May 25, and promises to fill the imagination of visitors with sights and sounds from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods.
“We’re really excited about all the aspects of Dino Roar Valley,” says Park Manager John Collins, noting the park combines history, education and entertainment. Lake George Expedition Park is a transformation of the iconic Magic Forest, which changed hands last year after 55 years in operation. Dino Roar Valley is an expansion of the children’s theme park.
In Dino Roar Valley, expeditioners journey along a winding path through the woods where they encounter life-size, quite vocal, animatronic dinosaurs. Guests are greeted at the entrance by a Dilophosaurus, and they continue on to Basecamp to receive instructions (Don’t feed or pet the dinosaurs.) Signs along the trail provide extensive information about each dinosaur represented in the park, and for those who wish to expand their knowledge, paleontologist workshop packages may be purchased to engage in fossil building and excavating.
The park mascot, Roary the Raptor, will host shows in the park featuring Dr. Dig and Dr. Find who will discuss, and sometimes disagree about, dinosaur history. The Dino Outpost, in the center of the Valley, is a venue available for birthday parties and other private events.
The adjacent Magic Forest amusement park will continue to operate as it has for decades. There have been few changes. The large statues that gave Magic Forest its retro feel have been removed, but the kiddie rides, snack shack and stages for shows remain. Rex, the diving horse is gone, but Collins says they plan to bring in Olympic divers for a human diving show later in the season.
Dino Roar Valley admission tickets and Magic Forest tickets may be purchased separately or may be purchased in a combination 2-park package. Guests wearing a Dino Roar Valley admission bracelet are welcome to visit Magic Forest, view the shows and purchase food at the snack bar, but will need to buy a Magic Forest ticket to go on the rides.
The park will be open seven days a week, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., May 25 through Sept. 7, then open weekends through Oct. 7. Discounted tickets may be purchased online at the Lake George Expedition Park website. Group tickets and season passes are offered. Lake George Expedition Park is located at 1912 State Route 9, which is between exits 20 and 21 on I-87, the Adirondack Northway.
Lake George Expedition Park Ticket Prices
Dino Roar Valley Standard Admission:
$24.99 + tax onsite
$21.99+tax online
Magic Forest Standard Admission:
$19.99 + tax on site
$17.99+tax online
2-Park Combination Tickets:
$35 + tax
