It won’t quite be Jurassic Park, the dinosaurs will be animatronic, not the result of DNA manipulation, however, it promises to send guests back in time a couple hundred million years. Lake George Expedition Park, the new name for Magic Forest, just received approval from the Lake George Planning Board to add Dino Roar Valley to the iconic Lake George theme park. Beginning with the 2019 season, visitors to Dino Roar Valley will take on the role of explorers as they launch expeditions from a basecamp and progress along a half-mile long trail through the forest with the roar of dinosaurs urging them on.
The experience includes a fossil dig site, a Dino Nest, which explorers may crawl into, an outdoor education center and special event space to host birthday parties and other private events. Explorers can expect to meet a Dilophosaurus and a Titanosaurus, the “largest dinosaur ever discovered” as they step into dinosaur tracks along the path. Study guides aligned with Next Generation and NYS Science learning standards are offered to school and group tours.
Ruben Ellsworth of Ellsworth & Son Excavating recently purchased the park from Jack Gillette. “Since 1963, my family has enjoyed seeing the smiling faces of children and their families,” says Gillette in a press release. “I’m happy to see the property continue under new ownership and I look forward to seeing future generations enjoy these new attractions at the expedition park.” Ellsworth will continue to operate Magic Forest with rides as part of Lake George Expedition Park.
“As we move towards our late spring opening, I look forward to our guests planning their visit and special event with us,” says Park Manager John Collins. “We’ll have so much to offer, and I’m thrilled Lake George will be the Park’s home, a family destination that will only be enhanced by Dino Roar Valley.” The Lake George Expedition Park will be open from May through October. The park is currently taking group reservations online. Individual tickets will be available beginning in March.
Ticket prices:
• Dino Roar Valley: $24.99 + tax
• Magic Forest: $19.99 + tax
• Combination tickets for both attractions: $35.00 + tax
• Discounted group rates available for school groups/camps of 20 or more
• Inquire about special VIP tickets, private tours and special workshops
• Children 2 years and under are FREE.