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Paul Bunyan statue and ferris wheel.

Lake George, Where Muffler Men Lurk

Lake George, New York

Note: In 2018-19, most of the Muffler Men in Lake George -- the ones owned by Magic Forest -- left town, sold to other businesses after a massive attraction makeover. But for decades before then you could find this unusual cluster out in the woods of a kiddie theme park....

A few hours north of Manhattan, the touristy town of Lake George -- though lacking density for world-class Mecca status -- offers more than its share of roadside distractions. There is miniature golf on every corner -- including America's Oldest Miniature Golf Course. The House of Frankenstein, Alien Encounter, and other main drag thrills draw crowds all summer long.

The Clown.

Some of our favorite Lake George enticements have been the independent theme parks south of town -- the wonderful but long gone Animaland, and the resilient Magic Forest. Dazzled by the crazy animal antics at Animaland on our first trip in the 1980s, we suffered some observational short circuit by the time we arrived up the road at the Magic Forest. We noted the giant Uncle Sam in the parking lot, and reported on the diving horse. But somehow, we missed all the Muffler Men lurking in the forest.

So we returned to properly document the giants that have been reported on the Muffler Man sightings pages. Magic Forest managers told us they'd been here for a very long time. The Paul Bunyan is visible near the entrance. The others are spread along the winding paths between fairy tale dioramas.

That's four Muffler Men, all within shouting distance of each other. But hold on -- Magic Forest hasn't cornered the entire local Muffler Man supply.

Another Paul Bunyan stands at Around The World Golf, a miniature golf attraction along the southern shore of Lake George.

He's in better shape than the battered Swiss Trail Muffler Man some miles west of town in Lake Vanare -- apparently outside the invisible bubble that protects the Muffler Men of Lake George.

Also see: Magic Forest | Muffler Men Home Page

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

Magic Forest

Directions:
Magic Forest site is now Lake George Expedition Park. I-87 exit 21 to Hwy 9 north. Just south of town, east side of the road.
Status:
Gone

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

World's Fair Muffler Man

Around The World Golf

Address:
Beach Rd., Lake George, NY
Directions:
Around The World Golf. I-87 exit 21. US 9 north, then just on entering town, turn right at the Lake Shore Beach sign onto Beach Rd. On right hand side, at intersection of Brook Rd.
Phone:
518-668-2531
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

Bunyan Muffler Man: One Arm

Mountain Air Campground

Address:
1265 Lake Ave., Lake Vanare, NY
Directions:
Mountain Air Campground. I-87 exit 21. Hwy 9N south, five miles, west side of the road, at the entrance to the Mountain Air Campground, up in the trees.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

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