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Sylvan Beach, New York: Historic Sylvan Beach Amusement Park

One of America's ten oldest amusement parks. One highlight is a "Laffland" dark ride from 1954.

Address:
112 Bridge St., Sylvan Beach, NY
Directions:
Exit 34 off the NY State Thruway 9 miles north on Rt. 13 (or) Rt. 81 Cicero NY (just north of Syracuse NY) head east on Rt. 31 twenty miles left at Rt. 13 four miles.
Hours:
Summer Th-Su noon-9 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
315-762-5212
Admission:
Laffland $5.25
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Visitor Tips and News About Historic Sylvan Beach Amusement Park

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Laffland.

Laffland: Classic "Pretzel" Ride

This lakeside amusement park is home to one of the last dark rides made by the Pretzel Amusement Co., out of their 1000+ rides built. Like a pretzel, the ride's track twists and turns, which is how the company chose its name. Look for the pretzel-shaped counterweights on the cars. Inside, the ride's simple gags have been untouched but well maintained since 1954, and include crude mechanical devices like a crashing cymbal.

[Andrew McLaughlin, 08/02/2021]
Historic Sylvan Beach Amusement Park

This little 1940s themed "seaside boardwalk" town, with its very own late 19th/early 20th century amusement park and the landmark Yesterday's Royal restaurant (formerly the Hotel Royal, circa 1912). It all sits on the sandy eastern shore of Oneida Lake near Syracuse, NY and its long-time owners the Goodenow Family of Utica, NY have partnered with Doug Waterbury of the beautifully restored North Pole, NY aka Santa's Workshop (America's 1st theme park) to revitalize Sylvan Beach Amusement Park, believed to be one of the ten oldest amusement parks in the nation, with its origins traced to 1881. This slice of Americana is rarely found today anywhere in the country. The plan calls for a 5 year, 5 million dollar investment to restore, revitalize and expand the entire Retro Playground to its former glory.

[Doug Waterbury, 04/09/2007]

Nearby Offbeat Places

International Boxing Hall Of FameInternational Boxing Hall Of Fame, Canastota, NY - 7 mi.
World's Smallest ChurchWorld's Smallest Church, Oneida, NY - 8 mi.
Restored 1930 Gas StationRestored 1930 Gas Station, Rome, NY - 14 mi.
In the region:
Waiting for the "A" Train, Syracuse, NY - 23 mi.

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