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Netcong, New Jersey: Wild West City

As far east as The Wild West has ever gone. Features daily Main Street gun battles in the summer. Open since 1957. Out by the highway is a large, weather-worn plywood cowpoke on a bucking bronco; an unexpected sight in New Jersey.

Address:
50 Lackawanna Drive, Netcong, NJ
Directions:
I-80 exit 25. Drive north on US Hwy 206 for 2.5 miles, then turn right onto Lackawanna Drive. A half-mile on the right.
Hours:
Summer daily 10:30 am - 6 pm, weekends May 3-Columbus Day. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
973-347-8900
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
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Visitor Tips and News About Wild West City

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Wild West City.

Wild West City

A really fun getaway with horses, cowboys, a tiny train through some goofy staged areas, stage coach and short shoot outs. The Wild West City staff are funny and dedicated and the can can dancers are lively.

The body count was high by late afternoon.

[Dirty Martini, 05/26/2019]

Bucking bronco cutout.

Wild West City

A fun throwback in time. Felt like an old western town. Might be the only place left where kids are encouraged to bring play/fake toy guns....and if you forgot your gun then the sheriff tells you to use your finger. Spent the day getting "robbed" on the stage coach (buy tickets at pizza stand and get to boarding zone a couple minutes early so you can grab a seat on top), then chasing the bandits around town.

Nothing PC about this place....sheriff picked a couple of kids from crowd to be judges and then had the crowd chant "Hang them" (referring to bad guys). Sworn in as honorary sheriffs and got old-looking sheriff badge....fun free souvenir. Do NOT plan on eating there. Pack a lunch (picnic area inside) or eat elsewhere. Bad cowboys would get right in little kid's faces and yell or say things which scared some. Can find coupons online for couple dollars off admission.

[CJ, 07/15/2014]

Wild West City.

Wild West City

The classic attraction, Wild West City, plans to open the 1st weekend in May after its seasonal winter closing. America's easternmost simulation of an 1880s western frontier town, WWC has endured media and legal fallout from a fake gunfight/real shooting accident two years ago (after a half-century record of staged gunfights with no injuries).

While the exact cause and circumstances of the incident are still being debated, WWC is back with period-dressed performers and 22 live action shows for all-day visitors. Their slogan remains: "The Best of the West in the Heart of the East."

[RoadsideAmerica.com Team, 01/19/2008]
Wild West City Gunshot Victim Comes Out of Coma

An actor at Netcong, NJ's Wild West City, shot in the head during a fake gunfight on July 7th, came out of a medically-induced coma on Friday. According to local news reports, Scott Harris, 37, was said to be responding to some stimuli and was able to keep his eyes open....

[07/23/2006] Complete News Story

Wild West City

Wild West City is a pure, untouched specimen of roadside attractions in their true glory. You walk in a regular Joe and leave a Deputy Marshall with a badge and all. You cannot, however experience the wonder if you miss the performance of the "Western Sweethearts." The octgenarian duo sing country and western standards and play all of their own instruments. With their snazzy western dress,their performance would make even Hank Williams, Sr. proud.

[Wendy Jo Galenus, 06/18/2003]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Waterloo Village: Ghost TownWaterloo Village: Ghost Town, Stanhope, NJ - 3 mi.
Hachi, Loyal Dog of JapanHachi, Loyal Dog of Japan, Lafayette, NJ - 11 mi.
Mine Tour, Largest Display of Fluorescent RocksMine Tour, Largest Display of Fluorescent Rocks, Ogdensburg, NJ - 12 mi.
In the region:
Warren Harding Ended World War I Here, Raritan, NJ - 25 mi.

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