Not many people know, but tucked away in Beech Mountain is an old, semi-abandoned Land of Oz theme park. It was started in 1970 by Grover Robbins, a big contributor to the success and location of Tweetsie Railroad. The park was opened as an addition to the ski resort, hoping to be a year round attraction when the slopes weren’t operational. In its early years, Land of Oz gained extreme popularity, but the combination of Robbins’ untimely death, real estate issues and a fire to Emerald City led to its closing in 1980.
The inspiration for this theme park was adored and appreciated, and its demise unfortunate. After ten years of entertainment, the remains of the park were left to vandals and degradation. Not much stayed in tact, but the yellow brick road, munchkin houses, a few costumes and parts of the witch’s castle managed to be preserved. In 1991, the park was opened briefly for a July 4th Independence Day celebration, where visitors could travel through the park, while Watauga High performers took on the character roles. A year later, Appalachian State University had an exhibit in the Cultural museum with artifacts from the park itself. Sadly, it took until the late ‘90s for the park to become fully restored.
Throughout the renewal process, many visitors and photographers would stop by the site of the park, taking pictures and small artifacts. Due to this, many pieces of the brick road are still missing to this day. All kinds of things have been taken, but the stolen bricks are the most evident. During its abandonment, many photos were taken, showing the changes the park endured while people slowly learned the value of the property at hand. Even now, after its restoration, the effects of visitors can be seen.
Today, Land of Oz is open seasonally to guests. Throughout the summer, there is Journey with Dorothy, which is offered every Friday in June. For $22.50, you can take the ski lift, or hot air balloon, up to see the wizard! Dorothy herself will give you a tour of the park, showing you all the sights along the yellow brick road. If you are not in the mood to have a guided tour, you can always explore, within reason, on your own.
The most popular time to revisit the Land of Oz is for Autumn at Oz. Again in the fall, the park reopens to allow more guests. Although the details for this are not yet available for the 2016 year, it is known to bring many people. Autumn at Oz began when the park was first restored in the 1990s. By 2009, thousands of people were attending. In 2010, the event was in full swing. The seasonal event is an all-out production, very similar to how it began in 1970. The integrity of Robbins’ legacy lives on to this day.
This hidden gem in the high country is worth a stop. The rich history and community it has is, in the least, empowering. It has come a long way since its beginning almost 50 years ago. It may not be what it was at the very beginning, but it has evolved into an amusement that can still entertain anyone and everyone. If you have the opportunity this June, or in the fall, take a trip up the mountain and experience the Land of Oz, no matter your age. Check out their website, The Land of Oz, for more information and to buy tickets! It is never too late to sing “We’re Off to See the Wizard” while skipping along the yellow brick road.
