17 Field Trip Destinations That Don’t Even Exist Anymore
Some of the most unforgettable childhood memories come from school field trips. Sadly, many of those once-thriving destinations have vanished, leaving only photographs and nostalgic stories behind.
- Tricia Quitales
- 7 min read
Field trips were once a major highlight of school life, offering fun, learning, and a break from routine. Over the years, many iconic destinations have closed due to economic shifts, changing trends, or natural disasters. Revisiting these defunct attractions sheds light on how quickly the world around us evolves. These lost locations still live on in the memories of those who once visited them.
1. Libertyland – Memphis, Tennessee
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Located in Memphis, Libertyland once stood as a lively amusement park beloved by local schools for field trips. It was home to the Zippin Pippin, one of Elvis Presley’s favorite wooden roller coasters. Opening in 1976, the park offered both thrill rides and historic flair. Unfortunately, it closed in 2005 due to financial losses and dwindling attendance. Today, only remnants of its rides exist, scattered or repurposed elsewhere.
2. SeaWorld Ohio – Aurora, Ohio
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Before merging with Six Flags, SeaWorld Ohio was a favorite aquatic destination. Students marveled at orca shows, marine life exhibits, and thrilling water performances. Open from 1970 to 2001, it was one of only a few inland SeaWorld parks. When Six Flags and SeaWorld parted ways, the Ohio location was permanently shuttered. The grounds now serve other purposes, and the marine life was relocated.
3. Old Chicago – Bolingbrook, Illinois
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Old Chicago was the world’s first indoor amusement park and mall hybrid. It offered rides, games, and shopping all under one roof, making it ideal for all-weather school trips. Opened in 1975, the concept was ahead of its time but poorly executed financially. It closed only six years later, in 1981, after a series of setbacks. The space was eventually demolished, erasing all signs of its brief existence.
4. Marineland of the Pacific – Rancho Palos Verdes, California
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Nestled on a bluff overlooking the ocean, Marineland offered a mix of marine education and family fun. It featured orcas, dolphins, and a panoramic ocean view that captivated young visitors. Opened in 1954, it was one of the first marine parks in the U.S. SeaWorld bought and closed it in 1987, moving animals to their San Diego park. Today, the land holds a luxury resort, with no trace of its marine past.
5. Holy Land USA – Waterbury, Connecticut
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Built in the 1950s, Holy Land USA was a religious theme park designed to bring biblical stories to life. Students walked through replicas of ancient Jerusalem and biblical scenes. It was especially popular with parochial schools and religious education groups. The park closed in 1984 and has since fallen into ruin. Despite restoration talks, the once-vivid experience now lies in disrepair.
6. Six Flags AstroWorld – Houston, Texas
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A staple for generations of Houston-area students, AstroWorld combined educational days with roller coaster fun. Opening in 1968, it was one of the original Six Flags parks. The park closed suddenly in 2005 due to declining revenues and land value concerns. Its rides were auctioned off, and the land remains undeveloped to this day. Many still recall it as a thrilling chapter in their childhoods.
7. The Enchanted Forest – Ellicott City, Maryland
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This fairytale-themed park opened in 1955 and charmed visitors with storybook characters and whimsical design. Children delighted in live reenactments and interactive fairytale scenes. For years, it served as a top field trip destination in the mid-Atlantic. The park closed in 1995, and parts of it were later moved to a nearby farm for limited viewing. It now survives only in fragments and memory.
8. Disney’s River Country – Bay Lake, Florida
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River Country was Disney World’s first water park, bringing a rustic, old-fashioned swimming hole to life. It offered rope swings, a sandy bottom lake, and classic water slides. Opened in 1976, it was a nostalgic favorite for many school groups. Health regulations and competition from newer parks led to its closure in 2001. It was officially declared abandoned and later replaced by a hotel project.
9. Heritage USA – Fort Mill, South Carolina
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Created by televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, Heritage USA mixed Christian themes with amusement park attractions. It was one of the most visited sites in America during its peak in the 1980s. School groups were drawn to its biblical exhibits, waterpark, and conference centers. A financial scandal and natural disasters forced its closure by the late 1980s. Today, parts of the grounds remain abandoned, while others have been redeveloped.
10. Freedomland U.S.A. – The Bronx, New York
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Intended to rival Disneyland, Freedomland opened in 1960 as a history-themed amusement park. It featured American history reenactments, old west towns, and educational attractions. Students were treated to a fun mix of learning and entertainment. Financial mismanagement and competition caused its closure by 1964. The site later became the Co-op City housing complex.
11. Santa’s Village – Dundee, Illinois
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Santa’s Village transported visitors to the North Pole with its Christmas-themed rides and shows. School children loved its year-round holiday cheer and live reindeer exhibits. Opened in 1959, it operated for over four decades before closing in 2006. Rising costs and falling attendance were too much to overcome. A new park with a similar name later opened, but the original is gone.
12. Opryland USA – Nashville, Tennessee
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Opryland was a beloved music-themed amusement park opened in 1972. Students were drawn to its blend of live country music, riverboat rides, and themed zones. Despite steady popularity, the park was closed in 1997 to make way for a mall. Many locals protested the decision, feeling a cultural icon was lost. Today, only memories and old merchandise remain from the once-vibrant destination.
13. Boblo Island – Ontario, Canada / Michigan, USA
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Accessible by ferry, Boblo Island was a cross-border amusement park that charmed visitors for nearly 85 years. School groups loved the ferry rides as much as the park itself, with its historic dance halls and rides. It closed in 1993 after financial struggles and declining attendance. The ferry boats were auctioned off, and one became a restaurant. The island is now a private residential area.
14. The Land of Make Believe – Upper Jay, New York
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This quaint storybook-themed park was tucked into the Adirondacks and designed by artist Arto Monaco. Children wandered through storybook scenes, castles, and talking animals. It was small but held a magical charm for generations. Severe flooding in 1979 destroyed much of the park, leading to its closure. The remnants now sit abandoned, covered by nature and nostalgia.
15. Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) School Museum – North Carolina
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Located on a military base, this small museum offered students a glimpse into U.S. Army life. Exhibits included historical uniforms, weaponry, and reconstructions of field operations. Many military families and school groups toured the museum annually. Base restructuring and funding cuts led to its quiet closure. Its contents were archived or relocated, and the building repurposed.
16. Dogpatch USA – Marble Falls, Arkansas
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Based on the Li’l Abner comic strip, Dogpatch USA offered hillbilly-themed attractions and natural scenery. Students enjoyed quirky characters, music, and canoe rides through the Ozarks. Opening in 1968, it captured a niche charm but struggled with modern relevance. It shut down in 1993 and was left to decay. Attempts at revival failed, and the property was eventually sold.
17. Time Town – Bolton Landing, New York
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Time Town was a futuristic and science-based theme park that sparked the imagination of young minds. It featured space exhibits, animatronics, and hands-on learning zones. The park opened in the 1970s and was especially popular with science teachers planning school outings. It closed quietly in 1981 due to lack of attendance and maintenance challenges. Nothing remains on the original site but overgrown forest.