Once a beloved icon of mid-century entertainment, Palisades Amusement Park was a vibrant 30-acre amusement park that overlooked the Hudson River from the top of the New Jersey Palisades.

Review:★★★★★ Though it closed in 1971, its legacy continues through memorials, educational programs, and cultural preservation efforts.

Recommended for

This destination is ideal for:

  • History buffs interested in American amusement park culture
  • New Jersey and NYC locals with nostalgic ties to the park
  • Families and educators exploring 20th-century entertainment history
  • Pop culture enthusiasts curious about the park’s impact on music and media

Location & Contact

Historic Overview

  • Opened in 1898 by the Bergen County Traction Company as a trolley park.
  • Located atop the scenic New Jersey Palisades, overlooking Manhattan and the Hudson River.
  • Renamed and expanded multiple times by owners including the Schenck brothers and later the Rosenthals of Coney Island fame.

Popular Attractions & Legacy

  • Hosted mid-century youth events, variety shows, and music festivals.
  • Home to the nation’s largest saltwater swimming pool, filled directly from the Hudson River.
  • Featured iconic rides such as the Cyclone roller coaster.
  • Closed in 1971 due to safety concerns, overcrowding, and development pressures.

Current Memorial & Preservation

  • The Little Park of Memories: A public memorial located on the former park site, featuring engraved bricks and ride names.
  • Cyclone Coaster Cars: Five original cars from the Cyclone were returned in 2014 for restoration and display.
  • Historical Programming: Includes a lecture series, multimedia exhibits, and community outreach through the Palisades Amusement Park Historical Society.

Explore More

  • Browse archived photos, videos, and stories on the Historical Society’s website.
  • Purchase books, prints, and educational materials celebrating the park’s cultural and musical legacy.
  • Attend public events honoring the park’s impact on 20th-century American leisure.

Plan Your Trip