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

I Found This Great 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