Do you remember Reno’s awesome little amusement park? It wasn’t an incredibly popular place back when it was in operation. However, it was still a local gem that many families retain fond memories of. It may have been small and simplistic but that’s exactly what made it so charming. This now abandoned theme park has been closed for nearly a decade. Although the rides are no longer in operation and many of the structures have been demolished, you can actually still peruse the remnants of what was once a quaint, family friendly attraction.
If you grew up in the Reno area, you may remember a small amusement park that went by the name of Great Basin Adventure. This park wasn't huge by any means but it was still a great place to take the family and spend the day. It was abandoned years ago but you can still explore the remnants which nature is currently reclaiming.
The amusement park was located within Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno, right next to the still-standing Wilbur D. May Museum. The park was no Disneyland but it contained a plethora of fun activities and even a few rides.
The park officially closed down in 2010 due to budget cuts. The main attractions were shut down for good but visitors are still allowed to stroll through the area even to this day. However, you'll realize that the park bears almost no resemblance to its former glory.
As you explore the abandoned theme park, you'll walk along boardwalks and paths that look like they haven't been landscaped since the park closed down. Tall grass, shrubs, and trees seem to have totally consumed the park's old structures and walking areas.
You'll notice that a few token pieces of the theme park have been left behind. For instance, the Dino Playground is still mostly in tact and available for kids to play on.
Across from the old petting zoo structure is a man-made tunnel with a waterfall that cascades down the side. Again, nature seems to be taking this area back and tree branches are starting to pour over the top of it. You can almost visualize what it might've looked like back in its prime.
The most notable attraction in the park was the Double Diamond Mine. That structure has been completely demolished and there is no trace of it leftover. However, you can view the nearby area where visitors used to "pan for gold".
One of the park's most mesmerizing features is one of the hardest to get to since it is contained behind a fence. The Log Flume was the one actual ride within the theme park and it's actually been left behind, totally untouched.
Nature has definitely taken its toll on the Log Flume since it was closed years ago. Weeds have been left to grow all around it and it's hard to believe it was actually the crown jewel of Great Basin Adventure at one point. In fact, many presume that this ride was one of the main reasons the park was ultimately closed since it cost so much to operate.
It's clear that Great Basin Adventure's glory days are long gone. It may not have been super flashy but it was still a treasured attraction within the Reno area. The buildings may be shuttered up and the rides closed down but the memories of this park will live forever.
Do you remember this Great Basin Adventure? This abandoned theme park is simply mesmerizing. It’s too bad it had to be shut down! If you thought this was fascinating, just wait until you read about The Town In Nevada That Was Abandoned And Nobody Knows Why.
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