Hamburg, NJ - this abandoned and dilapidated structure falls gloriously into the "Weird NJ" territory. I've wanted to visit for a long time, so when I unexpectedly drove by it last summer, I had to pull over to take some photos.
It used to be a small fairytale-themed amusement park, designed in 1928 by Austrian architect & set designer Joseph Urban, and was installed next to the Wheatworth Mills factory (later acquired by Nabisco), whose owner F.H. Bennett commissioned the park to be built, inspired by the Brothers Grimm fairytales from his childhood.
The park opened to the public in 1930 and was a popular attraction, but closed in the late 1980s due to waning interest and attendance. Although there have been some restoration efforts by successive owners of the site, these have faced challenges and it doesn't look like much has been done. Due to trespassing and vandalism, the property is closed off by a chainlink fence, though you can see it from the road. The buildings have fallen into severe disrepair - which, to be honest, adds to the atmospheric quality - so there are also structural safety concerns to keep out curious explorers.
If this has piqued your interest, you can visit a somewhat similar but glossier old-fashioned fairytale themed amusement park of a slightly newer vintage (1950s) that IS successfully renovated and open after a two decades-plus hiatus: Fairy Tale Forest in Oak Ridge, NJ! (See my separate Yelp review for this unique attraction.) It's enchanting, nostalgic, and one of my favorite places in the world. Sort of uncanny like this, but is still operational and less haunting. read more