Support Us Button Widget

WNC’s Ghost Town in the Sky is poised to return

wnc-ghost-town-in-the-sky-avltoday

The entrance to Ghost Town in the Sky I Photo by @branden865

Table of Contents

Local fun lovers like us got super pumped when we saw the news that beloved theme park Ghost Town in the Sky may finally be reopening soon, thanks to new development partners. The Wild West-themed amusement park in Maggie Valley (about half an hour west of town in Haywood County) opened in 1961 and enjoyed great popularity in the ’70s and ’80s before shutting its doors in 2002. While there have been numerous efforts over the years to renovate + reopen it, they’ve all fallen through the cracks until now.

Here’s what we know so far about its possible return:

  • The property has new investors and has been transferred to new ownership, who are still anonymous.
  • The new managers plan to preserve the theme park’s nostalgic elements such as the can-can dancers + gunslingers — as well as bring in modern amenities, including contemporary rides, attractions, retail stores, and hotels at the base and top of the mountain. We only hope they keep the Red Devil Cliffhanger roller coaster.
  • So far, the plans include infrastructure additions, like affordable housing for Ghost Town employees. Earlier this year, discussions touched on building modular homes in the park’s vicinity.

Question

More from AVLtoday
If you recently retired and are looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Asheville.
For several years now, Timothy Maguire has crafted chocolates for some of entertainment’s biggest stages.
Learn about local Black history through art, books, food, and community at these events around the city.
Whether you’re an art lover or a plant enthusiast, history buff or community advocate, there’s a local book club for you — if you know where to look.
Asheville restaurants, cafes, and diners serving up all the eggs, pancakes, shakshuka, mimosas, and other brunch favorites that will start your day off right.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Explore the four chefs + restaurants in the 828 that have been nominated, from first-timers to previous finalists.
The “Come Hell or High Water” project includes community contributions to reflect the impact of Helene across WNC.
Ring in the Year of the Snake with a few events around the city.
From roasters and tastings to where to find nitro cold brew.