So recently I was asked about the inspiration behind "Crackerland" theme park. For me it truly love of those roadside attractions along the way on family vacations from Indiana to Florida. I enjoyed them just as much as my final destination Walt Disney World. They left a lasting impression on myself & lingered in my imagination for years. I day dreamed several parks in my mind ,where i imagined they be along the interstate. So if i had to narrow it down what parks had the biggest influence....these play a big part in making Crackerland a state of the mind.
Here is top 5, there are others but these are inspirational to give you a frame of refrence
Later was renamed Holiday World
Here is top 5, there are others but these are inspirational to give you a frame of refrence
Santa Claus Land in Santa Claus, Indiana... is Crackerland of my youth... to me this is where Crackerland was born.... on this park map... on the backside i drew a theme park map of my very own... Wild World.. probably late 1970s . no doubt BC .... Before Crackerland
Later was renamed Holiday World
See Rock City high atop lookout mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Beautiful place that is a childhood favorite. Also the brilliant advetising of painting barns throughout the south.
The Classic Aligator farm & entrance Gatorland zoo
Six Gun Territory .. Wild west park that was near Silver Springs in Ocala , Florida
...And finally Boardwalk & Baseball the short lived park that replaced Circus World.. little known fact I worked there one summer in high school even before Disney
Good to see these shots of roadside attractions of the past and present! Did you ever go to Weeki Wachee Springs? They have Manatees too.
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