Coney Island, Ponderosa Ranch & More: Lost Amusement Parks of Northern Nevada

Lost Amusement Parks of Northern Nevada: A Journey Through Time

Northern Nevada has a rich history of amusement parks that once brought joy and excitement to residents and visitors alike. From bathhouses and petting zoos to Wild West replicas and log flume rides, these parks were central to summer fun in the region. While many have long since disappeared, their legacies live on through street names, repurposed structures, and the memories of those who once visited them. Here’s a look at five notable parks that have been lost over the past 120 years.

Moana Springs, Reno

Moana Springs was a unique recreational area created by Charles Short after he visited Hawaii. Inspired by Hawaiian mythology, he named the resort "Moana," after an island fairy princess known for her healing powers. The resort opened in late 1905 at the intersection of what is now Moana Lane and South Virginia Street, which was three miles south of Reno at the time.

During its peak, Moana Springs offered a variety of attractions, including mineral baths, an ice cream parlor, dance hall, bar, movie theater, café, boating, picnic grounds, and a mini zoo featuring bears, wildcats, monkeys, and eagles. The park also hosted events like band concerts, swim races, boxing matches, and Wild West shows.

In 1910, the park gained international attention when boxer Jim Jeffries trained there for his historic fight against Jack Johnson. However, the park faced several challenges over the years. A fire in 1926 destroyed the wooden bathhouse, and the city eventually closed the pool in 1956 due to health concerns. The site was later converted into a baseball park, which was eventually demolished and replaced with youth soccer fields.

Coney Island Amusement Park, Sparks

Coney Island Amusement Park was a popular destination in the early 20th century, originally known as Wieland’s Park. Founded by Otto Benschuetz, it was part of his passion project and expanded to three acres. The park featured a bicycle merry-go-round, steel swings, boats, and even a "Shoot the Chutes" log flume ride.

Benschuetz invested heavily in the park, adding trees, a lake, electric lights, and various entertainment options. However, the park struggled after his death in 1912, with two fires destroying parts of the original structure in 1927 and 1930. Today, the name lives on in Coney Island Bar and Coney Island Drive, while much of the former park is now covered by Interstate 80.

Sundown Town, Washoe Valley

Sundown Town was a theme park intended to be both a tourist attraction and a filming location for Western movies. It was backed by Buster Keaton Jr. and other investors but faced numerous challenges from the start. Issues such as lawsuits, poor road conditions, and financial difficulties led to its closure within months. Despite efforts to revitalize the park, it remained closed until a fire in 1966 destroyed many of the original buildings.

Ponderosa Ranch, Incline Village

Based on the TV series “Bonanza,” Ponderosa Ranch attracted thousands of fans to Lake Tahoe. The ranch, originally home to horses used in the show, was transformed into a theme park in 1968. It featured attractions like gold panning, a petting zoo, and a replica of the Cartwright Ranch House. The park operated until 2004, when high land values led to its sale to David Duffield for $59 million.

Great Basin Adventure, Reno

Great Basin Adventure was a joint project between the Washoe County Parks Department and the Junior League of Reno. It included replicas of mining equipment, a log flume ride, and a petting zoo. Though it opened in 1987, the park faced criticism over parking and traffic issues. The Great Recession ultimately led to the closure of some of its more ambitious features, though the Discovery Museum continues to operate with volunteer support.

These lost amusement parks reflect a vibrant chapter in Northern Nevada's history, each with its own story of triumph and decline. Their remnants serve as reminders of the joy and community they once brought to the region.