where is the wizard of oz theme park in north carolina
Land of Oz (theme park) The Land of Oz is currently a private property located in the resort town of Beech Mountain, North Carolina, USA. It was opened in 1970 by Carolina Caribbean Corporation under the guidance of Grover Robbins, who had been successful with Tweetsie Railroad, and designed by Jack Pentes. It was fully operational until 1980. It now opens for Fridays in June for "Journey with Dorothy Tours" and in September for Autumn at Oz - the largest Wizard of Oz festival in the country. Visitors start off in Kansas, "experience" the tornado which struck Dorothy's house, and walk down the Yellow Brick Road to visit with the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, the Cowardly Lion and the Wicked Witch of the West. The original Emerald City consisted of gift shops and an ampitheater that the Magic Moment Show would be staged every half hour. An artificial balloon ride, a specially modified ski lift installed by Goforth Brothers, allowed visitors to get a bird's-eye view of the park and mountain scenery before leaving Oz. A small museum showcased props and costumes from the MGM film, including one of Judy Garland's Dorothy dresses. This was jointly bought by the park and Debbie Reynolds from MGM.[citation needed]