Wonderland Amusement Park (Massachusetts)

Wonderland Amusement Park was a short-lived amusement park located in Revere, Massachusetts, operating from 1906 to 1911. Built on the site of the former Ocean Pier, it was conceived by Frederic Thompson and Elmer "Skip" Dundy, the creators of Luna Park in Coney Island, New York.

Wonderland was significantly larger than Luna Park, boasting a reported cost of over $2 million and covering over 70 acres. The park featured a wide array of attractions, including elaborate electric light displays, numerous rides (such as roller coasters, carousels, and a scenic railway), theatrical performances, a replica of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, a simulated airship flight, and various exhibitions and sideshows. The park aimed to provide a comprehensive entertainment experience.

Despite its grand scale and initial popularity, Wonderland faced several challenges. Competition from other amusement parks in the region, coupled with high operating costs and frequent fires, contributed to its financial difficulties. The park struggled to maintain consistent profitability throughout its brief existence.

Ultimately, Wonderland Amusement Park closed its doors in 1911. The land was subsequently redeveloped for other purposes, including residential and commercial properties. Today, little remains of the once-grand amusement park, making it a significant, though relatively forgotten, piece of Massachusetts entertainment history.