This Rare Footage Of A Maine Amusement Park Will Have You Longing For The Good Old Days

No matter where you live in Maine, we’re willing to bet that you’ve begun to feel that strange change in the air when summer begins to wind down. The days are still warm, but there’s something different in the air before and after work. Maybe it’s as simple as the sun changing position or maybe we just know that the inevitable autumn chill is coming soon.

For me, this almost imperceptible change in season always forces me to check my mental summer to-do list. Did I get to the lake enough? Did I sit back and appreciate the Maine summer breezes properly? Should I have made more time for beach days? I surely did all of these things, but I always end up scrambling to fit in just a few more summer activities as things wind down. Part of that is my annual trip to Old Orchard Beach and Palace Playland.

sandwich / Flickr

Palace Playland was built in 1902 and featured roller skating, a merry-go-round, games, and a few refreshment stands. Soon after, a fire managed to destroy much of the area in Old Orchard Beach where the amusement park existed, but it was rebuilt and expanded. Fire destroyed the park again in October, 1948, this time taking out the last wooden rollercoaster in Maine with it.

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Chris Devers / Flickr

If you've been to the amusement park, you know that any historical fires don't seem to have dampened the spirit of the place. While much has changed - yes, it might not be quite as "family friendly" as it was in the '80s or earlier - one visit does wonders for the inner-child. Now, there are a variety of rides for both kids and thrill-seekers, along with a fun arcade filled with all the old prizes and toys you'd expect at a park like this. Be ready for a few spins on the classic Ferris wheel, the carousel, and the two roller coasters.

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Martin Lewison / Flickr

Palace Playland is scheduled to be open through October 10th, so while you should hurry to get in that last summer amusement park fun, you do have some wiggle room.

When I was searching for a good night to head to Palace Playland, I came across some lovely footage that captures the best parts of a night in OOB. I've now watched it a few times, and each time I smile when I see the children on the carousel and even the woman enjoying her hard-earned ice cream. There's just something so lovely about remembering what it's like to spend a night on the beach at Palace Playland.

I hope the music, a rendition of "Forever Young," will evoke feelings of childhood for you like it did for me. No matter how old I get and no matter how much this spot has changed, I'll always think of the nights when coming here was a pretty big deal.

Thanks to Dreamlike Pictures for this video, The Old Amusement Park, which you can find on Vimeo.

Planning on taking one last trip to Old Orchard Beach before things wind down for the winter? Check out this list of things you should do while you’re there.