If you were lucky enough to visit the now defunct Ghost Town in the Sky in Maggie Valley, then you know just how special the mountaintop attraction was. From staged gun fights that played out from the rooftops to the streets to rides, games, and food, Ghost Town in the Sky was (and still is) among our favorite childhood memories from the Tar Heel State.

Ghost Town in the Sky first opened in 1961 high atop a mountain overlooking North Carolina's Maggie Valley.
Flickr/Mike Burton
The parking lot was located at the base of the mountain and visitors rode a lift to the mountaintop attraction found at roughly 4,600 feet above sea level.
Upon arrival at the top of the 3,900 foot lift, visitors found a faux ghost town whose main thoroughfare was filled with aging buildings that included a saloon, general store, town jail, and more.
YouTube/The Carpetbagger
There was even an undertaker's shop with a boot store next door. The boots, of course, were sold after the outlaws were gunned down in the (faux) street duels.
But the slapstick gun fights and cowboys weren't the only things we loved about Ghost Town in the Sky.
YouTube/The Carpetbagger
It had a way of touching hearts on the most inspirational of levels. From the positively gorgeous views of the valley and surrounding mountains to the park's church which held actual service on Sundays, the Wild West theme park was beloved by natives and visitors alike.
More than one roller coaster has graced the landscape on the top of the ridge here.
YouTube/The Carpetbagger

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In 2002, the park closed after years of upsets. An occasional attempt has been made to revive the park but the task has proven unsuccessful.
YouTube/The Carpetbagger
During those attempts the original roller coaster was revived, renamed — and then opened a few years ago but only for a day or two before the park was closed again.
In spite of being as empty as an actual ghost town, Ghost Town in the Sky seems to still be cared for, as it seems the notion of reviving the park has yet to die.
YouTube/The Carpetbagger
What are your fondest memories of Ghost Town in the Sky?
YouTube/The Carpetbagger
Did you and your family make an annual trip to this mountaintop theme park? We'd love to know, so join the discussion in the comments!
YouTube/The Carpetbagger
In 2017, youtube user The Carpetbagger, was granted access to film the decaying park and captured some incredible insight into what the attraction looked like more than two years ago. If you're at all curious about what's happened way up there in the sky, check it out in the video below!

Ghost Town in the Sky isn’t the only mountaintop theme park in North Carolina that’s now defunct. There’s also the Land of Oz in Beech Mountain.

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16 Fie Top Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA