Pixieland, Family amusement park in Otis Junction, Oregon
Pixieland was an amusement park near Lincoln City, Oregon, spread across a large property with rides such as a log flume, bumper cars, and a narrow-gauge train that circled the grounds. The park also had several food stands, including the Darigold Cheese Barn, a Fisher Scones outlet, and the Franz Bread Rest Hut.
The park opened in June 1969, funded through public stock offerings, and was dedicated by Governor Tom McCall at a ceremony marking its launch. It was built and run by people with backgrounds in the entertainment industry, which shaped the way the grounds were laid out and programmed.
The Blue Bell Opera House and the Main Street Arcade were two gathering spots inside the park where families spent time between rides. The overall layout was built around the idea of a small town, with named streets and themed areas that gave the place a distinct character.
The grounds were spread out, so comfortable shoes and enough time to walk between different areas made for a better visit. Picking up a map at the entrance helped visitors figure out the layout before heading in.
Paul Newman visited the park in 1971 while the film 'Sometimes a Great Notion' was being shot nearby, which was an unusual connection to Hollywood for a regional park in the Pacific Northwest. The film used several locations in the area, making the park part of a broader moment in local film history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
