Palisades Amusement Park

Palisades Amusement Park was an amusement park in Bergen County, New Jersey, directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan. Visitors found rides, game booths, and a saltwater pool spread across roughly 38 acres of clifftop terrain.

A trolley company opened the park in 1898 as a destination at the end of its line. After decades as a family destination, operations ended in 1971 when the land was sold to residential developers.

The 1962 song 'Palisades Park' by Chuck Barris and performed by Freddy Cannon increased national recognition of this entertainment destination.

The park charged no entrance fee but required tickets for individual rides, allowing guests to choose their own experience. Ferries and buses brought visitors directly from western Manhattan to the entrance.

A physician named Dr. G.A.I.M. Sykes set up a weather station in the park in 1950 and attempted to influence weather patterns through Memorial Day. The experiments ended without proven success but remained part of park lore.

Location: Bergen County

GPS coordinates: 40.82810,-73.97780

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:01