Friday, March 28, 2008

Calico Mine Train, Knott's Berry Farm

I have a lot of fond memories of the wonderful Calico Mine Train at Knott's, a ride that never failed to fire my imagination. And take a look at this impressive facade! The stylized rockwork, multi-level train tracks, and roaring waterfall can't help but draw your eye and make you want to get a closer look.


You can see it a bit better in this 1969 photo. By then the ride was nine years old, and in its way it gives Disneyland's Mine Train a run for its money. Also, if you have seen vintage postcards of "scenic railways" from the early 1900's, there is a definite resemblance between those venerable rides and the Knott's version.



9 comments:

  1. LOVE the mine train! We're not likely to ever see anything quite like it built again.

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  2. Anonymous9:02 AM

    The best ride at Knott's. That's my memory of it. Been a very long time since I've been on the grounds. Was better when the Knott family owned the business. I see the cost was 50 cents. It was worth every penny when a penny could still buy something.

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  3. Anonymous1:58 PM

    Great photos! I never realized that there were non-Disney parks with this level of theming before blogs like yours.

    I take it that the Calico ride is no longer with us? What a shame! If only to go there and to Freedomland!

    Brer Dan

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  4. Anonymous, the Calico Mine Train is, happily, still at Knott's Berry Farm. It is an all-time classic, along with the neighboring Log Ride!

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  5. It is truly the best attraction at Knott's - if this was the only thing Bud Hurlbut had ever done, he would still be considered a genius....

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  6. This place rocked ... get it, rocked ... mine ... OK moving right alone....

    This was without a doubt the best ride ever. I know there are a lot of trick rides in a lot of different places today, but this tops the absolute great memories list. Thanks Major awesome pics.

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  7. Anonymous10:46 AM

    The ride is still there and still great. I always loved the big cavern area from which mysterious organ music would bellow. Who knew caves had such sound systems?

    Sadly, the old locomotive only runs on weekends now, though.

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  8. Anonymous11:34 AM

    Wow! Thanks for the information--I have to make my way over there now!

    Brer Dan

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  9. Anonymous3:58 PM

    I lived in southern CA from 65-84 and loved Knott's... these pictures make me ache to see it again. Is it stil the same? I am almost afraid to visit again and be disappointed.

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