Pioneer Village: Difference between revisions
Willenator (talk | contribs) I can't believe we've never put together a page for Pioneer Village. This can probably have more detail, but I wanted to get something up that covered a handful of things about the village. |
Willenator (talk | contribs) m Adding some photos |
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[[File:PV 2017 Tower.jpg|thumb|Looking down main street in Pioneer Village in 2017]] | |||
'''Pioneer Village''' is a themed section of Lagoon Amusement Park, designed as a living museum showcasing Utah’s pioneer heritage. The village features historical buildings, artifacts, and exhibits that transport visitors back to the late 19th century. Originally established in 1938 near Salt Lake City, the collection was relocated to Lagoon in 1976, where it remains a significant attraction. | '''Pioneer Village''' is a themed section of Lagoon Amusement Park, designed as a living museum showcasing Utah’s pioneer heritage. The village features historical buildings, artifacts, and exhibits that transport visitors back to the late 19th century. Originally established in 1938 near Salt Lake City, the collection was relocated to Lagoon in 1976, where it remains a significant attraction. | ||
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* '''Carriage Hall''' – Displays antique carriages and wheeled conveyances from the turn of the century. | * '''Carriage Hall''' – Displays antique carriages and wheeled conveyances from the turn of the century. | ||
* '''Gun Collection''' – One of the largest collections of small arms in the country, including guns, slingshots, crossbows, and cannons. | * '''Gun Collection''' – One of the largest collections of small arms in the country, including guns, slingshots, crossbows, and cannons. | ||
[[File:PV Main 2017.jpg|thumb|A view of Pioneer Village looking from the south side of the village towards the north.]] | |||
== Attractions == | == Attractions == | ||
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* Pioneer Photo Gallery – Offers old-time photo experiences, allowing guests to dress in Western or Victorian attire. | * Pioneer Photo Gallery – Offers old-time photo experiences, allowing guests to dress in Western or Victorian attire. | ||
* Ice Cream Parlour - An old-time ice cream parlour featuring Farr's Ice Cream | * Ice Cream Parlour - An old-time ice cream parlour featuring Farr's Ice Cream | ||
[[File:Log Flume.jpg|thumb|Old Log Flume ride. Used to be where [[The District]] now sits.]] | |||
== Old Attractions == | == Old Attractions == | ||
Latest revision as of 13:51, 19 April 2025
Pioneer Village is a themed section of Lagoon Amusement Park, designed as a living museum showcasing Utah’s pioneer heritage. The village features historical buildings, artifacts, and exhibits that transport visitors back to the late 19th century. Originally established in 1938 near Salt Lake City, the collection was relocated to Lagoon in 1976, where it remains a significant attraction.
Description
Pioneer Village is a reconstruction of a frontier town, complete with rustic wooden sidewalks, historical storefronts, and period-accurate furnishings. Visitors can explore over 40 authentic 19th-century buildings, including a schoolhouse, church, blacksmith shop, and general store.
Buildings and Exhibits
Pioneer Village houses a variety of historical structures, many of which were relocated from different parts of Utah. Some notable buildings include:
- Rock Chapel – Originally built in Coalville, Utah, in 1853, this structure has served as a fort, courthouse, schoolhouse, and church.
- Erastus Bingham Cabin – A log cabin constructed in 1853, representing early settler life.
- Gingerbread House – A Victorian-style home built in 1904, showcasing period furniture.
- Village Blacksmith – A blacksmith shop dating back to 1858, featuring original tools.
- Carriage Hall – Displays antique carriages and wheeled conveyances from the turn of the century.
- Gun Collection – One of the largest collections of small arms in the country, including guns, slingshots, crossbows, and cannons.
Attractions
Rides
- Rattlesnake Rapids - A river rapids raft ride
The District (New for 2025)
The District is a new area in Pioneer Village featuring family-friendly rides. It features a steampunk-inspired theme amongst the rides. Debuting in 2025, the District will expand the ride selection in Pioneer Village by introducing two new rides and relocating a third.
- Time Tinker - A Zamperla Nebulas ride
- Steamworx - An Art Engineering Wild Swing
- Rivets & Rotors - Relocated and rethemed Helicopters ride
Other Attractions
- Pioneer Photo Gallery – Offers old-time photo experiences, allowing guests to dress in Western or Victorian attire.
- Ice Cream Parlour - An old-time ice cream parlour featuring Farr's Ice Cream
Old Attractions
- Log Flume
- Stagecoach
- Pioneer Village Railroad
- Lagoon Miniature Railroad
History
Pioneer Village was originally founded by Horace and Ethel Sorensen in 1938 near Salt Lake City. The collection was later managed by the Sons of Utah Pioneers, who struggled with funding and maintenance costs. In 1975, Lagoon purchased the collection for $275,000, covering moving expenses and integrating it into the amusement park as part of a bicentennial project. The village officially opened at Lagoon in 1976, alongside a Log Flume ride.
Pioneer Village remains a cherished attraction at Lagoon, offering visitors a glimpse into Utah’s pioneer past. Despite being part of an amusement park, the village maintains its historical integrity, with minimal commercialization. The collection continues to be preserved and expanded, ensuring that future generations can experience Utah’s rich heritage.
See Also
- Pioneer Village page on Lagoon History
- Pioneer Village page on Lagoon's official website
References
- Escape to another time at Lagoon's Pioneer Village, Deseret News, 18 Aug 2011.
- Pioneer Village, UtahRails.net
| Attractions |
| Rides - Lagoon-A-Beach - Pioneer Village - Entertainment - Games - Frightmares - Other Attractions |