South Jersey Amusement Park Shut Down 20 Years Ago Remains Abandoned

Charlie Dwyer

WILDWOOD, NJ – A drone exploration in 2022 by the Wildwood Video Archive explored the eerie remains of an abandoned amusement park in South Jersey, once a bustling hub of entertainment. Islander Raceway and Amusement Park closed in 2002, and featured six go-kart tracks, helicopter rides, bumper boats, and batting cages.

After two decades of neglect, nature reclaimed its space, offering a haunting spectacle from above.

The park’s decline began in the early 2000s, leading to its eventual abandonment. What was once a destination for families and thrill-seekers now stands as a ghostly relic of the past. The drone footage captures the overgrown vegetation encroaching on the decaying structures, a stark contrast to the park’s vibrant history.


Authorities warn against visiting the site due to safety concerns and legal restrictions. Trespassers risk police intervention and arrest. The drone exploration offers a unique, safe way to witness the park’s transformation without violating laws or endangering personal safety.

This exploration serves as a digital documentation of the park’s current state, preserving its memory as it slowly fades into obscurity. The images captured by the drone provide a rare glimpse into a forgotten chapter of New Jersey’s recreational history.

You appear to be using an ad blocker

Shore News Network is a free website that does not use paywalls or charge for access to original, breaking news content. In order to provide this free service, we rely on advertisements. Please support our journalism by disabling your ad blocker for this website.