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Camden Park, Huntington West Virginia

Camden Park is one of those little parks that I have always wanted to visit but have never been able to get to.  The reason is I've never found myself in West Virginia.  After this years Coaster Con and visiting some friends in North Carolina looking at the map we were going to be heading right past Camden Park.  Lucky me I got to take a break in driving and get to add a classic park and several coasters to my count.

Camden Park, Huntington West Virginia

Camden Park is the only amusement park in West Virginia and it dates back to 1902.  Like many small parks that once dotted the American landscape Camden Park was a "trolley park" that was created by the Camden Interstate Railway Company to encourage ridership on evenings and weekends.  Most trolley parks were located on the end of the line.  Camden Park was located where trolley riders had to switch lines in order to get from one city to another city.  It is not a huge park; at only twenty-six acres in size including parking, but it is full of classic rides and a lot of charm.

The Haunted House Pretzel Ride at Camden Park, Huntington West Virginia

Camden Park in the home to four different coasters including this one.  I know you're saying "but that is a haunted house".

The Haunted House Pretzel Ride at Camden Park, Huntington West Virginia

But Camden's Haunted House is a rare gravity driven dark ride created by the Pretzel Amusement Ride Company.

The Haunted House Pretzel Ride at Camden Park, Huntington West Virginia

The Haunted House cars are hauled up a lift and have a drop before heading into the dark building that is full of classic scares and gags all the while being powered by gravity.  It is wonderfully fun and "cha ching" another coaster to add to my count.



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Paul B. Drabek