Back to Knott's, Pt. 4: Calico Mine Ride

When we last visited Knott's Berry Farm together, I left you at the entrance to the Calico Mine Company. Today, it's time to board the train!



Designed by Bud Hurlbut, this attraction has been entertaining guests since November 1960. And yes, guests of today need a simple common sense reminder:



Lighting can make all the difference:





These scenes with the animatronics look huge and are so impressive; would they be if the lights were on? Probably not, but that's all part of the illusion.



One of the almost fifty animatronic figures in this attraction:





My favorite scene: The Cavern/Heaven Room with the ethereal music playing in the background:





A brief trip back out into the sunshine:



Those vultures are just waiting for a snack:



And then back into the darkness...



for an explosive finale!



See more Calico Mine Ride photos at my main website.

Knott's Berry Farm, July 1963

Often, scattered amongst the vintage Disneyland slide sets I purchase are random views of Knott's Berry Farm. Many of the people who sell these estate finds have no idea which is which. Today, Knott's fans can reap the benefits with these July 1963 photos. Here we see the Butterfield Stagecoach attraction; unlike the Disneyland counterpart, it still operates today.



Knott's version of The Autopia; not quite as futuristic! I believe this one was called the Antique Auto Ride. In 1976, it was renamed the Tijuana Taxi.



The Calico Mine Ride attraction, not even quite three years old at the time of this shot:



A detailed view of the train; don't miss the couple in front with the cool boater hats!



More Knott's Berry Farm images at my main website.