For Rent: Land of Oz

Historic theme park available for private functions

Many places offer venues for celebrations, but only Beech Mountain can transport special occasions to that enchanted spot “somewhere over the rainbow.”

The defunct Land of Oz theme park in Beech Mountain is opening its gates for private functions. File photo

Beginning in 2009, the former Land of Oz theme park high atop Beech Mountain is available for private functions. Whether the event is a birthday, wedding, reunion or corporate retreat, folks are encouraged to follow the Yellow Brick Road for a memorable event.

Land of Oz is located 5,506 feet above sea level, surrounded by gnarly forests and sweeping views of the North Carolina High Country.

“We invite those planning their special occasions to choose this magical spot,” said Cindy Keller of Emerald Mountain Realty, which owns the park. “What better place than Oz to host a grand event?”

For a decade from 1970-80, Land of Oz was a popular theme park complete with rides, games and an Emerald City. Although the rides, games and city are gone, enough vestiges of the park remain to draw thousands each October for the annual Autumn at Oz celebration.

Folks who rent the Land of Oz have access to the Fountain of Youth, the Judy Garland Memorial Overlook Gazebo, a patio area, Uncle Henry’s Barn, Dorothy’s house, a small Oz museum, and the 44,000-brick Yellow Brick Road. Dorothy’s house is also available for overnight stays.

“We can work with groups ranging in size from a few people to several dozen,” Keller said. “We also offer private tours of Oz. Come see why we say this place is absolutely and reliably, indisputable and undeniably fun.”

For information on hosting a special event at the Land of Oz, call (828) 387-2000 or visit www.emeraldmtn.com.