Land of Oz was a fully functioning theme park that was in operation from 1970-1980 that provided an immersive theatre experience for guests to live the journey Dorothy took. The park named the Number 1 Tourist Attraction by the Washington Post, and became an instant success after opening seeing over 400,000 guests that first season of operation. While the park had many ups and downs throughout the decade, it would close its doors for good after the 1980 season. In the following years, the Emerald City Theater and Gift Shops along with the Balloon Ride were torn down, and a housing development was to be built on the property.
However, most of the park was saved including the Yellow Brick Road and the Kansas Farm. In 1988, a reunion of original employees sparked interest in those who wanted to revisit the park. High demand to return to Oz led to the park opening up to the public on July 4th, 1991. Over 4,000 people attended that first year, much to the surprise of everyone involved. In 1993, the Autumn at Oz Festival became an annual tradition that is still going strong today. Other events are scheduled throughout the year to cater to popular demand.
Land of Oz is on Beech Mountain in Western, North Carolina.
Despite internet articles, the Land of Oz is not abandoned. Please do not try and visit the park unless it is during one of our scheduled events. Oz is under 24-hour surveillance, and you will be fined if you trespass.
All persons, bags, parcels, clothing and other items may be subject to screening/security checks. We reserve the right not to allow any bag, parcel or other item and to deal with any unattended object, bag or luggage in such way as we consider appropriate. Smoking marijuana or other illegal substances is not permitted at any time. For the comfort of all Guests, Land of Oz, Shuttle Buses and Chairlifts are smoke free. The smoking of tobacco, e-cigarettes or other products that produce a vapor or smoke is allowed only in designated outdoor smoking areas.
PROHIBITED ITEMS:
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Firearms, ammunition, knives or weapons of any kind.
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Objects or toys that appear to be firearms or weapons.
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Marijuana (including marijuana enriched products) or any illegal substance.
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Fireworks or other similarly explosive and/or flammable objects.
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Horns, whistles, megaphones or artificial noise makers.
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Recreational devices such as drones, remote-control toys, skateboard, bicycles etc.
PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES:
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This sale of goods or services, or the display of goods or services.
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The distribution of printed or recorded materials of any kind.
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Unauthorized access or entry into backstage areas designated for cast and production.
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Unauthorized events, speeches, or use of any flag, banner or sign for commercial purposes, or as part of a demonstration.
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Engaging in any unsafe act that may impede the operation of Land of Oz or any part thereof.
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Unauthorized solicitations of any kind, whether commercial, religious, educational or otherwise, or conducting any unauthorized commercial activities, including solicitations of money or other contributions or donations.
Land of Oz is only open during our annual events such as Autumn at Oz.
The Land of Oz Gift Shop at 2669 Beech Mountain Parkway is open on select days throughout the year. Please contact Land of Oz or keep an eye on social media postings for days of operation.
Private Tours is a small private guided tour with a Land of Oz Historian. This year guests do get a photo opportunity and performance by Dorothy herself in Kansas. You and your group travel from the Fountain of Youth along the Yellow Brick Road and through Oz learn about the magical of Land of Oz and how it all began.
Autumn at Oz™ is a three-weekend event is the full-scale Wizard of Oz festival. Here you will meet all your favorite characters from the classic film where you will have photo opporunities with everyone from Dorothy and Aunt Em in Kansas to the Lion in his forest, the Munchkins, Flying Monkeys at the Witch’s Castle, and Toto, too! Be sure to catch our character shows throughout the event in Kansas & the magical Land of Oz. An immersive experiece including a journey’s end in the magical Emerald City. The event also includes unique shopping experience, delicious food & beverage options, and eight live performances throughout the park!
There are no rides at Land of Oz. The original balloon ride was torn down in the 1980s to make room for a housing development. However, we are happy to be able to provide as much of the original park as possible for people to enjoy for generations to come.
While the original Emerald City buildings no longer exist, Land of Oz builds a temporary structure during the annual Autumn at Oz Festival that includes the Oz Shop, Memorabilia Vendors, Food Vendors, and the Magic Moment Stage Show Theater.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208.
Distance from the airport to Beech Mountain is roughly 2.5 hours.
Other nearby airports include:
TriCities Airport (TRI)
2525 TN-75 Suite 301, Blountville, TN 37617
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
61 Terminal Dr #1, Fletcher, NC 28732
Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
1000 Ted Johnson Pkwy, Greensboro, NC 27409
Land of Oz Theme Park, being built in 1970, has uneven paths, stairs, steep ramps, and therefore is not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Small “umbrella”-type strollers or backpacks work best for infants and toddlers. Large strollers will be asked to be broken down at check-in. Unfortunately, motorized scooters are not permitted.
Please remember: Land of Oz is built on the side of a mountain, and is not a fully functioning theme park. Oz opens once a year for Autumn at Oz to raise money to help with renovations and maintenance.
At this time, we do not rent Land of Oz for private film or photoshoots. If you are media looking to do a story on Land of Oz, please contact landofozpr@gmail.com
At this time, we do not rent Land of Oz for private events, birthdays, or weddings. However, these are options we are planning to add as possibilities in the near future. Keep a lookout on our website and social media platforms for updates.
Autumn at Oz is a one-of-a-kind event that combines your typical festival atmosphere with an interactive, immersive theatrical experience. Guests walk onto the Gale’s Kansas farm, visit Aunt Em and Uncle Henry’s Home, escape into the Tornado Storm Cellar, and walk out into the world of Oz. Along the way, you meet all your favorite characters, see them sing and dance, and enjoy the natural scenery of this magical place that sits over one mile high atop Beech Mountain.
There are also joy food & craft vendors, official Land of Oz souvenirs and Wizard of Oz memorabilia for sale, face painting & much more!
At Oz, you don’t just watch it – you live it.
Your GA ticket includes parking, shuttle to/from the park, meet-and-greets with all of the characters, all the live shows throughout the park, and unlimited time along the yellow brick road. While your ticket is access for one walk-through along the yellow brick road, you are able to travel it at your own leisure.
The Scenic Lift Ride & Over the Rainbow: Observation Deck are not included with this ticket type.
Your ticket is only valid for the date you purchase it for. It is not valid for multiple days of the festival.
VIP Tickets are not available for 2023. All tickets will be General Admission
Parking is at Beech Mountain Resort at
1007 Beech Mountain Parkway
Beech Mountain, NC 28604.
Please follow the signs for parking lots catered to Land of Oz.
After parking, proceed to the guest check-in at Beech Mountain Resort. You will receive your festival wristband and along with information about how you will be transported to the park.
Wristbands are the only way you can enter the park.
This is your boarding time for your shuttle to the park. The park is only accessible by Land of Oz shuttle. Guests may arrive up to 1-hour prior their ticketed time shown on the ticket. While you don’t want to be late, late entry up to 30-minutes is allowed.
Example: With a 11:00AM ticket, you may arrive as early as 10:00AM or as late as 11:30AM.
You will not be allowed on the shuttle to Oz prior to your ticketed time slot, but as stated late entry is allowed up to 30-minutes.
Average tour time through Oz is 2-2.5 hours.
When you arrive we can scan both your printed tickets and/or your phone.
Please remember to set your phone to full brightness when scanning.
We recommend you have all your tickets in one place and download the Showpass app before arriving. This allows you to group all your tickets into a universal QR Scan.
Children 2 years of age and under are admitted for free and do not require a ticket.
Usually we only allow one walk through of the Yellow Brick Road per day.
A shuttle bus is provided with your ticket price.
For an elevated experience, we suggest taking Beech Mountain Resort’s chairlift up to the park. This ticket can be purchased in advance when you buy your ticket or on site at Beech Mountain Resort. Please review the guidelines for guests to ride the chairlift before purchasing tickets.
Event Parking and Shuttle Bus to/from Land of Oz is included in your ticket admission. Come and enjoy the many games, activities, and craft vendors before your shuttle time.
The Scenic Lift Ride & Over the Rainbow: Observation Deck are not included with your admission to the festival, and can be purchased in advance or on site.
We encourage our guests to stay as long as their heart’s desire, or until we close for the day at 6:30 PM.
Yes. All shows happen on a continual rotation throughout the day. Each guest experiences the same shows no matter what tour time you purchase.
Every show is on a scheduled rotation, so if you miss it the first time, you will have another opportunity to see it.
Signs are posted in Kansas and Emerald City with show times, and announcements will be made regularly. Shows along the Yellow Brick Road are at the Scarecrow, TinMan, and Cowardly Lion stations, as well as the Witch’s castle. They are on a more frequent rotation throughout the day so everyone can get a chance to see them.
Photos with characters are available before and after each performance in select locations. A group photo with the Fab Four is available at the end of each Emerald City Show.
Your journey through Oz is at your own pace. Average time: 2 hours.
Yes. The main entry to the park located downtown Beech Mountain, will have a large fair of food, beverages, shopping, and yes restrooms! An exciting start to a magical day at Land of Oz.
The weather on Beech Mountain can be cold and blustery, so please be prepared by dressing in layers and wearing comfortable shoes. We suggest bringing an umbrella – just in case. We’ve had snow, ice, rain and wind as well as calm, warm sunny days for this event in the past. Be prepared for anything.
All events at Land of Oz run wind, rain, or shine. Be sure to prepare for all types of weather! Refunds will not be issued due to rain, only by act of force majeure would an event cancellation be issued.
Please note: Alternative programming may occur due to weather conditions to ensure the safety of our actors, staff, and guests. Performances may be compromised in the event of severe weather that management deems unsuitable for our actors. In this case, the vignette shows may be paused, delayed, or relocated. This will not constitute a refund on tickets.
Yes, we encourage everyone to dress up as their favorite characters!
Yes there will be two (2) opportunities during the course of your journey to shop at our official Land of Oz Shops (Kansas Gale Farm and Emerald City).
Also be sure to check out our brick-and-mortar shop located at 2669 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC 28604, where we will have a museum exhibit displaying the history of Land of Oz, free admission!
Yes, with so many people wanting to take photos, we ask that you please be respectful of others, and have your cameras and phones at the ready! Please stand back off the paths while taking photos with characters, and of the scenery to make room for others to skip down the Yellow Brick Road.
Be sure to tag us, hashtag us, and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Snapchat.
@LandofOzNC #LandofOzNC #AutumnAtOz
As much as we love everyone’s Toto terriers, Billina hens, and Eureka Kittens, we do not allow pets in the Merry Old Land of Oz
In 2023, we are celebrating our 30th year!
Tickets are not refundable. They can be exchanged for another open time slot or date during the run of the event.
However, if you cannot attend Autumn at Oz after purchasing your ticket, we suggest reselling them through a third party such as Facebook’s “Land of Oz – Beech Mountain, NC” page.
At this time discounts are not offered.
At this time discounts are not offered to the general public.
Please email info@landofoznc.com
Please email landofozcasting@gmail.com
Please email vendors@landofoznc.com for more information.
Click here to open the ticketing site for purchasing your chairlift tickets.
Scenic Lift Ride Hour(s):
Fridays 11am-6pm
Saturdays 10am-6pm
Sundays 10am-6pm.
Last ride down is 5:45pm.
Operation Hours valid during the Autumn at Oz Festival.
No. If you are not able to follow the above regulations for the chair lift or are simply not interested, Land of Oz is providing free shuttle bus transportation to and from the park.
Scenic Lift Ride Hour(s): Fridays 11am-6pm, Saturdays 10am-6pm, & Sundays 10am-6pm. Last ride down is 5:45pm.
Chairlift Rules & Regulations:
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You must sign a waiver before riding.
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Times of lift operation may change and are subject to weather conditions.
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Thunder and lightning and wind may cause the lift to be closed.
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Riders must be in suitable physical condition to be able to load and unload the lift.
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Dress should be appropriate for changes in temperature and weather.
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Proper footwear for walking on the side of a mountain should be worn, flipflops are not allowed.
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You must be at least 36” tall.
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No child carriers (such as strollers), no crutches, walkers, canes, or wheelchairs are allowed.
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Parents are responsible for the safety of their minor children.
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Backpacks must be removed and held on the chair or the passenger’s lap
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No one that appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will have access
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No alcohol or open containers are permitted on the lift
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No dogs or pets are allowed.
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Riders must be able to fit into a rescue harness.
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There are no restraint straps or belts on the chairs.
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Chair lift safety bars must be lowered when riding and raised when boarding/off-boarding the ride.
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Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.
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For those who travel up at 4:00pm those ticket holders are subject to a one-way trip up and free shuttle bus ride down due to last ride down at 5:45pm.
BEECH MOUNTAIN RESORT & LAND OF OZ RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE TO ANYONE THAT DOES NOT FOLLOW, OR WHO DEVIATES FROM THE REGULATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH LIFT USAGE. PLEASE BE ADVISED OF ALL REGULATIONS PRIOR TO PURCHASING A TICKET. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS FOR RAIN. WE OPERATE WHEN IT RAINS, PLEASE CHECK THE WEATHER PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL.
Notice: If you are not able to follow the above regulations for the chair lift, Land of Oz will provide free shuttle bus transportation to and from the park.
Note: No lap children are allowed, and all children must be 36″ or taller.
No flip-flops. The shoes must be fully strapped around the back of the ankle. Open toe shoes are allowed, and yes, you are allowed to wear your ruby slippers!
The scenic lift is a round-trip chairlift ride from Beech Mountain Resort to the gates of the park.
On good visibility days, you will be able to see for miles the Blue Ridge Mountains on your journey up to the park.
No. The chairlift ride (round-trip) is $17.00 (+taxes & fees).
There is no children admission, all persons are the same price.
You can buy online click here.
Notice: If you are not able to follow the above regulations for the chair lift or are not interested in the scenic lift ride, Land of Oz is providing free shuttle bus transportation to and from the park.
The Scenic Lift Ride ticket is valid anytime between September 8-24, 2023. However, you will only be able to board during your Autumn at Oz festival ticketed time that you purchased.
No, private tours are not available for the 2023 season. We are focusing on renovations and maintenance throughout the summer in order to prepare for the 30th Annual Autumn at Oz Festival in September.
90-minutes is allotted for Private Tours
We highly recommend the prepurchase of your tour as dates have been known to sellout.
You tour the park starting with the Fountain Youth, Judy Garland Overlook Memorial Gazebo and make your way into Kansas. There you will see the Gale Farmhouse and Barn. Special this year will be an appearance from Dorothy for a photo opportunity. Then you will be whisked away to the storm cellar to avoid the terrible twister. As you exit you will find yourself in the Land of Oz complete with Yellow Brick Road, character stages, photo opportunities and engaging tour guide. Your tour guide will entertain with knowledge from Wizard of Oz movie trivia, Baum Book information and of course the history of the belove park.
Private Tours will check-in at the Land of Oz Shop at 2669 Beech Mountain Parkway and follow a guide up to the park.
Children ages 2 and under receive free admission.
The park was built with multiple staircases and natural uneven paths. Please be sure strollers can fold quickly to maneuver stairs.
The park was built with multiple staircases and natural uneven paths. Special accommodations can be made prior to a visit.
Private Tours are guided and limited to a specific time as other tours will be on property in different places.
Private Tours are accompanied by a tour guide.
All ticket sales are accessible right here on our website.
Your private tour will consist of your select group and tour guide.
Our park is primarily a outdoor, open-air venue, however it is encouraged that guests do wear face masks when indoors or in enclosed spaces and (6) six-foot spacing is not possible.
Land of Oz Theme Park operates and enforces health & safety guidelines issued by North Carolina Department of Health, in additions to the guidelines issued by the CDC.
Guests not feeling well should choose another day to visit the park. Feel free to contact Showpass for more information. In addition, employees not feeling well will be sent home.
Guests are encouraged to bring a mask with them when visiting. However, masks can be provided for guests in need. We recommend reviewing the CDC‘s website on appropriate daily-use facemask for additional guidance.
Yes, there will be food vendors throughout the park. We have implemented operational procedures to keep our guests and employees safe including isolated cook spaces, packaged condiments and side dishes, and increased frequent cleaning and food safety permits.
Yes. We will have hand sanitizer stations throughout the park.
Our main cast of characters will not be wearing masks. A majority of our cast and crew has been vaccinated, the characters will be staged in socially distanced areas. Guests are encouraged to take selfies and straight shot photos of the characters. Characters will not be embracing or in direct contact with guests as to maintain social distancing.
Please click here for the latest updates.
Please click here for the latest updates.
No, If you do not wish to ride the chairlift, a free shuttle bus is offered. The chairlift is an added expense that is sold through Beech Mountain Resort.
Chairlift tickets can be purchased before the event or on site the day of the event. Please review the rules and regulations before purchasing.
Please note: Chairlift sales are through a 3rd party, and not directly through Land of Oz. Please review their policies before purchasing or contact them with any questions.
Chairlift tickets are purchased directly through Beech Mountain Resort. To learn more click here.
Chairlift tickets can be purchased before the event or on site the day of the event. Please review the rules and regulations before purchasing.
Please note: Chairlift sales are through a 3rd party, and not directly through Land of Oz. Please review their policies before purchasing or contact them with any questions.
Chairlift is an added expense that is sold through Beech Mountain Resort. If you do not wish to ride the chairlift, a free shuttle bus is offered.
Chairlift tickets can be purchased before the event or on site the day of the event. Please review the rules and regulations before purchasing.
Please note: Chairlift sales are through a 3rd party, and not directly through Land of Oz. Please review their policies before purchasing or contact them with any questions.
