PRESENTS...
Suggested Itinerary
General History
California Marketplace
Independence Hall
Ghost Town
Calico Square
Other Entertainments
Gone But Not Forgotton
1955 Map
An Inspiration to Many
Calico Square
Calico Mine Ride |
Calico Mine Ride
The Calico Mine Ride, an ingenious trip into the depths of an Old West mine, "the Calico Glory Hole!" It opened in 1960 to rave reviews. Its creative use of themed and special effects set a new standard for future Knott's attractions.
Timber Mountain Log Ride
The Calico Logging Co. (later the Timber Mountain Log Ride) opened in 1969 as one of the first Log Rides in the U.S.
Butterfield Stagecoach
The Butterfield Overland Stagecoach Company carried the United States mails on a route from San Antonio, Texas, through El Paso, Texas, Mesilla and Tucson to California. The stagecoach at Knott's is an original period vehicle.
Calico Saloon
The Calico Saloon, introduced in 1951, incorporated many of the most popular elements of old saloons throughout the West. They serve sarsaparilla and boysenberry punch on Calico Square. Shows are presented daily. So try and get there while the Songfest of the Old West musical and comedic entertainment is happening. Especially worth seeing is their famous Can-Can Show.
Calico Railroad
In 1952 Walter Knott bought America's last operating narrow-gauge railroad from the 1880s, the Denver and Rio Grande, and moved it in its entirety to Knott's Berry Farm. The steam-powered train was christened Ghost Town & Calico Railroad, proving a perfect addition to the growing Ghost Town. A special treat is touring the Rio Grand Southern Railroad President's private car, the Edna and the Durango, a parlor car built in 1883. You may be able to request a viewing if you plan enough in advance.
Mission Models
In the late 1950s the "Mission Trail" was introduced to the park. This educational exhibit was part of an area originally called "El Camino Real" or "The King's Highway" from the original mission trail of the same name in California. A series of miniature mission models were created by a renowned Italian artist named Leon DeVolo in 1956. The vinettes were set into an adobe wall and viewed behind glass and lined the pathway from Calico Square to Fiesta Village. During the 1980s expansion, the path was altered and most of the models were removed and put into storage in the attic of the Gold Trails Hotel. I believe you can still view one remaining model I believe in the pedestrian underpass around the corner from Indian Trails.
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