Entertainment

Who remembers Joyland? See historical photos of the beloved Wichita amusement park

FILE Joyland’s carousel at the amusement park in 2006.
FILE Joyland’s carousel at the amusement park in 2006. Mike Hutmacher The Wichita Eagle

Who still remembers Joyland?

The local amusement park on South Hillside was once the place to go for families and the site of local company events.

It’s been closed for years, but many Wichitans still have fond memories of it: from riding its wooden roller coaster to greeting Louie the clown.

Enjoy these photos from The Eagle’s archives:

Kids ride the Ferris wheel at Joyland in 1983.
Kids ride the Ferris wheel at Joyland in 1983. The Wichita Eagle File photo
Journey Bodyk Courtesy
File photo The Wichita Eagle
FILE A child enjoys her ride on the Joyland carousel in 2006.
FILE A child enjoys her ride on the Joyland carousel in 2006. Mike Hutmacher The Wichita Eagle
Former Joyland owner Stanley Nelson told stories of the amusement park’s golden years in 2009.
Former Joyland owner Stanley Nelson told stories of the amusement park’s golden years in 2009. Mike Hutmacher File photo
An early photo of the newly built roller coaster at Joyland. The amusement park first opened in 1949.
An early photo of the newly built roller coaster at Joyland. The amusement park first opened in 1949. The Wichita Eagle File photo
For decades, Joyland’s Louie the Clown played the Wurlitzer Style 160 “Mammoth” Military Band Organ.
For decades, Joyland’s Louie the Clown played the Wurlitzer Style 160 “Mammoth” Military Band Organ. Courtesy photo
File photo The Wichita Eagle
This sign greeted park customers at the entrance of Joyland on South Hillside. (June 25, 2012)
This sign greeted park customers at the entrance of Joyland on South Hillside. (June 25, 2012) The Wichita Eagle File photo
The Historic Preservation Alliance of Wichita and Sedgwick County bought the Joyland entrance sign and plan to restore it. The sign features neon light animation of two clowns.
The Historic Preservation Alliance of Wichita and Sedgwick County bought the Joyland entrance sign and plan to restore it. The sign features neon light animation of two clowns. Travis Heying File photo
Eugene Sawyer and Emory Fowler enjoy the roller coaster at Joyland in 1992.
Eugene Sawyer and Emory Fowler enjoy the roller coaster at Joyland in 1992. File photo The Wichita Eagle
For decades, Joyland’s Louie the Clown played the Wurlitzer Style 160 “Mammoth” Military Band Organ. The Wichita amusement park closed in 2006.
For decades, Joyland’s Louie the Clown played the Wurlitzer Style 160 “Mammoth” Military Band Organ. The Wichita amusement park closed in 2006. (Courtesy photo)
Paul Young, (left) and Sam Hughes of San Antonio, Tex., both members of the Roller Coaster Enthusiasts of America, raise their arms for the drop ahead as they enjoy the view from the highest point of the Joyland Park roller coaster in 1989.
Paul Young, (left) and Sam Hughes of San Antonio, Tex., both members of the Roller Coaster Enthusiasts of America, raise their arms for the drop ahead as they enjoy the view from the highest point of the Joyland Park roller coaster in 1989. File photo The Wichita Eagle
Boeing employees ride the Joyland roller coaster in 2000.
Boeing employees ride the Joyland roller coaster in 2000. Brian Corn The Wichita Eagle
The roller coaster at Joyland remains as one of the favorite rides for those that visit the park in the summer.
The roller coaster at Joyland remains as one of the favorite rides for those that visit the park in the summer. File photo The Wichita Eagle
Structural upgrades to the Joyland roller coaster were made in 1980.
Structural upgrades to the Joyland roller coaster were made in 1980. File photo The Wichita Eagle

This story was originally published June 16, 2023 at 8:01 AM.

Profile Image of Julie Mah
Julie Mah
The Wichita Eagle
316-268-6378
Julie Mah is a lifelong Kansan. She graduated from Kansas State University and has been a journalist for more than 40 years.
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