This Popular New Jersey Amusement Pier Is Closing For Good

Think back to your childhood at the Jersey Shore, you've probably got some pretty core memories that immediately come to mind.

Whether it's long days in the sand, walking down one of Jersey's iconic boardwalks, or crabbing in the bay down by your favorite dock.

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Now picture one of those memories vanishing.

In essence, that's what a lot of people are experiencing now that one of Jersey's most legendary amusement piers announced that it's closing for good at the end of the 2024 season.

Gillian's Wonderland Pier Is Closing After 94 Years In Business

My heart sank when I first read this, and I immediately started digging around to see whether it was true or not.

I remember summers as a kid in Sea Isle City, once or twice a week we'd make our way to Ocean City to ride the rides at Gillian's, and get some Johnson's caramel popcorn.

But sadly Gillian's is no longer a viable business for its current owner and Mayor of Ocean City Jay Gillian said in a statement that he can no longer keep Gillian's Wonderland Pier up and running.

The attached 6th Street Pizza will also be closing alongside the pier.

When Will Gillian's Wonderland Pier Close For Good?

According to 6 ABC, Gillian does plan to run the pier through the rest of the 2024 season, as well as a part of local summer so people can have time to get to Ocean City and say goodbye to the beloved amusement pier.

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October 12th will be the last time you can run through the house of mirrors, the haunted house the swinging ship, the log flume, and all of the other classic amusements.

What's Next For Gillian's Wonderland Pier?

Apparently even Jay Gillian, the owner of Wonderland Pier has no idea what's going to happen to the property after he closes this year.

What I hope is that someone can swoop in and keep the pier operating, I'd really hate to see a place that gave me so many amazing childhood memories demolished and turned into condos.

At one point, Gillian's was considered one of the best amusement parks in the state!