Ocean City, NJ's Beloved Gillian's Pier Will Partially Reopen

Do you remember last year, when it was announced that Gillian's Wonderland Pier in Ocean City, NJ, was getting ready to close for good?

The Pier, situated on the South side of the Ocean City boardwalk, was a staple for families for years and years while they were on vacation.

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It had plenty of family-friendly rides, arguably the best log flume at the Jersey Shore, and the Thomas the Tank Engine monorail was one of my favorite rides growing up.

So when Gillian's announced it was closing on October 12th of last year, it was like we were losing a family member.

My mom and I even had to make one last pilgrimage to the pier before it closed for good, but apparently, the end isn't quite here yet.

Photo Credit: Buehler

Portions Of Gillian's Wonderland Pier Will Reopen For The Summer Of 2025

I'll get this out there first; it's not the rides that will be reopening this summer, which is sad.

However, NJ.com reports that the Pizza Shop and Arcade situated inside Gillian's will in fact be open and running this summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

A lot of renovations went into the Pizza Shop and the Arcade, so we could get one last summer with at least a portion of Gillian's Wonderland Pier, which is nice.

What's Going To Happen To Gillian's Wonderland Pier After It's Closed?

Like any other time something closes near the Jersey Shore, it's getting repurposed into either condos or a resort, right?

Gillian's is no different.

There are plans in the works for the old Gillian's Wonderland Pier to be turned into the Icona Resort.

Granted, the initial plans for the resort look amazing, and the new resort will pay homage to Gillian's Pier and the amusement history of the site, but we're still sad to see it go.