Wild West City
Wild West City
4
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
6:15 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
6:15 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
About
A true model of Dodge City, Kansas in the 1800’s. Wild West City presents an interactive experience bringing tales of the wild west to life through historical characters, dramatizations and demonstrations by period craftsmen. Ride in style on the Wild West City Stage Coach Line, aboard the narrow gauge train, or younger buckaroos can ride a pony! Experience the best of the Wild West in the heart of the East! Getaway to the beautiful, scenic Skylands Region of Sussex County for folks who want to disconnect from the modern world and reawaken the spirit of the American West.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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19 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
265 reviews
Excellent
116
Very good
74
Average
43
Poor
13
Terrible
19
jessramos021
Phillipsburg, NJ6 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Once you walk through the doors you already feel like you’re in the midwest. I loved the originality and the personality of the place. The jail, the bank, saloon, general store, barbershop, one room school building, the church, etc.. they all take you back in time. Felt like a movie. The acting by the staff was top notch. They did an amazing job interacting with and entertaining the kiddos (adults too!)
Triple A got me a nice discount on our tickets.
Two things keep me from a five star rating
Firstly my visit was on an incredibly HOT day. While I did purchase a pony ride for my son on the website prior to entry, what I saw I didn’t expect. The pony’s appeared worn and old. Two were very thin (probably because of age) and there were kids possibly over 95lbs riding them. Very upsetting to see 👎
Secondly the speakers telling the stories could use some updating. They’re very hard to hear and a lot of the storyline gets missed.
Had I seen younger, healthier, ponies with someone using a lead or on upgraded equipment I would’ve awarded Wild West City a 5/5.
Triple A got me a nice discount on our tickets.
Two things keep me from a five star rating
Firstly my visit was on an incredibly HOT day. While I did purchase a pony ride for my son on the website prior to entry, what I saw I didn’t expect. The pony’s appeared worn and old. Two were very thin (probably because of age) and there were kids possibly over 95lbs riding them. Very upsetting to see 👎
Secondly the speakers telling the stories could use some updating. They’re very hard to hear and a lot of the storyline gets missed.
Had I seen younger, healthier, ponies with someone using a lead or on upgraded equipment I would’ve awarded Wild West City a 5/5.
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Spike762x39
Honolulu, HI101 contributions
May 2022 • Family
I took my kids (11F, 6M) my sister and her son (6) to Wild West City to re-visit a childhood memory. I haven't been there in OVER 20 years. It was exactly as I remember and even better, because I got to see my kids have the same experience I had. My 6 y/o son was literally jumping for joy and laughing with his whole body throughout the show's and interactions. The cast members are GREAT. During one of the live shows the character is falling off his horse and my son was laughing at him. He turned to my son and said (in a hilarious way) "don't laugh at me! Don't laugh at me!) My son felt like he was part of the show. My daughter is 11 so sometimes she's 18 and sometimes she's 8. She became a little kid again for a few hours. She loved the stage coach robbery the most. Both my kids and my nephew had a ton of fun in the Posse hunting down and shooting it out with the bad guys.
My kids had Disney-level fun at Wild West City. I am simply floating on air that I got to give them the same experience I can remember. We stayed 10:30 to 2:30 but next time, and there will be a next time! We will stay all day.
Out of curiosity I read some of the bad reviews and I think they are not understanding some features of the park. Take a schedule and be at the center of town to witness the events. There are some that focus on child participation. Inbetween shows your let your kids run around and shoot it out with each other. My son had a 3-way Mexican Standoff in the center of town with some stranger kids. I can only imagine that in his mind, he was at the center of the show right then.
My kids had Disney-level fun at Wild West City. I am simply floating on air that I got to give them the same experience I can remember. We stayed 10:30 to 2:30 but next time, and there will be a next time! We will stay all day.
Out of curiosity I read some of the bad reviews and I think they are not understanding some features of the park. Take a schedule and be at the center of town to witness the events. There are some that focus on child participation. Inbetween shows your let your kids run around and shoot it out with each other. My son had a 3-way Mexican Standoff in the center of town with some stranger kids. I can only imagine that in his mind, he was at the center of the show right then.
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sandra D
Vineland11 contributions
Aug 2020
Wild West City was an unplanned stop on vacation with grandkids, ages 10 & 11. They enjoyed it very much as did my husband and I. Realistic displays in the stores (museums). The stage coach was very realistic but costs extra for the experience. The actors did put on a good show and the kids had fun capturing the 'outlaw'! Good experience!
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kendra H
21 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
I didn’t have any Fourth of July plans so I decided to take a day trip to Wild West City with my 8 year old daughter. It was our first time. Although my daughter enjoyed herself ( it doesn’t take much to impress an only child who’s been in the house due to Covid ) I thought the place was overpriced for what it offers and very outdated. Is the admission cheaper than your average amusement park or attraction yes; however all the activities are $4 and there’s only 4 ( train, stage coach, mini golf, and pony rides) . I paid $80ish for admission and activities but it wasn’t worth it. The gun fire from the show is pretty loud for sensitive ears. The “museums” and store fronts are dusty and outdated and not interactive with anyone explaining. The train ride is cool although the decor you pass in the woods looks like it hasn’t been updated in 50 years. And the noose hanging in the woods where bandits are hung could be a bit uncomfortable and culturally insensitive to some like myself. The stage coach ride was bumpy fun but quick. Mini golf was decent but again nothing seems like it’s been updated in years and for that reason everything should just be included in the admission because the shows don’t make up for it.
Written July 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jennifer R
2 contributions
Jul 2022
A great way to explore 1880's pioneer history. The actors bring excitement and realism to this time period. We loved being able to get close to the horses and talk to the reenactors. And you don't need to have kids with you to enjoy it - adolescents and adults appreciate seeing the American west history come to life in gun fights, bank robberies, and cowboy riding events! A great day full of activity!
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DanaRN2014
Mahwah, NJ113 contributions
Aug 2021
My 5 year old grandson had a great time. It is a very interactive experience and my grandson loved interacting with the cowboys and outlaws. We were held up on the stagecoach and saw reenactments of saloon fights and cowboy games.
The train ride was fun; we transported a fugitive and were double crossed! We were held up at "gunpoint" again and then rescued.
The cowboys were very sweet. They spent time with my grandson talking about their horses and how life was in the old wild west.
The mountain man was also very sweet and patient. He had several different kinds of animal pelts and traps which he explained. He also showed the skillets he used to cook on and the bed he slept in.
The cowboy races were fun to watch.
My only issue was that the "conductor" is not vaccinated. I agree that everyone has a right to his or her personal beliefs, but when it comes down to interacting with unvaccinated children, that's when I have an issue. Do what you want with your own health, but do not jeopardize others because of your beliefs.
The train ride was fun; we transported a fugitive and were double crossed! We were held up at "gunpoint" again and then rescued.
The cowboys were very sweet. They spent time with my grandson talking about their horses and how life was in the old wild west.
The mountain man was also very sweet and patient. He had several different kinds of animal pelts and traps which he explained. He also showed the skillets he used to cook on and the bed he slept in.
The cowboy races were fun to watch.
My only issue was that the "conductor" is not vaccinated. I agree that everyone has a right to his or her personal beliefs, but when it comes down to interacting with unvaccinated children, that's when I have an issue. Do what you want with your own health, but do not jeopardize others because of your beliefs.
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KerryScarlett
Lambertville, NJ11 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
We loved taking our group of six kids to this place. The older kids loved seeing the historical displays, the horses, antiques and such. And the young ones loved the role playing, watching the actors do their saloon fights and all! This place is such a kitschy piece of NJ history. Don’t expect a a modern amusement park. This place is from the 50s, and it is still the way it was back then and I think that’s what makes it great! We had so many laughs here. Bring your cowboy boots, hats and let your kids get into the spirit. They will be battling each other in the streets and will love every minute of it!
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Larry M
Chatham, NJ12 contributions
Sep 2020
What a terrific piece of Americana! So glad that this type of family fun location still exists right here in NJ. My kids loved it. Glad to be outside, close to horses and other animals and take a pony ride! For adults, it may be a little stale (so go to the bar--they have good liquor) and watch your children's faces light up. A wonderful time. Free parking reasonable admission costs and pay as you go for the train ride or pony ride. Loved it.
Written September 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
P M
Hackettstown, NJ15 contributions
Oct 2020
Our visit to the Haunted Wild West Fest exceeded expectations with our 10 year old. We had never been to Wild West City and it was a really neat to see the town (various shops/businesses) spooked up at night with a working blacksmith and tarot card reader! The best was the train ride where people were jumping out and scaring you (even more fun than a haunted hay ride). We would definitely go again! The only reason I didn't give it Excellent is that I thought they could have done a better job with sanitizer - ensuring people used when they entered the establishment and having sanitizer for the train ride.
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vacationer648072
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Family
My soon to be ten year old daughter went there on a daddy daughter day and we loved it. We enjoyed the re-enactments, the history, as well as the overall theme. They did a great job making you feel like you were actually in dodge city.
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maribel M
Philadelphia, PA
can I bring my small dog with me to the park?
John N
Somers Point, NJ903 contributions
I'd say no unless it's a service animal. We were there last month and I think I only seen one. Besides the horses and the heat may not like your dog. We left ours at the hotel. You can also call them because they are very friendly.
how much to get in?
Rocbchday
New York City, NY36 contributions
$17.25 for kids seniors bit less. $4. stagecoach ride,pony ride.train ride per person per ride. worth it though can bring won coolers and use picnic area.
Is this the place where they used to sentence the "bad guys" to a dunking in the pond with the big trebuche looking contraption?
FAMILYGUY929
New York City, NY68 contributions
there was a round up of "bad guys" but no dunking in a pond,
but they did had out souvenir badges to everyone to deputize them
What happens when and if it rains?
Esther Z
newton78 contributions
Everything is out doors so if it is raining bad since everything is out doors it would not be much fun.
Wild West City (Stanhope) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Wild West City
- Wild West City is open:
- Fri - Sat 6:15 PM - 10:00 PM
- Sat - Sun 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Wild West City:
- (1.93 mi) Whistling Swan Inn
- (6.49 mi) Wooden Duck B&B
- (2.33 mi) Tamaracks Country Villa
- (1.80 mi) Residence Inn Mt. Olive at International Trade Center
- (5.58 mi) The Great Divide Campground, LLC
- Restaurants near Wild West City:
- (0.43 mi) Halulu
- (0.46 mi) McDonald's
- (1.16 mi) Black Forest Inn
- (0.80 mi) New Hunan Byram
- (1.68 mi) Stonewood Tavern