Dogpatch, USA opened in 1968 along scenic Highway 7, right in the heart of hillbilly country. Based on the comic strip Li'l Abner, Dogpatch's backwoods theme, log cabins, and quirky characters with skewed English was a sight to behold and a giant economic boost for the area, putting my nearby hometown on the map.

As a child, I remember visiting a few times before its closure, usually to see a celebrity guest they had that day. I remember one particular day, my mother dragging me along to see several members of the daytime soap opera Days of our Lives, but I was way more interested in the rides and funnel cakes.
By 1993, Dogpatch closed its doors and then changed ownership several times. Meanwhile, the small hick village sat untouched and was eventually reclaimed by nature.
What follows is a series of photos showing Dogpatch, USA as it was then compared to current day:

Time and the Ozark mountain elements have not been a friend to this now abandoned theme park.

If you would like to visit Dogpatch, USA, the current owners hold events like craft fairs and a haunted house at Halloween on the property. While you're in the area, stop by the Buffalo National River (the country's 1st federally protected river) and then head on over and check out the historic and beautiful Eureka Springs, Arkansas if you love peculiar history. (stay in "America's Most Haunted Hotel" while you're there!)

All image credits go to the Dogpatch, USA's facebook page and Abandoned Arkansas's website.

Thanks for reading!