Come along for a full historical walking tour of Corriganville Park in Simi Valley. The park was cnce the site of one of Hollywood's busiest movie ranches. In addition to the more than 3,500 films, television shows, and commercials filmed at Corriganville, the ranch was also once home to a western theme park, that in it heyday, welcomed more guests than Knott's Berry Farm!
In 1942 Ray "Crash" Corrigan purchased land that is now known as Corriganville and set about turning this idyllic area into a movie making paradise.
Corriganville was lined with western-style structures, a fort, railroad and an English Tutor house which were used as movie sets. Movies that where filmed here include Fort Apache, starring John Wayne; Jungle Jim, starring Johnny Weissmuller and the Three Musketeers, starring Lana Turner and Gene Kelly. TV shows included the Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, Bonanza, Cisco Kid and The Lone Ranger.
In the summer of 1949, Corriganville was opened to the public on weekends and holidays as an amusement park were stunts where performed, Wild West shows featured in the arena and people could meet real cowboys. In 1970 and again in 1979 fires destroyed virtually all of the structures and the new owners shutted the entire area closed.
In May 1998, Corriganville once again opened to the general public when Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District assumed ownership. Today you will find hiking trails, the remains of the historical movie sets, some with signs, parking stalls, covered and uncovered picnic tables.
Numerous trails provide visitors a wide range of options, including relaxing interpretive trails, picnic areas, strenuous hiking, and historical markers.
Location:
7001 Smith Rd, Simi Valley, CA 93063
Corriganville is open from dawn to dusk every day.
The general car park is accessed from the end of Smith Road.
More info:
https://www.rsrpd.org/simi_valley/parks/corriganville_park.php
#Corriganville #StudioTour #ThemeParks
NOTE: Film clips used for historical and editorial reference only.
Audio Credit:
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/saloon
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/zimpzon/country
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
http://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/early-spring