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Story Land, Water Country, other New England attractions sold to new owner
“These historic and beloved properties have been family traditions for generations, and we are honored to help carry that legacy forward.”
Several longstanding New England attractions, including Story Land and Water Country, are under new ownership.
Herschend, the world’s largest family-owned themed attractions company, is acquiring all of Palace Entertainment’s U.S. attractions from parent company Parques Reunidos, the company recently announced.
Palace Entertainment has more than 20 amusement parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, campgrounds, and hotels across 10 U.S. states, including New Hampshire’s Story Land, Water Country, and Living Shores Aquarium, as well as Connecticut’s Lake Compounce and Lake Compounce Campground. Parque Reunidos sold the U.S. properties to focus on its European leisure market, according to the company.
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“Herschend is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for employees (hosts), guests, and communities,” wrote the company in a press release. “No immediate changes are planned for daily operations as the company thoughtfully integrates these properties into its portfolio.”
The New England properties changing hands have been entertaining families for generations. Story Land just celebrated its 70th anniversary, Water Country its 40th anniversary, and Lake Compounce, which opened in 1846, is the oldest continuously operated amusement park in the U.S.
“Herschend is the ideal organization to lead Palace Entertainment’s unique properties,” said John Reilly, CEO of Palace Entertainment, in a statement. “Herschend is best in class in providing a high-quality guest experience within its parks. Palace Entertainment’s team members and its parks are in great hands as we make this transition.”
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In the coming months, Herschend says it will prioritize communication during the transition, explore enhancements, and support new employees with training and resources that align with the company’s “people-first culture.”
“Being a family business for 75 years has given us a deep understanding of what makes properties like these special—not just the rides and attractions, but the people who pour their hearts into them every day,” said Chris Herschend, board chair for Herschend, in a statement. “These historic and beloved properties have been family traditions for generations, and we are honored to help carry that legacy forward.”
Herschend owns nearly two dozen family entertainment brands across North America, including Dollywood Parks & Resorts in Tennessee, Silver Dollar City in Missouri, and the Vancouver Aquarium.
Lake Compounce opens for the season on May 3, Story Land on May 24, and Water Country on June 7.
Living Shores Aquarium, which first opened in 2019 and is New Hampshire’s first aquarium, debuted New Hampshire’s only alligator exhibit earlier this year.
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