Enter the Magical Land of Oz Across the United States

With the giant success of the Wicked movies, another generation has discovered the magical land of Oz stories. I see the younger fans and families every time I visit an Oz-themed location, and there are many across the United States, which I share below. I confess to falling in love with the original books, where I ran my fingers over the imprinted illustrations, then turned the serrated pages slowly. It was one of the wonders I unearthed over long hours in the original library of my Southern California hometown.

Another surprising discovery occurred this winter when I stepped through the holiday decorations and light show at San Diego’s Hotel del Coronado. The evening I approached the hotel, a musical light show spread across the towering trees near the hotel entrance. Timed to music from the 1939 movie with Judy Garland, the limbs danced with lights in synch with the original soundtrack. The lawns were crowded with happy families and others taking selfies while they danced along a short Yellow Brick Road.

Magical Land of Oz ornaments from the Hotel del Christmas tree.

The real excitement was inside the hotel lobby, where the annual Christmas tree rose several stories into the rafters. It was gleaming with Oz-themed decorations. A garland of yellow balloons stood in for the famous road. Baskets with life-sized Totos, Dorothy’s pet dog, charmed from each side. There were witch hats, sparkling red slippers (like Dorothy’s in the movie), and sequined silver versions (like the Good Witch, Glenda’s.) I wove between families, young and old of many nationalities, as they giggled and drew near to identify the character ornaments, and then turned for portraits in front of the grand pine. The hotel even set up a Holiday in Oz map for sleuthing the different themed sites around the grounds.

While a small plaque sat near the lobby tree, not many stopped to read the message. There was a quote from the author of the Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum.

“Those who do not find Coronado a paradise have doubtless brought with them the same conditions that would render heaven unpleasant to them.” I have to agree.

The Magical Land Oz is Not Just Seasonal Fun

Over the years, I’ve been delighted to find more evidence of Baum’s presence across Coronado Island. He stayed there after writing the first book in 1900, and after a successful career in New York City, where he was renowned for his holiday store window displays. The Hotel Del’s grand ballroom is illuminated by his design talent, which shaped the whimsical, crown chandeliers. The modest house he lived in for a few years is within walking distance of the hotel, and the local library has further immortalized his beloved characters with an art-glass wall depicting Dorothy and her companions from the first book. (Read more about celebrities and local hotels in this earlier post.)

Oz Love Thrives Across the United States

The Kansas Oz Museum

Drop the kids off in the museum theater where the Wizard of Oz plays consecutively, then browse the museum artifacts, take pictures in the movie-inspired balloon, and enter scene sets for photos. The ten-dollar entrance fee is a great value for those interested in the lore and history of the magical land of Oz.  Located in Wamego, Kansas where there’s ample parking.

Dorothy’s the Star in Florida’s Wizard of Oz Museum

Follow the yellow brick road through this 20,000 sq. foot, immersive light experience and museum. Guided or self-guided tours come with the ticket. The memorabilia and gift shop are highly reviewed. Trip Advisor considers it one of the top Children’s Museums in the country. Located in Cape Canaveral/Coco Beach, Florida

Oz Park in Illinois

Sculptures of the classical characters from the magical Wizard of Oz movie are sprinkled across this park’s acres. The installations are a nod to Frank L. Baum, who spent 1891 in Chicago, just a few miles from the park. There is no cost to enter. More information here.

Autumn at Oz Festival

If immersing in a magical land of Oz experience sounds like a great time (I’m in!), this festival has lots going for it. Guests are ‘engulfed’ in the classic story from the Gale farm, through the tornado experience, and down the yellow brick road on the way to the Emerald City. There are opportunities for photos with characters, live performances, and of course, lots of Wizard of Oz merchandise in their gift shop. The festival takes place over three weekends in September with tickets available here. Located in Beech Mountain, North Carolina.

Click Here to view the Hotel del Coronado Magical Land of Oz video from You Tube

Hotel del Coronado after dark

Judy Garland’s Home and Oz Museum

The house was moved from its original location to an easy-to-find spot in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. I loved stepping through the parlors to see where Judy Garland and her two sisters slept, the piano where they practiced their vaudeville act, and then continue through the movie paraphernalia in the connected museum. The movie changed Judy’s life forever, making her a celebrity on screen and in concerts around the world.

One interesting point about the museum – clever thieves stole the original ruby slippers from its display, and they’ve never been found. Don’t despair of seeing them – several pairs were worn by Judy, in varying widths to accommodate her feet and her understudy’s wider footprint. Another pair are guarded in a glass case. I loved seeing the costumes, the Munchin carriage, and the French movie poster. The gallery walls are covered in stills from the production as well. The house and museum are located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. 

Don’t forget “Your Little Dog, too!”

Dorothy’s endearing pup grew up as Terry (actually female) on a San Fernando Valley ranch in the 1930’s.  The trainer, Carl Spitz, raised her for the big screen, but unfortunately lost his land when the valley freeway was built. Today, the Oz pooch is memorialized in the Hollywood Cemetery with a sculpture and headstone. The great-grandson of the author, L. Frank Baum attended the dedication, where the crowd sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow together. Wish I’d been there.

Speaking of that immortal song. Originally, Shirley Temple, the beloved child star, was offered the part of Dorothy, but turned the role down. I can’t imagine her being any more charming than Judy Garland, whose legacy began in the magical land of Oz.

One last magical land of Oz note.

Here’s one of the most inspired versions of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, arranged and sung by the Hawaiian superstar, Israel ‘IZ’ Kamakawiwo’le. I was in love from the moment I first heard his ukulele and sweet voice. It’s another testament to the enduring popularity of L. Frank Baum’s talent and those he’s inspired who keep his visions alive. Mahalo for reading.