Wright’s Barnyard: An Illiana Icon
From its humble beginnings as an actual barnyard with a miniature golf course in it, to a chain of 3 large-scale entertainment complexes with arcades, go-karts, batting cages and talking robots, Wright’s Barnyard left a lasting legacy in the Northeast Illinois/Northwest Indiana area. Let’s take a quick stroll through time and examine this Midwest entertainment icon.
1956
The Park Opens
Golden Acres Take Root
In 1956, Burt and Millie Wright built a mini golf course and modest dirt go-kart in their backyard among the onion fields of suburban Chicago. They called it Golden Acres. Thanks to the pigs, chickens, and donkey that roamed the course, the locals started calling it Wright’s Barnyard. By 1957, the name had stuck.
(Photo Source: The Times Jun 23, 1957)
1960s
Golf-o-Mat Grand Opening
Golfing the Wright Way
The Wrights continue to expand their operation, adding 3 indoor computerized golf courses, batting cages, archery, an indoor shooting gallery, and a giant slide. In 1967, they brand the golf courses the "Golf-o-Mat" and stand up a large new sign, visible from the nearby Kingery Expressway, to advertise.
(Photo Source: The Times, Feb 28, 1967)
1970s
Don Wright Takes the Reins
Second-Generation Spark
In the late 1970s, Burt and Millie's son, Don Wright, takes over operations and infuses new energy into the park. Under his leadership, Wright's Barnyard expands its attractions, introducing more sophisticated go-kart tracks, an enhanced mini-golf course, and 45 arcade games. Don's vision was to create a space where families could enjoy a range of activities without the need for extensive travel or expense.
(Photo Credit: The Times, July 26, 1981)
1980
Wright's Barnyard Valparaiso Opens
Valpo Voyage
In 1980, Don Wright opens a 2nd location in Valparaiso, Indiana. Set on 20 wooded acres, the site was perfect for Don's plans. He maintained as many of the original, large trees as possible, incorporating them into the design of the park.
(Photo Credit: Vidette-Messenger of Porter County, Jun 1, 1981)
1990
Crestwood Opens
Lights, Camera, Crestwood!
In 1990, seeking to reach a broader audience, Don Wright opens a 3rd location in Crestwood, Illinois, named Wright's Hollywood Park. This venue offers similar attractions but on a grander scale. There are over 100 games in the arcade and a unique indoor attraction with interactive animatronic characters called Fangalangus Island, designed by inventor Victor Lang. Victor also created Jake, the robot comedian that once worked the front bar at The Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, CA.
(Photo Source: Chicago Tribune Sept 6, 1990)
1994
Discovery Zone Acquisition
Dizzying Discoveries
Don Wright sells all 3 of the parks to Discovery Zone, who changes their names to "DZ's Hollywood Park". Around this same time, Blockbuster Video increases their investment in Discovery Zone, raising its holding to 50.1% and becoming the majority shareholder. Discovery Zone later became part of the Family Entertainment Centers Division of Blockbuster, and signaled Discovery Zone's entrance into the arena of family and adult entertainment centers. However, this ownership was to be short-lived as in 1995, Viacom took over the management of Discovery Zone and decided to concentrate on its children's concept. It put all of its family entertainment centers, including the three Hollywood Parks, on the market.
(Photo Source: Vidette-Messenger of Porter County Jan 7, 1995)
1996
The Wrights Return
Back to the Barnyard
Given Blockbuster's (and hence, Discovery Zone's) financial troubles, and his desire to bring the business back to its roots, Chris Paliga, grandson of Burt and Millie Wright, purchases all 3 locations back from Discovery Zone. He changes all of their names to Wright's Hollywood Park.
(Photo Source: Chicago Tribune Dec 13, 1992)
2001
ZAO Island Opens
An Island is Born
Don Wright decides to more directly get back into the business and purchases the Valparaiso location that he originally opened in 1980, from Chris Paliga. He renames the facility Zao Island and gives it a tropical theme. The grand re-opening celebrations included live alligators, karaoke and a barbeque. Don still owns the park to this day.
(Photo Source The Times June 22, 2001)
2004
Andy Wright Purchases Lansing Location
The Final Ride
Andy Wright, the great nephew of Burt and Millie Wright, purchases the original Lansing location back from Chris Paliga and changes the name back to Wright's Barnyard. Paliga believes that the Illinois Tollway (IDOT) expansion of Interstate 80/94 would force the park to close and is likely happy to let go of it. Indeed, only 6 months after Andy purchased the park, IDOT condemned 22,000 square feet of the property, demolishing most of the golf course and a portion of the go-kart track. But Andy Wright refused to let this set back stand in his way. He had bold plans to acquire a neighboring property to make up for the portions of the park that were demolished.
Sadly, on December 10, 2006, 50 years after Burt and Millie first opened their barn doors, they were closed for good. The arcade games at Wright's Barnyard were turned off for the very last time. The business suffered tremendously after its partial demolition and likely wasn't able to generate sufficient income for Andy Wright to secure the funds he needed to save it.
(Photo Source: The Times Aug 20, 2006)
2015 - Today
Zao Island and Hollywood Park Live On
The Legacy
While its original location is no longer, Millie and Burt's legacy lives on in the two additional Wright's Barnyard locations. These still exist today, albeit with different names. Wright’s Valparaiso spin-off, Zao Island, still flies the family’s “quarters-for-smiles” flag and reminds Midwest kids why mini-golf and go-karts never go out of style.
Chris Paliga sold the Crestwood location to Family Entertainment Group (FEG) in 2015, who rebranded the park to In the Game Hollywood Park, to align branding with their other locations. It is still in operation today.
(Photo Credit: The Times, July 26, 1981)