47 Once-Popular Touristic Destinations That Have Been Lost to Time

Known by some as the “Christian Disney World,” during its heyday, Heritage USA was the third most popular theme park and water park in the US. It came in only after Orlando’s Disney World and Anaheim’s Disneyland, which says a lot.

It was founded by televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker and opened its doors in 1978. By 1986, it was bringing in nearly 6 million visitors a year. In 1987, a scandal involving Jim Bakker came to light and caused a decline in attendance. In 1989 came the final nail in the coffin when Hurricane Hugo struck, causing severe damage to the park and forcing it to close shortly afterward.