A lost civilization in the Inland Empire

If you've driven on Interstate 15 between Barstow and Baker, you've probably noticed a water amusement park next to the freeway. A large facility, with all sorts of attractions - completely empty. Frankly, I've always wondered why someone built this park out in the middle of nowhere, rather than building it closer to Barstow, or in some populated area.

Like Redlands.

Both the Daily Bulletin and the Inland Empire Crime Blog have run stories about a nuisance abatement complaint that the city of Redlands has filed against Pharaoh's Lost Kingdom. But to me, the news wasn't that the complaint had been filed - the news was that the amusement park itself had been shut down, apparently for some time. Apparently the site has recently been used for all-night dance events, and police have had to deal with drug busts and noise complaints from neighbors.

I nosed around a bit more and found this:

In September 2006, Pharaoh's permanently closed the midway ride park and skycoaster.

Also see this:

Pharaohs is closed for some reason according to their website/www.i10kingdom.com/ they recently tore down their midway rides. and the 5 star restaraunt casablanca. Now has a nigt club insid called 5150. This parks fate is a mystery.

Although frankly, I find it hard to believe that Pharaoh's Lost Kingdom had a five star restaurant.