Hidden Treasures: Rare Opryland Theme Park Collectibles Now Available Online

When I was a kid, I was obsessed with Opryland USA. The Nashville theme park was a vacation destination for kids just like me in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee and beyond. With its epic rides like The Wabash Cannonball, the Screamin' Delta Demon, the Grizzly River Rampage and more, I looked forward to going to Opryland every single summer.

REMEMBERING OPRYLAND USA

My love for that park carried on through high school and college. The last time I visited was the summer of 1994, shortly before I moved across the country to San Diego. I remember that final visit well. I rode a ton of rides (there weren't a bunch of people there), including the park's epic suspended coaster- The Hangman. I ate a Spam Burger. I had a blast. Sadly, I didn't realize at the time that the park would close before I made it back home. Opryland USA closed- for good- on December 31st, 1997.

However, I, like so many Opryland enthusiasts, still love that park. I am so obsessed  that I routinely search the internet for souvenirs from it.

In the last couple of months, my radio co-host has found some pretty cool memorabilia at some area thrift stores. Though I don't smoke, she bought me this vintage Opryland ashtray.

It sits in my office at work.

And, for Christmas, she bought me this vintage Opryland bell.

That's in my office at work as well.

If you still love Opryland like I do and want a souvenir from it, check these out! I combed Ebay over the weekend and found some really cool memorabilia up for grabs.

OPRYLAND USA VIEW-MASTER 3-REEL PACKET

THE HISTORY OF THE VIEW-MASTER

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Of course, one of the things that made Opryland famous was the park's shows. Not only was Opryland home to the world famous Grand Ole Opry, it was home to popular shows like "I Hear America Singing" and "Country Music USA." If you were a show fan, check this out!

RARE VINTAGE 1980 OPRYLAND SHOWBILL

One of my favorite things to do at Opryland was pick up a park map just inside the gate. I actually own one of these vintage maps. It literally is one my most prized and beloved possessions.

OPRYLAND FOLDED SOUVENIR MAP (1980s)

Opryland also produced buttons that celebrated its most famous rides. If you conquered a ride, you could purchase a button that proved it. I recently found buttons honoring Grizzly River Rampage and The Hangman.

VINTAGE "I RODE IT" GRIZZLY RIVER RAMPAGE BUTTON

VINTAGE OPRYLAND HANGMAN ROLLER COASTER BUTTON

I also used to love visiting the Opryland gift shop on the way out of the park. There were tons of postcards that featured some of the park's most celebrated attractions. Check this out! There's a vintage Grizzly River Rampage Postcard up for grabs on Ebay.

A VINTAGE GRIZZLY RIVER RAMPAGE OPRYLAND POSTCARD

Yes, the postcard has been used. It was sent to a Viejo, California couple by Barry and Kay. Barry and Kay, like most of us who visited Opryland, LOVED the Grizzly River Rampage.

This is just a sampling of Opryland souvenirs available online. I am sitting here trying decide which ones I want to add to my collection.