Bud Hurlbut, legendary attraction designer for Knott's Berry Farm and others, dies at age 93

Posted | Contributed by Dutchman

Bud Hurlbut, who created some of Knott’s Berry Farm‘s centerpiece rides, died Wednesday. He was 93. Wendell “Bud” Hurlbut worked for years with Walter Knott, the founder of Knott’s Berry Farm. There, Hurlbut designed and built the Calico Mine Ride and the Timber Mountain Log Ride — two attractions that, decades after they were built, remain among the most popular rides in the park.

Read more from The Orange County Register.

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Wow, really sad. One of the true pioneers in the industry - and one of the reasons Castle Park is so special. Anyone doing a SoCal trip will certainly get to appreciate his input and contributions...

You still have Zoidberg.... You ALL have Zoidberg! (V) (;,,;) (V)

I didn't realize he owned Castle Park until now. But it makes a lot of sense right? Wasn't the train originally from Knott's?

I wonder if he was the original owner of Castle Miniature golf before the addition of the rides? The reason I ask is because the courses are extremely well themed, with great rockwork and water features, and they are all a lot of fun.

"I go out at 3 o' clock for a quart of milk and come home to my son treating his body like an amusement park!" - Estelle Costanza

Yes he was, and it was an evolving project from the start. When the handwriting on the wall that he was going to loss his leases he started expanding "the Castle" into a full blown park . I had the pleasure and honor of knowing Bud, something that I will treasure forever.

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