The Avenue of Giants near Phillipsville is a mystical, magical place, and at one time it transported visitors into the world of Tolkien and The Hobbit. Sometime in the 1970s, a replica of Hobbiton was constructed here. Sadly, the place closed down during the 2000s, but you can still explore some of the remnants and be transported into the most epic fantasy story ever told.

Visitors are heralded by Gandalf himself, who as we all know was a big fan of the Shire. He stands at the entrance of a charming little hobbit hole.

Flickr/ Brenna

The misty redwoods are a perfect setting for exploring these once impressive remnants of Hobbiton, USA.

Flickr/ JasonBechtel

The walking trail that was once a popular stop along the Avenue of Giants is overgrown and overlooked these days, but you can see the dedication and effort that originally went into this destination.

Flickr/ Damon Green

It’s located near the Living Chimney Tree, which another really interesting stop along this scenic route. It also is a pretty tasty burger joint.

Yelp/ Shon S.

Here’s the old sign that showed admission prices and the route to take. Unfortunately it’s now closed for good, as the sign says.

Flickr/ Orin Zebest

The old map of Hobbiton allowed you to trace the path that the heroes of the Hobbit took long before Peter Jackson made it into a CGI triolgy.

Flickr/ Brenna

How badly do you wish this feature still worked?!

Flickr/ Brenna

Even though it is past its glory days and closed down, Hobbiton USA is still a treat to behold, whether you are a fan of the stories or not.

Flickr/ Thu Le

Who wouldn’t want to meet Gandalf face to face? There are not many opportunities to do so, even when it’s just a statue of the grey wizard himself.

Flickr/ Orin Zebest

If nothing else, this is a great excuse to live like the Hobbits do, full of adventure and community spirit, and connected to the land. Now that I think about it, that sure sounds a lot like Northern California!

Flickr/ sandwich

Have you ever explored these remnants of Northern California? How about visited the park when it was in its heyday?

Flickr/ Brenna

Flickr/ JasonBechtel

Flickr/ Damon Green

Yelp/ Shon S.

Flickr/ Orin Zebest

Flickr/ Thu Le

Flickr/ Orin Zebest

Flickr/ sandwich

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.