The mystery remains where the person making the voice for Sad Eye Joe sits, but this is an absolutely fun hidden gem to check out when you're at Knotts. Most of the time, Sad Eye Joe is sleeping and he's quite the loud snorer. However, when he's awake, he's quite fun to chat with. Poor guy is pretty lonely so make sure to visit him when you're around! read more

Sad Eye Joe adds genuine theming to Knott's Berry Farm. I had heard about him all the way in New Jersey. He's been incarcerated since the 1940's. He stole a horse, and he's been shuffled around the justice system ever since. When I finally visited him in jail, I was pleasantly surprised that he's not a robot. There's actually a real live actor who listens to his visitors from a remote location and responds intelligently. I told him that I'd get him out on bail reform. He wasn't too hopeful. But then I told him I'd be able to set him up with subsidized housing upon his release, and he was pleased to hear that. read more

Sad Eye Joe - I told him he'd get released on bail reform. I would try to set him up with housing upon release. - Amusement Parks Near Me - Buena Park, California

Been visiting Sad Eye Joe since I was a kid in the 60's, and have had the opportunity to share with my wife and kids over the years. Knotts Berry Farm will always have a special place in my heart, even though it isn't the same as it was back then. Highly recommend for the entire family. Other must see attractions are The Log Ride, Calico Mine, and the Ghost Rider while in the park. read more

Hidden gem in the Ghost Town at Knott's Berry Farm. Sad Eye Joe has a super long history at Knott's. If you are a history buff or just like nostalgia and back stories, look it up online. He has been a fixture in the park for over 70 years. He will tell you that he has been locked up since 1941, unjustly of course. You know, he only "borrowed" the sheriff's horse. Follow the signs off the main street in the Ghost Town to the Town Jail and you will find Sad Eye Joe waiting for visitors. Don't be afraid to say hi. Joe is always up for company and he has some great stories to tell. This is a fun interactive exhibit that is great for kids or new visitors. Yes, Joe actually has conversations with visitors. Speak loudly so he can hear you, and Joe will banter, answer questions or share some of his history. This is a charming old attraction that is a throw back to the early days of Knott's Berry Farm. Next time you are in the area, go and visit with Joe a bit. You won't be disappointed. read more

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This has been going on ever since I was a kid and when I took my wife here for the first time she was wondering what I was doing and I said I need to talk to the prisoner sad eye Joe. It is pretty entertaining though especially if you have kids and they are in shock especially if it is there first time. But you ask him questions and you get a response, but the guy is hidden somewhere though that does the talking. Pretty eat to do if you never done it. read more

When you're strolling through Ghost Town at Knott's Berry Farm make sure you pay a visit to one of OC's famous convicts, Sad Eye Joe. He'll be glad to have a visitor and enjoy the conversation with you. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sad-eye-joe-buena-park?select=D2cSR0ojKm83GFTbIByAvg#XFD770m-hi7m0sJX2ZsusA Located across from the Blacksmith down a small passage way between the Sherrif's Office and Goldie's Place. A couple of signs nailed to a post and wall mark the spot. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sad-eye-joe-buena-park?select=D2cSR0ojKm83GFTbIByAvg#yTreqFUnRwLZhOuFfg-Qyw http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sad-eye-joe-buena-park?select=D2cSR0ojKm83GFTbIByAvg#1gBWwvspEjjYijBb9apBFA At the end of the alley is a small jail cell where Sad Eye Joe has been spending his days and nights. Week after week, year after year, decade after decade for over 70 years. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sad-eye-joe-buena-park?select=D2cSR0ojKm83GFTbIByAvg#qHXrrbPgCeePBBafKNyWBQ The idea came from Walter Knott and the original Sad Eye Joe head carving was made by Andy Anderson which is now on display in the Knott's Museum a few short steps away. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sad-eye-joe-buena-park?select=D2cSR0ojKm83GFTbIByAvg#C5gWA4LFT5AVth6zHBiuFw In Goldie's Place, the Ghost Town brothel, in the lower left window sits a live man who is Sad Eye Joe's voice. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sad-eye-joe-buena-park?select=D2cSR0ojKm83GFTbIByAvg#AxQ53LQS65Lc2l1iPmm27A He can see who's visiting 'ol Joe and also is the one who yanks a rope making the woman's pretty leg raise up n down out the 2nd story window. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sad-eye-joe-buena-park?select=D2cSR0ojKm83GFTbIByAvg#C7nwC_We9g4ZdFo2hjI2Rg I'm sure there's many variations of how and why Joe got to where he is. From what I heard and read he wanted to visit Goldie but didn't want to walk so he stole a horse. That horse, however, happened to be the Sherrif's. Ooops! Anyhoot...bring the kids, bring a date, bring anyone unaware and secretly give the gentleman at the window a little info and watch their face in disbelief as good 'ol Sad Eye Joe strikes up a conversation with them. read more

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Fun area inside the park, not a ride or anything just go around and enjoy the things to listen to and see.

I first met Joe while on a date about 10 years ago. The guy used to work at Knott's, in the Ghost Town area in particular, and told me to walk down this little alley section and look in this barred window. He'd catch up, the guy told me. So I go down that way and peek in the window, only to see this beat-up, faded and dusty mannequin in there with chained feet and a cowboy hat in a dark room. I have a bit of a phobia when it comes to dummies. I just easily confused them for real people just standing or sitting really still and would spring to life at any moment. Frankly, standing there alone was a bit eerie. "Heeelllllllooooo, Christine," a voice emanating from a speaker box turned down way low said. "Hi?" I said. "You can talk to me, Christine," the dummy continued. "It's all right." "How are you?" I humored. "Oh, well, I'm just sad I'm stuck in here." At this point my date comes running up behind me, laughing as though I'd been had. He tells me he went and told the operator my name to scare me, and so on. Anyway, Sad Eye Joe's been in the park for over 70 years, managing to outlast the Haunted Shack, the Wacky Soap Box Racers, the Sky Jump parachute ride, the Kingdom of the Dinosaurs, several thrill rides people have long forgotten the names of, and the Knott Family's ownership. And he seems to have become more talkative with age, not to mention better looking. With how neglected he seemed only a few years ago, it's nice to see that despite the demise of the related Haunted Shack, Sad Eye Joe is still getting some attention and care. Joe's window is a little high for kids to reach up to talk to him by themselves, and chances are your teenagers aren't going to get all that excited about conversing with a dummy, animatronic or otherwise. Nope, this is almost exclusively an amusement for the adults who aren't afraid of the corny and the kitschy. Next time you're at Knott's take some time to visit Joe before you run off to spend an hour in line for a minute-long ride. He's been locked up too long and could use a friend. read more

Sad Eye Joe has been incarcerated way before I was a lil girl, but he has scared the hell outta me for years...til I figured out what the hell was going on. When you're at Knott's and trippin' through the Ghost Town, near the blacksmith, go say hi. He's always in the mood for visitors. My lil toddler wants to talk to Sad Eye Joe alone, but he can't see him through the hole (too short), so he let's us come with him, only as a boost. read more

Joe is a thief, a horse thief that is.... He's been in jail for a long time. He stole the sheriff's horse! read more

Sad Eye Joe - Amusement Parks Near Me - Buena Park, California

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Honestly it was good but the person that was controlling and talking for sad eye Joe was a little off I went on a Friday with my family and we went to pass by sad eye Joe o asked sad eye Joe some questions and he answered them weirdly and in a weird voice. For example I asked him if he wanted a muffin and he said " naw I am fine " and started laughing but other than that it was great read more

Sad Eye Joe is the best! My parents took me here in the early 70's. I brought my daughters here too! read more

Sad Eye Joe - At the Jail House. - Amusement Parks Near Me - Buena Park, California

Joe is a must visit when you come to Knotts he is in Ghost Town kinda hidden away in the corner inside the jail! He's quite fun to talk to and will always give yourself a laugh or anyone that's with you! He's generally quite bored so make sure you pay him a visit and ask any random question you want! Last time i told him he needed a bottle of whiskey to help pass his days of sitting in jail he laughed and agreed and then started telling me about his life in jail it was quite entertaining! Definitely will be back to say hi to Joe on my next visit to the Farm! read more

I love sad eye Joe. He is a very overlooked attraction at Knotts. In a nutshell you take your young kids to what looks like a wooden outhouse and look inside to find a cowboy mannequin who is motionless. But then the magic happens and you hear the voice of someone speaking to you. If you played your cards right and met with the older man at the front of the bigger building to your right, you write down basic information about your child. The look of shock and awe on your kids face when the man calls them by name is worth doing. After seven years of coming here yearly, I finally gave up the secret of sad eye Joe to my kids. My trick was to have the information I wanted to give pre-written on a piece of paper. I would always tell my wife to meet with sad eye Joe while I "looked at something" that's when I would quickly deliver my note to the man in front. Don't forget to ask why he is in jail. read more

Stumbled upon Sad Eye Joe in the Ghost Town section of Knott's Berry Farm. My son got a kick out of talking to Joe so much that he insisted we return so he could talk to Joe again later in the day. Suggestion to parents, visit the building in front of Joe's jail while the kids stand in line to talk to Joe. There you can write a quick note for Joe to talk to your child about (and they are none the wiser!). Highly recommend! read more

Sad Eye Joe - Sad Eyed Joe. His voice matches his expression. - Amusement Parks Near Me - Buena Park, California

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Sad Eyed Joe at Knott's Ghost Town Always a fun gag, especially for first time visitors and kids! Tip: Go to the front of the shop discretely while someone else takes them to visit poor Sad Eyed Joe in the cell. read more

Sad eyed Joe at Knotts Berry Farm was a fun experience for the kids. You write down some things about the kids - fav food, where they are from, their name, etc. - and Sad Eyed Joe will have a conversation with them from his jail cell. The kids will be amazed that Joe knows a few things about them! read more

Sad Eyed Joe has known me since I was a baby 51 years ago!! Thanks to my dad who delivered food to Knotts & Joe thats how I met him!! I have tried to bail him out but Joe doesn't want to go!! TalkingTina read more