Summer and amusement parks go hand in hand, bringing joy, laughter, and thrilling rides. Nestled in Elysburg, PA, Knoebels Amusement Resort is a shining star among them.
Known as America’s largest free-admission amusement park, Knoebels offers a unique blend of classic charm and modern excitement. Since opening in 1926, it has captivated visitors with its iconic wooden coasters, nostalgic rides, excellent food, camping, and so much more. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a fan of vintage carousels, Knoebels has something for everyone.
Get ready to dive into some fun facts about this beloved summer destination!
Facts about Knoebels Amusement Resort
Humble beginnings
Knoebels Amusement Resort, nestled in a small wooded valley in central Pennsylvania, has a rich history dating back to 1829. Henry Knoebel purchased the land, originally known as “Peggy’s Farm,” for $931, which is equivalent to approximately $26,638 today. Initially used as farming land, the valley transformed in the early 1900s with the addition of a creek-fed swimming hole, making it a popular picnic destination. Sunday travelers and horse-drawn hayride wagons flocked to “Knoebels Grove” for leisure, enjoying soft drinks, ice cream, and snacks sold by Knoebel.
As the site’s popularity grew, Knoebel began leasing plots of land along the creeks for summer cottages, some of which remain to this day. The pivotal year of 1926 marked the official start of Knoebels Amusement Park when Knoebel added a restaurant, a steam-powered Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) carousel, and a few simple games. These additions laid the foundation for what would become one of America’s most cherished amusement parks.
One of the best wooden coasters in the world
Originally built in 1947 as the Rocket roller coaster in San Antonio, Texas, the classic wooden coaster called the Phoenix was reborn at Knoebels in 1985. Designed by Herbert Schmeck and built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, the coaster was relocated and restored to its former glory. It’s famous for its “double out and back” layout, offering a thrilling ride with a top speed of 45 mph and a highest point of 78 feet.
The Phoenix has consistently ranked among the top ten wooden coasters in the Golden Ticket Awards, holding the first-place spot since 2018. This historic coaster, which uses buzz bars, has become an iconic attraction at Knoebels, celebrated for its exhilarating drops and airtime.
Award-winning food
Knoebels is famous for its delicious funnel cakes, freshly made pierogies, and award-winning pizza, making it a culinary delight for visitors. With over 30 dining options, visitors can enjoy everything from hearty meals at the Alamo to sweet treats like fresh waffle ice cream sandwiches.
These eateries have contributed to the park winning awards from organizations judging amusement park food, including Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Award for Best Food every year from 2000 to 2012. The park tied with Dollywood in 2013 but reclaimed the prize in 2015, 2016, and 2018. Knoebels’ Cesari’s Pizza and the International Food Court were featured on a Food Network special, and the alligator bites served at the International Food Court were selected by Delish.com as one of the top seven daring amusement park foods.
One of the oldest carousels in the country
Knoebels is home to two enchanting carousels. The smaller merry-go-round, added to Kiddieland in 1976, was built by Stein & Goldstein in 1910 and remains a favorite among younger visitors. The crown jewel, however, is the Grand Carousel, a 1913 masterpiece crafted by Kremer’s Carousel Works with a frame by Charles I. D. Looff and 63 hand-carved horses by Charles Carmel. Purchased in 1942 for $4,000 (approximately $74,591 today) from Riverside Park in New Jersey, this carousel is one of the largest in the world. It features a rare working ring dispenser, allowing riders to grab steel rings, with the lucky one catching the brass ring earning a free ride.
The Grand Carousel is also renowned for its musical accompaniment, provided by three historic band organs. The carousel has three organs that play lively music during the rides, the largest of which was manufactured in 1888. The second organ was created in Germany in 1910 and it still plays original folding cardboard music which is only available in Europe. Since 2007, the Grand Carousel has consistently been voted the best carousel in the Golden Ticket Awards by Amusement Today, remaining undefeated until the competition was retired in 2019. Today, it stands as the second-oldest ride in the park, with the S&G Carousel being the oldest at 113 years old in the 2023 season.
You can read more about the carousel and organs here.
Natural disasters
Knoebels Amusement Resort has faced significant challenges from natural disasters over the years, with several major floods causing extensive damage.
On June 22, 1972, heavy rains from Hurricane Agnes caused the South Branch Roaring Creek and Mugser Run to overflow, rising six feet above their banks. This devastating flood destroyed six cottages, damaged numerous buildings, and affected 24 of the park’s 25 rides. The roller rink building, heavily damaged in the flood, was later converted into the Roaring Creek Saloon, which now features a concession stand, arcade, XD Theater, and performances. In the aftermath, a new building was constructed to house the Haunted Mansion dark ride, which opened in 1973 and has since been recognized as one of America’s best dark rides.
Knoebels experienced further significant floods in 1975, 1996, 2004, 2006, and 2011. The 1975 and 1996 floods occurred during the off-season, but the January 1996 flood left lasting damage as everything froze after the waters receded, complicating cleanup efforts. The September 2004 flood, caused by Hurricane Ivan, was brief, allowing the park to partially reopen by mid-afternoon.
On June 28, 2006, just before the July 4th weekend, another large flood submerged 90 percent of the park. Despite this, 60 percent of the attractions were operational within two days, and 90 percent within four days, although the Crystal Pool required 10 days to clear over 100 tons of mud. The Kiddie Panther Cars ride took nearly three weeks to repair.
Tropical Storm Lee caused another severe flood on September 7, 2011, with water levels nearly matching those of 1972. The park managed to reopen the majority of its attractions within the following weekend, missing only two days of operation. More recently, on July 23 and July 25, 2018, the park faced back-to-back floods, but with the aid of 150 employees, it managed to reopen by July 27, 2018.
You can stay overnight
Knoebels offers an array of overnight accommodations to extend the fun. There are two on-site yet tucked-away campgrounds, Knoebels Campground — just steps away from the thrills — and Lake Glory Campground — which is a short drive away (but there are shuttles!). In addition to campsites (both primitive and with electric, water, and sewage), there are cozy cabins and lodges. Other (less rustic) options include Knoebels Cottages and Latorre House Bed & Breakfast. Guests can also enjoy amenities such as free Wi-Fi, modern bathhouses, and a fully stocked camp store.
Talk about options.
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