Strap in for a good time at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Pennsylvania
For the nostalgic types, Knoebels Amusement Resort in Central PA’s Susquehanna River Valley will thrill with its classic theme park rides. For those looking to cool off or be scared, there’s a flume ride that’ll drench you and drop you, and a haunted mansion that will fright and excite you. And for the budget-conscious, you’ll be impressed with the free entry, free parking and rides that cost anywhere from 75 cents to $3.
Located in the middle of an old-growth forest in Elysburg, Knoebels (pronounced kuh-NO-buls) boasts plenty of shady trees on hot summer days. And if that doesn’t cool you off, you can always jump in the 900,000-gallon spring-fed pool with water slides and kiddie play are.
It’s All About the Rides
Family-owned and -operated since it first opened the Crystal Pool in 1926, Knoebels offers 55 rides including two world-class roller coasters and 20 kiddy rides, an old-fashioned carousel where you can still catch the brass ring, two water rides that will soak you through and through, and dozens of rides that the whole family can enjoy together.
The park spans more than 200 acres and in addition to rides and swimming, offers miniature golf and an 18-hole regulation-length golf course steps away from the park.
Accolades
If you like being spooked, don’t miss the Haunted Mansion. The Darkride and Funhouse Enthusiasts recently awarded the Haunted Mansion “Favorite Traditional Darkride” for the ninth year in a row!
Knoebels has also been listed as:
Lonely Planet’s “Best Amusement Parks in the World”
#2 on the Travel Channel’s “Top 10 Amusement Parks”
Members of the National Amusement Park Historical Association named Knoebels Amusement Resort as their “Favorite Traditional Amusement Park”
Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Award for Best Food every year since 1999.
Speaking of Food
While you can find corn dogs and cotton candy in the park, Knoebels menu of options will please even the most discriminating palates. Even the Food Network agrees!
The channel featured Knoebels International Food Court and the park’s Cesari pizza on a recent special. From countless places to sit and eat, eat on the go, or even eat gluten-free, the choices are plentiful. You can come for fun, Knoebels advertises, but don’t forget the food: Try “Famous Fresh Cut French Fries,” pierogies, potato cakes, bison burgers, gator bites and even pickle on a stick.
You can also bring food into the park and enjoy its free picnic facilities. No alcohol permitted, but this great feature makes it the ideal location for large family gatherings and reunions.
Spend the Weekend … or the Week!
If you’re into camping, consider staying overnight at their campground — it offers 550 sites and 36 log cabins.
For additional lodging options, and additional things to do and see, check out the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau’s website at VisitCentralPA.org.