I finally made my first visit to Knoebels Amusement Resort, and it immediately felt like stepping into another era of amusement parks. With free admission, historic rides, and an incredible coaster lineup, this park offers a completely different experience from most modern theme parks.
Here’s what stood out to me during my visit.
Free Admission (Yes, Really)
One of the most surprising things about Knoebels is its free admission policy.
- Admission is free
Parking is free
You can even bring pets
The park sits next to campgrounds, cabins, and picnic areas, giving it the vibe of a permanent carnival inside a campground.
A Step Back in Time
One thing that immediately stood out to me was that there were no security screenings or metal detectors at the park.
Even many fairs and carnivals now use metal detectors, so this definitely felt like a throwback experience.
A Park With Nearly 100 Years of History
Knoebels dates all the way back to 1926, and the park clearly takes pride in its history.
You’ll find:
- A park history museum
- Informational placards throughout the park
- A carousel museum
Their Grand Carousel is especially historic and worth checking out.
Phoenix: One of the Best Wooden Coasters Ever
The main reason I wanted to visit Knoebels was to ride Phoenix.
And it absolutely lived up to the hype.
The amount of airtime on this ride is incredible—I genuinely felt like I was standing up in my seat during several moments.
It instantly became my number one wooden coaster, and I rode it four times.
More Great Coasters
Knoebels also has several other standout rides.
My second favorite coaster was Twister, which is:
- Fast
- Smooth
- Packed with great helixes
Other highlights include:
- Flying Turns, a unique bobsled-style coaster
- Impulse, a vertical lift coaster with a great first drop
- Black Diamond, a mix of dark ride and coaster
- Cosmos Curves, a kid-friendly coaster that I of course had to try
Classic Attractions You Can’t Miss
Two attractions that stood out beyond the coasters:
Haunted Mansion – surprisingly scary with lots of jump scares.
Grand Carousel – where riders grab brass rings and try to throw them into the lion’s mouth.
Food and Games
Knoebels is also famous for its food. One must-try item is the ice cream sundaes at the Old Mill.
And if you visit, don’t skip Fascination, a classic arcade game where I somehow managed to win almost immediately.
Watch the Reels
Final Thoughts
With its historic charm, unique ride lineup, and relaxed atmosphere, Knoebels Amusement Resort is one of the most distinctive amusement parks in the United States.
Have you visited Knoebels yet? Let me know your favorite rides—and follow @themeparkette for more theme park adventures and coaster enthusiast insights