Knoebels Amusement Resort: Pennsylvania's Favorite Amusement Park for Nearly a Century

Some amusement parks are built around movie characters.

Others are built around massive resorts.

Knoebels is different.

For nearly 100 years, families have been coming here for one simple reason...

It's fun.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Elysburg, Pennsylvania, Knoebels Amusement Resort has become one of America's most beloved amusement parks—not because it's the biggest, but because it never forgot what made amusement parks special in the first place.

It All Started as a Picnic Grove

Long before roller coasters towered above the trees, the Knoebel family opened a small picnic grove in 1926.

People came to relax beneath the shade, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and spend time together.

As visitors returned year after year, the family began adding attractions.

A swimming pool.

A carousel.

A few rides.

No one imagined that the quiet picnic grove would eventually grow into one of the most celebrated amusement parks in the country.

Free Admission? Yes, Really.

One of the things that makes Knoebels stand out is something almost unheard of today.

There is no admission fee.

You don't pay to walk through the gates.

Visitors can purchase ride tickets individually or enjoy unlimited ride wristbands during many operating days, making it one of the most flexible and affordable amusement parks in America.

Whether you're spending the entire day riding roller coasters or simply enjoying lunch and people-watching, everyone is welcome.

Home to Legendary Rides

Knoebels has earned international recognition for rides that continue to thrill generation after generation.

Among the most famous is the Phoenix, a classic wooden roller coaster consistently ranked among the best in the world.

Then there's the Twister, another wooden favorite inspired by a legendary Pennsylvania coaster from the past.

But the park isn't just about adrenaline.

Families also enjoy:

• The Grand Carousel

• Scenic train rides

• Kiddie attractions

• Water rides

• Haunted attractions

• Family classics that have entertained visitors for decades

It's a park where grandparents, parents, and children often ride the very same attractions together.

Come Hungry

If you've visited Knoebels, chances are someone has already asked you about the food.

The park has developed a reputation for serving some of the best amusement park food in the country.

From fresh-cut fries and hand-dipped ice cream to barbecue, pizza, and Pennsylvania favorites, many guests insist the food alone is worth the trip.

It's one more reason families stay all day.

More Than an Amusement Park

Knoebels isn't just about rides.

It's about tradition.

For many Pennsylvanians, a visit to Knoebels has become a family ritual passed down through generations.

Parents bring their children.

Those children grow up and bring families of their own.

The laughter echoes through the park year after year, creating memories that last a lifetime.

A Pennsylvania Treasure

While many amusement parks have changed ownership, expanded into massive corporations, or lost the charm that made them special, Knoebels has remained family-owned and true to its roots.

That authenticity is one of the reasons it's consistently recognized as one of the best amusement parks in America.

It doesn't try to be something it's isn't.

It simply does what it's always done exceptionally well.

Plan Your Visit

Located in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, Knoebels is an easy drive from much of the Northeast and makes an excellent family day trip or weekend getaway.

Nearby attractions include:

• Ricketts Glen State Park

• Numidia Dragway

• Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine

• Columbia County covered bridges

• The Susquehanna River Valley

Whether you're chasing thrills on the Phoenix, sharing a meal with family, or simply reliving childhood memories, Knoebels offers something increasingly rare...

A place where generations come together.

Some amusement parks are famous because they're enormous.

Others because they're expensive.

Knoebels became famous because it never forgot what really matters.

Simple fun.

Friendly faces.

And memories that last long after the rides come to a stop.