When asked to name a favorite amusement park, most people will name chains set in California and Florida: Disney parks, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, and Legoland. But a survey by the National Amusement Park Historical Association yields a surprise winner: Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania.
This park in a densely wooded area boasts a wooden roller coaster, a dark ride through a haunted coal mine, bumper cars, a swinging pirate ship, a Ferris wheel, a giant flume ride, motor boats through a canal, and around 50 other thrills. Admission to the park is free (free parking and free in-park entertainment, too), and you buy tickets for each ride. The rides cost $2-$5, so depending on how you pace yourself, you could have a thrifty day or an expensive one. An all-day pass for an adult runs $43–58, depending on the date.
The park began in 1926 as a swimming hole (which has transformed into the 900,000-gallon Crystal Pool) and continues to be run by descendants of the original founding family. Guests who wish to extend their stay can choose to stay at one of two campgrounds or book a cottage. It all sounds charming as all get-out, and no wonder it won this award! There are even two trains on the property for train enthusiasts: a miniature coal-fired locomotive and a smaller gas-powered one.
The survey also called out some other parks. For instance, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, won the award for favorite theme park, while Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia, was named the most beautiful park for the 35th consecutive year.
Here is the full list of the parks that won top ratings in the 2024 NAPHA survey:
• Favorite Traditional Amusement Park: Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania.
• Favorite Theme Park: Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
• Most Beautiful Park: Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia
• Favorite Wood Coaster: Phoenix, Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania
• Favorite Steel Coaster: Millennium Force at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio
• Favorite New Attractions: Bobcat at Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury, New York