Knoebels Amusement Resort

Since 1926, when it was just a swimming pool, a few food stands and a steam-powered carousel, Knoebels Amusement Resort has been a family tradition. Now, almost 100 years later, this family-owned amusement park has grown to include all manner of attractions, which are set on scenic grounds about 75 miles northeast of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 

Free admission and free parking sets Knoebels Amusement Resort apart from its peers. Instead of paying a fee upfront, visitors buy tickets per ride. Prices vary depending on the thrill level of the ride, with seats on the wooden roller coaster Phoenix costing more than family-friendly rides like bumper cars or the Ferris wheel.  

On weekdays in June, July and August, and select weekends in April, May, September and October, the park offers the opportunity to purchase a ride pass, so visitors only have to pay once for access to Knoebels’ full lineup of rides excluding the Haunted Mansion.

Aside from rides, visitors can also enjoy midway games, gift shops, an 18-hole miniature golf course and a dip in the Crystal Pool. Holding an impressive 900,000 gallons of water, the glittering pool opens Memorial Day weekend (daily beginning in early June) and closes Labor Day, offering swimming as well as two waterslides and a splash pad for kids and two nearby food stands. 

Offerings vary at each of Knoebels’ food stands, and there are about two dozen others in addition to the ones at the pool. While on-site picnicking areas make for a great place to enjoy a meal packed at home, grabbing a bite from the food stands is certainly part of the fun.

The Knoebels experience doesn’t end there either. Tee off on the 18-hole regulation golf course, or make a weekend of your trip with a stay at the Knoebels Park Campground or Lake Glory Campground (Knoebels’ sister campground) just 5 miles away. 391 Knoebels Blvd., Elysburg, Pennsylvania 17824, 800/487-4386, knoebels.com