Knoebels Amusement Resort

Knoebels Amusement Resort, located in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, is America’s largest free-admission amusement park, beloved for its classic rides, scenic setting, old-school charm, and legendary food. With no admission fee, free parking, and affordable ride tickets, it’s one of the best-value parks in the U.S. — and a cult favorite among theme park fans.

History & Background

The park started in 1926 as a swimming hole and picnic grove and has been owned and operated by the Knoebel family ever since. Knoebels has grown gradually over nearly a century while preserving its retro atmosphere. It features award-winning wooden coasters, traditional flat rides, a massive pool, and a pay-per-ride or ride-all-day model, making it a hit for families and budget-conscious visitors.

Ticket Prices & Packages

• Admission: Free

• Parking: Free

• Ride Tickets: Pay-per-ride system (most rides 2–5 tickets, ~$0.50 each)

• All-Day Ride Passes: ~$30–$60 depending on height, day, and water rides included

• Group packages and camping bundles are available

Buy Tickets or Ride Passes

Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

Knoebels operates April through October, with most attractions open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Typical hours: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, weekends in spring/fall, daily in summer

Best times to visit:

• Weekdays in June or late August for fewer crowds

• October weekends for Hallo-Fun

• Spring and fall for cool weather and minimal wait times

Top Rides & Attractions

• Phoenix – Legendary airtime-filled wooden coaster, often ranked top in the world

• Twister – Intense wooden coaster with a double helix and strong lateral forces

• Impulse – Modern steel coaster with vertical lift and inversions

• Flying Turns – One-of-a-kind bobsled coaster built in-house

• Skooters – Widely considered the best bumper cars in America

• Giant Wheel, Haunted Mansion, and Power Surge – Flat ride classics

Family & Kids Rides

• Kiddie Coaster, Helicopters, and Boats – Rides for small children

• Pioneer Train – Scenic ride through the woods

• Carousel – Hand-carved horses with a brass ring game

• Whip, Paratrooper, Tilt-A-Whirl, and Cosmotron – Family-friendly thrills

• Miniature Railroad, Ball Crawl, and Knoebels History Museum

Water Attractions

• Crystal Pool & Waterslides – Olympic-size public swimming pool with diving boards and water slides

• Requires a separate ticket, but open to all park guests

• Loch Ness Log Flume & Giant Flume – Splash rides for all ages

• Bring swimsuits if visiting during hot summer days

Special Features

• Free picnic areas – Guests can bring their own food

• Free entertainment daily, including musical acts and magic shows

• Hand-carved carousel with brass ring – rare and beloved

• Tons of classic midway games, arcades, and covered pavilions

• Campground and cabins on-site for overnight stays

Knoebels Amusement Resort Dining Options

Famous for its park food, Knoebels consistently wins “Best Food” awards:

• Cesari’s Pizza – Hand-tossed slices, a park staple

• The Alamo Restaurant – Home-style sit-down meals

• International Food Court – Everything from pierogis to Thai noodles

• Oasis & Stony Gables – Sandwiches, burgers, and ice cream

• Funnel cakes, birch beer, fresh-cut fries, and fudge everywhere

• Allergy-friendly and gluten-free options available

Hotels & Accommodation

Knoebels Amusement Resort offers its own campground and cabins just steps from the park:

• Knoebels Campground – Tent, RV, and cabin sites with shuttle to the park

• Lake Glory Campground – 2 miles away, shuttle access included

• Nearby hotels in Bloomsburg, Elysburg, and Danville, such as:

  • Fairfield Inn & Suites Bloomsburg

  • Hampton Inn Danville

  • Budget Inn Elysburg

Lodging fills up fast in summer — reserve early if camping.

Getting There & Parking

Address: 391 Knoebels Blvd, Elysburg, PA 17824
Located in rural central Pennsylvania, ~1 hour from Harrisburg or Wilkes-Barre.

• Parking is 100% free

• Plenty of space for RVs, buses, and picnic groups

• Follow signs carefully — rural roads, but well-marked

Tips for Visiting

• Consider a Ride All Day wristband if riding a lot — otherwise, tickets may be cheaper

• Get to Phoenix and Flying Turns early for short lines

• Bring a cooler and picnic — they encourage it

• Ride Skooters at night — they hit harder than most bumper cars

• Download the Knoebels app or grab a paper map — the park’s layout is delightfully maze-like

Useful Links

• Knoebels on Wikipedia

• Tickets & Ride Info

• Park Map & Mobile Info