Lake Compounce
Lake Compounce, located in Bristol, Connecticut, is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States. It blends classic wooden coasters, modern thrill rides, and a full water park on the edge of a beautiful lake. It’s a New England favorite for families, history buffs, and thrill-seekers alike.
History & Background
First opened in 1846 as a lakeside picnic and boating park, Lake Compounce added its first electric-powered ride in 1911 and has grown ever since. It’s now owned by Palace Entertainment, which operates several regional amusement parks. The park retains a charming, old-school vibe with updated rides and a strong summer event lineup.
Ticket Prices & Packages
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1-Day Tickets: ~$39.99–$59.99 depending on date
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Season Passes: Silver, Gold, and Platinum options with perks
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Family 4-Packs and discounted online offers available
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Admission includes the Crocodile Cove Water Park
Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
Open late April through October, including fall events.
Typical hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, extended in summer
Best times to visit:
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Weekdays in June or August
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September weekends for lighter crowds
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October weekends for Happy Hauntings and fall festivals
Top Rides & Attractions
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Boulder Dash – Famous wooden coaster built into the mountainside, multiple “Best Wooden Coaster” awards
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Phobia Phear Coaster – Triple launch coaster with vertical loop
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Wildcat – Classic 1927 wooden coaster
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Zoomerang – Boomerang-style looping coaster
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Thunder N’ Lightning – Giant pendulum ride
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Ghost Hunt – Interactive dark ride with laser targets
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Drop Zone, Rev-O-Lution, and Wave Swinger – Traditional flat rides
Family & Kids Rides
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Kiddie Coaster & Little Critters – Mini rides for young ones
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Flying Elephants, Pirate Ship, Drum Circus – Gentle thrills
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Lake Compounce Railway – Scenic train around the park
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Sky Ride – Chairlift-style ride with lake and mountain views
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Carousel & Kiddie Land – Vintage charm and toddler-friendly attractions
Crocodile Cove Water Park
Included with park admission, open Memorial Day through Labor Day:
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Bayou Bay Wave Pool – Large surf-style wave pool
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Storm Surge, Riptide Racer, & Tunnel Twisters – Body and tube slides
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Mammoth Falls – Family raft ride
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Venus Vortex – Giant vortex slide with open funnel
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Croc-O-Nuts and Splash-Away Bay – Kids’ areas with dumping buckets and fountains
Locker rentals, changing areas, and private cabanas are available.
Seasonal Events
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Pre-K Days & Character Meetups in spring
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Summer Fireworks & Live Music Nights
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BOO! at the Park (Fall) – Family-friendly Halloween fun
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Haunted Graveyard no longer operates, but fall events continue to grow
Dining Options
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Johnny Rockets – Burgers, shakes, and fries
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Pizza Palace – Slices, wings, and salads
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Timberjack Chow House – BBQ and chicken tenders
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Fried Dough, ICEEs, Soft Serve, and Slushies at snack stands
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Beer garden open on weekends and during summer festivals
Food and drink passes are available. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are marked.
Hotels & Accommodation
While there’s no on-site hotel, many options are available in Bristol, Southington, and nearby areas:
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DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol – Closest full-service hotel
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Homewood Suites by Hilton Southington – Great for families
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Fairfield Inn & Suites Plainville – Budget-friendly
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Lake Compounce Campground – Cabins, RV sites, and tent camping right next to the park with exclusive early access
Getting There & Parking
Address: 186 Enterprise Dr, Bristol, CT 06010
Located just off I-84, about 30 minutes southwest of Hartford.
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General Parking: ~$20
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Preferred Parking: ~$30
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EV charging and bus parking are available
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Campground guests have their own dedicated entrance
Tips for Visiting
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Head to Boulder Dash and Phobia early for minimal waits
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Bring swimwear for Crocodile Cove — it gets busy by noon
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The Sky Ride offers amazing photo ops (but closes in bad weather)
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Fireworks usually happen on Saturday nights in summer
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The campground is a hidden gem — great value for families