Like most of us, I grew up going to Knoebels. You can still find me and my family there a couple of times a year, every year now.
So, when I saw they would be celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, I knew we needed to feature it.
Knoebels feels like one of those “If you know, you know” cultural touchstones. People who have been there and experienced it know exactly what I mean. However, if you’ve never been, it can be a little difficult to explain.
There is a kind of magic in those paths and trees…
Entry? Free.
Parking? Free.
Rides? Pay for only what you want to ride.
Do you have tickets that your grandmother bought for you in 1976? Yeah, they will absolutely still honor those!
Food? Lots of great choices, but if you want to bring your own, you are welcome to! They even have grills and tables available to make it easier for you.
Bring your coolers, your snacks, your strollers and backpacks, heck, you can even bring your dog!
It’s an interesting concept, and a tough one to understand — especially if you have been to any other amusement park in the country recently.
Not only have they managed to make this concept work for 100 years, but they are continuing to do so in a time when other amusement parks are shutting down.
So how did it all start?
Well, in 1828, the Knoebel family purchased Peggy’s Farm, and the family entered the sawmill business, which grew to a gathering place by the creek. By 1890, the visitors to the creek were known as “Tally-Hos.”
In 1910, the Knoebel family began offering picnic tables and refreshments to visitors to the swimming hole.
Seeing the potential, the family began building cottages for rent in 1921.
By 1925, they had begun building a pool.
According to knoebels.com, the Crystal Pool opened in 1926, and “Knoebels began welcoming swimmers, families, and vacationers to stay in cozy cottages and enjoy simple amusements. The Pennyland Arcade, skating rink, and grand Crystal Ballroom brought music and skating, while the rides like the Nickel Plate Train and Grand Carousel marked the rise of a true amusement park.”
The park closed temporarily in 1943 due to WWII. They said they were, “Closed due to war conditions for a bigger and better resort after the war.”
After the re-opening post-WWII, Knoebels began to expand.
Soft-serve custard had people lining up, Playland opened, and live music began at the Hawaiian Bandshell. This brought the arrival of the Eli Wheel and the famous Whipper (which is still one of my favorite rides!). And of course, the Alamo restaurant, which is still serving delicious food today!
This era also introduced the “Dodgems,” or as we call them — the Bumper Cars, and of course, no park is complete without a Ferris Wheel, which came in 1948.
The 1950s were a decade of “growth and innovation.” The Crystal pool expanded with a “Learn to Swim” program and a modern bathhouse. The High Speed Thrill Coaster, Panther Cars, and the Ole Smokey and Pioneer trains all became park staples. Coupled with new food and sweets options, Knoebels was officially an all-day destination for families.
In 1952, the Birthday Cake Pavilion opened, and in 1955, the Motor Boats opened — I wonder if they got stuck all over the place back then, too?
In the ’60s, more park favorites were added to the park. Paratrooper, Flyer, the Merry Mixer, the Sky Slide, along with Mini Golf and the Country Store.
The campground opened in 1963.
We know the whole area was devastated by the Agnes Flood in 1972, and Knoebels was no exception. You can still see the markers around the park from where the water was.
But Knoebels didn’t let the tragedy stop them; they came back stronger than ever. “The Haunted Mansion opened to rave reviews just one year later, and the Old Mill Ice Cream stand emerged from a reimagined cottage. With the formation of H.H. Knoebels & Sons, the park grew into a family-run amusement destination featuring new favorites like the S&G Carousel, Jet Star Coaster, and the Cosmotron.”
Picture it. Elysburg. 1985. Knoebels enters a whole new era. A wooden era, if you will. That’s right, 1985 brought us one of the best additions that Knoebels has ever seen.
The Phoenix. Not only is the Phoenix (in my humble opinion) the best ride in the park, but it is regularly voted one of the best roller coasters in the whole country!
1985-2000 also brought us other new favorites like the Tea Cups, the Giant Flume, and my second-favorite ride in the park — the other wood coaster legend — the Twister.
In addition, the Giant Wheel, Skloosh, Antique Cars, and the Anthracite Mine Museum also opened during this time.
1988 also introduced us to Knoebel’s adorable new mascot — Kozmo!
“Under Knoebel’s leadership, the park balanced innovation with small-town warmth, cementing its place as one of America’s most beloved family amusement parks.”
The early 2000s and 2010s continued to bring more and more amazing things to park and beyond.
The Scenic Skyway opened in 2003, and the Looper in 2006.
In 2007, they bought Three Ponds Golf Course to expand their portfolio.
2009 was the first Hallo-Fun — their yearly Halloween celebration.
In 2009, Kozmo’s Kurves replaced the Overland Coaster; in 2010, the Black Diamond roller coaster opened; and in 2013, StratosFear opened.
In 2014, Flying Turns — a unique, first-of-its-kind no-track roller coaster opened.
“As Knoebels entered its next century, the Impulse coaster redefined thrills, the Nickle Plate Bar & Grill expanded to year-round fun, and Joy Through the Grove brought light to the winter season. Through challenges like the 2020 pandemic, and new vintage additions like the Rock-O-Plane, Knoebels continues to celebrate the same spirit of resilience, tradition, and family that began a century ago.
Knoebels is an amusement park like no other. Generations of families have grown up at the park. Almost everyone I know claims Knoebels as their first amusement park.
I don’t know many people in our area who haven’t been, but if that’s you — I encourage you to check it out.
If it’s been a while since you made the trip, I encourage you to go back.
If you went 75 times last year — well, opening day is this weekend, what are you waiting for!?
Walk the beautiful grounds, ride a roller coaster, eat some tri-taters and try to catch the elusive brass ring on the Grand Carousel!
Opening weekend hours will be Saturday, April 25th, from noon to 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 26th, from noon to 6 p.m. And they will have Ride All Day Passes available.
You can check out knoebels.com or their Facebook page for more on their hours of operation and upcoming shows and performances.
You can also find things like a park map and ride wait times, along with the ability to buy tickets and ride passes, in the Knoebels app.
