With its Fascination lounge, its generous collection of classic spinning games, its dizzying array of colored lights and other retro touches, Knoebels transports guests to a bygone era. To add to its status as a classic amusement park, Knoebel’s is one of the few remaining free pay-per-entry parks. It is family owned and operated, which is a rarity these days as well. In fact, the Knoebel family has been managing the property since 1926, and their personal touch and pride is evident throughout the park.
Knoebels is especially proud of its two wooden coasters, Twister and Phoenix. Both rides were resurrected from other parks, and both are adored by roller coaster fans. Knoebels’ friends like to tackle internal projects and designed and built the Haunted Mansion, a classic dark ride that opened to great success in 1973 (and not to be confused with Disney’s Haunted Mansion). The park also built the Flying Turns, a bobsled-style roller coaster that uses a wooden feeder and is an ode to a ride in the 1930s era.
In 2015, the park opened Impulse, a steel roller coaster that rises and falls down a 98-foot vertical lift hill and first drop and includes inverted elements such as a loop and in-line spin. Other highlights of the park include Black Diamond, an indoor / outdoor roller coaster that features a mining theme. Formerly located in a park in New Jersey, it is another repurposed ride. It’s also another example of Knoebels’ homegrown and practical design work. His own staff developed the interior special effects for the roller coaster.
Classic spinning rides include the Grand Carousel, which is over 100 years old, a Tilt-A-Whirl, and rides dating back many decades, including Roto Jets, Bumper Cars, and Whipper. The park also offers Scenic Skyway, a skyride up the mountain.
Knoebels doesn’t offer a full water park, but it does include a couple of slides and a pool, as well as a water activity area for younger children. The park gets high marks for its food, which includes a full-service restaurant. Nestled deep in the Pennsylvania woods, Knoebels is well worth it.
What is there to eat?
The park is famous for its tasty food at reasonable prices. The Alamo is a full service restaurant with full dinners available. The pizza in Cesari has a great reputation. Among the more extravagant items available are fried pickles, potato cakes, and Polish dishes.
Note that the park offers picnic facilities and allows visitors to bring their own food. It does not sell alcohol or allow guests to consume alcohol on its property.
Admission policy
Since admission is free at Knoebels, trips are individually priced and tickets can be purchased à la carte. Discount ticket books are available. Knoebels also offers one-price payment options. Discounted prices are available for children (under 48 inches) and for arrivals after 5 p.m. M. Group rates available. Visit the park’s official site for discounts and promotions.
In addition to free admission, parking is free. And since no one is paying to enter the park, the entertainment, which includes music, magic, and puppet shows, is free.
Hotel location and information
Knoebels is located in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. The physical address is 391 Knoebels Blvd.
- From I-80 West: Exit Bloomsburg 232 to Buckhorn, PA 42 South to Catawissa. Cross the bridge and take PA 487 South for 6 miles to park.
- From I-80 East: Danville Exit 224, to PA 54 E via Danville. Across the river, PA 54 turns left onto Elysburg. Left on PA 487 N at the stoplight to park.
- From I-81 South – Near Hazleton, take the I-80 and I-81 intersection. Follow I-80 West signs up.
- From I-81 North: Minersville Exit 116. Turn left on 901 West to PA 54 West. Right on PA 487 North at the stoplight to park.
Knoebels operates its own campground on site and offers cabins that can accommodate up to 10 people.
