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{{Infobox Amusement park
{{Short description|Amusement park}}{{Infobox amusement park
| name=Knoebels Amusement Resort
| name = Knoebels Amusement Resort
| image=[[Image:Knoblogo.jpg|275px]]
| image = [[File:Knoebels Amusement Resort logo.svg|200px]]
| location=[[Elysburg, Pennsylvania|Elysburg]]
| location = [[Elysburg, Pennsylvania|Elysburg]]
| location2 = Pennsylvania
| location2 = [[Pennsylvania]]
| location3 = [[United States|United States]] {{flagicon|USA}}
| location3 = [[United States]]
| coordinates = {{Coord|40.879|-76.505|type:landmark_region:US-PA|display=it}}
| season=April-September
| homepage = {{URL|www.knoebels.com}}
| area=
| owner = Knoebel family
| opening_date=1926
| opening_date = July 4, 1926 (98 years)
| previous_names=Knoebels Groves, <br />Knoebels Amusement Park
| previous_names = Knoebels Grove, <br />Knoebels Amusement Park
| rides = 55
| season = April–September (limited days in October and January for seasonal events)
| coasters=3
| area = 150 acres (60.7 hectares)
| water_rides=2
| rides = 64
| owner=Knoebel family
| coasters = 6 (including kiddie coasters)
| slogan= My Kind of Fun (Is Knoebels Fun)!
| water_rides = 2
| homepage=http://www.knoebels.com/
| slogan = "Fun, food, and fantasy!"
}}
'''Knoebels Amusement Resort''' is a family owned and operated [[amusement park]], [[picnic]] grove and [[campground]], located in [[Elysburg, Pennsylvania]]. Opened in 1926, the park has more than 50 rides, free admission, two world-class wooden [[roller coaster]]s, a 1913 [[carousel]] and a [[haunted house]] [[dark ride]] that has been featured on the [[Discovery Channel]]. The [[park]] and its rides have won awards from organizations such as ''Amusement Today'', ''American Coaster Enthusiasts'' and ''The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions''. The park has won the Amusement Today Golden Ticket award for best amusement park food for the past seven years.
}}'''Knoebels Amusement Resort''' ({{IPAc-en|k|ə|ˈ|n|oʊ|b|əl|z}}) is a family-owned and operated [[amusement park]], [[picnic]] grove, and [[campground]] in [[Elysburg, Pennsylvania]]. Opened in 1926, it is the United States's largest free-admission park. The park has more than 60 rides including three wooden [[Roller coaster|roller coasters]], three steel roller coasters, a 1913 [[carousel]], and two [[Haunted attraction (simulated)|haunted house]] [[Dark ride|dark rides]].


The amusement park is owned and operated by the Knoebel family, who also operate a lumber yard next door to the park. The name Knoebel is pronounced with the hard K sound (kuh-NO-bel.) The park's name has also traditionally been spelled Knoebels without the apostrophe, and appears that way on all official park advertising and correspondence.
The amusement park is owned and operated by the Knoebel (pronounced ''kuh-NO-bel'') family. The park's name has traditionally been spelled "Knoebels" without the apostrophe, and appears that way on all official park advertising and correspondence.


The park and its rides have won awards from organizations such as ''Amusement Today'', [[American Coaster Enthusiasts]] (ACE), and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. In 2014, [[Travel Channel]] rated Knoebels one of their Top 10 Family Friendly Amusement Parks in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top 10 Amusement Parks |url=http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/family/articles/top-10-amusement-parks |access-date=2014-07-18}}</ref>
The park straddles two counties: [[Northumberland County, Pennsylvania|Northumberland]] and [[Columbia County, Pennsylvania|Columbia]] Counties.


== Park history ==
== History ==
Knoebels is located in a small wooded valley in central Pennsylvania. In 1829, a local man by the name of Henry Knoebel purchased the land for $931 (equivalent to $26,638 in 2024). The valley, originally known as "Peggy's Farm", was used as farming land until the early 1900s, when a [[Stream|creek]]-fed [[swimming hole]] was introduced. Knoebel turned the property into a popular picnic destination, attracting Sunday travelers and horse-drawn [[hayride]] wagons. Soft drinks, ice cream, and snacks were sold to visitors. As the popularity of "Knoebels Grove" grew, Knoebel leased plots of land along the creeks for use as summer cottage sites. Some of these privately owned cottages, as well as cottages Knoebel built and rented, still exist on the property today.


In 1926, Knoebel added a restaurant, a steam-powered [[Philadelphia Toboggan Company]] (PTC) [[carousel]], and a few simple games to his grove, marking the beginning of Knoebels Amusement Park. On July 4, 1926, he opened a large concrete [[swimming pool]] on the site of the old swimming hole. Featuring a filtration system that provided clean water instead of muddy creek water, the pool was named "The Crystal Pool". Since then, the park has developed around the pool, adding over 50 rides, assorted games, concession stands, and other attractions. A campground with six sites opened behind the amusement park in 1962, and as of 2004, the campground covered {{convert|160|acre}} with 500 sites.<ref>{{cite web |title=Knoebels Amusement Resort History |url=http://www.knoebels.com/knoebels-history.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213175823/http://knoebels.com/knoebels-history.asp |archive-date=2010-12-13 |access-date=2011-01-25 |publisher=Knoebels.com}}</ref>
Knoebels is located in a small wooded [[valley]], in Central [[Pennsylvania]]. The valley, originally known as "Peggy's Farm," with its [[creek (stream)|creek]]-fed [[human swimming|swimming]] hole, became a popular [[picnic]] destination in the early part of the 20th century, attracting Sunday travelers and horse-drawn hayride [[wagon]]s. Henry Knoebel, who had been farming the area, tended to the horses and later began to sell [[soft drinks]], [[ice cream]] and snacks to the visitors. As the popularity of '''"Knoebels Grove"''' grew, Knoebel leased plots of [[real property|land]] along the creeks for use as summer cottage sites. Some of these privately owned cottages, as well as cottages Knoebel himself built and rented, still exist in the park.


On June 22, 1972, both [[South Branch Roaring Creek]] and [[Mugser Run]], creeks that run through Knoebels, rose {{convert|6|ft}} over their banks, swollen with heavy rains from [[Hurricane Agnes]]. The flood destroyed six cottages and damaged many other buildings, including 24 of the park's 25 rides, as well as the [[roller rink]]. The roller rink building was re-floored and used as a skating rink until the mid-1980s, when it was converted into the "Roaring Creek Saloon", which now contains a concession stand, an arcade, the XD Theater, and performances. A new building constructed after the flood became the Haunted Mansion dark ride, which opened in 1973. The ride has been recognized as one of America's best dark rides by organizations such as Dark Ride and Funhouse Enthusiasts (DAFE) and the National Amusement Park Historical Association.<ref>{{cite web |title=Darkride and Funhouse Enthusiasts |url=http://www.dafe.org/rides/HauntedMansionKnoebels.html |access-date=2011-03-12 |publisher=dafe.org}}</ref>
The year 1926 marks the official beginning of '''Knoebels Amusement Park'''. That year, Knoebel added a [[restaurant]], a steam-powered [[Philadelphia Toboggan Company]] [[carousel]] and a few simple games to his grove. On [[July 4]] of that year, he opened a large [[concrete]] [[swimming pool]] on the site of the old swimming [[Waterhole|hole]]. Featuring a filtration system that provided clean water instead of muddy creek water, the pool was named "The Crystal Pool". Since then the park has developed around the pool, adding 50 more rides in addition to assorted games, concession stands and other attractions. A campground with six sites opened behind the amusement park in 1962, and as of 2004 the campground covered 160 acres (650,000&nbsp;m²) with 500 sites.<ref>[http://www.knoebels.com/knoebels-history.asp Knoebels Amusement Resort History]</ref>


The park again suffered major flooding in 1975, 1996, 2004, 2006, and 2011. Each caused substantial damage, but the 1975 and 1996 floods occurred during the off-season. Although the January 1996 flood left substantial damage, the worst occurred after the waters receded, when everything froze, making cleanup and repair throughout the amusement park difficult. The September 2004 flood, caused by the remnants of [[Hurricane Ivan]], was only a half-day affair, and the amusement park partially reopened by mid-afternoon.
On [[June 22]], [[1972]], the creeks that run through Knoebels overflowed six feet over their banks, swollen with heavy rains from [[Hurricane Agnes]]. The flood destroyed six cottages and damaged many other buildings, including 24 out of 25 rides and the park's roller rink. Work began on a new building but it was later decided that the original roller rink could not be reused, and the new building under construction became the [[Haunted Mansion (Knoebels)|Haunted Mansion]]. The roller rink building was refloored and used as a skating rink until the mid 1980s when it was converted into the "Roaring Creek Saloon", which now hosts a concession stand, an arcade, the XD Theater, and free performances. To prove that the park had recovered from the flood, the "Haunted Mansion" dark ride was opened in 1973. The ride has been recognized as one of America's best dark rides by organizations such as ''Dark Ride and Funhouse Enthusiasts'' and ''The National Amusement Park Historical Association''.


On June 28, 2006, another large flood struck Knoebels. About 90 percent of the amusement park was underwater just prior to the [[Independence Day (United States)|July 4th]] weekend. As the waters began to recede, 60 percent of the park's attractions were reopened within two days, and 90 percent within four days. Because over 100 tons of mud had to be dug out of the Crystal Pool, it was closed for 10 days. The last ride to return to operation was the Kiddie Panther Cars, whose repairs took almost three weeks.
The park again suffered major flooding in 1975, 1996, 2004 and 2006. Each caused substantial damage but the 1975 and 1996 floods occurred during the off-season. The January 1996 flood left substantial damage but the worst part may have been that as soon as the waters receded, everything froze, making cleanup and repair throughout the amusement park difficult. The September 2004 flood, caused by what was left of [[Hurricane Ivan]], was only a half-day affair and Knoebels staff had the amusement park partially reopened by mid-afternoon and allowed any remaining patrons to ride for free.


In 2008, the park’s dark ride was the subject of a one-hour documentary, "Laff In The Dark’s Behind The Scenes At Knoebel’s Haunted House".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dark Ride DVD Knoebels Haunted House |url=https://laffinthedark.com/mysticraft/Knoebels/khd.html |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=laffinthedark.com}}</ref>
On [[June 28]], [[2006]] a flood second only to the Agnes flood struck Knoebels. About 90 percent of the amusement park was under water just prior to the July 4th weekend. As the waters began to recede Wednesday morning, Knoebels staff jumped into action. Expending over 11,000 man hours in just a few days the park was able to reopen over 60 percent of its attractions by 6:00 pm Friday. By Sunday evening over 90 percent of the amusement park was operational. The Crystal Pool took 10 days to get back in business, over 100 tons of mud had to be dug out of the pool. The last ride to return to operation was the Kiddie Panther Cars. The entire track for this ride had been undermined and was a twisted mess. Repairs took almost three weeks.


On September 7, 2011, Knoebels experienced another flood, this time caused by [[Tropical Storm Lee (2011)|Tropical Storm Lee]]. Water levels neared those of the flood of 1972, and damages exceeded that flood. The majority of the park reopened the following weekend, having missed only two days of operation.
== Admissions ==


For the 2013 season, Knoebels added StratosFear, the park's tallest ride at {{convert|148|ft}}. In 2015, a new roller coaster opened named Impulse, which replaced two former rides, the bumper boats and boat tag.
The park offers free admission, free parking and free entertainment. Visitors are able to ride the park's attractions by purchasing either pay-one-price, all-day/unlimited-access wristbands, limited-access hand stamps, or books of tickets, with hand stamp costs varying depending on the height of the rider. Knoebels has several hand stamp options such as "Sundown Plan" and "Bargain Nights", when the park offers discounts on regular ride passes. Knoebels all-day passes do not include the Haunted Mansion, the Scenic Skyway the Crystal Pool and the wooden roller coasters (Phoenix, Flying Turns and Twister), which are an extra fee.

On July 23, 2018, Knoebels was flooded when a creek overflowed and flooded the park.<ref>{{cite web |title=Severe flooding closes Knoebels, Hershey Park as more rain looms |url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/knoebels-hershey-park-flooding-closed-rain-pennsylvania-severe-weather/ |access-date=2 April 2024 |website=Philly Voice|date=24 July 2018 }}</ref> About 150 employees aided in cleaning up the park. The park then flooded again on July 25, 2018. The park reopened on July 27, 2018.

In 2023, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum acquired a trolley that had been converted into a cottage at Knoebels.<ref>{{cite web |title=Museum acquires 'rare' trolley from Knoebels Amusement Resort |url=https://www.newsitem.com/news/local/museum-acquires-rare-trolley-from-knoebels-amusement-resort/article_9385d509-aa40-5bdc-a8e7-cc404c5576cd.html |access-date=2 April 2024 |website=NewsItem|date=21 August 2023 }}</ref>

== Admissions ==
The park offers free admission, free parking, and free entertainment. Visitors are able to ride the park's attractions by purchasing either pay-one-price, all-day/unlimited-access wristbands (which are not usually available on weekends, except near the beginning and end of each season), limited-access hand stamps, or books of tickets, with hand stamp costs varying depending on the height of the rider. Knoebels has several hand stamp options, such as "Sundown Plan" and "Bargain Nights", when the park offers discounts on regular ride passes. Knoebels all-day passes do not include the Haunted Mansion or the Crystal Pool, which are additional fees.<ref>[http://knoebels.com/index.php/rates Knoebels price page, then open "Pay One Price" tab] Retrieved 2012-02-15</ref>


== Rides and attractions ==
== Rides and attractions ==
=== Roller coasters ===
Knoebels has six operating [[Roller coaster|roller coasters]]. Knoebels' two main wooden roller coasters are well known, with Phoenix consistently rated in top ten lists and Twister ranking high as well.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wood Roller Coaster Poll 12 Year Results Table (1994–2005) |url=http://www.ushsho.com/woodpoll12yeartable2005.htm |access-date=2011-01-25 |publisher=Ushsho.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=May 28, 2008 |title=Golden Ticket |url=http://www.amusementtoday.com/GoldenTicket/g_ticket_wooden.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528171109/http://www.amusementtoday.com/GoldenTicket/g_ticket_wooden.html |archive-date=2008-05-28 |access-date=2011-01-25 |publisher=Amusement Today}}</ref>


=== Roller Coasters ===
{{imagestack|
[[Image:Phoenix Knoebels.jpg|thumb|right|The Phoenix]]
[[Image:Flying Turns Knoebels Construction.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Flying Turns (roller coaster)|Flying Turns]] under construction]]
}}
Knoebels has three [[roller coaster]]s with one in progress. The park is unusual for having no major steel coaster and no roller coaster with an [[Roller coaster inversion|inversion]]. However, Knoebels' two wooden roller coasters are well known and are on multiple top 100 lists. <ref>[http://www.ushsho.com/woodpoll12yeartable2005.htm Wood Roller Coaster Poll 12 Year Results Table (1994 - 2005)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> <ref>[http://www.amusementtoday.com/GoldenTicket/g_ticket_wooden.html Golden Ticket<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>



{|class=wikitable
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!Ride
!rowspan=2|Ride
!colspan=2|Season
!rowspan=2|Manufacturer
!rowspan=2|Description
!rowspan=2|Photo
|-
!Opened
!Opened
!Closed
!Closed
!Description
|-
|-
|[[High Speed Thrill Coaster (roller coaster)|High Speed Thrill Coaster]]
|{{nowrap|[[High Speed Thrill Coaster]]}}
|style="text-align:center"|1955
|{{center|1955}}
|{{no|2008}}
|style="text-align:center"|2008
|Overland Amusements
|A steel roller coaster that had operated since 1955, believed to be the last remaining Overland coaster in the world. Although it was designed to be a children's coaster, it was very popular among adults due to its major [[air-time]] on the ride's bunny hills. Kozmo's Kurves (see below) was designed with this appeal in mind, and the ride opened on Aug. 1, 2009.
|A steel roller coaster that had operated since 1955, believed to be the last remaining Overland coaster in the world. Although it was designed to be a children's coaster, it was very popular among adults due to its [[air-time|airtime]] on it bunny hills.

|{{n/a| }}[[File:High Speed Thrill Coaster 2.jpg|150 px]]
|-
|-
|[[Jet Star (roller coaster)|Jet Star]]
|[[Jet Star (Luna Park)|Jet Star]]
|style="text-align:center"|1977
|{{center|1977}}
|{{no|1992}}
|style="text-align:center"|1992
|[[Anton Schwarzkopf|Schwarzkopf]]
|A standard production model [[Anton Schwarzkopf|Schwarzkopf]] Jet Star, removed from Knoebels after the 1992 season.
|A standard production model [[Anton Schwarzkopf|Schwarzkopf]] Jet Star, removed from Knoebels after the 1992 season.
This ride was purchased an independent operator who fell on hard times. After being removed from Knoebels, the Jet Star was relocated to [[Morey's Piers]], where it also operated under the name Jet Star. The coaster was then sold to a traveling showman in France.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rcdb.com/159.htm |title=Jet Star (Morey's Piers) |publisher=Rcdb.com |access-date=2011-01-25}}</ref> A regular stop for this show is Parc d'attractions Luna Park, in la Palmyre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lunapark-lapalmyre.com/ |title=Parc d'attractions Luna Park ŕ La Palmyre – Charente Maritime 17 |publisher=Lunapark-lapalmyre.com |access-date=2011-01-25}}</ref>

|{{n/a| }}[[File:JetStar.JPG|150px]]
This ride was purchased from Schwarzkopf, originally owned by an independent operator who fell on hard times. After being removed from Knoebels, the Jet Star was relocated to [[Morey's Piers]] where it also operated under the name Jet Star. The coaster was then sold to a traveling showman in France.<ref>[http://www.rcdb.com/id159.htm Jet Star (Morey's Piers)]</ref> A regular stop for this show is Parc d'attractions Luna Park, in la Palmyre.<ref>[http://www.lunapark-lapalmyre.com/ Parc d'attractions Luna Park ŕ La Palmyre - Charente Maritime 17<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
|-
|-
|[[Phoenix (roller coaster)|Phoenix]]
|[[Phoenix (roller coaster)|Phoenix]]
|style="text-align:center"| 1985
|{{center|1985}}
|{{yes|Operating}}
|style="text-align:center"|&mdash;
|A relocated and restored Herb Schmeck ([[Philadelphia Toboggan Company]]) design. The first large-scale wooden roller coaster relocation.
|Designed by Herbert Schmeck; Built by [[Philadelphia Toboggan Company]]
|A relocated and restored Herbert Schmeck ([[Philadelphia Toboggan Company]]) design. This coaster has consistently been rated as one of the top ten wooden roller coasters in the Golden Ticket Awards. Most notably, it won first place in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

This ride was purchased from the [[Playland Park (Texas)|Playland]] amusement park in San Antonio, Texas. It operated under the name of [[Rocket]] before being moved to Knoebels. Uses [[Buzz bars]].
This ride was built in 1947, and was purchased from the [[Playland Park (San Antonio, Texas)|Playland]] amusement park in San Antonio, Texas. It operated under the name Rocket before being moved to Knoebels in 1985. It utilizes [[buzz bars]].
|{{n/a| }}[[File:Phoenix Knoebels.jpg|150px]]
|-
|-
|[[Whirlwind (roller coaster)|Whirlwind]]
|[[Bocaraca|Whirlwind]]
|style="text-align:center"|1993
|{{center|1993}}
|{{no|2004}}
|style="text-align:center"|2004
|A [[Vekoma]] Whirlwind double corkscrew roller coaster, removed from Knoebels after the 2004 season.
|[[Vekoma]]
|A [[Vekoma]] Whirlwind double corkscrew roller coaster, removed from Knoebels after the 2004 season. It opened on the site of the former Jet Star coaster.
This ride was purchased from the [[Playland (New York)|Playland]] amusement park in New York, where it operated under the same name before being moved to Knoebels. After the 2004 operating season the ride was moved to [[Parque de Diversiones|Parque de Diversiones Dr. Roberto Ortiz Brenes]] in [[San José, Costa Rica]], where it now operates under the name [[Bocaraca]].

|{{n/a| }}
This ride was purchased from the [[Playland (New York)|Playland]] amusement park in New York, it operated under the name of Whirlwind before being moved to Knoebels. After the 2004 operating season the ride was moved to [[Parque de Diversiones Dr. Roberto Ortiz Brenes]] and operates under the name[[Bocaraca]].
|-
|-
|[[Twister (roller coaster)|Twister]]
|[[Twister (Knoebels Amusement Resort)|Twister]]
|style="text-align:center"|7/24/99
|{{center|1999}}
|{{yes|Operating}}
|style="text-align:center"|&mdash;
|Designed by John Fetterman; Built in-house
|A slightly redesigned "Mister Twister," a 1964 John Allen design.
|A wooden coaster heavily inspired by "Mister Twister," a 1964 John Allen design.
|{{n/a| }}[[File:Knoebels Twister.jpg|150px]]
|-
|-
|[[Flying Turns (Knoebels)|Flying Turns]]
|[[Flying Turns (Knoebels)|Flying Turns]]
|{{center|2013}}
|style="text-align:center"|Awaiting Final Plans (Could take several months)
|{{yes|Operating}}
|style="text-align:center"|&mdash;
|Designed by John Fetterman; Built in-house
|A wooden bobsled roller coaster modeled after a 1920s John Norman Bartlett and [[John Miller (entrepreneur)|John A. Miller]] design. The coaster was being constructed with an intention to open Memorial Day weekend 2007, but it has been pushed back numerous times. The most recent expectation is that the ride will not open in 2009 on the site of the former Whirlwind (and Jet Star before that) roller coasters listed below. <ref>[http://www.knoebels.com/whats-new.asp Knoebels Amusement Resort What's New]</ref>
|A wooden bobsled roller coaster modeled after a 1920s John Norman Bartlett and [[John Miller (entrepreneur)|John A. Miller]] design. The coaster was completed in 2007, but its opening was pushed back numerous times due to problems with cars navigating the mostly-trackless course. It opened on October 5, 2013 on the site of the former Whirlwind roller coaster. It won the Golden Ticket Award for "Best New Ride (Amusement Park)" in 2014.<ref name="beauge">{{cite web|url=http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/05/2_new_rides_at_knoebels_amusem.html |author = Beauge |title= 2 new rides at Knoebels Amusement Resort still need some work, park's co-owner says |publisher=Harrisburg Patriot-News |date=May 19, 2011 |access-date=2011-05-19}}</ref>

|{{n/a| }}[[File:Flying Turns Knoebels Construction.jpg|150px]]
|-
|-
|[[Kozmo's Kurves (roller coaster)|Kozmo's Kurves]]
|Kozmo's Kurves
|style="text-align:center"|August 1 2009 at 1:40 pm
|{{center|2009}}
|{{yes|Operating}}
|style="text-align:center"|&mdash;
|[[E&F Miler Industries|E&F Miler]]
|A steel roller coaster that opened on Aug. 1, 2009. This is a successor to the High Speed Thrill Coaster, which operated on the site through the end of 2008. Kozmo's Kurves was designed to have the same appeal to all ages that the High Speed Thrill Coaster did, as well as incorporate elements the former ride did not have.
|A steel roller coaster that opened on August 1, 2009. This is a successor to the High Speed Thrill Coaster, which operated on the site through the end of 2008. Kozmo's Kurves was designed to have the same appeal to all ages that High Speed Thrill Coaster offered, while also incorporating elements the former ride did not have.
|{{n/a| }}[[File:Kosmo's Kurves at Knoebels.jpg|150px]]
|-
|-
|[[Black Diamond (roller coaster)|Black Diamond]]
|[[Black Diamond (roller coaster)|Black Diamond]]
|{{center|2011}}
|style="text-align:center"| Construction to start 2010. When Flying Turns is completed.
|{{yes|Operating}}
|style="text-align:center"|&mdash;
|[[Philadelphia Toboggan Company]]
|A steel indoor roller coaster formerly known as the Golden Nugget at [[Morey's Piers]]. The ride's track and cars were purchased by Knoebels after it was deemed unrepairable by Morey's, and was dismantled. The ride is being planed to open on the site of the park's current [[Bald Eagle]] Habitat, which will be replaced/rebuilt in a different location.<ref>http://www.screamscape.com/html/knoebels.htm</ref> The reason for the name change to "Black Diamond" is unknown at this time. The ride has not begun construction yet, but is currently scheduled for a 2010-2011 opening date.
|A steel indoor roller coaster formerly known as the Golden Nugget during its years at [[Morey's Piers]]. The ride's track and cars were purchased by Knoebels after it was deemed irreparable by Morey's and dismantled. The ride was built on the former site of the relocated Bald Eagle Habitat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.screamscape.com/html/knoebels.htm |title=Knoebels |publisher=Screamscape.com |date=May 4, 2007 |access-date=2011-01-25}}</ref> The name change to "Black Diamond" was in recognition of the anthracite coal industry, which is prevalent in the area. The Black Diamond opened for the three weekends in October 2011 for their Hallo-Fun Nights program.<ref>[http://www.knoebels.com/pdfs/HalloFunWeb.pdf Knoebels 2011 Hallo-Fun Nights brochure] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005051141/http://www.knoebels.com/pdfs/HalloFunWeb.pdf |date=2011-10-05 }} Retrieved 2011-09-26</ref>
|{{n/a| }}[[File:The Black Diamond 2015.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[Impulse (roller coaster)|Impulse]]
|{{center|2015}}
|{{yes|Operating}}
|[[Zierer]]
|A steel Impulse coaster that opened in 2015. It has a high-hat initial rise to {{Convert|98|ft|m}}, and features a cobra roll, a vertical inversion and a zero-g roll. It replaced Bumper Boats and Boat Tag.
|{{n/a| }}[[File:Impulse ride photographed from above.jpg|150px]]
|}
|}

{{Knoebels Coasters}}


=== Carousels ===
=== Carousels ===
[[File:Carousel_at_Knoebels.JPG|thumb|Grand Carousel]]

[[File:Knoebels_carousel.jpg|thumb|Grand Carousel sign]]
Knoebels has two [[carousel]]s: one small merry-go-round in '''Kiddieland''' (added in 1976) which was built by Stein & Goldstein in 1910; and the '''Grand Carousel''', a 1912/1913 carousel built by Kramer Carousel Works in [[Brooklyn]], with a frame by [[Charles I. D. Looff]] and 63 hand-carved horses by [[Charles Carmel]].
Knoebels has two [[Carousel|carousels]]: one small merry-go-round in Kiddieland (added in 1976) which was built by Stein & Goldstein in 1910 of which is one of only two Stein & Goldstein carousels still standing; and Grand Carousel, a 1913 carousel built by Kremer's Carousel Works in [[Long Island City]], with a frame by [[Charles I. D. Looff]], and 63 hand-carved horses by Charles Carmel. It was purchased on January 26, 1942 from Riverside Park in [[Piscataway Township, New Jersey]], for $4,000 (equal to ${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|4000|1942}}}} today) and relocated to Knoebels. Today, Knoebels' Grand Carousel is one of the largest carousels in the world, with 63 horses and 3 chariots. It is one of the few carousels remaining with a working ring dispenser, allowing riders on the outside row of horses to reach out and grab steel rings as they pass. The rider who grabs the brass ring has the fee of the ride waived.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Marquette |first1=John |title=Brass Ring |url=https://youtube.com/0TuzZXLppt8 |access-date=14 August 2016 |website=youtube.com |publisher=YouTube}}</ref> Three band organs provide music for the riders. The largest, "Frati", was built in Germany in 1888 by Frati & Co. Berlin, and was converted to Artizan rolls in the 1920s. The smaller, outside organ is "Berni", a 1910 Gebruder Bruder, style 107, sold in the US by the August Berni Organ Company in New York. Frati and Berni have operated at Knoebels since their purchase in 1942. The smallest organ is a Wilhem Bruder organ, model 79, converted to a [[Wurlitzer]] 125 duplex roll system, and restored in 1996.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-09-14 |title=Knoebels Carousel & Organ History |url=https://www.knoebels.com/history/knoebels-carousel-organ-history/ |language=en-US}}</ref> Grand Carousel has consistently been voted the best carousel in the Golden Ticket Awards competition held by ''[[Amusement Today]]'' since 2007. The carousel competition was retired in 2019, because the Grand Carousel was undefeated.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-01-08 |title=All-time Winners By Category |url=http://goldenticketawards.com/all-time-winners-by-category/#9 |access-date=2018-09-14 |work=The Golden Ticket Awards {{!}} Presented by Amusement Today |language=en-US}}</ref> Today, Grand Carousel is the second-oldest ride in the park. The S&G Carousel is the oldest at 113 years old in the 2023 season.
It was purchased in 1941 from Riverview Park in [[Rahway, New Jersey]] and relocated to Knoebels. It is one of the few carousels remaining with a working ring dispenser, allowing riders on the outside row of horses to reach out and grab steel rings as they pass. The rider who grabs the brass ring receives the cost of the ride in tickets, making the ride free. Three band organs provide [[music]] for the riders. The Grand Carousel was voted the best carousel by [[Amusement Today]] in 2007.<ref>[http://www.amusementtoday.com/2007gta3year.html Amusement Today<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


=== Trains ===
=== Trains ===
The park operates two separate [[Ridable miniature railway|miniature railways]]

{| class="wikitable sortable"
* '''Old Smokey''', an [[anthracite coal]]-fueled miniature [[steam locomotive]] [[narrow gauge railway|narrow gauge]] train ride, whose track meanders through part of the park. Old Smokey replaced the ''Nickel Plate'', which had been installed in 1946.
!Ride

!Opened
* '''Pioneer''', a [[gasoline]]-powered narrow gauge railroad installed around 1960. The track travels from near the edge of the park into a wooded area where there are feeders for viewing the local wildlife.
!Manufacturer
!Description
|-
|{{nowrap|Old Smokey Train}}
|{{center|1960}}
|[[Crown Metal Products]]
|A {{RailGauge|16in}} gauge<ref>{{cite web |title=Crown Locomotive Roster (15"-24" Gauge) |url=http://www.trainweb.org/crownmetalproducts/roster2.html |work=trainweb.org}}</ref> [[anthracite coal]]-fueled [[steam locomotive]] built in 1960 by [[Crown Metal Products]] meandering through part of the park. Old Smokey replaced Nickel Plate, which was installed in 1946. The train cars from the 1946 train are still in use as of today.
|-
|{{nowrap|Pioneer Train}}
|{{center|1960}}
|[[Allan Herschell Company]]
|A {{RailGauge|16in}} gauge<ref>{{cite web |title=Railway Preservation News • View topic – Rough and Tumble Engineers . Home Built Shay Railroad Video |url=http://www.rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=25840 |work=rypn.org}}</ref> [[gasoline]]-powered 1/2 mile railroad installed in 1960 by [[Allan Herschell Company]]. The railroad continues to operate an Allan Herschell G-16 model locomotive and train, which resembles a classic streamlined [[diesel locomotive]] train, as well as a few other locomotives that resemble classic steam locomotives, such as the Allan Herschell S-16. The track travels from near the edge of the park, under Twister, and into a heavily wooded area where there are feeders for viewing the local wildlife. The local wildlife consists mainly of squirrels, birds, and deer.
|}


=== Other rides and attractions ===
=== Other rides and attractions ===
[[File:Hauntedknoebels.JPG|thumb|right|The award wining Haunted Mansion Dark ride.]]
[[File:Hauntedknoebels.JPG|right|thumb|Haunted Mansion dark ride]]
In addition to a {{convert|110|ft|adj=on}} [[Ferris wheel]], a {{convert|55|ft|m|-high|adj=mid}} [[Log flume (ride)|log flume]], and a {{convert|50|ft|m|-high|adj=mid}} Chute-the-Chutes ride named Sklooosh!, Haunted Mansion, and one of the last remaining [[Fascination (game)|Fascination]] parlors in the United States, the park maintains more than 63 rides, including:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Ride
!Opened
!Manufacturer
!Description
|-
|{{nowrap|Whipper}}
|{{center|1915}}
|[[William F. Mangels]]
|A [[William F. Mangels]] [[The Whip (ride)|Whip]] ride from 1915 (purchased from Croop's Glen, Hunlock's Creek in 1950).
|-
|{{nowrap|Bumper Cars}}
|{{center|1940}}
|Lusse
|A set of Auto Scooters ([[bumper cars]]).
|-
|{{nowrap|Looper}}
|{{center|1948}}
|[[Allan Herschell Company]]
|A restored vintage Looper flat ride.<ref>{{cite web |title=An Alan Herschell Looper still operating at Knobels, USA |url=https://www.ride-extravaganza.com/intermediate/rok-n-rol/herschell-looper/ |access-date=14 August 2020 |website=Amusement Ride Extravaganza}}</ref>
|-
|{{nowrap|Pete’s Fleet}}
|{{center|1950}}
|[[Allan Herschell Company|Allan Herschell]]
|A boat ride.
|-
|{{nowrap|Sky Slide}}
|{{center|1950}}
|Knoebels Amusement Resort
|A slide that winds around the outside of a rocket ship. This is an American version of a popular British fair attraction called a [[Helter skelter (ride)|helter skelter]].
|-
|{{nowrap|Roto-Jets}}
|{{center|1952}}
|Kasper Klaus
|A classic ride from 1952.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kasper Klaus Roto Jet |url=http://www.flatrides.com/rides/rotojet.html |access-date=August 14, 2020 |website=The Flat joint}}</ref>
|-
|{{nowrap|Helicopters}}
|{{center|1960}}
|[[Allan Herschell Company|Allan Herschell]]
|A children’s helicopter ride.
|-
|{{nowrap|Paratrooper}}
|{{center|1960}}
|[[Hrubetz]]
|A [[Paratrooper (ride)|Paratrooper]] ride.
|-
|{{nowrap|Merry Mixer}}
|{{center|1967}}
|Garbrick Amusements, Inc.
|A [[Scrambler (ride)|Scrambler]] ride.
|-
|{{nowrap|Panther Cars}}
|{{center|1968}}
|[[Philadelphia Toboggan Company]]
|A ride similar to Antique Cars.
|-
|{{nowrap|Satellite}}
|{{center|1970}}
|[[Lee Eyerly]]
|A [[Roll-O-Plane]] ride.
|-
|{{nowrap|Flyer}}
|{{center|1972}}
|Bisch-Rocco
|One of the fastest-running [[Flying Scooters]] rides in operation.
|-
|{{nowrap|Super Round-Up}}
|{{center|1976}}
|[[Hrubetz]]
|A ride in which centrifugal force pins the rider to the wall of a large wheel as it slowly tilts upward.
|-
|{{nowrap|Tea Cups}}
|{{center|1980}}
|[[Philadelphia Toboggan Company]]
|A classic [[teacups]] ride.
|-
|{{nowrap|Antique Cars}}
|{{center|1990}}
|[[D.H. Morgan Manufacturing|Morgan]]
|An Antique Car ride partially steered by passengers built into the support structure of Phoenix. The original cars were purchased at an auction for [[Rocky Glen Park]] in [[Moosic, Pennsylvania]] after it closed in 1987.
|-
|{{nowrap|Giant Flume}}
|{{center|1990}}
|[[Hopkins]]
|A [[Log flume (ride)|log flume]] ride.
|-
|{{nowrap|Kiddie Bumper Cars}}
|{{center|1990}}
|Soli of Italy
|A children’s [[Bumper cars|bumper car]] ride.
|-
|{{nowrap|Kiddie Firetrucks}}
|{{center|1990}}
|[[William F. Mangels]]
|A children’s fire truck ride.
|-
|{{nowrap|Kiddie Whip}}
|{{center|1990}}
|[[William F. Mangels]]
|A children’s [[The Whip (ride)|Whip]] ride.
|-
|{{nowrap|Flying Tiger}}
|{{center|1991}}
|[[Zamperla]]
|A ride similar to Whipper.
|-
|{{nowrap|Giant Wheel}}
|{{center|1991}}
|[[Chance Rides]]
|A 110-foot tall [[Ferris wheel]].
|-
|{{nowrap|Sklooosh}}!
|{{center|1997<ref name="timeline">{{cite web |title=Knoebels Timeline {{!}} Knoebels Amusement Resort |url=https://www.knoebels.com/history/knoebels-timeline |website=www.knoebels.com |access-date=22 November 2022 |language=en}}</ref>}}
|[[Hopkins]]
|A modern [[Shoot the chute|Shoot-the-Chutes]] ride that is 50 feet tall and has an observation area. It is named for the sound wet sneakers make while one is walking.
|-
|{{nowrap|Cosmotron}}
|{{center|1998}}
|Wisdom Rides<ref name="di042920212">{{cite news |last1=Strawser |first1=Justin |date=April 29, 2021 |title=Visitors can enjoy new rides, food options this season at Knoebels |url=https://www.dailyitem.com/news/lifestyles/visitors-can-enjoy-new-rides-food-options-this-season-at-knoebels/article_e56aef0f-e151-5d75-8688-74d99e191697.html |access-date=21 March 2022 |work=The Daily Item |language=en}}</ref>
|A completely enclosed [[Music Express|Himalaya-style ride]] in the dark. Original ride was replaced in 1998.<ref name="knoebelscosmotron2">{{cite web |title=Cosmotron |url=https://www.knoebels.com/rides/cosmotron |access-date=21 March 2022 |website=Knoebels}}</ref>
|-
|{{nowrap|Italian Trapeze}}
|{{center|1999}}
|[[Zamperla]]
|A swing ride.
|-
|{{nowrap|Crazy Sub}}
|{{center|2000}}
|[[Zamperla]]
|A submarine-like ride.
|-
|{{nowrap|PowerSurge}}
|{{center|2000}}
|[[Zamperla]]
|A spinning flat ride.
|-
|{{nowrap|Umbrella Ride}}
|{{center|2000}}
|Hampton
|An umbrella ride.
|-
|{{nowrap|Scenic Skyway}}
|{{center|2003}}{{citation needed|date=March 2022}}
|[[Hopkins]]{{citation needed|date=March 2022}}
|A triple chairlift which climbs a south-facing hill to the north of the park. Formerly the Spring Fling lift at [[Sugarbush Resort]].
|-
|{{nowrap|Fandango}}
|{{center|2010}}
|[[Moser’s Rides|Moser]]
|A sidewinder ride.
|-
|{{nowrap|StratosFear}}
|{{center|2013}}
|A.R.M. Rides
|A {{convert|148|ft|adj=on}} drop tower, the tallest ride at Knoebels.
|-
|{{nowrap|Galleon}}
|{{center|2016}}
|[[Zamperla]]
|A [[Pirate ship (ride)|pirate ship]] ride. Replacement of an older model.<ref name="knoebels050620162">{{cite web |title=Knoebels Amusement Resort - Old Galleon... New Galleon! Our visitors this weekend will notice our old ship has sailed away as we prepare to install a brand new one! |url=https://www.facebook.com/KnoebelsAmusementResort/photos/a.246299800550/10156838990740551/ |access-date=21 March 2022 |website=Facebook |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|{{nowrap|Downdraft}}
|{{center|2019}}
|Battech Enterprises
|A Downdraft that replaced an older version of the ride.<ref name="pl121620192">{{cite news |last1=Adams |first1=Sean |date=16 December 2019 |title=Knoebels is getting rid of one of their rides: Which one do you think it will be? |url=https://www.pennlive.com/entertainment/2019/12/knoebels-is-getting-rid-of-one-of-their-rides-which-one-do-you-think-it-will-be.html |access-date=21 March 2022 |work=PennLive |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|{{nowrap|Tumbling Timbers}}
|{{center|2019}}
|[[SBF Visa Group]]
|A spinning ride that replaced Over the Top.
|-
|{{nowrap|Tornado}}
|{{center|2020}}
|Wisdom Rides
|A [[Tornado (Wisdom ride)|Tornado]] ride.
|-
|{{nowrap|Bayern Kurve}}
|{{center|2024}}
|[[Anton Schwarzkopf|Schwarzkopf]]
|A refurbished [[Bayern Kurve]] ride.<ref name="di030220222">{{cite news |last1=Strawser |first1=Justin |date=March 2, 2022 |title=Knoebels to debut Bayern Kurve ride in 2023 |url=https://www.dailyitem.com/news/knoebels-to-debut-bayern-kurve-ride-in-2023/article_13bd9d3e-98db-11ec-8423-3b1b8ed19d73.html |access-date=2 March 2022 |work=The Daily Item |language=en}}</ref><ref name="screamscapeknoebels20212">{{cite web |title=Knoebels Scream Scape |url=http://www.screamscape.com/html/knoebels.htm |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=Scream Scape}}</ref>
|}


===Former rides===
In addition to a 110' [[Ferris wheel]](The tallest in PA), a 55' high [[Log Flume|log flume]] and a 50' high Chute-the-Chutes ride named "Sklooosh!" (After the sound wet sneakers make), the park maintains more than 50 rides including:


* 1001 Nacht - Huss/Weber 1001 Nights
* A [[William F. Mangels]] [[The Whip (ride)|"Whip" ride]]
* Axis - Zamperla Mixer
* A set of Lusse Auto Scooters ([[bumper cars]])
* Boat Tag
* The "Flyer" (one of the fastest running [[Flying Scooters]] rides in operation)
* Bumper Boats
* The "Satellite" (a [[Lee Eyerly]] [[Roll-O-Plane]])
* Eli Ferris Wheel - Eli Bridge Company
* A "Roto-Jet" ride from 1952
* Flying Cages
* A restored vintage [[The Allan Herschell Company|Allan Herschell]] Looper flat ride
* Fire Ball
* The [[Knoebel's Haunted Mansion|Haunted Mansion]], a 3 minute Dark Ride
* Frog Hopper
* One of the last remaining [[Fascination (game)|Fascination]] parlors in the [[United States]]
* German Carousel - Wilhelm Hennecke Uelzen
* A completely enclosed [[Music Express|Himalaya-style ride]] in the dark called the "Kozmotron"
* Hey Dey - Spillman Manufacturing
* An older version of the "Tea Cup ride"
* High Speed Thrill Coaster - Overland Amusements
* And a one-way 14-minute ski-lift style ride called the "Scenic Skyride", which climbs a hillside beside the park
* Jet Star - Schwarzkopf
* Kiddie Carousel - Allan Herschell Company
* Kiddie Cars - Allan Herschell Company
* Kiddie Planes
* Kiddie Wheel
* Lindy Loop - Spillman Manufacturing
* Merry-Go-Round - E Joy Morris
* Moon Rocker - Overland Amusements
* Spindle
* Space Ship - Raised up and converted into Sky Slide
* Strat-O-Ship
* Over The Top - SBF/Visa. Operated for only a few weeks in the 2018 season before being removed due to complications.
* Wipeout - Removed following the 2020 season
* The Whip - Earlier 8-car model replaced by the 12-car Whipper
* Whirlwind - Vekoma portable Whirlwind roller coaster


=== Restaurants & Food ===
=== Restaurants and food ===
Knoebels has restaurants throughout the park, both sit-down and counter service in nature. These eateries have contributed toward the park winning awards from organizations which judge amusement park food, including ''Amusement Today's'' Golden Ticket Award for Best Food every year from 2000 to 2012. The park tied with [[Dollywood]] in 2013, but Knoebels reclaimed the prize in 2015, 2016, and 2018.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-01-08 |title=All-time Winners By Category |url=http://goldenticketawards.com/all-time-winners-by-category/#6 |access-date=2018-09-14 |work=The Golden Ticket Awards {{!}} Presented by Amusement Today |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.knoebels.com/blog/knoebels-cesaris-pizza-reflect-on-partnership | title=Knoebels-Cesari's Pizza Reflect on Partnership &#124; Knoebels Amusement Resort }}</ref>


The park's Cesari's Pizza, now simply named Pizza<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dine |url=https://knoebels.com/dine/ |access-date=2024-12-06 |website=Knoebels Amusement Resort |language=en-US}}</ref>, and the International Food Court were featured on a [[Food Network]] special. The alligator bites served at the International Food Court were selected by Delish.com as one of the top seven daring amusement park foods.<ref>{{cite web |date=17 August 2011 |title=Amazing Amusement Park Food |url=http://www.delish.com/food-fun/amusement-park-food#fbIndex1 |work=delish.com}}</ref>
Knoebels also has restaurants throughout the park, both sit-down and counter service in nature. These eateries have contributed toward the park winning awards from organizations which judge amusement park food, including [[Amusement Today]]'s [[Golden Ticket Awards|Golden Ticket Award]] for Best Food every year since 1999.


==== Three Ponds Golf Course ====
The primary sit-down restaurant at the park is the Alamo. Counter service restaurants include Cesari's Pizza, Oasis Cafeteria, Phoenix Junction Steakhouse and the International Food Court. Food ranges from "Famous Fresh Cut French Fries", [[pierogi]] (a mashed potato filled Polish dumpling) and potato cakes to Bison burgers and Gator bites to milkshakes and homemade fudge. The park also features novelty items like the pickle on a stick.
Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course is located on [[Pennsylvania Route 487]], roughly a quarter mile from the park and campground. It is a par 71 eighteen-hole golf course which provides two nine-hole layouts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Daily Rates & Specials – Knoebels – Free-Admission Amusement Park in Central PA with Rollercoasters, Campgrounds, Pools, Golf Courses & More! |url=http://www.knoebels.com/golf/rates-membership |work=knoebels.com}}</ref> There is also a restaurant on the golf course grounds.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Nickle Plate Bar & Grill |url=http://www.knoebels.com/nickle-plate/the-nickle-plate-bar-grill |access-date=October 11, 2017 |work=knoebels.com}}</ref>


== Incidents ==
The park's Cesari's Pizza and the International Food Court were featured on a [[Food Network]] special.
In 1999, an attorney representing two girls who sustained injuries while riding Speed Slide discovered 15 injuries had been reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Ride and Measurement Standards in recent years. Both girls underwent emergency surgery. The park was charged with [[negligence]], failure to monitor the amount of force of the water and its effect on riders, failure to fix defects, and failure to provide adequate warnings to riders. Both of the plaintiffs fully recovered.<ref>{{cite web |title=1999 Accident Reports and News |url=http://www.rideaccidents.com/1999.html#mar2 |access-date=2011-01-25 |publisher=RideAccidents.com}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Trains|Pennsylvania}}
* [[Lawrence L. Knoebel Covered Bridge]]
* [[Incidents at independent amusement parks]]


== Further reading ==
== Further reading ==
* Futrell, Jim. ''Amusement Parks of Pennsylvania''. Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania: Stackpole Books, 2002.

* Futrell, Jim. ''Amusement Parks of Pennsylvania''. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2002.
* Deitz, Harry J. ''Knoebels: An Amusement Park with a Heart''. Reading, Pennsylvania: Westlawn Graphic, 2001. (Now out of print)

* Deitz, Harry J. ''Knoebels: An Amusement Park with a Heart''. Reading, PA: Westlawn Graphic, 2001. (Now out of print)


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://www.knoebels.com/ Knoebels Amusement Resort official site]
** [https://web.archive.org/web/20101213175823/http://knoebels.com/knoebels-history.asp Park history]
* {{RCDB|4557}}


{{Knoebels Coasters}}
* [http://www.knoebels.com/ Knoebels Amusement Resort official site] including [http://www.knoebels.com/knoebels-history.asp Park history]
{{Authority control}}
* [http://www.airphoenix.com/ AirPhoenix - Unofficial Guide to Knoebels Amusement Resort]
* [http://dalado.smugmug.com/gallery/3182941 Flying Turns construction photos]
* [http://www.flyingturnsproject.com/ Project Page for the Flying Turns construction]
* Photos of the [http://www.themeparkreview.com/photos/knoebels/twister.htm Twister] and [http://www.themeparkreview.com/photos/knoebels/phoenix.htm Phoenix] rollercoasters
* [http://history.amusement-parks.com/knoebelscaro.htm The Grand Carousel pictures and review]
* [http://www.citypaper.com/special/story.asp?id=13666 Ride Rehab: Old amusement park attractions ride again at Knoebels] from [[Baltimore City Paper]]

{{coord|40.8786724|-76.4996052|type:landmark|display=title}}


[[Category:Knoebels Amusement Resort|*]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Northumberland County, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:1926 establishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Columbia County, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Swimming venues in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania]]

[[Category:Tourist attractions in Columbia County, Pennsylvania]]
[[fr:Knoebels]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Columbia County, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Family-owned companies of the United States]]

Latest revision as of 09:02, 24 December 2024

Knoebels Amusement Resort
Previously known as Knoebels Grove,
Knoebels Amusement Park
LocationElysburg, Pennsylvania, United States
Coordinates40°52′44″N 76°30′18″W / 40.879°N 76.505°W / 40.879; -76.505
OpenedJuly 4, 1926 (98 years)
OwnerKnoebel family
Slogan"Fun, food, and fantasy!"
Operating seasonApril–September (limited days in October and January for seasonal events)
Area150 acres (60.7 hectares)
Attractions
Total64
Roller coasters6 (including kiddie coasters)
Water rides2
Websitewww.knoebels.com

Knoebels Amusement Resort (/kəˈnoʊbəlz/) is a family-owned and operated amusement park, picnic grove, and campground in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. Opened in 1926, it is the United States's largest free-admission park. The park has more than 60 rides including three wooden roller coasters, three steel roller coasters, a 1913 carousel, and two haunted house dark rides.

The amusement park is owned and operated by the Knoebel (pronounced kuh-NO-bel) family. The park's name has traditionally been spelled "Knoebels" without the apostrophe, and appears that way on all official park advertising and correspondence.

The park and its rides have won awards from organizations such as Amusement Today, American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. In 2014, Travel Channel rated Knoebels one of their Top 10 Family Friendly Amusement Parks in the United States.[1]

History

[edit]

Knoebels is located in a small wooded valley in central Pennsylvania. In 1829, a local man by the name of Henry Knoebel purchased the land for $931 (equivalent to $26,638 in 2024). The valley, originally known as "Peggy's Farm", was used as farming land until the early 1900s, when a creek-fed swimming hole was introduced. Knoebel turned the property into a popular picnic destination, attracting Sunday travelers and horse-drawn hayride wagons. Soft drinks, ice cream, and snacks were sold to visitors. As the popularity of "Knoebels Grove" grew, Knoebel leased plots of land along the creeks for use as summer cottage sites. Some of these privately owned cottages, as well as cottages Knoebel built and rented, still exist on the property today.

In 1926, Knoebel added a restaurant, a steam-powered Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) carousel, and a few simple games to his grove, marking the beginning of Knoebels Amusement Park. On July 4, 1926, he opened a large concrete swimming pool on the site of the old swimming hole. Featuring a filtration system that provided clean water instead of muddy creek water, the pool was named "The Crystal Pool". Since then, the park has developed around the pool, adding over 50 rides, assorted games, concession stands, and other attractions. A campground with six sites opened behind the amusement park in 1962, and as of 2004, the campground covered 160 acres (65 ha) with 500 sites.[2]

On June 22, 1972, both South Branch Roaring Creek and Mugser Run, creeks that run through Knoebels, rose 6 feet (1.8 m) over their banks, swollen with heavy rains from Hurricane Agnes. The flood destroyed six cottages and damaged many other buildings, including 24 of the park's 25 rides, as well as the roller rink. The roller rink building was re-floored and used as a skating rink until the mid-1980s, when it was converted into the "Roaring Creek Saloon", which now contains a concession stand, an arcade, the XD Theater, and performances. A new building constructed after the flood became the Haunted Mansion dark ride, which opened in 1973. The ride has been recognized as one of America's best dark rides by organizations such as Dark Ride and Funhouse Enthusiasts (DAFE) and the National Amusement Park Historical Association.[3]

The park again suffered major flooding in 1975, 1996, 2004, 2006, and 2011. Each caused substantial damage, but the 1975 and 1996 floods occurred during the off-season. Although the January 1996 flood left substantial damage, the worst occurred after the waters receded, when everything froze, making cleanup and repair throughout the amusement park difficult. The September 2004 flood, caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ivan, was only a half-day affair, and the amusement park partially reopened by mid-afternoon.

On June 28, 2006, another large flood struck Knoebels. About 90 percent of the amusement park was underwater just prior to the July 4th weekend. As the waters began to recede, 60 percent of the park's attractions were reopened within two days, and 90 percent within four days. Because over 100 tons of mud had to be dug out of the Crystal Pool, it was closed for 10 days. The last ride to return to operation was the Kiddie Panther Cars, whose repairs took almost three weeks.

In 2008, the park’s dark ride was the subject of a one-hour documentary, "Laff In The Dark’s Behind The Scenes At Knoebel’s Haunted House".[4]

On September 7, 2011, Knoebels experienced another flood, this time caused by Tropical Storm Lee. Water levels neared those of the flood of 1972, and damages exceeded that flood. The majority of the park reopened the following weekend, having missed only two days of operation.

For the 2013 season, Knoebels added StratosFear, the park's tallest ride at 148 feet (45 m). In 2015, a new roller coaster opened named Impulse, which replaced two former rides, the bumper boats and boat tag.

On July 23, 2018, Knoebels was flooded when a creek overflowed and flooded the park.[5] About 150 employees aided in cleaning up the park. The park then flooded again on July 25, 2018. The park reopened on July 27, 2018.

In 2023, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum acquired a trolley that had been converted into a cottage at Knoebels.[6]

Admissions

[edit]

The park offers free admission, free parking, and free entertainment. Visitors are able to ride the park's attractions by purchasing either pay-one-price, all-day/unlimited-access wristbands (which are not usually available on weekends, except near the beginning and end of each season), limited-access hand stamps, or books of tickets, with hand stamp costs varying depending on the height of the rider. Knoebels has several hand stamp options, such as "Sundown Plan" and "Bargain Nights", when the park offers discounts on regular ride passes. Knoebels all-day passes do not include the Haunted Mansion or the Crystal Pool, which are additional fees.[7]

Rides and attractions

[edit]

Roller coasters

[edit]

Knoebels has six operating roller coasters. Knoebels' two main wooden roller coasters are well known, with Phoenix consistently rated in top ten lists and Twister ranking high as well.[8][9]


Ride Season Manufacturer Description Photo
Opened Closed
High Speed Thrill Coaster
1955
 2008 Overland Amusements A steel roller coaster that had operated since 1955, believed to be the last remaining Overland coaster in the world. Although it was designed to be a children's coaster, it was very popular among adults due to its airtime on it bunny hills.
Jet Star
1977
 1992 Schwarzkopf A standard production model Schwarzkopf Jet Star, removed from Knoebels after the 1992 season.

This ride was purchased an independent operator who fell on hard times. After being removed from Knoebels, the Jet Star was relocated to Morey's Piers, where it also operated under the name Jet Star. The coaster was then sold to a traveling showman in France.[10] A regular stop for this show is Parc d'attractions Luna Park, in la Palmyre.[11]

Phoenix
1985
 Operating Designed by Herbert Schmeck; Built by Philadelphia Toboggan Company A relocated and restored Herbert Schmeck (Philadelphia Toboggan Company) design. This coaster has consistently been rated as one of the top ten wooden roller coasters in the Golden Ticket Awards. Most notably, it won first place in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

This ride was built in 1947, and was purchased from the Playland amusement park in San Antonio, Texas. It operated under the name Rocket before being moved to Knoebels in 1985. It utilizes buzz bars.

Whirlwind
1993
 2004 Vekoma A Vekoma Whirlwind double corkscrew roller coaster, removed from Knoebels after the 2004 season. It opened on the site of the former Jet Star coaster.

This ride was purchased from the Playland amusement park in New York, where it operated under the same name before being moved to Knoebels. After the 2004 operating season the ride was moved to Parque de Diversiones Dr. Roberto Ortiz Brenes in San José, Costa Rica, where it now operates under the name Bocaraca.

Twister
1999
 Operating Designed by John Fetterman; Built in-house A wooden coaster heavily inspired by "Mister Twister," a 1964 John Allen design.
Flying Turns
2013
 Operating Designed by John Fetterman; Built in-house A wooden bobsled roller coaster modeled after a 1920s John Norman Bartlett and John A. Miller design. The coaster was completed in 2007, but its opening was pushed back numerous times due to problems with cars navigating the mostly-trackless course. It opened on October 5, 2013 on the site of the former Whirlwind roller coaster. It won the Golden Ticket Award for "Best New Ride (Amusement Park)" in 2014.[12]
Kozmo's Kurves
2009
 Operating E&F Miler A steel roller coaster that opened on August 1, 2009. This is a successor to the High Speed Thrill Coaster, which operated on the site through the end of 2008. Kozmo's Kurves was designed to have the same appeal to all ages that High Speed Thrill Coaster offered, while also incorporating elements the former ride did not have.
Black Diamond
2011
 Operating Philadelphia Toboggan Company A steel indoor roller coaster formerly known as the Golden Nugget during its years at Morey's Piers. The ride's track and cars were purchased by Knoebels after it was deemed irreparable by Morey's and dismantled. The ride was built on the former site of the relocated Bald Eagle Habitat.[13] The name change to "Black Diamond" was in recognition of the anthracite coal industry, which is prevalent in the area. The Black Diamond opened for the three weekends in October 2011 for their Hallo-Fun Nights program.[14]
Impulse
2015
 Operating Zierer A steel Impulse coaster that opened in 2015. It has a high-hat initial rise to 98 feet (30 m), and features a cobra roll, a vertical inversion and a zero-g roll. It replaced Bumper Boats and Boat Tag.

Carousels

[edit]
Grand Carousel
Grand Carousel sign

Knoebels has two carousels: one small merry-go-round in Kiddieland (added in 1976) which was built by Stein & Goldstein in 1910 of which is one of only two Stein & Goldstein carousels still standing; and Grand Carousel, a 1913 carousel built by Kremer's Carousel Works in Long Island City, with a frame by Charles I. D. Looff, and 63 hand-carved horses by Charles Carmel. It was purchased on January 26, 1942 from Riverside Park in Piscataway Township, New Jersey, for $4,000 (equal to $74,591 today) and relocated to Knoebels. Today, Knoebels' Grand Carousel is one of the largest carousels in the world, with 63 horses and 3 chariots. It is one of the few carousels remaining with a working ring dispenser, allowing riders on the outside row of horses to reach out and grab steel rings as they pass. The rider who grabs the brass ring has the fee of the ride waived.[15] Three band organs provide music for the riders. The largest, "Frati", was built in Germany in 1888 by Frati & Co. Berlin, and was converted to Artizan rolls in the 1920s. The smaller, outside organ is "Berni", a 1910 Gebruder Bruder, style 107, sold in the US by the August Berni Organ Company in New York. Frati and Berni have operated at Knoebels since their purchase in 1942. The smallest organ is a Wilhem Bruder organ, model 79, converted to a Wurlitzer 125 duplex roll system, and restored in 1996.[16] Grand Carousel has consistently been voted the best carousel in the Golden Ticket Awards competition held by Amusement Today since 2007. The carousel competition was retired in 2019, because the Grand Carousel was undefeated.[17] Today, Grand Carousel is the second-oldest ride in the park. The S&G Carousel is the oldest at 113 years old in the 2023 season.

Trains

[edit]

The park operates two separate miniature railways

Ride Opened Manufacturer Description
Old Smokey Train
1960
 Crown Metal Products A 16 in (406 mm) gauge[18] anthracite coal-fueled steam locomotive built in 1960 by Crown Metal Products meandering through part of the park. Old Smokey replaced Nickel Plate, which was installed in 1946. The train cars from the 1946 train are still in use as of today.
Pioneer Train
1960
 Allan Herschell Company A 16 in (406 mm) gauge[19] gasoline-powered 1/2 mile railroad installed in 1960 by Allan Herschell Company. The railroad continues to operate an Allan Herschell G-16 model locomotive and train, which resembles a classic streamlined diesel locomotive train, as well as a few other locomotives that resemble classic steam locomotives, such as the Allan Herschell S-16. The track travels from near the edge of the park, under Twister, and into a heavily wooded area where there are feeders for viewing the local wildlife. The local wildlife consists mainly of squirrels, birds, and deer.

Other rides and attractions

[edit]
Haunted Mansion dark ride

In addition to a 110-foot (34 m) Ferris wheel, a 55-foot-high (17 m) log flume, and a 50-foot-high (15 m) Chute-the-Chutes ride named Sklooosh!, Haunted Mansion, and one of the last remaining Fascination parlors in the United States, the park maintains more than 63 rides, including:

Ride Opened Manufacturer Description
Whipper
1915
 William F. Mangels A William F. Mangels Whip ride from 1915 (purchased from Croop's Glen, Hunlock's Creek in 1950).
Bumper Cars
1940
 Lusse A set of Auto Scooters (bumper cars).
Looper
1948
 Allan Herschell Company A restored vintage Looper flat ride.[20]
Pete’s Fleet
1950
 Allan Herschell A boat ride.
Sky Slide
1950
 Knoebels Amusement Resort A slide that winds around the outside of a rocket ship. This is an American version of a popular British fair attraction called a helter skelter.
Roto-Jets
1952
 Kasper Klaus A classic ride from 1952.[21]
Helicopters
1960
 Allan Herschell A children’s helicopter ride.
Paratrooper
1960
 Hrubetz A Paratrooper ride.
Merry Mixer
1967
 Garbrick Amusements, Inc. A Scrambler ride.
Panther Cars
1968
 Philadelphia Toboggan Company A ride similar to Antique Cars.
Satellite
1970
 Lee Eyerly A Roll-O-Plane ride.
Flyer
1972
 Bisch-Rocco One of the fastest-running Flying Scooters rides in operation.
Super Round-Up
1976
 Hrubetz A ride in which centrifugal force pins the rider to the wall of a large wheel as it slowly tilts upward.
Tea Cups
1980
 Philadelphia Toboggan Company A classic teacups ride.
Antique Cars
1990
 Morgan An Antique Car ride partially steered by passengers built into the support structure of Phoenix. The original cars were purchased at an auction for Rocky Glen Park in Moosic, Pennsylvania after it closed in 1987.
Giant Flume
1990
 Hopkins A log flume ride.
Kiddie Bumper Cars
1990
 Soli of Italy A children’s bumper car ride.
Kiddie Firetrucks
1990
 William F. Mangels A children’s fire truck ride.
Kiddie Whip
1990
 William F. Mangels A children’s Whip ride.
Flying Tiger
1991
 Zamperla A ride similar to Whipper.
Giant Wheel
1991
 Chance Rides A 110-foot tall Ferris wheel.
Sklooosh!
1997[22]
 Hopkins A modern Shoot-the-Chutes ride that is 50 feet tall and has an observation area. It is named for the sound wet sneakers make while one is walking.
Cosmotron
1998
 Wisdom Rides[23] A completely enclosed Himalaya-style ride in the dark. Original ride was replaced in 1998.[24]
Italian Trapeze
1999
 Zamperla A swing ride.
Crazy Sub
2000
 Zamperla A submarine-like ride.
PowerSurge
2000
 Zamperla A spinning flat ride.
Umbrella Ride
2000
 Hampton An umbrella ride.
Scenic Skyway
2003
[citation needed] 		Hopkins[citation needed] A triple chairlift which climbs a south-facing hill to the north of the park. Formerly the Spring Fling lift at Sugarbush Resort.
Fandango
2010
 Moser A sidewinder ride.
StratosFear
2013
 A.R.M. Rides A 148-foot (45 m) drop tower, the tallest ride at Knoebels.
Galleon
2016
 Zamperla A pirate ship ride. Replacement of an older model.[25]
Downdraft
2019
 Battech Enterprises A Downdraft that replaced an older version of the ride.[26]
Tumbling Timbers
2019
 SBF Visa Group A spinning ride that replaced Over the Top.
Tornado
2020
 Wisdom Rides A Tornado ride.
Bayern Kurve
2024
 Schwarzkopf A refurbished Bayern Kurve ride.[27][28]

Former rides

[edit]
  • 1001 Nacht - Huss/Weber 1001 Nights
  • Axis - Zamperla Mixer
  • Boat Tag
  • Bumper Boats
  • Eli Ferris Wheel - Eli Bridge Company
  • Flying Cages
  • Fire Ball
  • Frog Hopper
  • German Carousel - Wilhelm Hennecke Uelzen
  • Hey Dey - Spillman Manufacturing
  • High Speed Thrill Coaster - Overland Amusements
  • Jet Star - Schwarzkopf
  • Kiddie Carousel - Allan Herschell Company
  • Kiddie Cars - Allan Herschell Company
  • Kiddie Planes
  • Kiddie Wheel
  • Lindy Loop - Spillman Manufacturing
  • Merry-Go-Round - E Joy Morris
  • Moon Rocker - Overland Amusements
  • Spindle
  • Space Ship - Raised up and converted into Sky Slide
  • Strat-O-Ship
  • Over The Top - SBF/Visa. Operated for only a few weeks in the 2018 season before being removed due to complications.
  • Wipeout - Removed following the 2020 season
  • The Whip - Earlier 8-car model replaced by the 12-car Whipper
  • Whirlwind - Vekoma portable Whirlwind roller coaster

Restaurants and food

[edit]

Knoebels has restaurants throughout the park, both sit-down and counter service in nature. These eateries have contributed toward the park winning awards from organizations which judge amusement park food, including Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Award for Best Food every year from 2000 to 2012. The park tied with Dollywood in 2013, but Knoebels reclaimed the prize in 2015, 2016, and 2018.[29][30]

The park's Cesari's Pizza, now simply named Pizza[31], and the International Food Court were featured on a Food Network special. The alligator bites served at the International Food Court were selected by Delish.com as one of the top seven daring amusement park foods.[32]

Three Ponds Golf Course

[edit]

Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course is located on Pennsylvania Route 487, roughly a quarter mile from the park and campground. It is a par 71 eighteen-hole golf course which provides two nine-hole layouts.[33] There is also a restaurant on the golf course grounds.[34]

Incidents

[edit]

In 1999, an attorney representing two girls who sustained injuries while riding Speed Slide discovered 15 injuries had been reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Ride and Measurement Standards in recent years. Both girls underwent emergency surgery. The park was charged with negligence, failure to monitor the amount of force of the water and its effect on riders, failure to fix defects, and failure to provide adequate warnings to riders. Both of the plaintiffs fully recovered.[35]

See also

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
  • Futrell, Jim. Amusement Parks of Pennsylvania. Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania: Stackpole Books, 2002.
  • Deitz, Harry J. Knoebels: An Amusement Park with a Heart. Reading, Pennsylvania: Westlawn Graphic, 2001. (Now out of print)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Top 10 Amusement Parks". Retrieved 2014-07-18.
  2. ^ "Knoebels Amusement Resort History". Knoebels.com. Archived from the original on 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2011-01-25.
  3. ^ "Darkride and Funhouse Enthusiasts". dafe.org. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  4. ^ "Dark Ride DVD Knoebels Haunted House". laffinthedark.com. Retrieved 2024-06-17.
  5. ^ "Severe flooding closes Knoebels, Hershey Park as more rain looms". Philly Voice. 24 July 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
  6. ^ "Museum acquires 'rare' trolley from Knoebels Amusement Resort". NewsItem. 21 August 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
  7. ^ Knoebels price page, then open "Pay One Price" tab Retrieved 2012-02-15
  8. ^ "Wood Roller Coaster Poll 12 Year Results Table (1994–2005)". Ushsho.com. Retrieved 2011-01-25.
  9. ^ "Golden Ticket". Amusement Today. May 28, 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-05-28. Retrieved 2011-01-25.
  10. ^ "Jet Star (Morey's Piers)". Rcdb.com. Retrieved 2011-01-25.
  11. ^ "Parc d'attractions Luna Park ŕ La Palmyre – Charente Maritime 17". Lunapark-lapalmyre.com. Retrieved 2011-01-25.
  12. ^ Beauge (May 19, 2011). "2 new rides at Knoebels Amusement Resort still need some work, park's co-owner says". Harrisburg Patriot-News. Retrieved 2011-05-19.
  13. ^ "Knoebels". Screamscape.com. May 4, 2007. Retrieved 2011-01-25.
  14. ^ Knoebels 2011 Hallo-Fun Nights brochure Archived 2011-10-05 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 2011-09-26
  15. ^ Marquette, John. "Brass Ring". youtube.com. YouTube. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
  16. ^ "Knoebels Carousel & Organ History". 2018-09-14.
  17. ^ "All-time Winners By Category". The Golden Ticket Awards | Presented by Amusement Today. 2014-01-08. Retrieved 2018-09-14.
  18. ^ "Crown Locomotive Roster (15"-24" Gauge)". trainweb.org.
  19. ^ "Railway Preservation News • View topic – Rough and Tumble Engineers . Home Built Shay Railroad Video". rypn.org.
  20. ^ "An Alan Herschell Looper still operating at Knobels, USA". Amusement Ride Extravaganza. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
  21. ^ "Kasper Klaus Roto Jet". The Flat joint. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
  22. ^ "Knoebels Timeline | Knoebels Amusement Resort". www.knoebels.com. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  23. ^ Strawser, Justin (April 29, 2021). "Visitors can enjoy new rides, food options this season at Knoebels". The Daily Item. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  24. ^ "Cosmotron". Knoebels. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  25. ^ "Knoebels Amusement Resort - Old Galleon... New Galleon! Our visitors this weekend will notice our old ship has sailed away as we prepare to install a brand new one!". Facebook. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  26. ^ Adams, Sean (16 December 2019). "Knoebels is getting rid of one of their rides: Which one do you think it will be?". PennLive. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  27. ^ Strawser, Justin (March 2, 2022). "Knoebels to debut Bayern Kurve ride in 2023". The Daily Item. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  28. ^ "Knoebels Scream Scape". Scream Scape. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  29. ^ "All-time Winners By Category". The Golden Ticket Awards | Presented by Amusement Today. 2014-01-08. Retrieved 2018-09-14.
  30. ^ "Knoebels-Cesari's Pizza Reflect on Partnership | Knoebels Amusement Resort".
  31. ^ "Dine". Knoebels Amusement Resort. Retrieved 2024-12-06.
  32. ^ "Amazing Amusement Park Food". delish.com. 17 August 2011.
  33. ^ "Daily Rates & Specials – Knoebels – Free-Admission Amusement Park in Central PA with Rollercoasters, Campgrounds, Pools, Golf Courses & More!". knoebels.com.
  34. ^ "The Nickle Plate Bar & Grill". knoebels.com. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  35. ^ "1999 Accident Reports and News". RideAccidents.com. Retrieved 2011-01-25.
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