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Knoebles Amusement Resort is hidden in the hills of Central Pennsylvania, just outside the tiny town of Elysburg. It doesn't have the flash of a Six Flags or the yummy chocolate history of Hershey Park, but it may just be one of the best amusement parks in the northeast.
First of all, Knoebles does have a claim to fame -- the Phoenix Roller Coaster. Consistently voted as one of the best roller coasters in the world, as well as featured on The Discovery Channel's show on rollercoasters, the Phoenix is a wooden roller coaster that scrapes the trees and flies over the antique car ride. In the summer of 1999, Knoebles added a second roller coaster, the Twister, full of twists and turns around the water slides, over the train, and near the camp ground.
Yes, a camp ground. One of the things that makes Knoebles unique (and there are so many things!) is the camping area adjacent to the park, just on the other side of the railroad tracks, in fact, or the opposite side of the creek if you are at the picnic pavilions.
Does camping there give you free and full access to the park? Why sure it does! The park is free admission -- to everyone!! Yes, that's right. Free admission. You pay per ride. That might sound like a pain, buying ride tickets and handing them to the ride operator at each and every ride. However, it almost always costs less per person this way than it does at most admissions-fee parks (and Knoebles does have various ride packages, which are always optional). The cool thing about free admission is that it opens the park to everyone -- small children, senior citizens, pregnant women, people who want to spend the day with their family but aren't interested in going on any or many rides. And yes, parking is free, too, as are the shuttles that run to the park from the parking lots.
Besides the roller coasters, Knoebles offers nearly every ride that you'd find at the larger, more famous parks. The Haunted House is a thrill ride not to be undertaken by the faint-of-heart; this is one scary home! The old-fashioned steam train takes you on a mile-long trip through the woods; don't forget to scream when going through the tunnel. The merry-go-round is ancient and beautiful, with its wonderful old organ. The outside horses are also the most popular, as the regulars to the park know you can still try to grab the brass ring. On a hot summer day, enjoy a swim in the Crystal Pool (which does have an admission price). The pool has been a staple at Knoebles, long before water parks became popular.
Hungry? Knoebles has good food, just like most amusement parks. If you like french fries, these are among the best, particularly smothered in salt and vinegar. Near the minature golf course, you can treat yourself to homemade ice cream. Around the park you'll find the usual park food --pizza, burgers, cotton candy, funnel cake -- and a couple of sit-down restaurants.
In 1972, the park was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Agnes. Water levels rose to over four feet at some places. All around the park, there are reminders of the flood -- pictures and water markers -- and one must marvel at how the park not only came back after the disaster, but has grown into one of the best parks around.
Knoebles is near Elysburg, PA, a quick drive off of Interstate 80, and definitely worth the trip.
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