Knoebels Amusement Resort
Knoebels Amusement Resort
4.5
About
We take great pride in being a place the whole family can enjoy! We are America's largest free-admission amusement park and offer free parking, free daily entertainment and free picnic facilities. While at the park, take a dip in our 900,000 gallon Crystal Pool filled with refreshing mountain stream water. The pool area includes watersides, diving boards and a play area for young children. Stay overnight at one of two campgrounds that include cabins and over 800 campsites for tents and campers. In addition to nearly 60 rides, award winning food, swimming, games, and shopping, you can add a round of golf at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course right next door to the park.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- Gary L1 contributionAmazingly fun family timeAbsolutely love this place. Honestly the laughs an memories made with my kids is gonna last a lifetime. Staff is always friendly and the prices are not outrageous at all. Highly recommend taking the trip an making memories for life.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 7, 2023
- SteveMassachusetts386 contributionsClassic Family MemoriesAs a family of four we spent August 2023 from Massachusetts visiting Amusement Parks to check off our bucket list, all the way to Florida. However, a must stop was our second time to Knoebels and it did not disappoint!!! We visited on a Saturday and arrived early. Probably the only downfall of the day was the slow traffic to park. It had been 10 years since our last visit and we had hoped they added a new lot off 487 to counter the traffic only entering one way. But it did move just very, very slow. Going on the weekend probably was the mistake. However once inside the gateless Park it was downright everything we remembered. This place is a classic gem! Knoebels has never disappointed especially Phoenix! Took the ride twice, front then back. Nothing even compares to this trophy winner. Smooth rides with incredible airtime is what keeps us coming back. We love coaster and Twister was just as awesome. Flying Turns, Gold Ring Carousel, Haunted Mansions anniversary and Impulse! Unfortunately we just missed the re-opening of the Sky Ride that we also loved last visit. The food is very reasonably priced and we even tried the Whirzle that was delicious! Staff and patrons were friendly and happy. Signs you are in a Amusement Park that everyone loves. We arrived early and left in the evening knowing we'll be back again. Maybe they'll save another woodie somewhere and give Phoenix some competition? Knoebels is a well oiled, classic, great old amusement park that is dedicated to one thing, family fun!!! Thanks for the memories Knoebels!Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 15, 2023
- Eric C1 contributionBest Opening Day Ever!This why by far the best opening day for a park I’ve ever been to. All rides advertised to be ready for opening day were up and running. Staff was well trained and on their game. Food was delicious as always!Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 28, 2024
- Crystal M1 contributionGreat amusement park!Great amusement park! Me and my family have been going for the past 8 years and has never disappointed. The rides are always very enjoyable and unique. I would recommend going to the bigger rides first as soon as it opens so you don't have to wait in long lines! They also have many food stands and great options to enjoy! Will definitely go back!Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten May 18, 2024
- Terri V1 contributionAlways Fun !As always a fun time at Knoebels! Our school district came for a field trip. Students along with adults all had a great time! Thank you for the entire staff for making this trip a happy one!Visited May 2024Traveled on businessWritten May 23, 2024
- Susan M45 contributionsKoenbels is our family place for fun!This park is family friendly. During the Pandemic, there was a bad review written. However, it was unfair to Koenbels. If you go to Hershey park, you wait much much longer to get on a ride. And areas to sit there are limited. At Koenbels in the NORMAL, non pandemic world, there is shade, benches and plenty of reasonably priced rides and food. If one plans to go to a public place with many people, take hand cleaner if you’re afraid of germs. It’s almost impossible to wipe down everything in an amusement park between each use by a guest!Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 1, 2024
- Paradise609763663631 contributionRestored my faith in American traditionsAccompanied my grandsons on a school field trip, my first time to Knoebels - nothing short of amazing! What a pleasure to go to a good, old fashioned amusement park & not feel ripped off! The park & rides are clean, well maintained, employees friendly & helpful, food delicious. All around, a great day. Kudos to management & staff - it’s obvious you all care. Keep up the great work! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 2, 2024
- Ivy P1 contributionLove Knoebels❤️ Knoebels!!! Such a great family place. We appreciate the free admission, tons of specials, lots of trees throughout the property for shade, beautiful bridges over the creek, it's our happy place for sure. Also, appreciate, the approach of tickets only on the weekends for what I can only imagine is for crowd control, great thinking.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 3, 2024
- Ben L1 contributionMy amazing trip to Knobels!The views were amazing seriously. I loved every aspect of black diamond, and the haunted mansion. Phoenix, Twister, and Impulse had great airtime. My personal all time favorite was Phoenix. It was phenomenal! I was out of my seat with the airtime, every second.Visited June 2024Traveled on businessWritten June 4, 2024
- Jennifer K1 contributionGreat park, free admission and parkingKnoebles is the best park in Pennsylvania. Especially since parking is free and you only have to pay for the rides you want to go on. Always go early and hit the things you want to ride the most first, the earlier you go, the shorter the lines. I'm sad the flume was closed (it's always been a favorite) but there are still a ton of different rides of all intensities. My only complaint is that the line for the motor boats was not moving, not sure if there was a problem or if that is the normal wait, but I bailed on it after several minutes.Visited June 2024Traveled soloWritten June 5, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Megan M
Doylestown, PA2 contributions
Oct 2020
Before yesterday, I would (and did!) recommend Knoebels to everyone. But my family of five attended the "Hallo-Fun" festival there yesterday and it was the worst scene I could imagine. Incredibly overcrowded, zero space to social distance, insanely long lines and the only ride I saw being cleaned AT ALL was one barely anyone goes on (the Scenic Skyway ski lift). Before we went, I read their COVID updates on the website, as well as recent reviews (from late summer) and it truly seemed like they were being responsible, which is the only reason we decided to surprise our kids with a trip to Knoebels for Halloween. But it was the most panicked I've felt during the entire pandemic. The whole time we were there I wondered if we should leave. We did the best we could to keep our own personal space, but it was a challenge. Ironically, on some rides the attendants were careful about spacing non-family members between cars or seats — but what good does that do after we've all spent at least an hour in a packed line waiting for the ride? Most guests wore face masks properly, which was the only comfort. Many guests we stood in line with, and whose conversations we overheard, were as concerned, angry and disappointed as we were. We even heard workers commenting on how crazy the crowd was. I spent $163 on five wristbands, thinking we'd be able to ride all the open rides and maybe some even a few times. The wristbands have always proven a great value for yes. But yesterday? HARDLY. We got on eight rides in the seven hours we were there. We didn't even take a break to eat. DO NOT GO TO HALLO-FUN. Unless Knoebels decides to get with it and actually limit the crowd side in their park, I do not recommend going. It is unsafe and a waste of money and time.
Written October 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dtedte
Saugerties, NY39 contributions
Aug 2020
The park is great, with lots of fun rides nestled in trees. It's also free to enter, although the rides are charged on a per ride basis by tickets (like the old school carnivals). Food is good, not amazing, but much better than what many other parks offer. It's high but much more reasonable as well.
I have to knock a few stars off for the fact that many of the rides are closed. Some of it seems Covid-19 drive, but others it is unclear. And while I give some sympathy points for Covid-19, it is still fact that you are paying the same price you paid in prior years. Like I think a half of the thrill rides were closed, including some of their big ones (Impulse, Black Diamond, Flyer, etc.)
Likewise, although not necessarily their fault, Covid-19 mask enforcement could be a bit better. Almost everyone had masks, but I would say just under 50% of folks at any given time were wearing them appropriately or even at all.
I have to knock a few stars off for the fact that many of the rides are closed. Some of it seems Covid-19 drive, but others it is unclear. And while I give some sympathy points for Covid-19, it is still fact that you are paying the same price you paid in prior years. Like I think a half of the thrill rides were closed, including some of their big ones (Impulse, Black Diamond, Flyer, etc.)
Likewise, although not necessarily their fault, Covid-19 mask enforcement could be a bit better. Almost everyone had masks, but I would say just under 50% of folks at any given time were wearing them appropriately or even at all.
Written September 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
912hv
Elizabethtown, PA1 contribution
Oct 2020
Knoebels has been a huge and happy part of my life. I've loved visiting every year and now I get to share that joy with my kids....until this year. Our family camped at the campground this past weekend. On Saturday we decided to purchase all day ride wristbands because we planned to spend the entire day at the park having fun. What a nightmare it was. Knoebels did not limit the number of people at the park at all and did not follow any of the safety measures they tout that they are following. I have never seen the park anywhere near as crowded as it was and during a pandemic it was completely ridiculous. Knoebels continued to sell wristbands all day even though the lines for rides were over 2 hours long. It was impossible to get your money's worth with the wristbands even if you were willing to join the crowds to fight for space in the park. We decided to head back to our campsite with the hope that the crowd would lessen later in the day. Instead the crowd continued to grow. The following morning we were waiting at Guest Services to try to get some sort of compensation for our horrible experience. We requested a refund on the wristbands or even a partial refund, or a discount on a wristband for Sunday or even just a few ride tickets to make up for the fact that we wasted all that money on a wristband that couldn't be used due to them not having all rides open and requiring social distancing on the rides but then allowing everyone into the park so that there was nowhere for everyone to go. Suzanne K (head of guest services) was beyond rude and extremely flippant about the entire thing. She said nothing could be done because it was our choice to buy the wristbands. I explained we did that with the understanding that Knoebels was following COVID guidelines like they advertised. She insisted they did their part by putting up signs. She stated it isn't Knoebel's responsibility to make people follow the rules. I've never been treated so rudely or seen an establishment take such a flippant attitude towards customers. After this I will not be returning as my kids and I no longer view Knoebels as a fun place for a family to visit. It is definitely time for Knoebels to find a new Guest Services manager.
Written October 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gene R J
Silver Spring, MD10,795 contributions
Aug 2020
We stopped here out of curiosity having heard about this park living in SE PA. It sits in a wooded valley and thus subject to numerous floods but attached is a huge open field for free parking. The 60 rides, roller coasters etc are all in the woods. Its basically designed like Tivoli Gardens in Denmark where everyone can wonder around to eat and enjoy the carnival atmosphere while only those who want to take rides, pay.
The park is open on weekends so the 30 vehicles today were for maintenance and security. Its adjoining Three Ponds Golf Course course was open.
The park is open on weekends so the 30 vehicles today were for maintenance and security. Its adjoining Three Ponds Golf Course course was open.
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise K
Binghamton, NY4 contributions
Sep 2022
We had a GREAT day at Knoebels. But we didn't like the fact that many rides and eateries were not open due to staff shortage. Understandable. However, there were kiddie rides that were open with a closed one right next door that the operator could have moved back and forth between the rides. The day we went, Sept 1, was not that crowded so it was doable.
Also the kiddie show that involved volunteers from the audience, required the volunteers to put on costumes ...some with head pieces. NOT a good idea with all the germs that could be passed! Cute show tho and the volunteers were great!
Again, no complaints about the day except that many rides were not open and we still had to pay full price. Maybe next time they can state there will be closures on the website, or when purchasing tickets so we can decide if we want to pay full price for less rides. This is a nice kid friendly park with LOTS to do!
On a side note, my son in law lost his phone on the big wooden roller coaster. We knew it was there...somewhere....just couldn't find it under the big coaster. When we arrived home he turned his GPS phone finder on, called the phone the next morning, a worker heard it ringing, answered it and they are returning it! We appreciate that! and THANK YOU to all the friendly workers for helping to make this a great day! We will go back again next year.
Also the kiddie show that involved volunteers from the audience, required the volunteers to put on costumes ...some with head pieces. NOT a good idea with all the germs that could be passed! Cute show tho and the volunteers were great!
Again, no complaints about the day except that many rides were not open and we still had to pay full price. Maybe next time they can state there will be closures on the website, or when purchasing tickets so we can decide if we want to pay full price for less rides. This is a nice kid friendly park with LOTS to do!
On a side note, my son in law lost his phone on the big wooden roller coaster. We knew it was there...somewhere....just couldn't find it under the big coaster. When we arrived home he turned his GPS phone finder on, called the phone the next morning, a worker heard it ringing, answered it and they are returning it! We appreciate that! and THANK YOU to all the friendly workers for helping to make this a great day! We will go back again next year.
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul K
New Tripoli, PA29 contributions
Sep 2021
Have been going for 20+ years and had our first less than 5 star weekend. Still great but go in with your eyes open. Less rides and food stands that they are known for..... same amount of visitors. Long lines for everything. No exaggeration here. 1 hour plus for pizza lunch. (why would you put pizzas in as they are ordered.? Why not fill the ovens first thing in the morning and all day. Obviously only thing people would be getting there was pizza). Had a good dinner with a large, easily handled crowd at the Oasis on Friday night. Saturday and Sunday nights the Oasis was CLOSED! The best, most interesting ride in the park (my opinion), the Black Diamond has been closed since early July for some reason but ...... 6 people working in the gift shop with not much to do. (Open) Ride Operators did their best to move the lines without short-changing the ride duration.
Hopefully, employment issues are gone by next season and things are back to "Knoebels normal".
The highpoint: Camped at the campgrounds. The usual excellent, accommodating service and place!
Hopefully, employment issues are gone by next season and things are back to "Knoebels normal".
The highpoint: Camped at the campgrounds. The usual excellent, accommodating service and place!
Written September 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lyndsay D
Latrobe, PA198 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
This was our second trip to Knoebels. We first visited last year, during Covid, so I think maybe that's why there weren't a many people our first go round. We visited on Friday July 30, 2021 and the park was PACKED. The lines to both wooden coasters looked super long, but our longest wait time was 20 minutes. Can't complain about that all at! The flat rides wait times were longer and my kids (12 &9) didn't have any interest in waiting for those. We rode what we wanted and decided to head out around 5pm, as the park just keep getting more and more crowded.
Food prices are reasonable and the ice cream at the old mill is fantastic!
Food prices are reasonable and the ice cream at the old mill is fantastic!
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ansley11
Harrisonburg, VA110 contributions
Oct 2020
This place is a true gem! You don't find many places like this left in America, truly a magical and fun place. We visit every year, at least once, even this year with COVID I visited twice, once with my daughter and her boyfriend and then recently with entire family of 5. Free parking, free admission, free picnic tables etc. You can truly come here and enjoy the outdoors if that's all you want to do or ride some of the best classic amusement park rides in the world. The food is also very good, and for the most part affordable unlike most theme parks. Some of the things not to be missed are the Phoenix, Twister, and Flying Turns wood roller coasters. The log flume is an excellent vesion of this ride. Other not-to-be-missed unique attractions are the amazing Carosoul with a ring machine, the BEST bumper cars, the flying scooters, not to mention two of the best dark rides in the world, the Haunted Mansion and the Black Diamond. The newer Impluse roller coater is pretty good too. They als have tons of great kids rides, and so much more I'm not mentioning. During summer the have a huge pool, and a few water slides and they are not expensive. The campground is also nice and well run. A don't miss place I only gave it 4 stars, rather than 5, because on our most recent visit the park was too crowded for COVID with the park not enforcing social distancing like they should.
Written October 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pam F
2 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
I’ve been visiting Knoebels with my family for 15+ years now. We have always enjoyed our time here. The atmosphere is very family friendly and the food does not disappoint. That being said… today was very disappointing. The park was over crowded, the lines were ridiculously long, and several food vendors were closed creating even longer lines in the one that were open. I fully understand staffing concerns during this time, but if you can’t properly staff the park, then limit the admissions. Paying for a $48 day pass was definitely not worth the price. I highly suggest using tickets as you go.
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AZPA35
Philadelphia, PA4 contributions
Jun 2022
We have visited Knoebel’s for years but this year was disappointing. Many rides we hoped to go on were closed. Many staff members are disinterested and unhelpful and prices have gone way up! One of the main highlights of Knoebel’s has been the affordability but no longer. It costs our family of six $18 to ride the Ferris wheel!? Crazy!
We also decided to try staying at the cottages for two nights despite the ridiculous price of $265 a night plus tax. Booking was a nightmare and we were not given a choice of cottage. Even at this high price clean and safe was our only expectation, and it was not met. The Bergal cottage was musty, and filthy. Not up to code by any stretch. Beds sagging and wrapped in plastic. Bed pillows left on the floor. No AC. Disgraceful that Knoebel’s would rent it to anyone. And at such an outrageous price too for a dump. It really ruined our opinion of Knoebel’s. We won’t be back.
We also decided to try staying at the cottages for two nights despite the ridiculous price of $265 a night plus tax. Booking was a nightmare and we were not given a choice of cottage. Even at this high price clean and safe was our only expectation, and it was not met. The Bergal cottage was musty, and filthy. Not up to code by any stretch. Beds sagging and wrapped in plastic. Bed pillows left on the floor. No AC. Disgraceful that Knoebel’s would rent it to anyone. And at such an outrageous price too for a dump. It really ruined our opinion of Knoebel’s. We won’t be back.
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How far is knoebels from Point Marion, PA
Written July 22, 2024
Does the park have scooters that a handicap person can rent and how much? Do they have to call ahead of the visit to assure they get a scooter that day?
Written July 16, 2024
What time do the parking lots open?
Written July 1, 2023
Hi, where is the best hotel/motel to stay nearby?
Written April 17, 2023
Unfortunately there is very little options in terms of lodging. I believe your best option would be a cabin at their campgrounds or a small B&B located just outside the park.
Written June 16, 2023
John M
Ocean City, Maryland
Does the campground have a grill at the camp sites
Written September 9, 2020
No, they do not. They do welcome you to bring your own gas or charcoal grill with you though. And of course, small camp stoves are permitted too.
Each site does have a fire ring, but they do not contain a cooking grate so you would have to bring your own if you want to cook directly over the fire. They do sell them in the onsite camp store for a modest price (I believe they were somewhere between $15-20 when I was there in August).
Written September 10, 2020
Are average sized parents able to ride the kiddie rides along with their children? We have a pretty advanced brand new 2 year old whom we think would probably love riding some rides, but might be a little nervous about going by herself at first. Anyone else's young 2 year old enjoy the rides? Or would be well advised to wait another year?
Written July 22, 2019
I also have a 2 year old and was able to accompany her on a few rides then she wanted to ride by herself. You should be fine.
Written July 22, 2019
Is there a separate line for people who pre-purchase wrist bands?
Written July 21, 2019
Hi! I'll be staying in Harrisburg/Hershey and I'd like to visit Knoebels. Is there a way to take a cab from there to my hotel? Does anyone know if the park can help me calling someone to take me back?
Written July 8, 2019
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