What comes to mind when someone mentions an amusement park in Pennsylvania? Many people’s first thought is usually of Hersheypark. However, those who live in PA also think of the lesser known, but equally beloved park, Knoebels.

Knoebels is located in Elysburg, PA and first established on July 4th, 1926, exactly 100 years ago today! Both admission and parking are free, providing more accessibility to visitors. Another quality that makes this place stand out are the campgrounds located close by the amusement park!

The park also offers a lot of food options. Depending on your mood you could have some sweets from places like the Cookie Nook and Kandy Korners or have a proper meal at Alamo or the International Food Court! I personally like their Bavarian Roasted Nuts that you can get coated in cinnamon sugar.

I recently went once again to Knoebels and I will say this: there’s always something to do. Whether you’re into rollercoasters, carnival games, laser tag, museums, or even mini golf, they offer attractions for everyone to enjoy. Here are my top five rides that I highly suggest for your next, or first, visit to Knoebels!

Impulse

Impulse is one of the first rides you see upon entering the park, and for good reason. This ride is really popular among guests and thrill-seekers alike (I personally went on it three times in a row once!) So, if you are the kind of person who loves intense roller coasters, I would definitely recommend Impulse. From the steep inclines to the rapid loops, this ride will also have you wanting to go on it again and again.

Pheonix

Another coaster that I enjoy is Pheonix, one of their award-winning wooden roller coasters. Before Knoebels I had never rode a wooden coaster, but this ride did not disappoint. I really love the multiple high descents that take place throughout the coaster and the speed of the ride. Pheonix really makes you feel like you are about to take flight yourself, right off the tracks.

Flying Turns

If you are scared of the height that often comes with regular roller coasters but love the fast pace, this is the ride for you. The difference is that Flying Turns has no tracks. Yes, it may sound pretty strange, but honestly, I find this one just as fun as the previous two. You do have to sit pretty close to whoever you are riding with which could be awkward, but feeling that “bobsled” swerve while you accelerate down this trackless ride is definitely worth it.

Paratrooper

One of my favorite rides that isn’t a rollercoaster would definitely be the Paratrooper. This attraction gives you a casual thrill as you are lifted into the air and spun around, with a sense of excitement from the rocking and speed of the umbrellas. When I went to Knoebels the temperature outside was around 90 F, so trust me when I say that this ride is also a great way to cool down from the heat.

Giant Wheel

Every good park has to have a ferris wheel, and Knoebels’ Giant Wheel does not disappoint. This ride is very tall, providing a beautiful view of the park from the top of the wheel. The Giant Wheel is a much-needed calming ride after a long day and takes you around quite a few times. The wheel does move at a faster rate than other ferris wheels I have been on though, so keep that in mind before you ride.

Knoebels is an amusement park with a lot of history, good food, and great rides. No matter what kind of attraction you are into, you can find something here for you. These rides that I’ve discussed are only five out of more than one-hundred attractions offered at the park, so if none of these sound appealing to you, check out their website for more!

The lines aren’t too long, the rides are fun, and the prices are reasonable, so before going to Hersheypark, consider spending a day celebrating 100 years of Knoebels this summer.