Did you know America’s oldest amusement park has been operating since the 1800s?1 That means many parks have decades of history, innovation, and nostalgia packed into their grounds.
Step back in time and experience the thrills and charm of yesteryear at these 11 classic amusement parks around the world that will transport you to a bygone era.
1. Lake Compounce (Bristol & Southington, Connecticut)
Lake Compounce opened its doors to the public as a picturesque “picnic” park in 1846. It holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States, with a rich history that spans nearly two centuries.
2. Kennywood Park (West Mifflin, Pennsylvania)
Founded in 1898 as a trolley park attraction at the end of the Mellon family’s Monongahela Street Railway, Kennywood is one of the most authentic traditional amusement parks in America. It features several historic wooden roller coasters, a classic midway, and an old-fashioned swimming pool complex.
3. Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg, Pennsylvania)
Operating since 1926, Knoebels is a family-owned free admission park that hearkens back to the amusement parks of the early 20th century. It’s known for its classic rides, delicious food, and free entertainment.
4. Cedar Point (Sandusky, Ohio)
America’s second-oldest amusement park, Cedar Point opened on the shores of Lake Erie in 1870. It’s known as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” with 17 roller coasters, some of which date back to the early 1900s.
5. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Santa Cruz, California)
Founded in 1907, this iconic seaside amusement park is home to the historic Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and the Looff Carousel, both National Historic Landmarks. The Boardwalk also boasts free beach access, an arcade, and a variety of restaurants and shops.
6. Lagoon Amusement Park (Farmington, Utah)
Established in 1886, Lagoon started as a simple lakeside resort and gradually grew into a major amusement park. Its historic wooden roller coaster, Roller Coaster, still thrills riders today, and the park features a unique mix of classic and modern attractions.
7. Dorney Park (Allentown, Pennsylvania)
Dorney Park’s roots trace back to 1860 when it began as a fish hatchery and summer resort. Today, it features a variety of modern thrill rides, but its classic wooden coaster, Thunderhawk, has been operating since 1923.
8. Playland (Rye, New York)
This art deco amusement park on the Long Island Sound opened in 1928 and has been featured in numerous films and television shows. Its iconic Dragon Coaster is a National Historic Landmark, and the park’s vintage atmosphere and classic rides continue to delight visitors.
9. Six Flags New England (Agawam, Massachusetts)
Originally known as Riverside Park when it opened in 1870, Six Flags New England still retains some of its historic charm. The park features a classic carousel, a vintage Ferris wheel, and the wooden roller coaster, Thunderbolt, which opened in 1941.
10. Idlewild and SoakZone (Ligonier, Pennsylvania)
Founded in 1878, Idlewild is the oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania and the third oldest in the United States. It’s known for its Story Book Forest, a charming walk-through attraction with scenes from classic children’s tales.
11. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari (Santa Claus, Indiana)
This family-owned park, opened in 1946, is known for its unique holiday-themed sections and friendly atmosphere. Its wooden roller coaster, The Voyage, consistently ranks among the world’s best wooden coasters.
These classic recreational spaces are proof to the enduring appeal of traditional amusement park fun, proving that some things truly do get better with age. So, why not take a step back in time and rediscover the magic of these vintage amusement parks?
Source:
- https://www.lakecompounce.com/
Read Next:
Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.