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Welcome to Theme Park Review! Photos & Videos of Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, and FUN!
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 TPR Member Photo Trip Reports |
August 2015 by ElToroMillieniumForce |
August 2014 by cfc |
April 27th, 2013 by A.J. |
August 26th, 2012 by pkdcoaster |
August, 2011 by cfc |
April 25th, 2009 by Schmoofy |
August 7th, 2008 by printersdevil78 |
August 17th, 2008 by Hhappy |
May 17th, 2008 by BeemerBoy |
October 9th, 2006 by DerekRX |
September 26th, 2006 by pkdcoaster |
June 6th, 2006 by pkdcoaster |
April 19th, 2006 by RCoasterny |
October 11th, 2005 by TokenYankeeGuy |
September 27th, 2005 by SuperCrack |
July 13th, 2005 by CoasterEricHP |
April 25th, 2005 by DerekRX |
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| Attractions |
Knoebels is known for saving many classic rides, restoring them, and then running them at an amped-up pace. The park caters to a local crowd, and the locals love it. Admission and parking are free, and you can even bring your dog with you to the park.
Wood-coaster fans may come here for one of the best one-two punches at any park in Twister and Phoenix. (Try to ride Phoenix in the third row of the first car for some extra pops of air.) The park even recreated Flying Turns a model of coaster not built in over 50 years. Knoebels veered from their comfort zone when their installed Impulse, a steel coaster from Zierer. However, a true park enthusiast would miss out if only sampling the coasters, as many of the flats are one of a kind.
The Haunted Mansion is a slight upcharge even if you have an all-day ride band. Dick Knoebel felt that if patrons had to pay each time they would be more respectful of the props. As such we are treated to a very entertaining dark ride where the props are not behind cages. Black Diamond is a well themed dark ride/coaster with an ode to the plight of the local coal mining industry.
The Bumper Cars are considered the best in the world. Old Lusse Skooters running at top speed for a five-minute cycle create massive hits. The Flyers (Flying Scooters) are run at the perfect speed and for a long cycle, creating flying nirvana.
In the middle of the park is one of the few remaining Fascination parlors, and throughout the park are other reasonably priced games of chance for the kids. |
| Food |
| There are an abundance of places to eat at Knoebels. Knoebels is known for its variety of comfort foods and reasonable prices. The International Food court has the most options in one place. However, many consider Cesari's Pizza to be the highest quality option. Close to Cesari's Pizza is a Pierogie (potato dumplings) and Tri-Tater stand favored by many locals. Other unique delicacies found throughout the park are frozen sweet tea, fried cheese on a stick, and boneless BBQ sandwiches. Every food stall is unique, so explore. |
| Operating Season |
| Generally open on weekends from late April to Memorial Day. Daily operation generally runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. |
| Established Seasonal events |
| The Covered Bridge Festival and Phoenix Phall Phunfest occur the first or second weekend in October. The park has recently started opening a few rides for the weekends preceding Halloween. |
| Access & Location |
Knoebels is quite a distance from any large cities and only accessible by car. It is most easily accessed from I-80 via Exit 232 or 224.
From Exit 232, take Route 42 South to 487 South.
From Exit 224, take Route 54 South to 487 North.
No public transportation options exist. |
| Nearby Lodging |
| Knoebels has two onsite campgrounds (hook-ups, tents and cabins). The closest chain lodging is along I-80 at exits 232 and 224. |
| Virtual Queue Options |
| Do not exist |
| Shows |
| Limited to local entertainers |
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| TPR Notes |
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Stepping into Knoebels is like stepping back in time. Multi-generational families enjoy the park at a leisurely pace. Gravel pathways line the park, which the Knoebel family has filled with a blend of both classic and newer rides for the whole family to enjoy.
Many of the classic rides are now rare in the US, and all rides are run for lengthy cycles. The care that is taken in providing families great value for their money is not lost on the park's loyal fans. | |
| Member Reviews |
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| Results 1-20 of 22 for Knoebels Amusement Park & Resort
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(Log in to post / edit your review)
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Heavily Underated
| | 10-10-2016 | |
Montu357
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Knoebels is one of the most charming and underrated parks you could ever visit. The food staff and atmosphere are amazing. The operations are some of the best I've ever seen. Phoenix is my personal favorite woodie. The park is extremely clean... need i go on? As a side note is is cheaper to eat in the park than at McDonalds now!
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More Than The Sum Of Its Parts
| | 01-07-2015 | |
sirspud
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Knoebels is a better park than numerous parks with a larger slate of rides. Just two major coasters headline the park, but what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in the quality of its atmosphere, historic non-coaster rides, and uniqueness. The informal nature of the layout is a welcome relief to those accustomed to parks strategically designed to separate you from your wallet.
The ride lineup is actually astounding when there in person. The Phoenix is a top 5 wooden coaster and personally my top woodie. One has to experience it to appreciate the immense airtime. The non-coaster rides like several miniature trains, Whip, historic bumper cars, Flyers (!), chairlift, and others are a day of fun.
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Relaxing Day of Fun
| | 08-25-2014 | |
Caleb
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Knoebel's lives up to all of the hype. They have a satisfying coaster lineup. Phoenix is great, Flying Turns is full of fun, Black Diamond is a great "dark ride" style coaster. The bumper cars, Haunted Mansion, Grand Carousel, and Scenic Skyway aren't to be missed either.
As far as food goes, it's all great. The pizza is my favorite anywhere, as well as the kettle corn.
This park is just so much different than any other park, and it's quite refreshing. Plan a good amount of time here and enjoy the park at a relaxing pace. Don't just ride the coasters and move on. You will miss the charm doing that.
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KNOEBELS! Part 2
| | 02-23-2013 | |
Coasterfreak118
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Oh and the Grand Carousel was so much fun trying to catch the brass ring! Also I got my 100th coaster credit on Kozmos Curves, which I was unaware of until afterwards otherwise I would've gotten it on The Phoenix.There is something for everyone to do there! Plus the food is incredible! they have everything from a pickle on a stick to alligator bites! Its easily the best amusement park food around. Also the employees were very kind and caring! Overall Knoebels was fantastic! Knoebels should be a park that all other amusement parks should strive to be like! I 100% recommend visiting! I can't wait to go back to my new favorite amusement park!
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A great park
| | 11-30-2012 | |
GnastyGnoric7
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Knoebels may only have 2 good coasters, but they are not to be missed, plus the selection of flat rides makes for a hidden PA treasure. The park also honors our U.S. military with free Pay one price wristbands. Knoebels is certainly one to check out
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| | 10-25-2012 | |
super7
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Its like going back in time. Proves that more isn't better. They only have 2 operating coaters, but they both are amazing and re-rideable. Excellent operations. Excellent pricing. Everyone in the family can go and spend accodring to what they do. Excellent food. Excellent flat ride collection. The freedom of no park gates adds a special feel. Love the grass parking lot. Black Diamond is a great dark ride. Wonderful location in the middle of no where, surrounded by mountains and trees. Best bumper cars in the world. Only area of the park that could use improvement is the asphalt area where Downdraft, etc are located, feels like a parking lot carnival. Knoebels does things right and is a great place for the whole family
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KNOEBELS! Part 1
| | 09-17-2012 | |
Coasterfreak118
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What can I say about this park but wow! I took my first trip to Knoebels last september and I loved every minute of it! The park as a nice homey feeling, situated in the middle of the mountains. The two major Roller Coasters were outstanding! The Twister was insane! It was full of sharp turns and constant speed! The Phoenix, although old, and not as big as most coasters today, I can honestly say it's in my top 3 favorite Roller Coasters! it was full of the most insane airtime ever, and the buzz bar being so high off your lap makes you seriously feel like your gonna fly right out! The Haunted Mansion was the scariest haunted house i've ever been on! Plus the wide assortment of flat rides is great especially the Flyers and Skooters!
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Awsome park
| | 08-25-2012 | |
canobie#1
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Love everything about this park!
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Doens't get any better!
| | 08-24-2012 | |
cpark099
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This is the benchmark of the model all other parks should strive to emulate. Everything is perfect! I've been going here my whole life - my dad used to perform at Knoebels. This is the one place in the world where I know things will remain just as I remember them. Great atmosphere & food, fun rides, friendly staff, and reasonable prices for all budgets makes for a flawless experience! The only mistake I made on this most recent trip (from Wisconsin) was visiting this park first. This is a really tough act to follow! The pride for history and family nature of the park is worth the trip alone. Everything has a story and a rich past here. Plus, the Phoenix is the best roller coaster ever, with a history of its own!
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One of America's best!
| | 05-03-2012 | |
megametal
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It may be out in the middle of nowhere, but that's one of it's charms. It's laid-back, cozy and has one of the best collection of classic flat rides out there. It also is home to two great wooden coasters, and one that I'm sure will be great if they ever get it open. Special props to the bumper cars, which are amazing.
The food is above average for an amusement park, and the confusing layout I find to be fun to navigate. Employees are always ready to strike up a conversation and tend to be some of the nicest out there. Be sure to get night rides on the Twister and Phoenix, and pay the few bucks to take a ride or two on the Haunted Mansion, which is probably THE best ride through haunted house outside of Disney.
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Mad at corporate parks now
| | 11-25-2011 | |
MrSum1_55
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Knoebels: the last remaining park dedicated to having a good time! Admission is free, and you can have a great time just by walking around the park, and having some of the great and cheap food. Rides are not overpriced, and a top 5 woodie costs $2.25. The atmosphere is undeniably charming, but to me it almost feels too charming; dirt and gravel paths may not appeal to those who are used to the atmospheres of Six Flags or Disney. Knoebels is different, and just plain awesome. Go there!
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Fantastic in every aspect
| | 11-23-2011 | |
Hilltopper39
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Knoebels Grove is an amazing family amusement park in every aspect possible. The Phoenix is atop 5 classic wooden coaster, Twister is a fast intense very solid ride. The flying scooters, bumper cars, whip, and other flat rides are unique and have some of the best cycles in the world. The Haunted Mansion dark ride is the best dark ride I have ever been on. Everything i ate there was amazing. The park feels like nothing has changed in about 30 years and really feels like you are stepping back in time. You can either purchase an all day ride bracelet or pay as you go making it a great place to spend a day, or just make a credit run. I can not wait to go back, Knoebels is amazing.
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One of my favorites!
| | 09-04-2011 | |
chrisrad
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Twister was awesome, but Phoenix was even better! The park is truly unique, and is the antithesis of today's modern/corporate/lawsuit-avoiding parks. At Knoebels, you can have loads of fun on classic rides that have seemingly gone to theme park heaven at other parks. You must try the flyers, bumper cars, Phoenix, Twister, and most of the flats.
For the foodies, they have a vast selection of food, with very reasonable prices. Honestly, enjoy the rareness of Knoebels, where you can ride an airtime-filled coaster like Phoenix, without seatbelts! After spending a day here, it really makes you think about how annoying the corporate parks are.
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A unique and amazing experience.
| | 08-26-2011 | |
beatle11
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Phoenix, Phoenix and Phoenix! Well to be fair, Twister is quite good as well. The park also has a huge selection of flat rides, including great Flyers, a great Whip ride, and the craziest Bumper Cars around. So many other classic flats as well. They also have a good Haunted House, a very good Sky Ride and a great train ride. The park also has some really unique and awesome food items as well as some standard park food done up really well. Still this is just scratching the surface. This park has a charm that's just hard to describe. Fantastic family park and a fantastic experience.
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Unlike Anything Else!
| | 08-21-2011 | |
Nozzy
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Knoebel's is in the middle of nowhere, but well worth a trip for the classic rides. Phoenix is an amazing coaster that abounds in airtime with just buzzbars. The flats are all rather extreme and run nice, long cycles. The Flyers and Bumper Cars are unrivaled in greatness, and the Looper is a very unique interactive ride. Carousel still has rings to catch too! There are many other rides as well. Operations are amazing on coasters- the trains barely stop in the station at all, and are good on flats as well. Food is inexpensive and very delicious- I like the International Food Court best, lots of options. Atmosphere is like a classic fair- nothing fancy, but nice picnic grounds. Shows mainly for kids, but music acts can be good. Great place!
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Great park in the middle of nowhere.
| | 08-19-2011 | |
A.J.
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As far as you should be concerned, the two roller coasters under construction for who knows how long are only bonuses to an already fantastic amusement park.
Housing two of the best roller coasters in the US along with a surprisingly kick-[censored] kiddie coaster and some flat rides with great programs, Knoebels does not disappoint any thrill seeker in the family.
Food enthusiasts aren't left out either. Little to no chain restaurants live in the park - yet all the food in the park is great. My personal favorite item in the park is the waffle ice cream sandwich.
Knoebels is a truly classic park - with all the pros and cons that a classic park carries - and is always worth a visit. After all, you don't have to pay to get in!
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Wet but Great!
| | 08-19-2011 | |
Kumbarider1993
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My day at Knoebel's was wet. and i mean WET. it was 48' F outside and pouring rain. It was my first vist to this great park and they have two of the best wooden coasters in the world, the Phoenix and Twister. These riders are seriously some of the best experiences i've ever had on a coaster and if you think two amazing wooden coasters aren't reason alone to come to this park, you're harshly mistaken. Along with that they have an amazing staff. They are the most energetic, caring, and helpful staff out of any park i have been to. I almost puked on the Paratrooper and the operator came over to see if i was alright (and if he needed to clean anything up!) They dispatch the trains faster than any place i've been. And the food is beyond great!
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Knoebels is great!
| | 07-11-2011 | |
gmoney422
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Just got back for Knoebels with the family and my sister and her family on June 23. It was so much fun! Phoenix is an amazing coaster! There are sooo many rides there for little kids and big kids, too! We have two 5 yr olds and my sister has two 4 yr olds and a ten yr old. Everyone had a great time and the food was so good and so inexpensive compared to other parks.
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Only two coasters, but a favorite park
| | 05-05-2011 | |
DECoasterNerd
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I love Knoebels. There's only two coasters, and both are wooden, but both are excellent, especially Phoenix. The ticketing system on weekends helps to keep lines reasonably short. Before going here, my partner and I thought it would be a great idea if there was an antique amusement ride museum but where the rides actually worked. Knoebels is it. They have some really great older rides that are not found anywhere else. The haunted house is fantastic! The food is out of this world and SO reasonably priced!! I challenge anyone to spend a day at Knoebels and not have a truly excellent time!
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(Black) Diamond in the Rough
| | 04-06-2011 | |
King of Ka
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What hasn't already been said about Knoebel's? Possibly the most original and classic amusement park in the world, one word about sums up any aspect of the park: fun. From Phoenix, to the Skooters, to the Flyers, to the Haunted Mansion, every aspect of Knoebel's is geared towards simply having fun. With a good group of friends, it's almost impossible to not have fun at Knoebel's, and the experience doesn't decay with repeat visits: the park is so packed with things to do, see, and eat, there's always something amazing that you haven't tried before. Knoebel's is a true classic.
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| Pros |
- Really nice place to take the family and enjoy a leisurely day in the hills of Pennsylvania.
- Rides and slides for everyone, and a great mix of traditional amusement park food. Efficient operation. Long flat ride cycles. Fascination Parlor.
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| Cons |
- Can get expensive on a non-POP day for a family wanting to get on a lot of rides.
- No big upside down roller coasters for Johnny Thrillseeker, but the airtime on Phoenix should make up for that!
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| Admission Policy |
Free entry. Pay by the ride every day. POP wristbands available on select days.
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| Recent TPR Updates |
No Infomation.
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