Knoebels Amusement Resort

=Knoebels Amusement Resort= Knoebels Amusement Resort is a family-owned and operated amusement park, picnic grove, and campground in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. It is America's largest free-admission park, with more than 60 rides including six roller coasters, a 1913 carousel, and a haunted house dark ride. The park was founded by Henry Knoebel in 1926 as a small picnic area with a restaurant, a carousel, and a swimming pool. The pool was named "The Crystal Pool" because it used a filtration system that provided clean water instead of muddy creek water.

Over the years, the park expanded with more rides, games, food stands, cottages, and camping sites. Some of the park's attractions are historic or unique, such as the Phoenix wooden coaster that was relocated from Texas in 1985, the Flying Turns bobsled coaster that was built from scratch after decades of research, and the Grand Carousel that features one of the few remaining brass ring machines. The park has won several awards for its rides, food, atmosphere, and preservation efforts from various organizations. Knoebels is still run by the Knoebel family today and attracts millions of visitors every year who enjoy its nostalgic charm and affordable fun.

Admission
Knoebels is America's largest Free Admission, Free Parking, Free Entertainment Park. Visitors to the park can purchase a pay-one-price all-day/unlimited-access wristbands (select weekends at the beginning and end of the season - available weekdays during regular season). Books of tickets are also available all year and never expire. Select books of tickets can also be used to purchase food items within the park. All day passes do not include the Haunted Mansion or the Crystal Pool, which have additional fees.

Ticket books come in various denominations and at various prices, tickets can also be purchased in groups which helps to lower the price. Knoebels also offers Bargain Nights and Sun Down plans where hand stamps can be purchased at a discount on various nights and various times throughout the operating season.

Rides and Attractions
Knoebels features a kiddie themed area of the park where most kid themed rides are centralized, all other rides are considered Family or Thrill rides. The park features 21 kiddie themed rides, 19 family themed rides, and 20 thrill rides.

Kiddie Land
Kiddie Land is a an area of the park that contains many of the smaller rides and attractions for children. Over the years Knoebels has expanded there offerings for children into many other areas of the park.

Camp Ground

 * On August 15, 2016, an 11-year-old girl from Hellertown, Pennsylvania was injured and remained in critical condition when a 40-foot tree toppled on her family's campsite. At around 4:30 pm when a storm occurred during the time when they were camping at one of the campgrounds, the tree fell due to the strong gust of winds. The girl, her father, and her two siblings were all taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Crystal Pool

 * On July 6, 2011, a young boy was found face down in the pool. By the time the ambulance arrived, lifeguards performed CPR and were successful at getting a heartbeat and the boy breathing on his own. He died later at Geisinger Medical Center from trouble breathing. It was later determined that the child suffered from a pre-existing heart condition that is associated with Noonan syndrome.
 * On July 16, 2016, another young boy died after he was found unresponsive in the swimming pool. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. The incident may have been caused by a pre-existing medical condition.

Impulse

 * On March 26, 2015, a worker was injured and suffered cuts on the back of his head and hand as he was hit by a roller coaster car. The ride was being tested at the time before it officially opened to the public a month later. He was taken to a nearby hospital and later recovered.

Scenic Skyway

 * On June 13, 2003, a man was seriously injured in a 30-foot (9.1 m) fall from the Scenic Skyway chairlift ride at Knoebels Amusement Park. The man was a member of a group home for mentally disabled people and was riding alone. He was airlifted to a local hospital and recovered. The ride has opened two weeks before the accident. Inspectors found no problems with the ride.

Speed Slide


 * On March 2, 1999, an attorney representing two girls who sustained injuries while riding the park's speed slide discovered a history of complaints of injuries made by riders after they had ridden the same ride. The tort lawsuit filed sought $9,200 in medical costs and at least $50,000 in damages on behalf of one girl, age 11. The suit also sought $5,300 in medical costs and at least $100,000 in damages on behalf of the other girl, age 12. The park was charged with negligence, failure to monitor the amount of force of the water and its effect on riders, failure to fix defects, and failure to provide adequate warnings to riders.

Defunct Rides and Attractions
The rides listed below were once located at the park and have since been removed or replaced. This may not be an exhaustive list.

History
Knoebels is located in a small, wooded valley originally known as "Peggy's Farm", the park started out as a picnic destination in the early 20th century. Henry Knoebel started the park out by tending horses, and later sold soft drinks, ice cream, and snacks to the visitors.

1775 - John Penn, Governor, signs deed transferring 292.25 acres of land to John Salter. The land known as "Peggy's Farm," was purchased for the sum of 14 pounds, 12 shillings and 3 pence farthings and would later become Knoebels Grove.

1828 - Reverend Henry Knoebel bought the land for $931.

1880 - The Knoebels family moves to "Peggy's Farm."

1926 - On July 4 Knoebels Amusement Resort is born. The first attractions included the Crystal Pool, a merry-go-round and a few food stands.

1930 - Kiddie Planes Knoebels, 8 car Whip and Lindy Loop added.

1932 - Skating Rinkg (Now Roaring Creek Saloon) and Penny Arcade (now Treasure Chest) are built.

1934 - Stony Gables was built and used as a cottage.

1937 - Covered bridge leading to the campground is relocated from Benton by Lawrence Knoebel.

1940 - Knoebels gets its first train: The Nickle Plate RR.

1941 - Knoebels Grand Carousel is purchased.

1943 - The park is closed because of World War.

1946 - Playland Arcade and Hawaiian Bandshell are built. They open officially in 1947. Playland arcade opens.

1947 - Dodgem Bumper Cars Knoebels are build.

1948 - Eli Ferris Wheel and Strat-O-Ship are added.

1949 - The Alamo opens (built in Winter 1948). Pony Rides and the Jukebox Dance Floor are added.

1954 - Petting Zoo opens.

1955 - Satellite, Lead Shooting Gallery, the Whipper, High Speed Thrill Coaster, Hand Cars Knoebels, and Motor Boats come to the park.

1956 - Pony Town children's ride is introduced. Panther Cars (originally located on the land that is currently occupied by remote boats; the 1972 flood forced a relocation and refurbishment in 1975 to its currenty location) and Moon Rocker Ride also make their appearance at Knoebels.

1960 - Ole Smokey comes to the park.

1962 - Helicopters and the Spindle become the first rides in the western section of the park. Monday night dances are held in the Skating Rink with live bands.

1963 - Camp Ground opens with nine campsites - the park now features over 600.

1964 - Sky Slide and the Flying Cages are built.

1965 - Roto Jets are added.

1967 - Miniature Golf course and the Merry Mixer are built.