One of the country’s largest free admission amusement parks, Knoebels features carnival-style games that line the walkways between the 110-foot (33.5-meter) Ferris Wheel near the entrance and the Phoenix wooden coaster in the back of the park. Bumper cars, a Tilt-A-Whirl, a carousel from the 1800s with a traditional brass ring, log flume ride, haunted mansion, and an inverting steel coaster are just some of the 60 rides on offer.
There’s also a mini water park featuring a large swimming pool with waterslides and a shallower kiddie pool, along with a laser tag center, an arcade, and 18 holes of mini-golf—the family-friendly version of the company’s Three Ponds Golf Club, which includes a full 18-hole course located just up the road. Adjacent to the park, Knoebels-owned campgrounds offer tent sites and log cabins for nightly and weekly rental rates.
Admission to the park is free, with the option to pay per ride or buy an unlimited pass.
You can rent wheelchairs and electric convenience vehicles for a daily fee at the park. All rentals require that you leave a valid driver’s license, which will be returned upon return of rental.
Avoid bringing loose articles onto the rides, such as cameras, cell phones, glasses, etc.
Lockers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are located at various locations throughout the park for a nominal fee.
If traveling from the south, at the I-80 and I-81 junction, near Hazelton, follow I-80 west. From there, take any of the Bloomsburg exits (232, 236, or 241) toward PA 487 south. It’s six miles to the park from there. From the east, along I-80, take the Danville exit 224 to PA Route 54 east, then turn left on PA 487 north. And from the north, along I-81, take the Minersville exit 116, turn left onto Route 901 west to PA Route 54 west then turn right onto PA Route 487.
Knoebels Amusement Park is open from the beginning of May through the last weekend in October and during the holiday season. Daily hours run June through August and during the holiday season. It’s open on the weekends in the shoulder seasons (May, September, and October). The pool is open from the end of May to the beginning of September. Pay-per-ride tickets are available for purchase every day, while unlimited ride passes are only available on weekdays.
The biggest attraction at this amusement park isn’t necessarily the rides—but rather the food. Knoebels has won Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Award for Best Food nearly every year since 2000. In addition to the usual fair-type fare, at The Alamo, Knoebels' full-service restaurant, you can find a little of everything, including gluten-free options. There’s even an international food court, serving American, Polish, and Mexican dishes.