Knoebels Amusement Resort - Elysburg, Pennsylvania - traditional amusement park and family fun center

Located in central Pennsylvania, Knoebels Amusement Resort is one of the few free-admission amusement parks in the United States. The park was opened in 1926 and has over 50 rides, including five roller coasters. Originally, this area was a picnic grove and swimming hole known as Peggy's Farm, but as its popularity grew, landowner Henry Knoebels began to sell food and drinks. Soon, he added summer cottages for rental, a restaurant, a carousel, some carnival games, and a swimming pool to help attract visitors.

One of the most popular rides at the park is the Phoenix. Purchased from Playland in San Antonio in 1985, this wooden roller coaster features a number of drops and hairpin turns. The park also has the Twister, a looping steel roller coaster, as well as Flying Turns, a wooden bobsled-style coaster that has replaced the Whirlwin, which was closed in 2004. The park has also purchased Kozmo's Kurves, a steel coaster that is set to open in late 2009 or early 2010 and the Black Diamond (previously the Gold Nugget), which will open in 2010 or later.

The park also has a number of non-coaster rides. Their Grand Carousel was built in 1913 (relocated to Knoebels in 1941) and includes over 60 hand-carved horses. As the ride spins, riders on the outside row can grab steel rings as they pass. Every ride, there is at least one brass ring, and the rider who grabs it received free ride tickets. This is one of the few remaining ring carousels in the United States. They also have Old Smokey, a coal-fueled miniature train, and Pioneer, a gas-powered train that travels into the woods to allow guests to see wildlife. There's also a Ferris wheel, a log flume, bumper cars, a whip, a haunted mansion, antique cars, and a sky ride.

Knoebels is known for their park food and has won Amusement Today's award for best food every year since 1999. Some of the foods they offer include potato pancakes, pierogis, fresh-cut French fries, bison burgers, homemade fudge, pickles on a stick, hashbrowns, pizza, and hand-dipped ice cream. They have both sit-down restaurants and food stands throughout the park, including the International Food Court.

Along with an amusement park, Knoebels is also a campground. They have cabins that can be rented, campsites, and room for camper parking. Sites for campers are just $37 a night, and cabin prices range from $110 to $195 a night. They also have the "Dream Suite,'' a honeymoon cabin with a heart-shaped tub. Nearby, the park also runs the Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Club where campers can play a round or two during their stay.

Knoebels has two admission options. Riders can choose to enter the park for free and purchase ride tickets for individual rides. Each ride costs 75 cents to $3.00 to ride, with most of them falling in the $1.00 to $1.50 range. Guests can instead opt to purchase a "Pay One Price'' wristband, which costs $29.50 for adults and $19.50 for children. Pay One Price tickets with access to the roller coasters are slightly more expensive. There are discounts for evening visitors. Park hours vary depending on the date and weather. Call 800-487-4386 for more information.