Overview
Knoebels Amusement Resort sits in a wooded valley along Mugser Run creek in Elysburg, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. It is one of the last major free-admission amusement parks in the United States, meaning visitors pay nothing to enter and can picnic, stroll, and browse at no cost, purchasing tickets or tokens only for rides and attractions they choose.
The resort has been family-owned and operated since 1926, giving it a distinctly unhurried, old-fashioned atmosphere that contrasts sharply with larger corporate theme parks. Two wooden roller coasters — the Phoenix and the Twister — are perennial favorites among coaster enthusiasts and have each earned top rankings in industry polls over the years.
Beyond the rides, Knoebels offers a full campground, several pools, miniature golf, and a broad range of classic midway food. The surrounding trees keep much of the park shaded, which is a genuine comfort during Pennsylvania summer heat. Because there is no parking fee and no gate admission, it is unusually accessible for families watching a budget.
Before You Go
Admission model: There is no charge to enter the park or to park your vehicle. Rides require tickets or tokens purchased on-site. Ride books offering bundled savings are typically available; verify current pricing and bundle options on the official Knoebels website before your visit, as costs change seasonally.
Season and hours: Knoebels operates seasonally, generally from late April or May through early October, with full operations concentrated in summer. Hours vary by day of week and time of season. Always confirm the current schedule at knoebels.com before traveling, as hours are not uniform.
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and cash or a card for tickets and food. The park has ATMs on-site. Because much of the park is shaded, it can feel cooler than open-lot parks, but sun protection is still advisable near the pools and midway.
Accessibility: The park publishes accessibility information on its official site, including details on ride restrictions and mobility accommodations. Verify current policies directly with the park if accessibility is a planning consideration.
Getting There
Knoebels is located in rural Northumberland County, roughly equidistant from several mid-Pennsylvania cities. It is most conveniently reached by personal vehicle.
- From Bloomsburg, PA: Approximately 15–20 minutes west via PA-487 and local roads.
- From Harrisburg, PA: Roughly 1.5 to 2 hours north via I-81 and connecting routes.
- From Philadelphia, PA: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours northwest via I-78 or I-476 connecting to I-81.
- From Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area: Roughly 1 to 1.5 hours southwest.
No scheduled public transit or shuttle services to the park are widely documented. Visitors without a vehicle should verify whether any regional transportation options exist locally or arrange a rideshare, though rural coverage may be limited. Parking at the resort is free and plentiful.
Things to See & Do
Roller Coasters
The Phoenix, a classic out-and-back wooden coaster, and the Twister, a more complex terrain-following design, are the headliners for thrill seekers. Both have been recognized in enthusiast surveys as among the best wooden coasters in North America. The Flying Turns, a bobsled-style wooden coaster, is a rare design type that draws coaster hobbyists specifically.
Family and Classic Rides
Knoebels maintains a large selection of vintage and classic rides including carousels, a Skooters (bumper cars) attraction widely considered among the best in the country, and numerous flat and kiddie rides. The 1913 Grand Carousel is a hand-carved antique worth seeing regardless of whether you ride.
Pools and Recreation
The resort operates swimming pools on-site, typically open during summer months. Miniature golf, a shooting gallery, and arcade games round out the non-coaster entertainment.
Haunted Mansion
Knoebels' walk-through haunted attraction is a perennial guest favorite and one of the more elaborate dark-ride-style experiences at the park. It operates seasonally; confirm availability for your visit dates.
Phoenixville Campground
For those staying overnight, the on-site campground offers a range of sites. Staying on the grounds lets you experience the park at a relaxed pace across two days. Reserve early for peak summer weekends as sites fill quickly.
Food & Drink
Food at Knoebels is a significant part of the resort's reputation and identity. The park operates numerous food stands and restaurants serving classic American amusement park fare: pierogies, kielbasa, hand-dipped ice cream, funnel cake, pizza, and traditional Pennsylvania Dutch-influenced dishes are all commonly available.
The Alamo Restaurant is the park's largest dining facility and offers a broad sit-down-style menu. Several smaller stands specialize in specific items. Prices are generally considered reasonable compared to major theme parks, though verify current costs on-site.
Knoebels permits guests to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages and to use the park's picnic areas freely — a significant and increasingly rare policy at amusement parks that makes it especially family-budget-friendly. Picnic pavilions can be reserved in advance for groups.
Alcohol is available for purchase within the park at designated locations. The park does not permit guests to bring their own alcohol.
Practical Information
Location address: Knoebels Amusement Resort, 391 Knoebels Blvd, Elysburg, PA 17824. Verify the address with your navigation app before departure, as some GPS systems route incorrectly in rural Northumberland County.
Official website: knoebels.com — the authoritative source for current hours, pricing, ride status, campground reservations, and special events.
Phone: The park publishes a contact number on its official site; check there for the current number.
Cell service: Coverage in the valley where the park sits can be inconsistent depending on your carrier. Download any maps or information you need before arriving.
ATMs: Available on-site. The park accepts major credit and debit cards at most points of sale, but some older stands may be cash-preferred; confirm locally.
Pets: Pets are generally not permitted inside the amusement area. Verify the current pet policy on the official site before bringing animals.
Safety
Knoebels is a well-maintained family resort with a long operating history. Standard amusement park safety practices apply: observe all posted ride height and health restrictions, keep loose articles secured before boarding coasters, and supervise young children carefully near water attractions and in crowds.
In a medical emergency, the park has first-aid facilities on-site. For serious emergencies, dial 911. Northumberland County has hospital facilities; the nearest major medical centers are in the Bloomsburg and Danville area. Verify locations before your visit if this is a planning concern.
The park's wooded setting means insects, including ticks, can be present in surrounding areas. If you are camping or walking wooded edges, consider insect repellent and check for ticks after outdoor activity, consistent with standard Pennsylvania outdoor health guidance.