Knoebels Amusement Resort celebrates 100 years as America’s best free theme park

Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg turns 100 this year, and it’s celebrating more than a birthday. In 2026, Knoebels was named the best theme park in the United States by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Awards, making it one of the best things to do in the country. Knoebels edged out Dollywood, Disney, and Universal for this award.

“We will never take recognitions like the TripAdvisor award for granted,” says Stacy Yutko, Public Relations Director at Knoebels Amusement Resort. “We’ve had a century to build a great reputation and are careful to protect it. Everyone who came before us did a wonderful job bringing Knoebels to what it is today.”

Every summer, Knoebels attracts visitors from all 50 states and dozens of countries, but it’s also an asset to local families. Buckle up, pull down the safety bar, and see why this amusement park has thrived for the last century.

Knoebels Offers Free and Affordable Amusement Experiences

While single-day Disney tickets now cost more than $100, Knoebels doesn’t charge admission. Visitors can walk through the park for free and enjoy entertainment on various stages, only paying if they want to ride specific rides or purchase food. Guests can pay per ride or pick up a ride-all-day pass on select dates.

Knoebels also stands out by offering free parking and by allowing guests to bring their own food.

“We take great pride in remaining affordable,” says Yutko. “We are so confident that our prices are fair and our food is great that people can bring their own food to the park if they choose.”

Families on smaller budgets can still visit Knoebels and enjoy time together while experiencing the best of what the park has to offer.

“Guests can choose exactly what they want to spend their hard-earned money on,” says Yutko. “A local can come by for dinner and a free show, or an out-of-state visitor can bring a camper and park on-site for a two-week vacation.” 

Attractions Range from Historic Rides to Extreme Coasters

You don’t win internationally-recognized awards just by offering free admission. Knoebels also has attractions for all kinds of visitors, from younger kids to adult thrill seekers. There are more than 60 rides in the park and 38 dining options ranging from cotton candy carts to sit-down restaurants.

Knoebels also specializes in rescuing rides from theme parks that have closed or attractions that need to be retired due to disrepair. Their maintenance team is so skilled that they can often bring these rides back to life.  

Knoebels has come a long way since it opened in 1926 with just a steam-powered carousel, the Crystal Pool, and a few food stands. Today, visitors line up for g-forces and immersive experiences. Despite the changes, the park is still run by the Knoebel family, with the third, fourth, and fifth generations of owners managing it today.  

Knoebels is a Major Employer in the Region

Knoebels is the second-largest employer in Northumberland County and has a sprawling campus that runs into Columbia County. The theme park has 160 full-time employees and 2,300 seasonal workers.

“We’re a small city,” says Yutko. “We have team members who can do just about anything, from marketing and HR to plumbing and HVAC repair. Our team is incredibly skilled, and we work hard to create a positive environment.”

A few team members have worked at Knoebels for more than 40 years, while a few have even reached the 50-year employment milestone.

The seasonal work that Knoebels provides fills an important employment need in the region. Knoebels is often the first place teens get work experience through summer jobs and a popular choice for retirees seeking part-time work.

Knoebels also serves as a jumping-off point for many people to grow their work experience. Many full-time staff members started as seasonal workers and then grew into more advanced roles through job shadowing and gaining knowledge of the company.

Along with fun employee benefits like discounted food and free access to other theme parks, Knoebels also offers a shuttle service from multiple local towns. This allows people who would otherwise struggle to find employment due to a lack of reliable transportation options to get hired and have a reliable source of income throughout the summer.

Knoebels Serves Visitors and Residents Alike

Many people actively seek out Knoebels because of its strong reputation. It’s more than an hour from the nearest large airport, but that doesn’t stop countless international visitors and out-of-state guests from traveling here each year. This makes Knoebels a significant tourism driver, creating income opportunities for the hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions that surround it.

Knoebels is also an asset for residents looking for fun summer activities right in their backyard. Its affordability means more Central Pennsylvania families can spend their days at the park without worrying about being priced out by parking or admission costs.

Congratulations on your first 100 years, Knoebels! We can’t wait to see what you do in the next century. 

Learn More About Life in Central Pennsylvania

Knoebels is just one opportunity in Central Pennsylvania for your career to grow. Learn about DRIVE and the five counties it supports. Connect with entrepreneur resources and discover why more people are moving to this part of the country. There’s a welcome wagon waiting for you. Your future starts here.