Beloved amusement park with no gate fee takes top spot ahead of theme park giants

As America celebrates its 250th birthday this week, travelers are honoring some of the nation’s most iconic amusement parks, with Knoebels, pictured here, earning the top spot.(Helen/Alamy)

“Number one and two may surprise people on this list, but I think cost is playing a major factor here,” Bowman said.

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Here’s a look at Tripadvisor’s five highest-ranked amusement parks in America.

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1.Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, Knoebels is America’s largest free-admission amusement park, allowing guests to purchase tickets only for the rides they want to experience instead of paying an admission fee.

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The park features classic wooden roller coasters, family rides, camping, a large swimming pool, golf and picnic pavilions, making it a longtime favorite formulti-generational vacations.

Bowman said the park’s affordability and laid-back atmosphere help it resonate with visitors.

Knoebels features classic wooden roller coasters, family-friendly rides, camping, a large swimming pool, golf, and picnic pavilions, making it a longtime favorite for multi-generational vacations.(Helen/Alamy)

“Knoebels Amusement Resort is free admission and a per ride cost,” Bowman noted.

“Knoebels doesn’t get too busy,” he said.“It also has a massive pool and large pavilions where many people often bring their own food.”

2.Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Dollywood earned the No.2 spot on Tripadvisor’s list after topping the rankings in recent years.

The Tennessee theme park, co-owned bycountry music icon Dolly Parton, is known for blending thrill rides with live entertainment, Appalachian culture and traditional Southern cuisine.

Bowman said its relatively affordable pricing compared with many larger destination parks likely helped keep it near the top.

Dollywood earned the No.2 spot on TripAdvisor’s list this year.(iStock)

“Dollywood is much more affordable than the bigparks of Florida,” Bowman said.

3.Magic Kingdom in Bay Lake, Florida

Magic Kingdom ranked as the highest-rated Disney park in the United States, continuing its reputation as one of the country’s most iconic family destinations.

Magic Kingdom was named the highest-rated Disney park in the United States, reinforcing its status as one of the nation’s premier family vacation destinations.(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service)

The park is home to classic attractions such as Space Mountain,Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and Cinderella Castle.

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“No surprise at all [that] Magic Kingdom is the top Disney park here,” Bowman said.

4.Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Bay Lake, Florida

Disney’s Hollywood Studios continued its climb into Tripadvisor’s top five after several years of major expansion.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios secured a spot in Tripadvisor’s list of top five amusement parks, reflecting the park’s continued growth following several years of major expansions.(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service)

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The park has added blockbuster attractions and themed lands in recent years, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land and Mickey &Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

Bowman credited those additions with helping to boost the park’s reputation among visitors.

“Hollywood Studios cracking the top five is a win for Disney given all the new changes and additions they’ve poured into that park over the recent years,” he said.

5.Universal Islands of Adventure inOrlando, Florida

Universal Islands of Adventure rounded out the top five, remaining one of the country’s premier destinations for thrill-seekers.

Universal Islands of Adventure completed the top five rankings, continuing to stand out as one of the nation’s top destinations for thrill-seekers.(iStock)

The park is known for attractions based on major franchises, including Harry Potter, Marvel superheroes, Jurassic Park and Dr.Seuss, combining high-speed roller coasters with immersive themed lands.

Although it narrowly missed the top four, Bowman said another Universal park deserved recognition, as well.

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“Not listed here but should be is Universal Volcano Bay Waterpark,” he said.

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Completing the top 10 are Epcot, LEGOLAND California, Universal Studios Florida, Disneyland Park and Silver Dollar City.