Nearly 100 years later, beloved amusement park still refuses to charge admission

In an era ofpricey theme parksand gated admission, one Pennsylvania amusement park is still letting guests in for free.

Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, has been admission-free since it opened nearly a century ago.

Knoebels opened its doors on July 4, 1926 — and will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year, as the nation celebratesAmerica’s semiquincentennial.

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Many of the earliestamusement parksin the late 19th and early 20th centuries operated without admission fees, especially so-called “trolley parks,” which made money from charging guests for rides, food and drink.

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Park owner Brian Knoebel, 52, recently told PA Local he had to “had to pinky-swear” to never change the free-admission model.

Knoebels Amusement Resort in Pennsylvania has operated without a general admission fee since opening in 1926.(Helen/Alamy)

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“It’s who we are,” he said.“It’s that traditional park.”

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Knoebel said he recognizes that grandparents “get more satisfaction out ofwatching their grandkidsride the rides than they do themselves.”

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“And Grandma and Grandpa are on a limited income,” he said.“So they don’t pay to park.We don’t force you to buy food in the park — if you want to bring a picnic lunch, then bring a picnic lunch.”

Knoebel, who said his ancestors came to Americafrom Germanyand worked as lumberers, said the amusement park began as a modest venture.

Knoebels officials say the park’s old-fashioned atmosphere remains central to its identity ahead of its centennial celebration.(Helen/Alamy)

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“After church on Sunday, they’d come down and park their horse and buggy off to the side, and frolic in the stream and have a little picnic,” he toldPA Local. 

“My great-grandfather would feed and stable your horses for, I believe, a quarter.”

Knoebel added, “Little by little, he started building some picnic tables and park benches, and on July 4, 1926, we opened a swimming pool, a restaurant —appropriately named ‘The Restaurant’— and we rented a steam-powered carousel.”

Despite the park’s growth, Knoebel said its old-fashioned atmosphere has remained intact, including the canopy of trees, shaded walkways, creekside seating and classic attractions.

The Pennsylvania amusement park has grown from a modest family picnic spot into a major regional attraction over several decades.(Bryan Littel/Alamy)

“How has it changed?We started with one ride, and one food stand, and the pool,” he said.

“We now have 60 rides, I believe 38 food stands, 24 games, and water slides.… Quarter-mile down the road, we own the 18-hole golf course, complete with a bar and tavern.”

Overall, Knoebel said that he and his family “absolutely know our brand.”

The amusement park now includes dozens of rides, food stands, games and water attractions while maintaining its classic feel.(Helen/Alamy)

“We know our fans,” he said. 

“And that throwback amusement park from yesteryear is exactly who we continue to be,” he added. 

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“We don’t haveroller coasters that reach the clouds.We have rides for thrill seekers … but, of course, we have more traditional rides.”

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Knoebels is the largest free-admission park in the United States.“Knoebels does not have a gate, and you only pay for what you want once you are at the park,” the venue says on its website.