Knoebel’s Grove Amusement Park

Knoebel’s Grove Amusement Park is a place that I hold very dear in my heart. Growing up, my family and friends took many trips there over the summer, leaving me with memories that will last a lifetime. Sounds corny, but it is true. If you’re looking for a cheaper amusement park to visit filled with food, entertainment, and rides that give you a sense of thrill, this is the place for you.

Location

A little under four hours away from Pitt, Knoebel’s Grove can be found in Elysburg, PA. Parking is completely free, and there are shuttles to get you to the entrance of the park no matter how far away you have to park.

Address:

391 Knoebels Blvd. Rt. 487

Elysburg, PA 17824

Ticket Prices

Knoebel’s Grove is considered a “free-admission amusement park,” because you can enter and walk around the park for the entertainment and food without paying to enter the park. However, to ride any of the award winning rides, you are going to have to spend a little bit of money. There are two ways to pay for the rides, which is outlined below.

Book of Tickets

You can purchase a book of tickets for $5, $10, or $20. Most rides vary between $0.50 to $3.00. I have bought a book of tickets in the past and would not recommend this option, UNLESS you are not a big ride person and you are just there for the food, entertainment, and to be with friends. With a ticket book, you have to hand over tickets every time you want to ride something, meaning if your friends want to ride the roller coaster again, you will be using $6 worth of tickets on just two rides. The only time a ticket book is smarter is if you have a small child who cannot go on every ride due to height, or if you don’t like all the rides your friends like.

Bracelets

The cost of a bracelet depends on the season you go to the amusement park. The prices don’t vary a whole lot with each season (spring, fall, summer, holiday specials), but you should still check the website’s information on your own before visiting because it could differ from the prices provided here. You might even luck out and be going on a discount night!

Me and my friend, Elizabeth, on the Log Flume ride.

     2019 Passes: 

Ride All Day- Basic (no roller coasters):     $37.00

Ride All Day w/ Roller Coasters:     $45.00

Night Passes: 5:00 PM – close… Price depends on season but typically in a range of $25-$32

The amusement park is currently closed for the winter season and will reopen in the Spring! 

My Experience (Secrets and Tips)

Growing up in Williamsport, my friends and I found ourselves at Knoebel’s at least a few times throughout the summer. If I had to guess, I would say I have been to this amusement park at least 25-30 times in my lifetime. With so many trips, I have learned the ins and outs, secrets of the park and tips for a perfect experience that I feel only fair to share with you all.

1. A waffle folded in half with your choice of ice cream in the middle is a MUST HAVE before you leave the park. When looking at the interactive map  online, this dessert can be found as #32, The Waffle Shack.
2. The Phoenix is better than The Twister. Both are the famous wooden roller coasters at Knoebel’s, but one is definitely better than the other. The Phoenix has a lot of up and downs, throwing even my 6’4 180 pound boyfriend out of his seat a little bit, making gravity seem nonexistent. If you want whip lash and side pain, ride the Twister.
3. DO NOT RIDE THE WIPEOUT. Located near the Fandango, this ride is a little more hidden from the main path, and for good reason! This ride, while it may look fun while you’re standing in line, is painful and tiring as you try and keep your head from snapping off your neck.

   

   Me, Elizabeth, and Joey in front of the Ferris Wheel.

4. The Haunted Mansion is NOT worth the extra money. This ride comes as a separate additional fee from the purchase of a bracelet or book of tickets. It is $2.50 more, and not worth it. Only those who went as a child still ride it for the nostalgia of the experience, but newbies won’t get anything out of it.
5. The Tilt-A-Whirl is the best ride in the park. As one of the park’s first rides, it looks a little rundown, making it not a popular ride anymore. I, however, find it to be my favorite ride, IF you do it right. When riding, make sure you shift your group’s weight, you’ll never stop spinning or laughing.

If you have time this spring, head on over to Knoebel’s Grove Amusement Park! Happy Thanksgiving and see you next week on The Road Most (Knowledgeably) Traveled.