Knoebels Amusement Resort celebrates 100 years of free admission in 2026
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In an era of expensive theme parks and gated admissions, one amusement park in Pennsylvania is still admitting guests for free.
Knoebels Recreation Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, has been free to enter 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 celebrates America’s semicentennial.
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Many of the earliest amusement parks in the late 19th and early 20th centuries operated without admission fees, especially so-called “trolley parks” that made money by charging guests for rides, food, and beverages.
Park owner Brian Knoebel, 52, recently told PA Local he had to “swear on his pinky finger” that he would never change the free admission model.
Knoebels Amusement Resort in Pennsylvania has operated without a general admission fee since it opened in 1926. (Helen/Alamy)
“This is who we are,” he said. “This is a traditional park.”
Knoebel said he acknowledged that grandparents “get more enjoyment out of watching their grandchildren get in the car than they do themselves.”
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“And grandparents have a limited income,” he said. “That’s why 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 too.”
Knoebel, who said that his ancestors came to America from Germany and worked as lumbermen, said that the amusement park started as a modest initiative.
Ahead of the centennial celebrations, Knoebels officials say the park’s old-fashioned atmosphere remains central to its identity. (Helen/Alamy)
“After church on Sunday, they would come down and park their horses and wagons out there and frolic in the stream and have a little picnic,” he said. PA Local.
“I think my great-grandfather would feed and fix your horses for a quarter.”
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Knoebel added: “He gradually began building picnic tables and park benches, and on July 4, 1926, we opened a swimming pool, a restaurant – we appropriately named ‘The Restaurant’ – and rented a steam-powered carousel.”
Despite the park’s growth, Knoebel said its old-fashioned atmosphere remains intact, including tree canopy, shady walkways, streamside seating and classic attractions.
The Pennsylvania amusement park has grown from a humble family picnic spot to a major regional attraction in just a few decades. (Bryan Littel/Alamy)
“How has it changed? We started with a vehicle, a food stand and a pool,” he said.
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“We have 60 playgrounds now, I think 38 food stands, 24 games and water slides. … A quarter mile down the road, we have the 18-hole golf course, complete with a bar and tavern.”
Overall, Knoebel said he and his family “definitely 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 nostalgic amusement park of the past is exactly who we continue to be,” he added.
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“We don’t have roller coasters that reach for the clouds. We have attractions for thrill seekers… but of course we also have more traditional rides.”
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Fox News Digital has reached out to Knoebels Amusement Park for further comment.
Knoebels is the largest free admission park in the United States. “Knoebels has no gates and you only pay for what you want when you arrive at the park,” the venue’s website says.
