UMVA has learned that a Pennsylvania amusement park has been defying the trend of pricey theme parks and gated admission for nearly a century, welcoming guests with open arms and a wallet-friendly secret: no admission fee.
Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, has been a beacon of free admission since its grand opening on July 4, 1926, and this year, it's celebrating a monumental milestone – its 100th anniversary, coinciding with America's semiquincentennial celebrations.
Many of the earliest amusement parks in the late 19th and early 20th centuries operated on a similar model, especially "trolley parks," which generated revenue from charging guests for rides, food, and drink, rather than admission fees.
Brian Knoebel, the 52-year-old owner of Knoebels, recently shared that he had to make a promise to never change the free-admission model, saying he had to "pinky-swear" to uphold this tradition.
"It's who we are," Knoebel said, describing the park as a "traditional" destination. He emphasized that grandparents appreciate the value of watching their grandkids enjoy the rides without having to pay for admission, acknowledging that many seniors live on a limited income.
Knoebels shared that his ancestors, German immigrants who worked as lumberers, laid the groundwork for the amusement park, which began as a humble venture with picnics, horse stabling, and eventually, a swimming pool, restaurant, and steam-powered carousel.
Despite the park's growth over the years, Knoebel said its nostalgic atmosphere has remained intact, complete with a canopy of trees, shaded walkways, creekside seating, and classic attractions.
Knoebel proudly stated that he and his family "absolutely know our brand" and understand their loyal fan base, adding that they continue to embody the spirit of a throwback amusement park from yesteryear.
Knoebels stands out as the largest free-admission park in the United States, with a simple yet refreshing approach: no gate fee, and visitors only pay for what they want to experience within the park.
