live music. Lauren Muscato, 4th-generation family member, noted that they’ve had many talented musicians and entertainers on the Hawaiian Bandshell stage, although it’s not primarily known as a “launch pad” for major national acts. Magazine publisher Malcolm Forbes and actress Elizabeth Taylor “graced the Grove” in 1988, when Forbes led a group of motorcyclists from New Jersey to Knoebels Amusement Resort to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Ride for Life. Taylor Swift performed there twice in 2002, when her singing career was just kicking off. A video clip of one of the performances was shown in her “Miss Americana” documentary, in a Grammy Museum display, and most recently in an ad for her 6-episode docuseries. “There’s also the same clip, and her dad talks about ‘Knoebels Grove,’ in ‘Journey to Fearless,’ which was a documentary about The Fearless Tour,” Muscato said. Part of the fun of going to Knoebels with your family is learning to orient yourself in the park. Luckily, some beloved landmarks make that easy even for kids. One of the first buildings people come upon is the Alamo restaurant. With its adobe-style walls and painted cactus signs, it adds a zany Western touch to the site. Rick Knoebel, 4th-generation family member, pointed out that the Alamo has become a beloved, award-winning part of the park. “It’s a place for families to gather, sit down, and enjoy a hearty meal together. Don’t miss out on our famous Pennsylvania Dutch chicken and waffles.” Likewise, the Birthday Cake Pavilion, built in 1957 and located near the Grand Carousel, looks like a huge, magical cake. “Uniquely positioned within the park and topped with enormous candles, this pavilion became a beloved landmark and remains as such today,” Brian Knoebel, Knoebels’ President, said. “In addition to this pavilion, our free pavilion space near the main parking lot welcomes thousands of guests for family reunions, company picnics, birthday parties and other celebrations.” Probably one of the first rides for all children is either the Pioneer Train or Ole Smokey. It would be interesting to know how many families have photos of parents or grandparents holding babies or toddlers on their lap as the trains whistle their way out of the station. Dick Knoebel recalled that Knoebels Grove started with a train called the Nickle Plate that ran through the park. When the Pioneer Train debuted in 1960, it “fulfilled Henry
Like the clankety-clank of the Phoenix roller coaster climbing up the rails to its first big drop, Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg has climbed steadily over the years to create a destination where people laugh and scream – sometimes at the same time – and make happy memories. This year the park is celebrating its 100th birthday. The Crystal Pool, where generations of swimmers have jumped off diving boards, practiced their backstroke, and splashed their siblings, has been a part of the Knoebels experience since its start on July 4, 1926. Over the decades they’ve added waterslides and a kiddie splash area, updated the filtration system and other amenities, but the pool’s location and size remain largely the same. “So, while what you see today may not be the original concrete, it’s very much the legacy pool renewed and maintained, but still very important to what became Knoebels,” Richard “Dick” Knoebel, President Emeritus of Knoebels said. According to Stacy Yutko, Knoebels’ Public Relations Director, the park began in 1926 as a grove with a pool, carousel, and simple concessions. As it grew to include a large variety of rides and attractions, games, shopping, entertainment, a campground, picnic grounds, and more, it took on the new name of Knoebels Amusement Resort, acknowledging it as a full-fledged destination. Today, the resort also includes Lake Glory Campground, Three Ponds Golf Course, and Nickle Plate Bar & Grill. One thing that hasn’t changed: its budget-friendly goal. “We are America’s largest free-admission amusement park and offer free parking, entertainment, and picnic facilities,” Yutko said. “We often hear from our guests that this flexibility, without the big upfront cost, allows us to be a tradition for the entire family, including those who prefer a seat on a park bench instead of the Phoenix roller coaster!” Amazingly, attractions built generations ago continue to appeal to Knoebels guests. People can’t miss the traditional band organs of the Grand Carousel cranking out merry tunes as it spins round and round with 63 hand-carved horses, some “jumping” up and down, and some standing firm on the carousel floor. Purchased 85 years ago, it is a legendary Golden Ticket Award winner that allows daring riders to stretch out their arms for a chance to snag the nostalgic brass-ring. “It is one of two historic carousels, the second one being the S & G Carousel in our kiddie area,” Dick Knoebel said. The Hawaiian Bandshell opened six years later, in 1947, giving guests a chance to take a break from rides like the Power Surge and the StratosFear while they kick back to enjoy
Ferris Wheel, 1994 In 1994, Knoebels opened the Giant Wheel gondola ride, giving guests a view of the park from 110 feet in the air.
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