100 Years of Knoebels

What began with Peggy’s Farm and a family sawmill grew into a gathering place by the creek. Visitors known as “Tally-Hos” discovered the swimming hole, and the family began offering picnic tables, refreshments, and eventually cottages for rent. By 1925, work on the first pool marked the start of Knoebels transformation from farm to favorite getaway.

With the opening of the Crystal Pool in 1926, Knoebels began welcoming swimmers, families, and vacationers to stay in cozy cottages and enjoy simple amusements. The Pennyland Arcade, skating rink, and grand Crystal Ballroom brought music and skating, while rides like the Nickel Plate Train and Grand Carousel marked the rise of a true amusement park.

After reopening following World War II, Knoebels entered a period of expansion. Guests lined up for soft-serve at the new Custard Stand, enjoyed games at Playland, and swayed to live music at the Hawaiian Bandshell. With the arrival of the Eli Wheel, Dodgems, and Whipper, plus The Alamo restaurant, the transformation from picnic grove to amusement destination was underway.

In this new decade of growth and innovation, the park added favorites like the High Speed Thrill Coaster, Panther Cars, and Ole Smokey, while the Crystal Pool expanded with a Learn to Swim program and a modern bathhouse. With treats from Kandy Korners and meals at the new Oasis Cafeteria, Knoebels was quickly becoming a full-day destination for fun and food alike.

The 1960s brought a wave of excitement as Knoebels introduced new rides including Paratrooper, Flyer, and Merry Mixer. Plus, the opening of Knoebels campground, Mini Golf, and the Country Store. As new pavilions appeared across the grove, families, companies, and organizations gathered in growing numbers.

After the devastating 1972 flood, Knoebels came back stronger than ever. The Haunted Mansion opened to rave reviews just one year later, and the Old Mill Ice Cream stand emerged from a reimagined cottage. With the formation of H.H. Knoebels & Sons, the park grew into a family-run amusement destination featuring new favorites like the S&G Carousel, Jet Star Coaster, and the Cosmotron.

Knoebels entered a new golden age with the rebirth of the wooden coaster, Phoenix. Formerly The Rocket, the wooden coaster was relocated from San Antonio, Texas and rebuilt at Knoebels. But the Phoenix was just the beginning, new favorites like the Tea Cups, Giant Flume, and Twister also thrilled guests during this time. While Kozmo, the Anthracite Mine Museum, and Lake Glory Campground added character and charm. Under Dick Knoebel’s leadership, the park balanced bold innovation with small-town warmth, cementing its place as one of America’s most beloved family amusement parks.

The new millennium brought both innovation and challenge. Knoebels expanded beyond the park with the purchase of Three Ponds Golf Course, while new thrills like Stratosphere, Black Diamond, and long-awaited Flying Turns drew the attention of thrill seekers.

As Knoebels entered its next century, the Impulse coaster redefined thrills, the Nickle Plate Bar & Grill expanded year-round fun, and Joy Through the Grove brought light to the winter season. Through challenges like the 2020 pandemic, and new vintage additions like Rock-O-Plane, Knoebels continues to celebrate the same spirit of resilience, tradition, and family that began a century ago.