On Sunday, May 27th 2012 I visited Knoebels amusement
park in Elysburg, PA. Knoebels grove is an old fashioned
amusement park with a very relaxed atmosphere and some of the most classic
rides around. This was the second stop on out tour of Pennsylvania after riding Skyrush at HersheyPark.
Some of Knoebels rides and park favorites include the carousel where you can collect
rings (one of only a few left in the country).
Knoebels Haunted House is also a must ride on your visit. The
Haunted House is consistently ranked as one of the best of its type in the
world. As with all the Knoebels attractions, it’s a classic, old school ride
full of great gags that made me jump despite riding it before. Warning: it is a
very loud ride.
The million dollar question all theme park fans are dying to know
the answer to is what’s the status on Knoebels Flying Turns? Construction
started in 2006 and the ride has never opened to the general public (anyone
know if park officials have ever taken a quick ride down the chute?). It
appears they are waiting on a new car chassis to arrive to continue testing.
The brake run and transfer track has actually been completely removed. Lift
hill number has been modified too. I hope the Flying Turns Knoebels opens in my
life time.
I also had a chance to ride
Knoebels Black Diamond, a new/old ride relocated from New Jersey (then called the Golden Nugget I
believe) and given an updated control system. Black Diamond is technically a
roller coaster as it relies solely on gravity after being pulled to the top of
the third floor by multiple chain lifts. I have to admit I was very surprised
at the number and quality of the show scenes inside the building. Bravo
Knoebels – a job well done!
Pictured below is the 2012 Knoebels park map.
We were at Knoebel's in early July and the crew was almost done rebuilding the brake run. One of the employees stated that eight employees(including rick knoebel) rode the flying turns just before the flood last year.
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