For coaster enthusiasts, Knoebels seems to be one of those parks that you just HAVE to visit. They have two world class woodies and the recently opened Flying Turns. For years I have been anxiously awaiting the time I could visit this park and a couple weeks ago I got my chance.
For those of you who have not made the journey to Elysburg, Pennsylvania to visit the park, it sits far away from any major town and may be hard to find without a GPS. This really adds to Knoebels’ “county fair feel” and provides a great atmosphere for the park. Knoebels is also the “World’s largest free-admission amusement park,” which means free parking as well! It is always a good feeling when you can walk right into a park without paying!
I didn’t have too much time to spend at the park that day so I decided to just hit up the park’s major attractions. First up was Black Diamond, a dark ride which doubles as a coaster. I was impressed with the amount of theming throughout the ride. The length of the ride was also fairly long. After traveling up a three-story lift, the cars roll freely down a low angled track, making several small drops along the way.
Next up was a coaster I have only heard rave reviews about, The Phoenix. This coaster has an interesting history: It originally opened in 1947 as “The Rocket” at Playland Park in San Antonio. In 1980, after the park closed, the Knoebels family purchased the ride with the thought of moving it to their own park. This was the first time a roller coaster had been moved from one park to another.
The coaster was dismantled and shipped to Pennsylvania in 1983. In only 3 months time, the coaster was once again ready to ride, reborn as The Phoenix.
The #3 wooden coaster in world did not disappoint. It may not have the tallest hills or fastest speeds, but it has airtime and a lot of it! The Phoenix is one of the most fun coasters I have ever been on. From the first drop the ride doesn’t let up. You are out of your seat more than you are in it. No wonder it finds itself among the top 10 year after year. I am very happy to have it be my 100th coaster.
Last fall, without notice, Knoebels opened Flying Turns. Modeled after the wooden bobsled coaster of the 1920’s, Flying Turns allows coaster enthusiasts of the present to experience a ride of the past. This coaster received its share of criticism and humiliation over its 7 year journey to completion, but it’s definitely worth waiting for.
The turns are tight and fast. It feels like you are traveling through a jungle gym. The overall ride is fairly short but what it lacks in length it makes up for in “unique” factor.
The last coaster we grabbed a ride on was Twister. This coaster was also modeled after an old ride, this one being Mister Twister at Elitch Gardens.
Twister has a one-of-a-kind lift hill. After going about halfway up, gravity briefly takes over as you make a 180 degree turn and start up the rest of the hill. I am always a bit timid about getting on old woodies due to not knowing how rough they will be, but this one was incredibly smooth. It looked like it had gone through some re-tracking recently.
Even though I had to rush through the park, I am very glad I had time to stop and enjoy Knoebels’ Koasters. If you have not been here yet, get here! If you love coasters, you will love these historic rides. Knoebels does a great job of keeping them in superior running condition.
Who else has been to Knoebels? What is your favorite coaster there?
I love Knoebels! I’ve been there a few times, and all the rides are great, especially the Phoenix, which might have to be my favorite. Twister is great, too, it has quite an unusualy journey to reach the drop. Love the new Flying Turns, although it is a little short.
Yeah, Knoebels is awesome! My favorite coaster there is Twister, but Phoenix is also amazing. My brother and I rode each nearly ten times in the one day!
I don’t know if you know or not but Black Diamond is the old Golden Nugget from Hunt’s Pier in Wildwood.