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Posted on 04/24/2026 10:35:47 AM PDT by FLNittany
It's finally here!!! The 100th anniversary of Knoebels Amusement resort is here! In this years behind the scenes videos we'll not only cover rides, food, and merchandise, but we'll also find out what's in store for the anniversary weekend.
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Click here: to donate by Credit Card Or here: to donate by PayPal Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794 Thank you very much and God bless you. |
You pay by the ride with tickets, or buy wristbands on weekdays. The tickets are good forever, so save them if you have leftovers.
You can bring your own coolers full of food and there are picnic areas everywhere - some with propane griddles and grills. Imagine Disney letting you bring your own burgers onto their property and cook them for free.
Just leave your cooler in your spot if you want to go ride rides, no one will touch it.
The rides are a perfect mix of everything you want w/ kids of all ages. Voted the best park in the world in the past (ahead of Disney).
Also currently voted the best wooden coaster in the world (Phoenix), the best carousal in the world, the only wooden bobsled ride in the world (Flying Turns), the best bumper cars in the world - the list goes on. Oh and they are also voted best food every year as well.
The biggest thing Knoebel’s has in its favor is that it is 2+ hours away from any sizable city.
The curious Gen Zers can visit Alvira, Centralia, and Knoebels all in one day.
The Knoebel Family does a great job though. They own a lumber mill, so those coasters are always going to be in top notch condition. They actually care.
I’ve never been, but I have seen it on YouTube and it looks fantastic. It is really on my list.
“ 2+ hours away from any sizable city”
+100! No “urban transit” to get you there with all the yutes.
Silverwood in Athol, Idaho is similar in that regard.
Management could charge double for high traffic rides.
Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio has general admission and the newest ride always has long lines.
They have front of the line special admission prices but that only get's you so far.
Personally I think that charging double for certain rides would be fairer and cause fewer issues with customers.
Went there a few years back as a chaperone on my kid’s school field trip. I did fine on all of the coaster rides but it was the Italian Trapeze (basically a swing that goes around in circles) that almost had me hurling.
The first time I drove by Silverwood, I thought “what in the world?!”. Then immediately thought it was a brilliant move. I stayed at a farm in Athol in the RV. Parked right next to a cherry tree which the owner said to have at it. Gorgeous area.
"Management" is a family and their trusted staff at Knoebels. What they do at Cedar Point is up to their corporate overlords and has no bearing or influence on Knoebels.
Knoebels also has an adjacent campgrounds from which you can walk to the amusement park. Knoebels is a great place for grandparents who don’t really want to go on many rides, but do want to be with their children and grandchildren while they enjoy the rides.
The "Henley Aerodrome" was founded by Clay Henley in 1973, who would pass away just four years later in 1977. Despite, Henley's death, the airport was saved, as it was then purchased by an aviation history enthusiast named Gary Norton, who was looking to build an aviation museum out of the property, similar to the Illinois Aviation Museum on the site of Clow International Airport. In 1981, the land was sold, and the landing strip would eventually become part of Silverwood Theme Park, which it remains to this day.
But in 1981, these plans ended abruptly when one of the hangars housing many historic planes caught fire. Norton rebuilt the hangar and continued to collect planes, but it was clear the collection was never going to be the same.
With the tragedy behind him, Norton sought to expand the museum into more than just planes, and in doing so, built a miniature railway around the Henley Aerodrome Property, which he named the Silverwood Central Railroad. To power the line, a 1915 Porter Steam Engine, originally no.7 of the Eureka-Palisade Railway, was purchased, and it continues to service the ride through at least 2021 (not sure if it's still running).
We live just 14 miles south of Silverwood. If you're ever in the neighborhood again, shoot me a message.
I live about an hour from there and have been to Knoebel’s exactly twice. Everyone I know loves it. Last I heard it was still family owned, and free admission. All I know is, the pool is crowded. (And clean. The entire park is clean and well-maintained.)
Knoebel’s Lumber is more my idea of a fun afternoon. It’s just down the road from the amusement park and their showroom is thrilling! Per the song my grandpa used to sing: “Oh boy, that’s where my money goes!” :)
Yes, it's a long way to anywhere, and you have to survive Deer Dash. :D
I’m told opening day is tomorrow but the forecast is rain and a high of 50 deg.
Weather in these parts has been schizo since January. It was near 90 about a week ago, and I saw snow flurries only a few days ago.
You won’t be needing swimwear or a cooler tomorrow!
Thanks for the cool history lesson. I I were to ever leave Alaska, Idaho would be next. We just loved northern Idaho. I’ll keep you in mind, thanks.
THE BEST park in America. It is a 1.5 hr drive for me.
Hopefully with NO public transportation service.
Yes, I’ve watch YouTube videos and this park looks absolutely delightful. Kind of like what you would find 60 years ago.
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