06/09/2026
Knoebels, the #1 rated amusement park in the world is celebrating 100 years! Thank you for all the memories. Here’s to 100 more years of thrills, with no admission costs! 🎉 🎇
He could have cashed out.
Brian Knoebel, 52, is the new president of Knoebels Amusement Resort, a park his great-grandfather opened on July 4, 1926, on a plot of farmland in Pennsylvania where two creeks meet. Over the years, serious buyers have come knocking. The family won't even consider it.
When a reporter asked whether the park's famous free-admission policy would ever change, he didn't hesitate.
"Asha, I had to pinky swear to never change it."
No gate fee. No parking charge. You can bring your own picnic lunch and nobody says a word.
On July 4, Knoebels will celebrate its 100th anniversary, and nine members of the founding family still run the place.
Brian's reasoning is simple: grandma and grandpa on a fixed income shouldn't have to pay just to watch their grandkids ride the carousel.
Meanwhile, many major theme parks in America now charge well over $100 just to walk through the gate.
He says that's who they are. And he made a promise to back it up.
Source: Spotlight PA, Image for illustrative purposes only.
