Knoebels Amusement Resort has been named the 2026 Park of the Year by amusement industry publication Amusement Today as the family-owned park celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Knoebels Receives Park of the Year Honor
The honor was announced Saturday during the Golden Ticket Awards ceremony at COTALAND in Austin, Texas.
Knoebels received the Park of the Year honor as one of Amusement Today’s Publisher’s Picks, which recognize notable accomplishments and contributions within the amusement industry.
The publication recognized Knoebels for maintaining its identity throughout a century of operation, including its continued family ownership, free-admission model, mix of modern and historic attractions, traditional park setting and appeal to generations of families.
“Reaching 100 years while remaining true to who we are is something our family is incredibly proud of,” Knoebels President Brian Knoebel said. “Generations before us believed we could learn from others, but we should never become imitators. A century later, we’re still finding our own way.”
Knoebel noted that the park continues to offer free admission while families still picnic beneath the trees and members of the Knoebel family continue working alongside the park’s employees.
“To be recognized as Park of the Year during our 100th anniversary makes this especially meaningful,” Knoebel said.
Recognition Follows Death of Dick Knoebel
The recognition comes two months after the death of longtime Knoebels President Dick Knoebel.
The park said his commitment to preserving Knoebels’ traditions while pursuing one-of-a-kind attractions, including Flying Turns, remains part of the resort’s story.
Dick Knoebel was named a Golden Ticket Awards Legend in 2022 for his contributions to the amusement industry.
Knoebels Earns Additional Golden Ticket Rankings
Knoebels also placed among the world’s leading amusement parks and attractions in several reader-voted Golden Ticket Award categories.
- No. 4 Best Guest Experience
- No. 4 Best Park
Top 50 Wooden Roller Coasters
Three Knoebels attractions were included among the Top 50 Wooden Roller Coasters:
- Phoenix: No. 2
- Twister: No. 17
- Flying Turns: No. 31
Golden Ticket Award Legend Status
The park holds Golden Ticket Award Legend status in two retired categories.
The Best Food category was retired in 2025 after Knoebels won the award 22 times in 25 years. Best Carousel was retired in 2019 after the park’s Grand Carousel won during all 14 years in which the category was presented.
A Century of Free Admission and Family Ownership
Knoebels is America’s largest free-admission amusement park and also offers free parking, entertainment and picnic facilities.
The resort includes rides, food, Crystal Pool, games, gift shops, two campgrounds and Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Club.
