How a ‘pinky swear’ keeps this beloved amusement park free to enter

TravelLifestyle
26 May 2026 • 3:00 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

How a ‘pinky swear’ keeps this beloved amusement park free to enter

  • Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, is celebrating its 100th year in operation this summer.
  • The park maintains its free admission policy, a tradition that owner Brian Knoebel vowed to uphold with a “pinky swear,” stating it's "who we are" and beneficial for families on limited incomes.
  • Established on July 4, 1926, by Knoebel's ancestors, the park began with a swimming pool, a restaurant and a rented steam-powered carousel.
  • Knoebels has grown to feature 60 rides, numerous food stands, and other attractions while preserving its distinctive throwback, vintage atmosphere.
  • Consistently ranked among the best, Knoebels was recently named the top amusement park on TripAdvisor's "Best of the Best" list, with special anniversary events scheduled for July 3-5.

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