Knoebel's: Unique Recommendations for July Trip

Hey Everyone,

My family and I have been living in Northern New Mexico for 5 years, and we need to travel down to Santa Fe to go to the grocery store soon. I heard that Knoebel's is on the way, so we'll be taking a side trip to Elysburg.

Seriously, we have some family items to attend to that bring us somewhat in the area and I've had Knoebel's on my radar for 35 years. Now is the time.

I have two early elementary aged boys and a wife that appreciates unique attractions. For example, we visited SFGAM a few years ago and she didn't enjoy it, but she loved Little Amerrika. We'll be spending 1.5 days at Knoebel's and will be staying in a cabin.

I know which rides to go on, so I don't need much help with that. However, here are a few items where I need a little bit of guidance.

1. Food - Any recommendations? We'd like to have one sit-down meal so I imagine that means 'The Alamo'. Any recommended food from them? How about any of the other quick-service stands? I've been eyeing the fries and pierogis. What else would be a good try?
2. Sleeper Hits - I'm expecting Twister, the boat ride, the flying eagles, bumper cars, Kosmo's version of Tron, and a quick tour of the local covered bridges to be the sleeper hits of the area. Do y'all have any other sleeper hits that you've experienced? We're expecting to hit everything in the 1.5 days on a 'slow-n-easy' pace.
3. Capacity Technique - If it's open, I imagine hitting Flying Turns first would be a good move due to the low capacity. Do I need to be aware of any other 'capacity traps' that would be best to hit early?
4. After-Hours with No Gate - Since we'll be staying at Memory Lane Campground, we'll be right next door. Since the park has no gates, what happens after hours? Is it possible to walk around Knoebel's a few hours after closing, or is that not encouraged? Can you enter the park a few hours before the rides open?
5. Approaching from Idlewild - We'll be arriving from Mt. Lebanon and will be spending a few hours at Idlewild prior to arriving in Koebel's. Any recommended local places to stop for lunch in Ligonier, PA?

Thanks for the help. My boys and wife are excited about seeing this unique, secluded, and historical park.

-Ryan

1. If you want a sit-down, the Alamo is the way to go. Get the chicken and waffles. I realize if you're not from PA, that probably sounds bizarre, but it's delicious. This place can get busy.

Pierogies and tri-taters at the stand with the revolving roof by the haunted house.

Potato cakes across from the ferris wheel.

Funnel cake near the bumper cars.

Hard ice cream at the old mill and/or soft ice cream by the arcade. Ice cream waffle sandwich by the little theater across the creek from the old mill.

2. The carousel is a must. I know it's not a sleeper, but I wanted to mention that there are two lines: one for outside horses and one for everything else. Get an outside horse to catch rings.

Hit the pioneer train after dark.

Knoebel's has a coal mine museum your wife might like. It's certainly unique. If you want something esoteric that screams PA, drive over to Ashland and take the tour into the coal mine. Warning: it gets damn cold in there.

3. Flying Turns is indeed the longest wait. First thing is a good idea. They will close the queue before park close. If you already have tickets in hand, you can start to queue before opening. If you're going on a weekday (you should if possible), prepare for single train ops on the other coasters. Hit them before the sundown pass starts up (and again after dark if time allows). The flat ride lines are usually manageable. Ride cycles are longer than anywhere else I've ever been.

4. Multiple hours? I can't say I've tried, but I've never been shoved out either.

5. I'm useless here.

If you're trying to do all of these things plus find some covered bridges, 1.5 days might not be quite as slow-and-easy as you think. But I have FOMO, so that might just be me.

At Knoebels there are so many good food varieties and stands. We eat at the Alamo pretty much every visit. They have daily dinner specials at the Oasis Cafeteria. So much more. https://knoebels.com/dine/

We always go to Flying Turns first. Impulse can get long lines as they only run one car at times. As others mentioned they run one train on the Phoenix and Twister, but they're still pretty efficient with loading and the waits aren't that long.

Good variety of flats. A lot of them are unique, and your young kids will have a great time on those.

We've never spent the night up in the area so can't help with any of that.

From the sleeper standpoints, definately the trains and the carousel. There are many unique flat rides that you may / may not have seen before.

As far as food, the Alamo is great, but going beyond that, I've not had bad food anywhere, so just go with what sounds / feels good for the day. If part of the family wants to eat one place and part another, it is generally doable.

Alright, the real question I have, is the Bayern Kurve open this season?

Not listed on their website. :-(

Apparently Knoebels also owns something called the Nickle [sic] Plate Bar & Grill at their golf course. I cannot offer information beyond that.

I've heard good things about the Inn at Turkey Hill in Bloomsburg, but have never tried it myself.
https://www.innatturkeyhill.com/

But it is on the park map, hence why I was hopeful. :)

Oh I missed that.