![]() Knoebels added rides over the years, mostly acquiring old attractions from parks that went out of business because the family couldn’t afford new ones. The pool opened July 4, 1926, along with a steam-powered merry-go-round and a restaurant. There would be no turning back if people didn’t pay to swim in it. Ron says his grandfather carved the pool out of the farm’s best field. “He felt this was a recreation spot,” says Ron. Thinking that a swimming pool would attract more people, Henry began digging it out in 1925. For another 25 cents Knoebel would feed and water a horse. He charged patrons 10 cents to use a bathhouse and enjoy the protection of a lifeguard. But his grandson Ron said Henry “did not enjoy the farming end of it.”īecause people flocked to the farm to swim, Henry enhanced the creek’s swimming hole by creating a log and mud dam. Henry Knoebel once farmed the land and operated a lumber yard around a creek running through the property. “The heart and soul of the park is the carousel,” says Knoebels spokesman Joe Muscato, who, not surprisingly, is married to Ron and Dick’s sister, Leanna. It is one of the last in the country to challenge riders to catch the brass ring. Built in 1913, it opened at Knoebels in 1944. The Grand Carousel is one of two in the park, which feature intricately carved antique horses. ![]() My own son caught the brass ring this summer and revelled when his name was announced over the din of the ride’s organ music as the recipient of a free ride. In a way I fulfilled Ron Knoebel’s wish about creating family memories through generations. I recall when I first snagged the brass ring years later, winning a free ride. I can’t remember my age but I was so young my mother had to hold me. One of my first memories is of riding on the Grand Carousel. Kids, even teenagers, walk around with their parents and grandparents. The park attracts families in generations. Their goal is to help the 1.2 million guests who visit annually suspend their cares. There are 550 camping sites (reservations are accepted for at least two nights) There are also 26 log cabins that sleep six (reservations should be made well in advance.)Knoebels is run by brothers Dick and Ron Knoebel, the third generation of the Knoebel family. Sheltered picnic pavilions scattered around the park seat 10,000. There is also free entertainment - from bands to magicians - every day at the Hawaiian Bandshell, Roaring Creek Saloon or the Time Machine Theater. If you forget a swimsuit or towel, they’re available for rental. There are 400-foot-long Giant White Water Slides that twist through treetops (riding these costs extra). It’s surrounded by a sundeck, children’s play area and a wading pool. The Giant Crystal Pool is as big as two football fields and filled with 900,000 gallons of filtered mountain spring water.
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