Ready to take a wild ride down memory lane? Buckle up as we explore eight retro theme parks where nostalgia meets big thrills. Feel the rush on classic roller coasters, dig into delicious grub (funnel cakes, anyone?) and experience a blast from the past at these parks that have withstood the test of time.
Lake Compounce – Bristol, Connecticut
For over 175 years, this 365-acre theme park has brought excitement and entertainment to Bristol and is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the USA. Feel the excitement on roller coasters like the Wildcat (it’s over 100 years old)! Dive into adventure on Storm Surge – you’ll slide through neon-lit tubes from the top of a towering lighthouse. Or, see the sites from new heights on the massive Ferris Wheel. During the summer, tribute bands put on toe-tapping concerts. And don’t forget to grab a sweet and decadent Fried Dough creation (ask for it topped with fruit).
Cedar Point – Sandusky, Ohio
Home to 68 rides, 18 world-class roller coasters and dynamic live shows, Cedar Point in Sandusky has been a must-visit summer destination on the shores of Lake Erie since 1870. Originally opened as a public bathing beach, this amusement park is just good ‘ole family fun. Experience speed and wild 180-degree turns on Blue Streak, the park’s oldest operating roller coaster. Grab a bite on the boardwalk. Or, cool off in the shallow waters at Breakwater Bay in the on-site water park!
Idlewild and SoakZone – Ligonier, Pennsylvania
Discover endless fun at Idlewild and SoakZone in Ligonier, Pennsylvania! This family-friendly park, which opened in 1878 as a simple campground and picnic spot, now offers thrilling rides, live entertainment and delicious eats. Get your adrenaline pumping on the classic Rollo Coaster or the wild Mouse Trap. Little ones will love Story Book Forest and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. And escape the summer heat at the Soak Zone, featuring wave pools, lazy rivers, and water slides.
Seabreeze Amusement Park (1879) – Rochester, New York
Try rides new and (really) old at New York’s Seabreeze! Pilot a track-led hang glider over the park on the brand-new Windstarz. Experience the thrill of the 75-foot drop and tunnel through total darkness on the Jack Rabbit, the oldest continuously operating coaster in the country (it was built in 1920). Soar 70 feet in the air with your legs dangling beneath you on Screamin’ Eagle, or take the serene route and ride one of the hand-carved and painted horses on the vintage carousel.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom – Allentown, Pennsylvania
Opened in 1884, Pennsylvania’s Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom offers a thrilling adventure for all ages in Lehigh Valley. Craving excitement? Thunderhawk, a classic wooden coaster, will have you soaring at 45 mph. On Apollo, twist and turn through several stories in a two-passenger rocket! Don’t miss the Demon Drop, where you’ll plummet ten stories in an elevator. With over 100 rides, shows, and attractions, including Planet Snoopy for kids and the Wildwater Kingdom, Dorney Park is a must-visit destination.
Lagoon Amusement Park (1886) – Farmington, Utah
Lagoon Amusement Park is a treasure trove of unique coasters and rides you can’t find anywhere else. Feel anticipation build as you’re pulled 208 feet in the air on Cannibal’s twisting red tracks before plunging straight down into an underground tunnel and looping swiftly through three total inversions. Zoom over hills on the historic, century-old Lagoon Roller Coaster and prepare to get wet via the ever-changing rapids on Rattlesnake Rapids. Warning: you will get wet!
Arnolds Park (1889) – Arnolds Park, Iowa
In this historic amusement park, dash along the wooden tracks on The Legend Roller Coaster, built in 1930. Check out an antique boat recovered from the bottom of West Okoboji in the Maritime Museum, or slide down the preserved Funhouse Toy slide in the Arnolds Park Museum. Build sand castles and play volleyball on the free beach. See the most picturesque view of the park and the lake from the top of the colossal Ferris Wheel – it’s even better when it’s lit up at night.
Oaks Park (1905) – Portland, Oregon
Whether you’re into history or adrenaline, Oaks Park has something for everyone. Glide around the country’s oldest skating rink to tunes from live DJs. Hop on the 100-year-old hand-carved carousel, a National Historic Register gem. For thrill-seekers, Adrenaline Peak offers a heart-pounding 70-foot climb followed by loops and high speeds. Feeling nostalgic? Travel back to the ’70s as you twist and turn on the vibrant Disk-O!
