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We all know the big-name amusement parks like Disney World and Universal Studios, but if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, there are plenty of smaller, hidden gem parks that offer fun, charm, and often shorter lines! Here’s a list of 15 hidden gem amusement parks across the United States, each with its own unique vibe, plus some nearby activities to round out your trip.

Knoebels Amusement Resort – Elysburg, Pennsylvania

Knoebels is a free-admission, family-owned park nestled in the Pennsylvania mountains. It’s famous for its old-fashioned charm and wooden roller coasters like the Phoenix.

• Unique Fact: It’s the largest free-admission amusement park in the country!
• Nearby Activities: Visit Ricketts Glen State Park for stunning waterfalls or explore the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine in Ashland.

Santa’s Village – Jefferson, New Hampshire

A Christmas-themed park with rides, shows, and even reindeer! Santa’s Village is magical for kids and nostalgia-inducing for adults.

• Unique Tip: Don’t miss the Yule Log Flume—it’s equal parts festive and fun!
• Nearby Activities: Hike Mount Washington or take a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway.

Silverwood Theme Park – Athol, Idaho

This park combines thrill rides and a water park, all surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Don’t miss their famous wooden coasters, Tremors and Timber Terror.

• Unique Fact: During Halloween, Silverwood transforms into Scarywood, a haunted attraction!
• Nearby Activities: Explore Coeur d’Alene’s lakefront downtown or go hiking in Farragut State Park.

Beech Bend Park – Bowling Green, Kentucky

This family-owned park offers amusement rides, a water park, and even a raceway! It’s a mix of laid-back fun and adrenaline-pumping excitement.

• Unique Tip: Don’t skip the Kentucky Rumbler, one of the top-rated wooden coasters in the country.
• Nearby Activities: Tour the National Corvette Museum or explore Lost River Cave.

Dutch Wonderland – Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Perfect for families with younger kids, Dutch Wonderland has a medieval theme and kid-friendly rides.

• Unique Fact: The park has been catering to little ones since 1963!
• Nearby Activities: Check out the Strasburg Rail Road or shop for handmade goods in the Amish markets.

Adventureland – Altoona, Iowa

This Midwestern gem offers big thrills with its Monster steel coaster and a water park to cool off in the summer.

• Unique Tip: Don’t miss the Monster’s glow at night—its LED lighting makes the coaster even more thrilling after dark.
• Nearby Activities: Visit the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines or explore Blank Park Zoo.

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari – Santa Claus, Indiana

Celebrate every holiday in one park! This family-friendly park is known for its free sunscreen and soft drinks.

• Unique Fact: Splashin’ Safari is home to some of the longest water coasters in the world.
• Nearby Activities: Tour the Santa Claus Museum or hike at Lincoln State Park.

Story Land – Glen, New Hampshire

This fairy tale-themed park brings childhood stories to life with charming rides and attractions.

• Unique Tip: Bring a swimsuit for the splash areas, especially on warm summer days—the kids will thank you!
• Nearby Activities: Visit Diana’s Baths waterfalls or take a train ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad.

Lagoon – Farmington, Utah

A regional favorite, Lagoon boasts thrilling roller coasters, a water park, and even a haunted house open year-round.

• Unique Fact: The park opened in 1886, making it one of the oldest amusement parks in the country.
• Nearby Activities: Visit Antelope Island for wildlife viewing or explore the Hill Aerospace Museum.

Frontier City – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

This Wild West-themed park has rides for all ages and plenty of live entertainment.

• Unique Tip: The Gunslinger ride offers a unique aerial view of the entire park.
• Nearby Activities: Visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum or stroll through the Myriad Botanical Gardens.

Magic Springs Theme and Water Park – Hot Springs, Arkansas

This combo park offers rides and water attractions, all set in the scenic Ouachita Mountains.

• Unique Fact: They host summer concerts included with your ticket!
• Nearby Activities: Relax in Hot Springs National Park or take a stroll down Bathhouse Row.

Wild Adventures – Valdosta, Georgia

This park blends amusement rides, a water park, and a zoo into one fun destination.

• Unique Tip: Kids will love feeding the giraffes at the zoo!
• Nearby Activities: Explore the Grand Bay Wetland Education Center or visit Freedom Park.

Arnold’s Park – Arnolds Park, Iowa

Located on the shores of Lake Okoboji, this historic park features classic rides and lakefront charm.

• Unique Fact: The Legend Roller Coaster is one of the oldest operating wooden coasters in the U.S.
• Nearby Activities: Rent a boat on Lake Okoboji or visit the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum.

Bay Beach Amusement Park – Green Bay, Wisconsin

This affordable park offers classic rides like a Ferris wheel and bumper cars, all with a view of Lake Michigan.

• Unique Tip: Tickets are just 25 cents per ride—perfect for families on a budget!
• Nearby Activities: Tour Lambeau Field or walk the trails at the Green Bay Botanical Garden.

Enchanted Forest – Turner, Oregon

A whimsical park with handmade attractions inspired by fairy tales and nursery rhymes.

• Unique Fact: The park was built by one man, Roger Tofte, in the 1970s.
• Nearby Activities: Explore Silver Falls State Park or visit the Oregon Garden.

These hidden gem parks prove you don’t have to visit the big names to have an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re chasing coasters or looking for something unique, these parks are well worth a detour on your next trip!