Of course everyone has probably heard of Disney World/Land and Universal in Orlando, but what about all of the other hundreds of amusement parks in America? Believe it or not, Disney World/Land is not the best amusement park in America. Here are the top 10 amusement parks you can have just as much fun at or more.
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1. CEDAR POINT (SANDUSKY, OH)
Cedar point is the roller coaster capital of the world. Cedar point is a 364 acre amusement park located on a Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio. This park first opened in 1870 and is the second oldest amusement park in America. Cedar Point holds a world record of having 71 rides, which includes 16 roller coasters.
2. BUSH GARDENS (WILLIAMSBURG, VA)
Busch Gardens is a 383 acre theme park located in Williamsburg, Virginia, northwest of Virginia Beach. Busch Gardens was originally developed by Anheuser Bush but is now owned by SeaWorld Entertainment. The park opened in 1975 next to Anheuser Busch brewery.
3. HERSHEYPARK (HERSHEY, PA)
Hersheypark is a family theme park located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The park was founded in 1906 by Milton Hershey, as a leisure park exclusively for the employees of the Hershey Chocolate Company. The park has won several awards, including the IAAPA Applause Award.
4. KINGS ISLAND (MASON, OH)
Another Ohio favorite, Kings Island is a 364 acre amusement park located in Mason Ohio. Kings Island is owned and operated by the same company as Cedar Point, Cedar Fair. This park first opened in 1972 and started as an effort to expand Coney Island.
5. KNOTT'S BERRY FARM (BUENA PARK, CA)
Knott's Berry Farm is a 160 acre amusement park located in Buena Park, California. Oddly enough, this park is also owned by Cedar Fair. In 2015, Knott's Berry Farm was the 12th most visited park in America.
6. LAKE COMPOUNCE (BRISTOL, CT)
Lake Compounce is an amusement park located in Bristol, Connecticut. This park first opened in 1846 and is the oldest running amusement park in America. This park is a 332 acres and also includes a water park. The best part, you can visit the water park at no extra charge.
7. DOLLYWOOD (PIGEON FORD, TN)
Dollywood is a theme park located in Pigeon Ford, Tennessee. The park was started by the entertainer Dolly Parton. Dollywood is the biggest ticketed tourist attraction in Tennessee. This theme park is surrounded by the Smoky Mountains. Not only does Dollywood have rides, there are also traditional crafts and music to keep you entertained.
8. KENTUCKY KINGDOM (LOUISVILLE, KY)
Kentucky Kindom (originally known as Six Flags), is an amusement park located in Louisville, Kentucky. The park is 36 acres and includes a water park. The parked had been closed down for some time but reopened in 2014.
9. KNOEBELS (ELLYSBURG, PA)
Knoebels is a family amusement park located in Ellysburg, Pennsylvania. This is the only amusement park I have ever heard of that doesn't charge. You read right, it is free admission. The park has been around for 90 years and has over 60 rides. Knoebels has won many awards from organizations such as Amusement Today and The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.
10. CAROWINDS (CHARLOTTE, NC)
Carowinds is a 398 acre amusement park located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The park opened in 1973 and costed $70 million. The founder had been inspired after a trip to Disneyland. The park is now owned and operated by Cedar Fair.
