Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, has taken the top spot in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards, beating out Disney and Universal favorites. The family-owned park has been admission-free since it first opened on July 4, 1926.
A Century of Family Fun
Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, Knoebels is America’s largest free-admission amusement park, allowing guests to purchase tickets only for the rides they want to experience instead of paying an admission fee. The park features classic wooden roller coasters, family rides, camping, a large swimming pool, golf, and picnic pavilions, making it a longtime favorite for multi-generational vacations.
Eric Bowman, editor-in-chief of TravelPulse, based in Atlanta, told Fox News Digital that value likely played a major role in this year’s rankings. “Number one and two may surprise people on this list, but I think cost is playing a major factor here,” Bowman said.
Top-Ranked Amusement Parks
Here’s a look at Tripadvisor’s five highest-ranked amusement parks in America. Dollywood earned the No. 2 spot on Tripadvisor’s list after topping the rankings in recent years. Magic Kingdom ranked as the highest-rated Disney park in the United States, continuing its reputation as one of the country’s most iconic family destinations.
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