3 Pennsylvania Amusement Parks Among the Best in America

Author Anne Erickson

February 28th, 2023 2:32 PM

Spring is on the way, and that means it’s time to start planning your trips to area amusement parks. It’s always a fun time of year in Pennsylvania, because we’re within driving range to quite a few great parks. If you’ve never been to a Pennsylvania amusement park, why not make this the year to do it?

A just-released report from U.S. News & World Report has ranked three Pennsylvania amusement parks among the best in America. That proves that we’re tops when it comes to our entertainment and attractions. “Whether you want to spend the day on jaw-dropping thrill rides, put in hours chasing down the best fair food or bask in the sun as you float down a lazy river, the best amusement parks in the U.S. boast something for everyone,” they state. “Theme parks are usually fairly easy to drive to, depending on where you live, and they can be quite affordable to visit – especially if you book ahead. The top theme parks also tend to have lodging options nearby, including spacious, family-oriented hotels with pools, campgrounds and more.”

So, which three Pennsylvania spots made the cut on the list? The picks are Kennywood in West Mifflin, Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, and Hersheypark in Hershey. All three parks are popular local destinations, so it’s great to see them make this national tally.

Other popular amusement parks on the U.S. News & World Report list include Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando and Hollywood, Dollyworld, Silver Dollar City, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, SeaWorld San Diego, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Fun Spot America, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Knott’s Berry Farm and Cedar Point, among others. Find the full list of the best amusement parks in America here.

These Pennsylvania State Parks Will Take Your Breath Away

• Ohiopyle State Park

  OHIOPYLE STATE PARK, PA

  Located at the southern reaches of the Laurel Ridge, Ohiopyle State Park encompasses approximately 20,500 acres of rugged natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Laurel Highlands. Close to major metropolitan areas and offering vast choices of activities, Ohiopyle State Park attracts millions of visitors annually.

• Cherry Springs State Park

  Cherry Springs State Park - Cherry Springs State Park

  The ultimate guide to Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport PA, Potter County. Including lodging, stargazing, daytime activities and great restaurants.

• Presque Isle State Park

  https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/PresqueIsleStatePark/Pages/default.aspx

• Independence National Historical Park

  Independence National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)

  The park represents the founding ideals of the nation, and preserves national and international symbols of freedom and democracy, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed inside Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Kinzua Bridge State Park

  Kinzua Bridge State Park

  The 339-acre Kinzua Bridge State Park, located in McKean County, is the home of the reinvented Kinzua Viaduct. The Viaduct, once the longest and tallest railroad stru​cture at 2,053 feet long and 301 feet high, was partially destroyed by a tornado during 2003.

• Flight 93 National Memorial Park

  Flight 93 National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)

  On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, the U.S. came under attack when four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike targets on the ground. Nearly 3,000 people tragically lost their lives. Because of the actions of the 40 passengers and crew aboard one of the planes, Flight 93, the attack on the U.S.

• Gettysburg National Military Park

  Gettysburg National Military Park (U.S. National Park Service)

  The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War, the Union victory that ended General Robert E. Lee's second and most ambitious invasion of the North. Often referred to as the "High Water Mark of the Rebellion", Gettysburg was the Civil War's bloodiest battle and was also the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln's immortal "Gettysburg Address".

• Valley Forge National Historical Park

  Valley Forge National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)

  Valley Forge is the encampment site of the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-1778. The park features 3,500 acres of meadows, woodlands, and monuments commemorating the sacrifices and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation and honoring the power of people to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times.

• Ricketts Glen State Park

  RICKETTS GLEN STATE PARK, PA

  Ricketts Glen harbors Glens Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark. Hike the Falls Trail System and explore the Glens, which boasts a series of wild, free-flowing waterfalls, each cascading through rock-strewn clefts in this ancient hillside.

• Hyner View State Park

  Hyner View State Park

  This small park features one of the nicest overlooks in DCNR's Bureau of State Parks and is popular for hang gliding. Hyner Run State Park is nearby. Hyner View State Park features a scenic vista and is a favorite spot for hang gliding.

• Pine Grove Furnace State Park

  PINE GROVE FURNACE STATE PARK, PA

  Steeped in natural and historical features, the 696-acre Pine Grove Furnace State Park is at the northern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in an area known as South Mountain. Visitors enjoy many recreational opportunities, including two mountain lakes, Laurel Lake and Fuller Lake, hiking the Appalachian Trail, biking the rail trail, visiting the Appalachian Trail Museum and imagining when the park was a charcoal-fired iron furnace community.

• Allegheny National Forest

  Allegheny National Forest - Home

  Home Page

• Canoe Creek State Park

  CANOE CREEK STATE PARK, PA

  The beautiful, 958-acre Canoe Creek State Park features a 155-acre lake, wetlands, old fields and mature forests, which provide critical habitat for migrating birds and other wildlife. The lake is popular for fishing year-round.

• Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

  Basic Information - Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)

  The park is closed on New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. It is open on all other federal holidays that fall between Wednesday and Sunday, and is closed on federal holdays that fall on Mondays or Tuesdays. The park is always open on Independence Day even if it falls on a Monday or Tuesday.

• Marsh Creek State Park

  Marsh Creek State Park

  Marsh Creek State Park is in the rolling hills of north central Chester County. The 1,784-acre park contains the 535-acre Marsh Creek Lake, which is a wonderful resource for fishing, sailing, and migrating waterfowl. The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk.

• Bald Eagle State Park

  BALD EAGLE STATE PARK, PA

  The 5,900-acre Bald Eagle State Park is in the broad Bald Eagle Valley of northcentral Pennsylvania. The 1,730-acre lake laps the flanks of Bald Eagle Mountain, surrounded by forests, fields and wetlands.

• Hickory Run State Park

  HICKORY RUN STATE PARK, PA

  The 15,990-acre Hickory Run State Park, Carbon County, lies in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains. This large park has over 40 miles of hiking trails, three state park natural areas and miles of trout streams.

• Lehigh Gorge State Park

  Lehigh Gorge State Park

  A deep, steep-walled gorge carved by a river, thick vegetation, rock outcroppings, and waterfalls characterize Lehigh Gorge State Park. In Luzerne and Carbon counties in eastern Pennsylvania, the park follows the Lehigh River from the outlet of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Francis E.

• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

  Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)

  Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history, and striking scenery along 40 miles of the longest free-flowing river east of the Mississippi. The park offers year-round recreation including hiking, paddling, fishing, and hunting.

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Author Anne Erickson

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