Not every fun rip to an amusement park must be Disney World, Dollywood or Universal Studios. There are a ton of great options all over North America. Let’s take a look at some of our favorites here at That Park Place!
Amusement parks have been a staple of American culture since the 19th century, and today there are hundreds of parks spread across the country. While the large, national chains like Disney, Universal Studios, Dollywood, and Six Flags attract millions of visitors every year, there are plenty of regional parks that offer unique experiences and attractions that are just as worthy of attention. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best regional amusement parks in America, and the reasons why they stand out from the crowd.
Cedar Point – Sandusky, Ohio
Cedar Point is often referred to as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” and for good reason. This park has a staggering 18 roller coasters, including some of the tallest and fastest in the world. Among the most popular coasters are the Millennium Force, which was the first coaster to exceed 300 feet in height when it opened in 2000, and the Top Thrill Dragster, which launches riders from 0 to 120 mph in just 3.8 seconds. In addition to its impressive coaster lineup, Cedar Point also has a wide range of other attractions, including water rides, family rides, and live entertainment.
Busch Gardens – Williamsburg, Virginia
Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, combines the thrills of an amusement park with the beauty of a botanical garden. The park is divided into themed areas that represent different countries and regions of the world, including Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, and Italy. Each area features attractions that are unique to its theme, such as the Loch Ness Monster coaster in Scotland and the Verbolten coaster in Germany. In addition to its rides, Busch Gardens also has a number of animal exhibits, including a wolf sanctuary and a bald eagle aviary.
Hersheypark – Hershey, Pennsylvania
As the name suggests, Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is all about chocolate. The park is owned by the Hershey chocolate company and features a variety of chocolate-themed rides and attractions, including the Reese’s Cupfusion dark ride and the Hershey’s Chocolate World attraction. But Hersheypark is more than just a chocolate lover’s paradise – it also has a great selection of rides and coasters, including the Skyrush coaster, which features a 200-foot drop and speeds of up to 75 mph.
Silver Dollar City – Branson, Missouri
Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, is a theme park that celebrates the culture and history of the Ozarks. The park features a number of rides and attractions that are themed around the 19th century, including a steam-powered train ride, a blacksmith shop, and a cave tour. Silver Dollar City is also home to a number of impressive coasters, including the Time Traveler coaster, which is the world’s fastest, steepest, and tallest spinning coaster.
Kennywood – West Mifflin, Pennsylvania
Kennywood in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, is a classic amusement park that has been around since 1898. The park features a number of vintage rides and attractions, including a 100-year-old carousel and a wooden coaster that dates back to 1927. But Kennywood is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane – it also has a number of modern coasters, including the Phantom’s Revenge, which was named the best steel coaster in the world by Amusement Today magazine in 2018. Unfortunately, this is one park that has gotten a bad rap over the last few years. Security and upkeep have been issues. But I’m hopeful the officials in Pennsylvania can get things turned around.
Knott’s Berry Farm – Buena Park, California
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, is a park that combines the history of the Wild West with the thrills of a modern amusement park. The park is home to a number of awesome attractions and lovely vistas. Although there have been some security concerns in the last year or so, Knott’s remains one of the most beloved theme parks in California.
So was your favorite regional park featured? If not, let us know in the comments below where we should go exploring next! And, as always, keep reading That Park Place for all the latest news that should be fun!
