As America celebrates its 250th birthday, vacationers are recognizing a number of the nation’s most beloved amusement parks. Now, one century-old Pennsylvania vacation spot has taken the highest spot, beating out Disney and Common favorites.
In an period of expensive theme parks and gated admission, Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, continues to be letting visitors in without cost.
The family-owned park has been admission-free because it first opened on July 4, 1926.
The park ranked No. 1 in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Vacationers’ Selection Awards. The rankings are primarily based on the standard and amount of traveler critiques submitted between Feb. 1, 2025, and Jan. 31, 2026.
Eric Bowman, editor-in-chief of TravelPulse, primarily based in Atlanta, advised Fox Information Digital that worth doubtless performed a significant function on this yr’s rankings.
“Primary and two might shock individuals on this checklist, however I feel value is taking part in a significant component right here,” Bowman stated.
Right here’s a have a look at Tripadvisor’s 5 highest-ranked amusement parks in America.
1. Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania
Celebrating its one centesimal anniversary in 2026, Knoebels is America’s largest free-admission amusement park, permitting visitors to buy tickets just for the rides they wish to expertise as a substitute of paying an admission price.
The park options basic wood curler coasters, household rides, tenting, a big swimming pool, golf and picnic pavilions, making it a longtime favourite for multi-generational holidays.
Bowman stated the park’s affordability and laid-back ambiance assist it resonate with guests.
“Knoebels Amusement Resort is free admission and a per trip value,” Bowman famous.
“Knoebels doesn’t get too busy,” he stated. “It additionally has a large pool and huge pavilions the place many individuals usually deliver their very own meals.”
2. Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dollywood earned the No. 2 spot on Tripadvisor’s checklist after topping the rankings lately.
The Tennessee theme park, co-owned by nation music icon Dolly Parton, is thought for mixing thrill rides with dwell leisure, Appalachian tradition and conventional Southern delicacies.
Bowman stated its comparatively inexpensive pricing in contrast with many bigger vacation spot parks doubtless helped preserve it close to the highest.
“Dollywood is far more inexpensive than the large parks of Florida,” Bowman stated.
3. Magic Kingdom in Bay Lake, Florida
Magic Kingdom ranked because the highest-rated Disney park in the USA, persevering with its status as one of many nation’s most iconic household locations.
The park is residence to basic points of interest similar to Area Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and Cinderella Citadel.
“No shock in any respect [that] Magic Kingdom is the highest Disney park right here,” Bowman stated.
4. Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Bay Lake, Florida
Disney’s Hollywood Studios continued its climb into Tripadvisor’s high 5 after a number of years of main growth.
The park has added blockbuster points of interest and themed lands lately, together with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
Bowman credited these additions with serving to to spice up the park’s status amongst guests.
“Hollywood Studios cracking the highest 5 is a win for Disney given all the brand new modifications and additions they’ve poured into that park over the current years,” he stated.
5. Common Islands of Journey in Orlando, Florida
Common Islands of Journey rounded out the highest 5, remaining one of many nation’s premier locations for thrill-seekers.
The park is thought for points of interest primarily based on main franchises, together with Harry Potter, Marvel superheroes, Jurassic Park and Dr. Seuss, combining high-speed curler coasters with immersive themed lands.
Though it narrowly missed the highest 4, Bowman stated one other Common park deserved recognition, as effectively.
“Not listed right here however must be is Common Volcano Bay Waterpark,” he stated.
Finishing the highest 10 are Epcot, LEGOLAND California, Common Studios Florida, Disneyland Park and Silver Greenback Metropolis.
