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Amusement Parks: Lakemont Park – a Potted History

Related: Knoebels Amusement Resort / Sesame Place / Gillian’s Wonderland Pier / Delgrosso’s Amusement Park 

Lakemont Park is an amusement park located in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Originally opened as a trolley park, back in 1894, the amusement park can proudly boast of being the 8th oldest amusement park in the USA. Furthermore, it has one of amusement park history’s most treasured possessions in its Leap-the-Dips wooden rollercoaster which, dating back to 1902, is the world’s oldest rollercoaster. Built by the E.Joy Morris Company inside the park itself, it was named a United States National Historic Landmark in 1996 and on Memorial Day in 1999, it reopened having been lovingly restored.

The amusement park is set in 51 acres of land and features over 30 rides and attractions in all, including 2 roller coasters. There are 2 go-kart tracks, an 18 hole miniature golf course, Spins ‘n’ Grins Kiddieland, and an arcade with many fun games. Other popular attractions include the Skydiver, Tilt-a-Whirl, Scrambler and Octopus rides and the amusement park also has its own Ferris wheel.

The amusement park also has its own water park – the Island Waterpark. Here, there are several small water slides, the Water Park pool and the Pirate Ship Activity Pool.

The amusement park also hosts its own special calendar of annual events, one of which, its Holiday Lights on the Lake, has become a unique Pennsylvania holiday tradition. This dazzling lights and animation extravaganza runs from the end of November until the end of the first week in January every year.

Another popular event at the amusement park which takes place in September is its Altoona First Festival which offers visitors crafts, food and entertainment provided by the local community over the course of a weekend.

The amusement park is open from May until Labor Day each year, reopening towards the end of November until the first week of January for its Holiday Lights on the Lake event.

 

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