Top American Theme Parks – Lake Compounce in Connecticut

Still working our way towards the big Top Ten feature, we’ve got another awesome theme park with historical cred. Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut is, in fact, the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America, with a history dating back to 1846 by some reckonings. (Personally, I think that the more appropriate date is 1911, when they installed the first true “ride”, a hard-carved carousel that still operates to this day).

But whether it’s 163 years old or only 98, what Lake Compounce is for sure is a fantastic family amusement park that belongs on any theme park-enthusiast’s or history buff’s bucket list.

Like many older parks, Lake Compounce is an amalgam of attractions and concepts that could only develop over time (and over several management changes). There are three main sections: the traditional park, the water park and the lake. That’s actually one of the cooler features of this place: for the regular admission price you get access to two connected parks and a beach on the actual Lake Compounce. There are not too many other places you can combine a day of coasters and a day at the beach so easily.

Speaking of coasters, you’ll only find three at Lake Compounce, so you might as well ride them all. Installed in 2000, Boulder Dash is one of the fastest wooden roller coasters in the nation and ranks regularly on “Top Wooden Coaster” lists by the National Amusement Park Historical Association. Don’t miss this one. The Wildcat, installed in 1927, is among the world’s oldest operating coasters and with a mild-to-medium thrill level continues to be popular with younger riders (minimum 48″).

Since you can wrap up a single ride each quickly, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the rest of the park. We like the Ghost Hunt amusement house, the classic log flume, the half-hour Sky Ride (like a ski lift), and if you’ve got little ones, you just can’t skip that 1911 carousel. And of course, there’s always the lake if you’ve had your fill of the rides.

Lake Compounce is a seasonal park open from May to October, be sure to check the hours on the Web site before you go, as they change on a daily basis. Regular adult admission is $34.99 and includes unlimited use of the theme park rides, water park, beach, lake and, I kid you not, unlimited soda. That’s right, all the soft drinks you can stomach! Learn all about it here.

The park is located in Bristol, Connecticut, a fine place but not where we choose to stay. We prefer to keep our options open by staying a few miles out in the more attraction-filled destination of Hartford. For hotels in Hartford, Connecticut, consider the Crowne Plaza Hartford Downtown.

Got a favorite theme park? Let us know about it in the comments below!

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