Nearly 100 years later, beloved amusement park still refuses to charge admission

Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, has been admission-free since it opened nearly a century ago.

Park owner Brian Knoebel, 52, recently told PA Local he had to "had to pinky-swear" to never change the free-admission model.

"It's who we are," he said. "It's that traditional park."

"And Grandma and Grandpa are on a limited income," he said. "So they don't pay to park. We don't force you to buy food in the park - if you want to bring a picnic lunch, then bring a picnic lunch."

"My great-grandfather would feed and stable your horses for, I believe, a quarter."

Despite the park's growth, Knoebel said its old-fashioned atmosphere has remained intact, including the canopy of trees, shaded walkways, creekside seating and classic attractions.

"How has it changed? We started with one ride, and one food stand, and the pool," he said.

"We now have 60 rides, I believe 38 food stands, 24 games, and water slides. ... Quarter-mile down the road, we own the 18-hole golf course, complete with a bar and tavern."

Overall, Knoebel said that he and his family "absolutely know our brand."

"We know our fans," he said. 

"And that throwback amusement park from yesteryear is exactly who we continue to be," he added. 

Fox News Digital reached out to Knoebels Amusement Park for further comment.

Knoebels is the largest free-admission park in the United States. "Knoebels does not have a gate, and you only pay for what you want once you are at the park," the venue says on its website.