America's Oldest Amusement Park Is Still One Of The Best And It's Clear Why

Amusement parks with dizzying roller coasters and sky-high Ferris wheels may seem like a 20th-century invention. But, believe it or not, theme parks date back much further — at nearly 180 years old, Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut, is the oldest in North America. Spanning over 400 acres, this popular park opened its doors in 1846 and continues to attract visitors today.

Similar to the evolution of Cedar Point, also one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States, Lake Compounce was a very different place when it first opened to the public. It began as a "picnic park," and featured a path around a large lake dotted with picnic tables for visitors. The lake was a natural attraction for swimmers and boaters to enjoy the natural beauty of Connecticut. Eventually, a large stage and gazebo was constructed to create the perfect location for outdoor concerts. Soon after, food was available for visitors to purchase, and barbecues became a regular pastime along the waterfront. In 1847, Lake Compounce introduced its first ride — a revolving swing that was powered by hand. Today, the theme park boasts more than 45 rides and remains one of the nation's best. Here's what keeps visitors coming back every year. 

Lake Compounce prides itself not only on its history, but also on its ability to keep up with new innovations. Similar to King's Island in Ohio, the Midwest's largest theme park, there are plenty of options for thrill seekers and leisurely riders alike within its gates. One of the most notable rides here is the "Phobia Phear Coaster." Dubbed the first triple-launch coaster in the northeast, this steel ride begins with a vertical incline before dropping riders backwards to gain acceleration. Its final launch sends riders into a corkscrew of twists and turns, all at a smooth and high-speed pace of 65 miles per hour.

The coaster is just one of nine rides categorized as "intense" at the theme park. "Boulder Dash," another intense coaster introduced in 2000, has also gained popularity at Lake Compounce. It's been voted the world's best wooden coaster multiple times, and remains at the top of the bucket list among thrill seekers.

For those seeking a more relaxing experience, there are 18 rides that are classified as "mild," including mini-coasters for children and a large, traditional Ferris wheel. In the warmer months, water attractions like "Thunder Rapids" give visitors a chance to cool off in the summer sun.

While Lake Compounce continues to reinvent itself, it holds onto its original concept and vision. When theme parks are brought up in conversation, most people think of the massive Disney Parks or Universal Studios locations popping up around the globe. While those are certainly the prime attractions for today's thrill seekers, Lake Compounce has continued to offer new rides while celebrating its legacy.

After 179 years in business, guests may be surprised to learn that some of its earliest rides are still in operation today. Lake Compounce first opened its carousel in 1911. The ride was built in 1898 and is not only the park's oldest continuously operating ride, but also one of the oldest carousels in the United States.

The nostalgia of the carousel is charming, but the park also boasts antique high-speed coasters for thrill seekers. "Wildcat" is a wooden roller coaster that first opened in 1927 and has since been revamped and updated with new tracks to provide a smoother ride. It continues to leave riders breathless nearly 100 years after its debut, gaining speeds of up to 44 miles per hour.

As the evolution continued at Lake Compounce in the 1990s, the park added a brand-new feature to its footprint. Connecticut's first waterpark, Crocodile Cove, opened in 1998, just steps away from the original amusement park. In 2012, the water park expanded, making it not only the oldest but also the largest in the state.

Crocodile Cove has familiar features found in other water parks like Ocean Breeze, Virginia Beach's only water park, catering to both families and adrenaline junkies alike. The lazy river provides a calming experience for those looking to kick back in the sun, while the Bayou Bay wave pool submerges guests in crystalline waters. For the little ones, there's the Clipper's Cove water playground and the Keeper's Cottage with pint-sized slides perfect for children.

There are also plenty of adrenaline-pumping slides at Crocodile Cove, offering exciting ways to stay cool. "Venus Vortex," for example, towers six stories above the park, and "Riptide Racer" gives friends and families a chance to race on side-by-side waterslides. Crocodile Cove is open seasonally from late May to early September. 

While Crocodile Cove shuts down after the summer, Lake Compounce remains open for thrills and adventures on weekends. In late September through October, Lake Compounce presents its family-friendly Phantom Fall Fest. Fall-themed experiences and foods take center stage, as do trick-or-treating options for the kids and, of course, rides galore.

After dark, the park unveils its scarier Halloween attractions during spooky season. Costumed characters roam the park and terrorize guests, while special effects transform the theme park's pathways into eerie corridors. Several special attractions escalate the fear factor and invite visitors to roam mazes full of ghouls, monsters, and jump scares.

In late November through the end of December, the park undergoes yet another transformation for the holiday season. Its annual Holiday Lights event features Connecticut's tallest Christmas tree, along with holiday-themed experiences, rides, performances, and treats. 

Lake Compounce sits a convenient 40 miles south of Hartford Connecticut's Bradley International Airport (BDL). For out-of-towners or those who wish to spend the night nearby, more than 40 hotels and inns offer package deals that include accommodations and admission to the park. There's even Lake Compounce Campground, which is open daily throughout the summer and on the weekends during the latter part of the park's opening season.

It goes without saying that the busiest time at the park is in the summer months. The park closes for the winter after its holiday event, but offers a variety of discounts on admission and season passes throughout the year on its website. Day passes start at $25 per person and vary depending on the time of year.

For a park that has spanned three centuries, Lake Compounce certainly holds its own. It's been recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978 and continues to boast some of the best theme park attractions in the country. It's no wonder it remains among the best family vacation destinations for all ages.