About The Oldest Amusement Park In America
Lake Compounce is also Connecticut's largest water theme park
An amusement park is a large outdoor area that features a variety of entertainment attractions, including rides, games, shows, and other activities designed for enjoyment and recreation.
Lake Compounce is an amusement park located in Bristol, Connecticut. Originally, it began as a lakeside picnic park and was transformed into an amusement park in the late 19th century. Opened in 1846, it is the oldest amusement park in America. In fact, Lake Compounce is the first amusement park in North America.
The National Amusement Park Historical Association recognizes Lake Compounce as America's oldest amusement park and the fifth oldest in the world. The U.S. National Park Service describes it as the nation's oldest amusement park. The Library Of Congress defines it as the oldest continuously-operating amusement park in the United States.
Lake Compounce is also Connecticut's largest water theme park. It spans 332 acres, which includes a beach and a water park called Crocodile Cove included in the price of admission.
The park is named after Lake Compounce, a small lake on the property. The name Lake Compounce is derived from John Compound, a Mattatuck/Tunxis Native American Chieftain.
On December 2, 1684, his wife and several tribal members affixed their waxed fingertip "marks" to a deed that conveyed the "Compound's Lake" to a group of white settlers who had migrated to central Connecticut from Massachusetts.
In 1895, a railway company added a station at Lake Compounce. It is one of a handful of remaining trolley parks, so named because streetcar operators placed the parks at the end of their lines to boost weekend business.
Legend has it that shortly thereafter, Chief Compound drowned in the lake while trying to cross it in a large brass kettle. On October 6, 1846, Samuel Botsford, an influential Bristol scientist, persuaded property owner Gad Norton, an original settler descendant, to let him conduct "a series of beautiful experiments in electricity."
Well publicized, the event drew thousands of spectators who witnessed the demonstration amidst the beauty of the woods and water. Although the final experiment of "blowing up from shore, two huge jugs of gunpowder tied under a raft in the middle of the lake" failed, it did inspire Mr. Norton to action.
Mr. Norton eventually built a path around the lake, set up picnic tables, allowed public swimming and rowing on the lake and even built a gazebo for lakeside band concerts.
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Today, this oldest amusement park in America offers more than 50 rides, the largest water park in the state, live shows, and many other forms of entertainment. The park has a variety of dining options ranging from quick-service eateries to sit-down restaurants.
The amusement park is home to Boulder Dash, which has been voted the world’s #1 wooden roller coaster. Also Wildcat is one of the oldest operating roller coasters in the world, built in 1927.
The park features a mix of modern and classic rides, including roller coasters, water rides, and family attractions. Lake Compounce offers live entertainment, games, dining options, and special events throughout the season.
Guests can enjoy classic amusement park food like hot dogs, burgers, and ice cream, as well as healthier options and specialty treats. There are a plethora of different food vendors to choose from.
In April 1996, The Kennywood Entertainment Company, a family-owned company that operated three parks in western Pennsylvania, became the new managing partner of Lake Compounce. From 1997 through 2008, $20 million was spent to rejuvenate the park and restore its luster.
In total, nearly $50 million had been invested in new rides, attractions, and physical improvements. In 2009, Lake Compounce was acquired by Palace Entertainment, along with the other previous Kennywood Entertainment parks.
Palace Entertainment is the country's largest operator some of the top theme parks, water parks and family entertainment centers, featuring 40 parks entertaining 14 million visitors per year.
Overall, Lake Compounce strives to provide a full-service entertainment destination where guests can create lasting memories, have fun with family and friends, and enjoy a wide range of attractions and experiences. The park is typically open from May through September, with special Halloween-themed events in October.