Beloved amusement park with no gate fee takes top spot ahead of theme park giants

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, travelers are recognizing some of the country’s most beloved amusement parks. Now, one century-old Pennsylvania destination has taken the top spot, beating out Disney and Universal favorites.

In an era of pricey theme parks and gated admission, Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, is still letting guests in for free.

The family-owned park has been admission-free since it first opened on July 4, 1926.

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The park ranked No. 1 in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards. The rankings are based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews submitted between Feb. 1, 2025, and Jan. 31, 2026.

Eric Bowman, editor-in-chief of TravelPulse, based in Atlanta, told Fox News Digital that value likely played a major role in this year’s rankings.

"Number one and two may surprise people on this list, but I think cost is playing a major factor here," Bowman said.

Here's a look at Tripadvisor's five highest-ranked amusement parks in America.

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, Knoebels is America's largest free-admission amusement park, allowing guests to purchase tickets only for the rides they want to experience instead of paying an admission fee.

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The park features classic wooden roller coasters, family rides, camping, a large swimming pool, golf and picnic pavilions, making it a longtime favorite for multi-generational vacations.

Bowman said the park's affordability and laid-back atmosphere help it resonate with visitors.

"Knoebels Amusement Resort is free admission and a per ride cost," Bowman noted.

"Knoebels doesn't get too busy," he said. "It also has a massive pool and large pavilions where many people often bring their own food."

Dollywood earned the No. 2 spot on Tripadvisor's list after topping the rankings in recent years.

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The Tennessee theme park, co-owned by country music icon Dolly Parton, is known for blending thrill rides with live entertainment, Appalachian culture and traditional Southern cuisine.

Bowman said its relatively affordable pricing compared with many larger destination parks likely helped keep it near the top.

"Dollywood is much more affordable than the big parks of Florida," Bowman said.

Magic Kingdom ranked as the highest-rated Disney park in the United States, continuing its reputation as one of the country's most iconic family destinations.

The park is home to classic attractions such as Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and Cinderella Castle.

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"No surprise at all [that] Magic Kingdom is the top Disney park here," Bowman said.

Disney's Hollywood Studios continued its climb into Tripadvisor's top five after several years of major expansion.

The park has added blockbuster attractions and themed lands in recent years, including Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Toy Story Land and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway.

Bowman credited those additions with helping to boost the park's reputation among visitors.

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"Hollywood Studios cracking the top five is a win for Disney given all the new changes and additions they've poured into that park over the recent years," he said.

Universal Islands of Adventure rounded out the top five, remaining one of the country's premier destinations for thrill-seekers.

The park is known for attractions based on major franchises, including Harry Potter, Marvel superheroes, Jurassic Park and Dr. Seuss, combining high-speed roller coasters with immersive themed lands.

Although it narrowly missed the top four, Bowman said another Universal park deserved recognition, as well.

"Not listed here but should be is Universal Volcano Bay Waterpark," he said.

Completing the top 10 are Epcot, LEGOLAND California, Universal Studios Florida, Disneyland Park and Silver Dollar City.