Phoenix at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Pennsylvania is repeatedly voted one of the best wooden coasters in the world – proof that a classic out-and-back can out-thrill modern giants.
Originally built in 1947 and relocated to Knoebels in 1985, Phoenix is famous for the relentless airtime delivered by its old-school buzz-bar restraints.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: Knoebels Amusement Resort, Pennsylvania
- Type: Wooden coaster (out-and-back)
- Originally built: 1947
- Relocated to Knoebels: 1985
- Restraints: Buzz-bar (single position lap bar)
- Known for: Sustained ejector airtime
The Ride Experience
Phoenix’s magic is its airtime. The buzz-bar trains barely hold you down, so every hill on the out-and-back layout pops you out of your seat. A dark tunnel, a double-up, and a finale of rapid bunny hops make it a non-stop floater.
Why a 1947 Coaster Still Wins
Knoebels rescued Phoenix from a closed Texas park and rebuilt it lovingly. Free entry to the park, no-restraint buzz bars, and a perfectly tuned layout keep Phoenix near the top of every wooden-coaster poll decades later.
Explore more: types of roller coasters.
Phoenix FAQs
Why is Phoenix at Knoebels so famous?
For its exceptional, sustained airtime – the buzz-bar trains let riders float on nearly every hill.
How old is Phoenix?
It was originally built in 1947 and relocated to Knoebels in 1985.
What are buzz-bar restraints?
Simple single-position lap bars that allow much more airtime than modern ratcheting restraints.
Been to Phoenix? Log It on ThrillZing
Create a free ThrillZing account to log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Phoenix, and share your take — then see what your friends and crews thought of it too. Get the ThrillZing app.
Photo: Joshua Wilmot / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.