Lake Compounce sits on the Bristol-Southington town line in Connecticut and holds a unique title in American amusement history: it has been operating continuously since 1846, making it the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States. What began as a lakeside picnic and recreation spot in the 19th century has grown into a 332-acre park combining classic wooden coasters, modern thrill rides, and a full water park.
In March 2025, Herschend, the family-owned company behind Dollywood and Silver Dollar City, acquired Lake Compounce as part of a larger deal for former Palace Entertainment parks, with the sale closing that May. Today the park features 44 attractions, including 5 roller coasters and 13 water rides, alongside its Crocodile Cove water park, which is included with general admission.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Bristol/Southington, Connecticut
- Opened: 1846
- Owner: Herschend (since 2025)
- Size: About 332 acres
- Attractions: 44, including 5 roller coasters
- Water Park: Crocodile Cove
A Historic Ride Lineup
Lake Compounce’s signature coaster is Wildcat, a wooden Philadelphia Toboggan Company coaster that opened in 1927 and ranks among the oldest operating roller coasters in the world. The park’s other major wooden coaster, Boulder Dash, opened in 2000 and was built into the side of a mountain, reaching over 60 mph across roughly 4,725 feet of track and a 115-foot first drop; it won the Golden Ticket Award for Best Wooden Coaster five years running. For steel thrills, Phobia Phear Coaster, a Premier Rides Sky Rocket II model that opened in 2016, launches riders three times up to around 65 mph and 150 feet, including the highest inversion in New England.
More Than Coasters
Beyond its coasters, Lake Compounce offers Crocodile Cove, a water park with the Bayou Bay wave pool, along with family rides, a beach area on the lake itself, and seasonal events. The combination of genuine 19th-century roots with modern rides makes it a distinctive stop for coaster fans touring the Northeast.
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Lake Compounce FAQs
Is Lake Compounce the oldest amusement park in America?
Yes. Lake Compounce has operated continuously since 1846, making it the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States.
What is the tallest or fastest ride at Lake Compounce?
Boulder Dash and Phobia Phear Coaster are the park’s standout thrill rides, with Boulder Dash topping 60 mph on a mountainside wooden track and Phobia Phear Coaster launching riders to around 65 mph and 150 feet.
Who owns Lake Compounce today?
Herschend, the family-owned company that also operates Dollywood and Silver Dollar City, acquired Lake Compounce in 2025 as part of its purchase of former Palace Entertainment parks.
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Photo: Wildcat1 at English Wikipedia / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.