Ghost Town
GhostRider
A towering wooden out‑and‑back that rattles through Ghost Town. Retracked in 2016 for a smoother — but no less wild — ride.
Thrill
Buena Park · California
America's first theme park awaits
From a 1920s roadside berry stand to 40+ rides, a real Old West ghost town and some of the fastest coasters on the West Coast. Here's how to do Knott's right.
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Since
1920
1920
Why go
Part coaster park, part time machine
Knott's Berry Farm started when Walter and Cordelia Knott sold berries — and later fried‑chicken dinners — by the side of the road. To entertain the queues, Walter built a Ghost Town. The rest is theme‑park history.
Today you can ride a 1960 mine train and a 205‑foot launch coaster before lunch, then eat boysenberry pie in the same spot where it all began.
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Xcelerator top speed
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HangTime's drop angle
Top picks
Rides worth the queue
Our editors' shortlist — from white‑knuckle launches to splashy classics.
Boardwalk
Xcelerator
A 1950s hot‑rod theme hiding a hydraulic launch that rockets you up a 205‑foot tower in seconds. Short, loud, unforgettable.
Thrill
Boardwalk
HangTime
You're held face‑down at the crest, staring at the ocean breeze, before a beyond‑vertical plunge and five inversions.
Thrill
The lands
Four worlds, one ticket
🤠
Ghost Town
Saloons, stagecoaches, gold panning and the park's wooden giant, GhostRider.
🎡
Boardwalk
Seaside carnival vibes with HangTime, Xcelerator and classic midway games.
🌶️
Fiesta Village
Colourful Mexican‑Californian plaza with spinners, a carousel and tacos.
🏕️
Camp Snoopy
Sierra‑style camp for little adventurers, with gentle coasters and character meets.
Traveler voice
“We rode Silver Bullet at sunset, then ate pie by the lake. Best $0 decision was following the Berry Bound rope‑drop plan.”
— Maya R., sample review from our community form
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