Dating back to the 1920s, Knott’s began as an actual, working farm and a roadside berry stand. That stand evolved into a chicken dinner restaurant (which thrives to this day and is highly recommended). It was so popular that the Knott’s family developed some attractions to keep hungry patrons occupied while they waited to dine. The attractions evolved into an Old West Ghost Town and eventually into the first theme park in the U.S.
Today, Knott‘s offers both story-based, themed attractions–some of which date back many years and are steeped in nostalgia–and world-class coasters and other thrill rides. Both types of rides make the countdown and should be on your to-do list.
The Ghost Town remains in all of its funky glory. In addition to checking out the must-ride attractions below, be sure to allow time to explore the Old West land. Also make sure to bring your appetite, and enjoy the park’s many wonderful dining options (especially anything that features boysenberries).
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Calico Mine Ride
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Opened in 1960, the delightful dark ride takes passengers aboard ore cars into a retro gold mine complete with miner animatronics, underground waterfalls, colorful formations, and more. Although many amusem*nt parks have mine train-themed roller coasters, this gentle attraction is not a thrill ride. An extensive 2014 makeover restored the Calico Mine Ride and introduced some new scenes and elements. The beloved attraction is one of Knott’s treasures.
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Xcelerator
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When it comes to thrills at Knott’s, it doesn’t get any more exhilarating than Xcelerator. The launched coaster screams out of the station, blasting riders from O to 82 mph in 2.3 seconds. It then climbs a 205-foot top hat tower at 90 degrees and drops straight down the other side. The rest of the ride is relatively nondescript, but oh what a launch. Xcelerator is decidedly not for the faint-hearted.
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Timber Mountain Log Ride
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Dating back to 1969, Timber Mountain is another one of the longstanding gems at Knott’s Berry Farm and was one of the industry‘s first log flume rides. (Fun fact: John Wayne and his son helped debut the attraction by taking the first ride.) With its big splashdown finale, the classic attraction offers both thrills and nostalgia. The heavily themed and surprisingly long ride is loaded with animated characters and scenes depicting a circa-1800s lumber mill. Timber Mountain was substantially refurbished in 2013.
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GhostRider
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A superb wooden coaster, GhostRider starts in Ghost Town and extends beyond the berm of the park to take passengers for a wild ride over Grand Avenue and next to Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant. First opened in 1998, it was an immediate hit with park fans. Through the years, however, the ride became excessively rough, a common problem with wooden coasters. A 2016 makeover restored the ride to its former glory. The out-of-your-seat airtime is especially delightful. Take note: GhostRider includes many sections with extreme over-banking that delivers potent lateral G-forces. You will slam into your seat mate!
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HangTime
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Known as a dive coaster, HangTime takes passengers to the top of a 150-foot-tall hill, stops and dangles them over the precipice for what seems like an eternity, and then releases them into a 96-degree dive (that’s beyond vertical). Accelerating to 57 mph, the coaster then navigates five inversions. The surfing-themed ride is an imposing sight on Knott’s midway, especially at night when an elaborate lighting display illuminates and animates it.
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Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair
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Opened in 2021, this interactive dark ride equips passengers with jelly blasters to uncover virtual boysenberry pies and rack up points. The attraction takes its theme and characters from the original Knott’s Bear-y Tales, a former ride that dated back to 1987 and captivated guests.
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Silver Bullet
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The trains hang suspended beneath the track on this inverted coaster, which greets guests just inside the park’s front gates. Among its six inversions is a 105-foot-tall, teardrop-shaped loop. it’s quite a sight to see riders’ legs dangling on the ski lift-like seats as they get tossed upside down.
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Supreme Scream
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Towering high above the park, Supreme Scream takes passengers up 252 feet and then drops them straight down at 50 mph, taking just 3 seconds. It is one of the most extreme drop tower rides at an amusem*nt park and rivals Xcelerator for crazy thrills.
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Calico River Rapids
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Many parks have river rapids rides in which passengers navigate choppy waters in circular rafts and get soaked along the way. When Knott’s revamped its BigFoot Rapids, it brought in the same company that helped to restore the Timber Mountain Log Ride and the Calico Mine Ride. They inserted animatronics and show elements to give the ride a narrative overlay. The retro show scenes have a similar look and feel to Knott’s log flume and mine rides.
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Calico Railroad
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An actual working steam train, the Calico Railroad encircles a large swath of Knott’s Berry Farm. In operation at the theme park since 1952, the 20th-century locomotive gets held up by bandits every darn tootin’ time it departs the station. Have no fear, however, the sheriff and his posse inevitably save the day.
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Butterfield Stagecoach
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As an honorable mention, we are including the Butterfield Stagecoach as an 11th pick for one of the best attractions at Knott’s. Admittedly, not much happens in the way of a themed story or thrills. But it is a hoot to ride in a classic, horse-drawn stagecoach, especially when the driver gives the reins a snap, and the team picks up some speed.
