BRISTOL, Conn. — Lake Compounce, known as America’s First Amusement Park, is ready to kick off its 2026 season, celebrating 180 years of fun. The park opens on Saturday, May 9, with exciting new attractions and meals for everyone.
Starting at 11 a.m., the first 180 guests will receive a special coin to commemorate this milestone. Throughout the season, families can enjoy various new and upgraded experiences:
- Wildcat and Boulder Dash Upgrades: The classic Wildcat Roller Coaster has undergone a full retrack, making it smoother and easier to ride. With a new second train, wait times should improve. The Boulder Dash Roller Coaster is also being enhanced with 550 feet of new steel track.
- Introducing All-American Summer: In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the park will host fireworks from July 3-4 and every Saturday until August 15. Visitors can also enjoy drone shows on August 21 and 22, featuring festive entertainment and special food options.
- Food and Beverage Enhancements: This season, guests will find new menu items like flatbread pizzas, mac and cheese bowls, and fried Oreo sundaes across the park.
- Lake Compounce Legacy Corner: A new walk-through experience will showcase 180 years of park history through photos and artifacts, making it a unique journey through time.
Alongside the All-American Summer, the park will host events like Kids Fest in June, which includes meet-and-greets with well-loved characters. This September, the popular Phantom Fall Fest returns, offering family fun during the day and spooky attractions at night.
Doug Hemphill, the General Manager, expressed excitement about this season’s offerings: “This season is about delivering a better experience through every touchpoint in the park. We’ve made improvements to ensure every visit feels fresh and memorable.”
Fans can also snag a 2026 Season Pass for just $59.99, which is cheaper than a single-day ticket. These passes come with perks like free parking and discounts on food.
New stats show that amusement parks saw a 30% increase in visitors last year compared to 2021, indicating a strong comeback in the industry. With added attractions and improvements, Lake Compounce is designed to capitalize on this trend, providing families with even more reasons to visit.
As the park gears up, guests can look forward to a lively and memorable experience. Whether it’s the thrill of the rides or the taste of delicious new foods, it promises to be a season for the books.
