Many years ago, like maybe THIRTY years ago a boy I liked carved my name in a brick at Knott’s Berry Farm. One of these bricks (on right) actually. I am sure my name had been crossed out and carved over by some other Heather or Taylor or Destiny. But I found myself standing in front of the bricks in the heart of this charming amusement park and I still couldn’t help but look for my name. I have not been back to Knott’s in over 10 years, and I was pleasantly surprised to find it in pristine condition. Since the cost of admission is half of Disneyland (of course the park is about 1/2 the size as well) I expected, well…I expected much less. I was wrong.
My beloved Ghost Town is still there with every thing I adored as a child. A working blacksmith, the bottle house, the authentic school house and the peek-in windows with scenes from post office, dentists and other western locations. And don’t forget to send your kids up to the Jail to take a peek. Stay behind and had the man behind the ‘telegraph’ window a piece of paper with your kids names on them- and watch the kids squeal with delight when the jailers ‘magically’ know who has come to visit! The Bird Cage theater (were my first love idol Steve Martin performed for many years) looks ready to welcome you in.
The sign below was for a recycling trash can. But the irony of the window behind was too much to pass up.
One of my favorite childhood memories was riding the REAL vintage train through out the park. And having the “BAD GUYS” come in as ask us all for our valuables.
Scared me half to death when they jumped in the car and I knew it was gonna happen!
I can not say enough good things about this visit. The place is SO CLEAN. And fresh feeling. There is an adorable Johnny Rockets on site, Pinks hot dogs and of course Knott’s fried chicken restaurant. But everyone knows the real magic is the funnel cake with boysenberry sauce. (The boysenberry was INVENTED by Walter Knott. And is the reason for the entire park.)
But the biggest thrill of Knott’s is the fast and crazy rides. And there are tons. We didn’t even get to do them all. Perfect reason to go back…and soon!
It is cheaper to buy your tickets online at Knotts.com (under 11 is only $23!)
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I went last year and I must have hit it on a bad day.It was nothing like you say.It was dirty,no cowboys,no blacksmith,nothing like it was the first time I went.We said we would never go back.
lucky -you I guess.
Just went yesterday… had a great time. Great writeup.
Not to be nit picky…you know I am though. The boysenberry was actually invented by Charles Rudolph Boysen in Napa as a hybrid of berries. But, it was popularized by Walter Knott, which is why he generally gets the credit. I know it’s tacky to correct a blog writer, but Marcy you know I love you. I just want your info to be right, and since I am a docent at Calico Ghost Town, the town on which Knott’s Berry Farm was based and which was previously owned by Walter Knott, I know a bit more than the average Knott’s customer about its history. When I was in my 20s, I wanted to use the Knott’s chapel to get married. It’s now moved across the street and is the home for a Baptist congregation, I believe. It’s been many years since I’ve been in the park, but I love it. We live right by it; I should go back.
I hadn’t been to Knott’s in years, but went there for Ducks day a few months ago. I was impressed. I didn’t know what to expect. But I came away with the same opinion as you. I can’t wait to go back–and not just if the Ducks are there!
omg i went yesterday also for my 8th grade field trip. It was so much fun but i wish i’d gone on more rides. 2nd time i ‘ve been to Knott’s and i had a blast
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