Lakemont Park - Altoona, Pennsylvania - mid-sized family amusement park

Lakemont Park in Altoona, Pennsylvania holds the distinction of being the 8th oldest amusement part in the U.S. Originally opened to the public in 1894, Lakemont Park started life as a trolley park. In 1902, Lakemont Park added a new attraction - a wooden roller coaster named the Leap-the-Dips. The roller coaster was closed in 1985 and nearly demolished, but a concerted effort from area residents worked to get the roller coaster named a National Historic Landmark in 1996. A newly restored Leap-the-Dips reopened on Memorial Day, 1999. It is the oldest operating roller coaster in the world and the crown jewel of the family fun amusement park.

It is not, however, the only roller coaster at the park. Lakemont Park features another wooden roller coaster, the Skyliner, which was relocated from Roseland Park in 1985, and has operated at Lakemont Park for the past 45 years. In addition, Lakemont Park also features two steel roller coasters - the 450 foot long Toboggan and the junior coaster, Little Leaper.

Lakemont Park features 30 different rides and attractions aimed at the entire family. The collection of "thrill rides'' for adults and teens includes many older rides that can't be found elsewhere. The Octopus, RoundUp, Twister and Scrambler will be familiar to adults who grew up in the golden age of boardwalk amusement parks in the 50s and 60s. Other familiar amusements include the Tilt-a-Whirl, bumper cars and go-karts, as well as a good old-fashioned Ferris wheel.

For the younger set and their parents, Lakemont Park also features a merry-go-round, antique cars and a train that travels the outside of the park limits. In addition, there is a miniature golf course, an arcade and midway games. The very youngest set are served by a collection of kiddie rides that includes a kiddie coaster, a kiddie Ferris wheel, an activity pool, pony carts, mini go-karts and wet boats.

Lakemont Park also boasts The Island Water Park, a small, family-focused water park with a pool, several water slides and the Pirate Ship, an activity pool for younger children. Families are encouraged to bring picnics, and can make use of the picnic tables and use charcoal grills to cook. There are also food booths that offer traditional carnival fare.

Since 2005, Lakemont Park has hosted the annual Altoona First Festival, held the weekend after Labor Day each year. Altoona First features handcrafts, wine and music events. It is the largest Blair County craft show of the year. Area residents also enjoy the annual holiday Lights on the Lake displays, which include 51 acres of holiday lights, holiday refreshments and pictures with Santa. The park also hosts and runs many events throughout the summer months, and has regular discount days when gate admission is greatly reduced.

Lakemount Park is open Wednesday through Sunday in June, July and August, though hours vary. The park is also open for a limited schedule May through September. The park reopens the day after Thanksgiving and is open through the week after Christmas for the Lake on the Lights display. For information about group rates, hours of operation and admission, visit the Lakemont Park web site, or call Lakemont Park at 1-800-434-8006.