Lake Compounce is a tribute to times gone by. Although the park has been around for over 150 years, it continues to attract new visitors every year, genuine enthusiasts of the olden times that come to see the place that started it all.

The History

America's oldest park still in operation opened in Bristol, Connecticut, in 1846 as a picnic area that also offered swimming, rowing, and bowling. By 1895, a restaurant and casino had been added the area, and a trolley line began making regular jaunts to and from the park. The first official ride to open was the current carrousel, followed by The Green Dragon, a roller coaster, in 1914. The Dragon was replaced in 1927 by Wildcat Coaster, still running today. After falling on hard times during the 90's (and risking closing its doors forever), a major local investment allowed the park to grow, add 10 rides and expand over the lake.

Today, Lake Compounce is homage to the lake and the land that gave it its name. Instead of fighting the elements, the park has incorporated them into the rides. Boulder Dash Coaster, the main attraction, makes use of the local topography to provide one of the scariest rides of your life.

The Best Family Rides

While Lake Compounce boasts the usual fare of bumper cars, Ferris wheels, and pirate ships, the park is best known for its one-of-a-kind rides that mix nostalgia with modern thrills.

Boulder Dash Coaster

Voted the number one wooden rollercoaster in the world by the National Amusement Park Historical Association, the Boulder has another, even more impressive claim to fame –Being the only roller coaster in the world built directly on a mountainside! With a drop of 115 feet and a max speed of 65mph, the Boulder is one of the park's main attractions, racing among trees for over 4500 feet of track.

DownTime

The park's newest addition is a 185-foot tower that drops riders at soaring speed. According to Lake Compounce's General Manager Tom Wages, this is not a ride for the faint of heart. Kids who want to take part on the free fall experience can head over to Garfield's Drop Zone, a 40-foot kiddy version of a drop tower.

Antique Carousel

Hand carved by carved by Loof, Carmel and Stein & Goldstein, the 1911 carousel is one of America's oldest and has two chariots, 49 classic horses, and a goat.

Mark Twain Stern Wheeler

The 70-foot authentic sternwheeler cruises the lake on a mellow ride, taking the 65 passengers into a journey back to simpler times.

The Trolley

The genuine 1911 open-air trolley, in permanent loan from the Shoreline Trolley Museum, used to take riders from New Haven to Lake Compounce until the line shot down in 1935. A $35 million restoration was started in 1997 to restore trolley service. Shore Line Trolley Museum Car 1414 now takes riders on an 1800-foot journey alongside the lake.

Mammoth Falls

The 551-foot long raft ride takes passengers through dark loops, tunnels, and waterfalls before plunging them down a 50 foot canal.

Sky Ride

The chair lift takes visitors on a 700-foot scenic ride to the summit of Compounce Mountain for striking views of the park's 325 acres.

Wild Cat

The park oldest coaster (and one of the first rides to open) is a classic wooden coaster offering a lot of airtime and a shaky fun ride.

Splash Harbor

Lake Compounce's own water park offers log rides, a lighthouse, and slides that empty into the lake.

The Shows

Starlight Theater

Magique - Two daily performances of exciting illusions take visitors through all the classic tricks, from levitation to fire eating, straight jacket escape, and disappearing acts.

Jump, Jive & Swing – Every evening, swing to 40's music and join the band in a salute to the USO.

Garfield's Circus World Stage

The Garfield Show – Two musical performances a day from Garfield, Odie, and all their friends. When not on stage, the characters stroll around the park, delighting kids and posing for photographs.

Compounce Karaoke – Every afternoon, jump on the stage for your chance to fame… or embarrassment. If you're not bold enough, drop by, grab a seat, and have fun listening to braver souls.

Street Entertainment

Magicians, dancers, and performers rally the crowds organizing impromptu performances. Keep your eyes open. You never know where they’ll pop up!

Special Events

The park hosts a series of performances throughout the year. Past stars have included The Star Girls (a teen pop group from Australia), Totally Retro (a revival of 70's and 80's music), and the Tanzanian Flyers (an acrobatic troupe).

The Haunted Graveyard

Every October, Lake Compounce presents The Haunted Graveyard, a 45-minute walkthrough where you're dared to cross the Werewolf Woods, Killer Pumpkin Patch, eerie cornfields, and catacombs. Visit the Temple of Gloom and get lost in the Swirling Vortex and Cavern of Light. The attraction is rated PG, and it may not be suited for very young children because of the intensity of some of the special effects. After exiting the Graveyard, visitors can head to Boulder Dash or any of the other 15 rides that during October nights are operated in the dark. Scary enough for you? Proceeds from this event benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The Lodging

When visiting Lake Compounce, it's worth it to stick around for more than one day. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to fit all the rides, shows, and shopping the park has to offer into a single visit. While there's no lodging inside the park, opportunities abound as soon as you step out the door.

Outdoors

Nelson's Family Campground at East Hampton (866-445-6520)

Budget

Ramada of Plainville at Plainville (860-747-6876)

Holiday Inn Express Southington at Southington (860-276-0736)

Travelodge at Southington (860-628-0921)

Quality

Hilton Garden Inn at Hartford North/Bradley International Airport(860-688-6400)

Clarion Hotel Bristol at Bristol (860-589-7766)

Centennial Inn Suites at Farmington (800.852.2052 - 860.677.4647)

The Food

Following the trend of mixing new and old, the park offers the conventional pizza, sandwiches, fries and burgers, plus a myriad of novel options not found anywhere else.

Mini Melts – This new generation of ice creams looks more like M&Ms than creamy ice. Frozen at sub-zero temperatures, they can be eaten by hand just as you would hard candy. Must be seen to believe it! Carousel Café – Watching your figure? Stop by for a veggie burger, grilled chicken sandwich, or fruit parfaits.

Funnel Cake Factory - Not watching your figure? Indulge in an old-fashioned funnel cakes with ice cream toppings.

Fried Bats - Fried Oreos at its best.