Knott’s Berry Farm | Anaheim

Knott’s Berry Farm is one of California’s most iconic theme parks, rich in history and culture. It offers a blend of old western charm, family-friendly entertainment, and high-thrill rides, making it a favorite destination for both tourists and locals.

Origins and Historical Background

Knott’s Berry Farm began in the 1920s as a roadside berry stand established by Walter and Cordelia Knott. Walter developed and popularized the boysenberry—a cross between a blackberry, raspberry, and loganberry—which became central to the farm's identity. To attract more visitors, the Knotts opened a fried chicken restaurant in 1934 (still operating today), which gained massive popularity. As crowds grew, Walter Knott began adding Old West-themed attractions, gradually developing the location into a full-fledged amusement park by the 1940s. It officially became a ticketed theme park in 1968 and was eventually sold to Cedar Fair in 1997, which still operates it.

Themed Areas and Attractions

Knott’s Berry Farm is divided into several themed areas, each offering unique experiences:

1. Ghost Town:
This is the heart of the park and the original themed area. It replicates a Wild West frontier town with wooden sidewalks, old-timey saloons, blacksmith demonstrations, and actors in costume. Key attractions here include:

GhostRider: One of the longest and fastest wooden roller coasters on the West Coast.

Calico Mine Ride: A dark ride through a detailed underground mining expedition.

Timber Mountain Log Ride: A log flume ride through mountain scenery.

2. Fiesta Village:
A vibrant, Latin-themed area with colorful decor and family-friendly rides. Attractions include:

Jaguar!: A family roller coaster that travels through temples and around the area.

La Revolución and Dragon Swing: Classic carnival-style spinning rides.

3. The Boardwalk:
This area offers a beachy, 1950s-style atmosphere and features more modern thrill rides.

HangTime: California’s first dive coaster, with a vertical 96-degree drop and light-up track.

Xcelerator: A high-speed launch coaster that goes from 0 to 82 mph in 2.3 seconds.

Coast Rider: A wild mouse-style coaster.

Arcade games and interactive experiences also dot this zone.

4. Camp Snoopy:
Dedicated to younger children, this Peanuts-themed land features gentle rides and character meet-and-greets.

Rides like Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyer, Woodstock’s Airmail, and Flying Ace are perfect for small kids.

Camp Snoopy was the first children’s area of its kind when it opened in 1983.

Dining and Signature Foods

Knott’s is famous not only for its rides but also for its food, especially:

Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant: Still located just outside the park entrance, it’s renowned for its homestyle fried chicken, biscuits with boysenberry jam, mashed potatoes, and boysenberry pie.

Boysenberry Festival (Spring): An annual food festival showcasing creative uses of boysenberry in savory and sweet dishes.

Park-exclusive items like boysenberry corn dogs, boysenberry BBQ wings, churros, and lemonade.

Annual Events

Knott’s offers seasonal events that transform the park:

1. Knott’s Scary Farm (Fall):
One of the largest and longest-running Halloween events at any theme park in the U.S. It includes:

Haunted mazes and scare zones.

Live shows.

Park-wide transformations with fog, lighting, and actors in costume.

2. Knott’s Merry Farm (Winter):
A festive Christmas celebration with:

Holiday decorations, including snowfall in Ghost Town.

Christmas carolers and themed performances.

Seasonal food like turkey dinners and peppermint desserts.

3. Knott’s Boysenberry Festival (Spring):
Focuses on food and craft booths, tasting cards, and live music centered around boysenberry-based creations.

4. Knott’s Summer Nights:
Live music, food booths, and a festive night-time atmosphere for all ages.

Shopping and Souvenirs

For decades, Knott’s also marketed boysenberry jams, cookies, and syrups under the Knott’s Berry Farm brand (later sold to Smucker’s). In 2024, Smucker’s discontinued the brand, but Knott’s reintroduced many of the favorites under their “Berry Market” label, available only at the park and online.

Shops throughout the park offer:

Themed merchandise, including Peanuts and Ghost Town memorabilia.

Boysenberry products.

Traditional candy, western wear, and handcrafted items.

Accessibility and Visitor Info

Address: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, California.

Open Year-Round: Schedules vary, with longer hours during summer and holidays.

Tickets: Single-day admission, season passes, and “Fast Lane” options are available. Fast Lane allows priority access to popular rides.

Park Size: Approximately 57 acres.

Transportation: Accessible from major Southern California highways, and nearby hotels often provide shuttles.

Knott’s Berry Farm blends rich Americana, a commitment to heritage, and evolving thrills, making it a must-see park with multi-generational appeal.