Lake Compounce

The USA: for many people a real coaster-heaven. Again and again the big players among the amusement parks create new thrilling roller coasters which all pass daring manoeuvres and therefore impress the guests by their size and speed, regardless if they are made of wood or steel, if flying or inverted, or if they rush through multiple loops. Some of these parks will be presented on Parkscout in random order. One of the world's best wooden coasters is located at the amusement park Lake Compounce, which is situated idyllically at a lake of the same name, about two hour's drive away from New York City.

The roots of the medium-sized park in the federal state of Connecticut can be traced back till 1846, where the first leisure activities were rowboats, picnic tables, a pavilion for concerts and, for sure, the possibility to take a bath in the lake. The first roller coaster opened in 1914 and operated till 1926, when it was replaced by the woody "Wildcat”, which is still brining joy to the guests today.

For all coaster enthusiasts the amusement park is a well known destination, because it is home to the phenomenal wooden coaster "Boulder Dash”. This terrain coaster, build on a hillside situation in a forest, has objectively seen just an out-and-back-layout, but due to its special setting, the riders will not even recognize this while rushing through the hills and trees. Boulder Dash is fast and long: On its nearly 1.5 kilometres of track the train almost keeps its initial speed at any time, just lowering it a bit when taking the 180 degree curve at the end of the area. A special experience is a ride at night, when fireflies are whirring through the forest. Before El Toro at Six Flags Great America was built in 2006, it was the longest and fastest wooden roller coaster at the east coast. The ride has got many fans and so Boulder Dash always was on one of the first three ranks at the Golden Ticket Awards that take place annully.

Lake Compounce

The park itself spans along the lakeside, where more roller coasters can be found: a Boomerang named "Zoomerang”, the already mentioned woody "Wild Cat” and the "Kiddie Coaster”. Other major rides are an Enterprise, a S&S Screaming Swing, a drop tower, a log flume and a swingboat. One highlight is a river rafting designed by manufacturer Hopkins, which is quite legendary, because it is one of the world's best constructions. Needless to say that the guests will get soaked to the bones – as it is common practice when riding US water rides. This attraction is located at the end of the park and can be reached easily by railroad, which is constructed in the style of the old San Francisco cable cars.

In direct neighbourhood a funicular can be found, which may not make much sense to many Europeans, because it takes a full round course without an option to leave at the one end of the ride. The haunted house "Ghost Hunt” is also worth mentioning. Its cars are armed with "Boo-Blasters” to fight against the ghosts. Last but not least Lake Compounce features a water park with multiple slides, a lazy river, wave pool and a sandy beach for swimming in the lake. A nearby cosy restaurant with a great terrace provides a great view on the lake. In summer, a complete day of joy and fun can be experienced without any difficulty as a result of the combination of water park and amusement rides.