Lake Compounce Family Theme Park in Bristol, Connecticut opened their doors on May 13, 2006 for their 160th season, making it the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the country. What a Connecticut treasure!

The story of Lake Compounce began in 1846 when scientists who were in search of a body of water for use in an "experiment in electricity" approached Mr. Gad Norton to use his 28-acre lake. The well-publicized event drew thousands of spectators to Mr. Norton's beautiful 300+ acres of property amidst woods and water. Though the scientific experiment was a dud, visitors were so enamored with Mr. Norton's property that he decided to open it to the public as a picnicking and swimming area.

From that day forward, the property grew as a family amusement park to include rides and a concert ballroom. In 1914, the Green Dragon, Lake Compounce's first electric powered roller coaster was opened. The genuine open-air trolley and carousel, both dating back to 1911, remain favorites of park visitors to this day.

In 1996 Kennywood Entertainment assumed ownership of Lake Compounce and since then more than $70 million dollars have been invested in improving the park, with even more plans for improvements and expansion on the way. Already sporting more than 50 rides and attractions, this season the park unveils a thrilling new ride, "Thunder N Lightning": a screaming swing which catapults riders to heights of almost 100 feet at 60 miles per hour.

Lake Compounce has been voted 'Best Family Attraction' for 7 years in a row by Connecticut Magazine, and once you visit the Lake you'll see why. Their commitment to providing the finest in family fun and entertainment is evident at every turn; from friendly staff and cleanliness, to attractions suitable for all ages, Lake Compounce rises to the top of family fun spots near and far. Come see for yourself, on Connecticut Open House Day, June 10. Join your friends at Lake Compounce at 5pm in the front gate plaza for a 160-year celebration! No purchase required to celebrate in the plaza. For those who would like to enter the park, the after 5pm admission rate will be reduced to just $10.