Lakemont Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Lakemont Park

Previously known as Boyertown USA
Skyliner rollercoaster
Location	Altoona, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Coordinates	40°28′18″N 78°23′44″W / 40.4717632°N 78.3954871°W / 40.4717632; -78.3954871
Opened	1894
Owner	Cohen family
Slogan	Two Great Parks, Twice the Fun
Operating season	Summer Season: May until Labor Day Holiday Lights on the Lake: Friday before Thanksgiving until First Sunday in January (unless the first Sunday is the 1st)
Area	60 acres (240,000 m2)
Attractions
Total	11
Roller coasters	3
Water rides	3
Website	http://www.lakemontparkfun.com

Lakemont Park is a fun amusement park in Altoona, Pennsylvania. It is home to the world's oldest roller coaster still running, called the Leap-The-Dips. This amazing ride was named a National Historic Landmark in 1996.

The park first opened in 1894. Back then, it was a "trolley park." This means it was built by a trolley company. They wanted people to ride their trolleys to a fun place. Lakemont Park became a full amusement park in 1899. It is one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States. The park was closed for a short time from 2017 to 2018. But don't worry, it reopened in the summer of 2019! Lakemont Park is right next to Peoples Natural Gas Field. This is where the Altoona Curve baseball team plays.

History of Lakemont Park

Lakemont Park has a long and interesting history. It first opened its gates in 1894. In 1937, the park was given to Blair County. Later, in 1986, it became a private park again. It stayed open every year until 2016.

The park closed for a bit in 2017 and 2018. Many rides needed repairs and updates. In 2018, Lakemont Park announced big plans. They wanted to reopen as a "family entertainment location." This meant keeping some favorite rides. They planned to keep the Skyliner, Leap the Dips, and the water park. They also kept the Antique Cars, Miniature Train, Paddle Boats, and Go-Karts. The park successfully reopened in the summer of 2019.

Exciting Rides at Lakemont Park

Lakemont Park has many different rides for everyone. Let's explore some of the most popular ones.

Current Roller Coasters

Lakemont Park is famous for its roller coasters. Here are the ones you can ride today:

• Leap-The-Dips
  • Opened: 1902
  • This is a wooden roller coaster. It has a unique figure-eight shape. It's one of the last roller coasters of its kind. The ride has special "side friction." This means the wheels run on the side of the track. It was closed for a long time from 1986 to 1998. But now it's open for you to enjoy!

• Skyliner
  • Opened: 1987
  • The Skyliner is another wooden roller coaster. It was actually moved here from another park in New York. It was brought to Lakemont Park in 1987. This was part of a plan to make the park bigger. Today, the Skyliner runs right next to the baseball field.

• Little Leaper
  • This is a fun kiddie coaster. It's perfect for younger riders. The park only allows kids aged 12 and under on this ride.

Thrill and Family Rides

Besides roller coasters, Lakemont Park has other exciting rides:

• Paddle Boats
• Tin Lizzy (an antique car ride)
• Monster Motorway Go-Karts
• Lakemont Park Railroad (a miniature train ride)

Kiddie Rides

Younger kids have their own special rides:

• Pony Carts
• Kiddie Wheel
• 4X4
• Kid's Mini Indy

Water Park Fun

When it's hot, you can cool off at the water park:

• Three Water Slides
  • You need to be at least 42 inches tall to ride these.
• Pool
• Pirate's Cove
  • This is a small pirate ship. It has water cannons and palm trees for extra fun.

Other Fun Attractions

Lakemont Park offers more than just rides:

• Mini-golf courses: There are two courses. One is for younger children, and one is for older kids.
• Batting cages
• Basketball courts
• Volleyball courts
• Playground
• Walking paths

Former Attractions

Over the years, some rides have left Lakemont Park. This happens at many amusement parks. Here are a few rides that used to be here:

Former Roller Coasters

• Gravity Road
  • Opened: 1894
  • Closed: 1897
  • This was one of the park's very first roller coasters. It was a "switchback railroad" style ride. It was taken down after only a few years.

• Twister
  • Opened: 1927
  • Closed: 1935
  • The Twister was a wooden roller coaster. It was destroyed in a big flood in 1936.

• Toboggan
  • Opened: 1991
  • Closed: 2016
  • This was a portable roller coaster. It had four single cars that went up a tower.

• Mad Mouse
  • Opened: 1993
  • Closed: 2003
  • This roller coaster was removed in 2003.

Images for kids

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  The Sky Diver (background) and German Swings (front) at Lakemont Park.