11 Underrated U.S. Amusement Parks That Deserve Way More Attention

Not every amusement park needs to be a billion-dollar franchise covered in mouse ears or wizard capes to deliver a good time. Because beneath the radar of the mega-parks are hidden parks with just as much charm, twists, and adrenaline… minus the six-hour lines, overpriced churros, and selfies with a guy in a hot, sweaty costume.

These parks may not have the biggest marketing budgets, but they’ve got something better: heart, character, and some pretty wild attractions that’ll leave you wondering why you haven’t heard of them before.

Stick around, and allow me to guide you through the underrated stars of the amusement park world. You know, the kind your cousins conveniently forget to tell you about.

---

Silver Dollar City, Missouri

Step into the 1880s at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, where old-timey charm meets pulse-pounding thrills. Known for its artisan shops where glassblowers, woodcarvers, and potters create magic, this park delivers a hands-on history lesson with a side of adrenaline.

And let’s not forget Marvel Cave, the massive underground wonder that started it all. Nothing says “historic adventure” like wandering dimly lit caves while pondering how sturdy that railing really is.

Above ground, the tantalizing scent of skillet-fried potatoes wafts through the streets, tempting you to indulge before discovering Outlaw Run, a record-breaking wooden coaster with inversions smooth enough to question your faith in physics.

Dollywood, Tennessee

Situated snugly in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Dollywood is what happens when thrilling attractions meet southern charm (with a heaping spoonful of buttered biscuits on top).

Co-owned by none other than musical legend Dolly Parton, this park nails nostalgia and entertainment together like a perfectly finished barn. You’ll find jaw-dropping coasters, such as Lightning Rod (which barrels through turns faster than a trucker late for supper), alongside live entertainment celebrating Appalachian culture.

And then there’s the food. From cinnamon bread so gooey it should come with a warning label to fried chicken that’ll have your arteries negotiating a second serving, the dining alone is worth the trip.

Hersheypark, Pennsylvania

Welcome to Hersheypark, where the currency is candy, and the roller coasters are the cherry on top… er, chocolate drizzle over the sundae. Home to over a dozen coasters, the park serves up sugar-fueled thrills, like the record-breaking Candymonium.

But the true pièce de résistance? The air smells like Hershey’s chocolate, thanks to the nearby factory. You’ll feel like you’ve walked into a confectioner’s fever dream, complete with rides themed around iconic sweets.

And for those needing an escape from adrenaline overload, the adjacent Hershey’s Chocolate World offers tours, heavenly milkshakes, and the kind of chocolatey joy that could ruin your dentist’s weekend.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia

Located in Williamsburg, Busch Gardens is a European-themed wonderland where sophistication politely elbows thrills out of the way. Each village, from Italy to Germany to Scotland, is a picture-perfect blend of impeccable landscaping, authentic architecture, and delicious regional treats.

But don’t get too relaxed sipping on a Bavarian beer, because the coasters here demand your full attention. Griffon, a floorless, heart-pounding monster, drops you at 90 degrees like it’s nobody’s business, while Verbolten lures you in with a “nice drive in the country” before flinging you into a haunting Black Forest.

Add in world-class live shows, adorable animal exhibits, and a touch of old-world charm, and Busch Gardens somehow makes a European vacation feel almost achievable.

Kennywood, Pennsylvania

Located near the smoky steel history of Pittsburgh, Kennywood is where nostalgia and modern thrills shake hands. It’s an amusement park icon, weaving a tapestry of century-old wooden coasters and sleek new scream machines.

But you can’t discuss Kennywood without saluting its unofficial mascot, the potato patch fries. These crispy, cheesy, gravy-smothered beauties are rumored to have ruined more diets than holiday seasons combined.

And with coasters like the Phantom’s Revenge delivering airtime befitting astronauts and old-timers like the Thunderbolt testing how much rickety fun your nerves can handle, the park gleefully balances retro charm with current adrenaline obsessions.

Kings Island, Ohio

Sitting just outside Cincinnati, Kings Island doesn’t merely dabble in family fun; it’s the Ph.D. of kid-approved entertainment, featuring an award-winning kids’ area that could exhaust the Energizer Bunny.

But don’t mistake it as just a playground for tykes. This park is home to Orion, one of the tallest and fastest coasters in the Midwest. This steel giant shoots you through space-themed chaos with enough speed to make your hair seriously reconsider its place in the world.

And beyond the coasters, the park delights with immersive themed areas, live entertainment, and even a classic wooden beauty of a coaster, The Beast, that’s been roaring through the woods since 1979.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Colorado

Perched on a Colorado mountaintop like it’s trying to outdo heaven itself, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park redefines “adventure” with a mile-high twist. Your journey begins with a scenic tram ride up to the park, ensuring even the entrance feels like part of the ride.

Once at the top, you’ll peer into the depths of the Earth during their guided cave tours, experiencing natural formations that could make even a chandelier jealous. But it’s not just the caves that steal the show.

This park’s high-altitude rides, like the Cliffhanger Roller Coaster, flirt with the edges of cliffs, while the Giant Canyon Swing dares you to look straight down a 1,300-foot drop. And the sweeping Rocky Mountain views serve as the perfect backdrop to this mix of thrills and underground wonders.

Lake Compounce, Connecticut

Step aside, modern theme parks, Lake Compounce has been schooling the amusement world since 1846. Tucked away in charming Connecticut, this is America’s oldest continuously operating amusement park, and it wears its history like a badge of honor.

But don’t mistake “oldest” for outmoded. Lake Compounce blends nostalgia with no-holds-barred thrills. The star of the show? Boulder Dash, a wooden roller coaster that careens through a forest like it’s late for a meeting.

Add to that its lakeside setting, which offers paddleboat rides and the perfect excuse to cool down with any frozen treat you can get your hands on. History never tasted so sweet (or screamed so loudly).

Story Land, New Hampshire

If storybooks came with theme parks as footnotes, Story Land would be the disclaimer no one skips. Located in the picturesque White Mountains of New Hampshire, this whimsical wonderland is designed to make kids feel like royalty (and parents question their short-lived stardom).

Here, nursery rhyme characters are more accessible than your favorite celebrities (just try not to blush if Humpty Dumpty waves at you). With gentle carousels, the splash-friendly Dr. Geyser’s Remarkable Raft Ride, and even Cinderella’s charming castle, Story Land is a rainbow of soft giggles and pastel dreams.

Plus, you can’t forget about the clean mountain air and the faint whiff of fried dough that occasionally lingers. And while the attractions may be pint-sized, the memories are unreasonably huge.

Dutch Wonderland, Pennsylvania

Cue the wholesome charm, because Dutch Wonderland in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country knows how to pull at the heartstrings. This pint-sized paradise is all about family-friendly escapades that serve up equal parts innocence and whimsy.

Watching younger children light up as they explore Exploration Island, complete with life-sized dinosaurs, should honestly come with a warning for emotional overload. Dragons and knights, anyone? The royal theme continues with Duke the Dragon, the park’s mascot, who may or may not steal snack crumbs from your toddler’s hands.

Striking a delightful balance between nostalgia and novelty, Dutch Wonderland takes you back to simpler times, yet you’ll find no shortage of modern conveniences (like funnel cake and coffee, because priorities). It’s the kind of place where fun takes itself just seriously enough.

SeaWorld Orlando, Florida

Think SeaWorld Orlando is just about splashing dolphins and cute penguins? Think again. This aquatic extravaganza throws major shade at your typical theme park with its roller coasters that rival any land-based thrill machines.

Mako, Kraken, and Manta will have you screaming for more as they soar through the air and plunging near the water with twists, turns, and loops that will leave your head spinning (in a good way!).

There are also seasonal events like the electric ocean light shows and mouthwatering food festivals that lend the park a party atmosphere, while marine-life exhibits tug at your curiosity (and your subconscious urge to hug a manatee). Of course, there’s also the delightful smell of saltwater and fried food blending into a strange yet oddly comforting bouquet.

---

Like Our Content? Make sure to join our newsletter for all the latest on outdoor adventures (and a FREE STARGAZING GUIDE). Click here to sign up!

Please Share If You Enjoyed!