What is the first "theme park" in the U.S.?

In 1941, Louis Koch, a retired man living in Evansville, Indiana, took a road trip 50 miles east to the small town of Santa Claus. Having fathered nine children, Koch was disappointed to discover that the tiny enclave offered Santa Claus in name only. There was no Santa Claus, the man, to see there. What would kids think if they traveled there in hunt of the jolly fat man?

Koch dreamed of a place where people could visit Santa Claus at any time of the year. Indiana only had one amusement park at the time, Indiana Beach, up the road a bit in Monticello. Thus, Santa Claus Land was born. The park opened its gates on August 3, 1946. It was the world's first amusement park to have an overriding theme.

More Info: metv.com

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45 Comments

Mary Fink

The 1st park was actually Knottsberry Farms!!!

Tom Knox

Knotts Berry Farm was the first theme park, and it wasn't even an option! Do your research!!

theotishaynes

This is the only one that I missed on the quiz. Wasn’t fair for me to miss my bonus because the author of the question didn’t know what they were talking about. Question should be taken off the grid.

dmarkc

Another author's opinion question. Who knows what criteria he accepts? Knott's was fun as a kid.

Robert Oldenburg

My parents brought my brother and I there as kids while visiting family in Evansville.

teacherchicky

None of the answers listed are correct! I'm protesting THIS question and answer.

earlepg

earlepg, It seems that Lake Compounce got its start in 1846. However, other than food and a dance floor, it only added rides (notably roller coaster), making it an amusement park rather than a theme park (like Knotts' ghost and western theme towns).

earlepg

According to several sites online, Knott's Berry Farm became more than a place to buy meals and food items by starting to build a ghost town (a theme) in 1920 and expanded from there.

Karyn Mauro Rexelle

Knottsberry Farm!! I spent a good portion of my childhood there!

Sharon Russo

Mary Fink, That's what I found also.

Ric Bourn

Again correct answer not listed. Oldest an continously open is Knott'S Berry Farm in Bristol CT. Since 1846 now owned by Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. Six Flags in Agawam MA. Was opened about 20 years later I live in Massachusetts Poor research