Lake Compounce – All About to Know
Lake Compounce is amusement park located in Bristol and Southington, Connecticut. It is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States, having opened in 1846.
Lake Compounce Amusement Park
The park spans 332 acres and includes a beach and a water parkland called Crocodile Cove and includes a variety of rides and attractions for all ages, from classic carousels and Ferris wheels to thrilling roller coasters and water slides. Here are some of the highlights:
- Roller coasters: Lake Compounce is known for its collection of exciting roller coasters, including Boulder Dash, which has been voted the world’s #1 wooden roller coaster. Other popular coasters include Ghost Train, Wildcat, and The Revolution.
- Water park: Lake Compounce has a water park called Crocodile Cove which is included in the price of admission. The water park features a variety of water attractions for all ages, including a wave pool, lazy river, and multiple water slides. One of the newest water attractions is Venus Vortex, which is a thrilling water slide that takes riders through a series of twists and turns
- Classic rides: For a touch of nostalgia, check out the park’s classic rides, such as the carousel, the Ferris wheel, and the Tilt-A-Whirl.
- Kiddie rides: The little ones won’t be left out at Lake Compounce. There are plenty of kid-friendly rides, such as bumper cars, teacups, and a mini-train.
- Thrill rides: If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, head to the park’s thrill rides, such as the Drop Tower, the X2, and the Skycoaster.
Whether you’re looking for a thrill-seeking adventure or a relaxing day out with the family, Lake Compounce has something for everyone. Read Where is Reseda, Los Angeles? A Comprehensive Guide
Direction to Lake Compounce
Where is lake Compounce?
185 Enterprise Dr, Bristol, CT 06010, United States
Official Website:
https://www.lakecompounce.com/
Phone Number:
+18605833300
Timing of Lake Compounce
Lake Compounce’s operating hours vary depending on the season and day of the week. Here’s a breakdown:
Peak Season (June 23 – August 27, 2023):
- Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM to midnight
Shoulder Season (April 22 – June 22, August 28 – October 29, 2023):
- Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Holiday Season (November 4 – December 31, 2023):
- Select weekends only: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Closed for the Rest of the Year:
- The park is closed from January 1 to April 21, 2024.
Pro Tip: Check the park’s website or social media pages before your visit for any special events or closures that may affect the hours of operation.
Lake Compounce tickets
Ticket options at Lake Compounce vary depending on your needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the main categories:
Single-Day Tickets:
- General Admission: This grants access to all rides and attractions in the park, except for the Skycoaster, which requires an additional fee.
- Flash Pass: This lets you skip the regular lines for most rides, saving you valuable time.
- Bring-a-Friend Ticket: Purchase a general admission ticket and get a discounted ticket for a friend on select days.
Season Passes:
- Gold Season Pass: This includes unlimited admission to the park throughout the year, including special events like Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights. It also offers discounts on food, merchandise, and camping at the Lake Compounce Campground.
- Silver Season Pass: This grants unlimited admission during the summer season, access to special events, and discounts on food and merchandise.
Other Options:
- Group Rates: Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more people.
- Military Discounts: Active and retired military personnel can receive discounted tickets.
- Special Events: Lake Compounce hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as Halloween Haunt and Holiday Light Spectacular. These events often require separate tickets. Read Lake Haiyaha , Colorado – All about to know
Lake Compounce Campground
The Lake Compounce Campground is located right next to the amusement park in Bristol, Connecticut. It’s a great option for families who want to extend their Lake Compounce fun and stay overnight.
The campground offers a variety of accommodations, including:
- 20 fully furnished cabins: These cabins can sleep up to 10 people and come with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including a kitchenette, bathroom, and living room.
- 54 RV sites: These sites can accommodate any size RV and offer partial hookups (50/30/20 AMP electric and water). A dump station is also available on-site.
- 50 tent sites: These spacious sites are located in a wooded area and can accommodate up to 6 people. Parking is located nearby.
The campground also has a number of amenities that campers can enjoy, such as:
- 24-hour shower and restroom facilities: These facilities are clean and well-maintained.
- Laundry area: This is a convenient place to do your laundry while you’re camping.
- General store: This store sells a variety of camping supplies, food, and drinks.
- Campfire rings: These are a great place to gather around and roast marshmallows.
- Free Wi-Fi: This is a great way to stay connected while you’re camping.
Here are some additional details about the campground:
- Address: 185 Enterprise Dr, Bristol, CT 06010
- Phone number: (860) 583-3314
- Website: https://www.lakecompounce.com/lake-compounce-campground/rv-site
- The Lake Compounce Campground is open from April to October.
Lake Compounce Parking
Lake Compounce offers on-site parking for your visit, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free start to your amusement park adventure. Here’s what you need to know:
Parking Options:
- General Parking: The standard option, offering ample space and close proximity to the park entrance. Costs $30+tax per vehicle.
- Preferred Parking: Get closer to the entrance for a quicker start to your fun. Costs $40+tax per vehicle.
- Holiday Lights Parking: During the Holiday Lights event, a separate parking area is available with festive decorations and easy access to the event entrance. Costs $10+tax per vehicle.
- Accessibility Parking: Designated spots close to the entrance are available for guests with disabilities.
Additional Information:
- The parking lots open 30 minutes before the park and close one hour after the park closes.
- Oversized vehicles like RVs and trailers may require special parking arrangements.
- Check the Lake Compounce website or social media for any updates or changes to parking procedures.
Lake Compounce Weather
October 26, 2023, Lake Compounce is in its off-season and closed for the year. It will reopen in April 2024.
Therefore, providing current weather information for the park isn’t relevant at this time. However, I can still tell you about the general weather conditions at Lake Compounce during its operating season:
Spring (April – May):
- Temperatures: Can be variable, ranging from chilly mornings to warm afternoons. Expect highs in the 50s-60s F (10-16 C) and lows in the 30s-40s F (0-4 C).
- Rain: Rainfall is more frequent in spring than summer, so pack an umbrella or raincoat.
Summer (June – August):
- Temperatures: Warmest time of year, with highs in the 70s-80s F (21-27 C) and lows in the 50s-60s F (10-16 C).
- Humidity: Can be high, especially during heat waves. Stay hydrated and wear breathable clothing.
Fall (September – October):
- Temperatures: Gradually cooler, with highs in the 60s-70s F (16-21 C) and lows in the 40s-50s F (4-10 C).
- Fall foliage: October offers stunning fall foliage views, adding another layer of beauty to the park.
Winter (November – March):
- Temperatures: Coldest time of year, with highs in the 30s-40s F (0-4 C) and lows often below freezing.
- Snow and ice: Snowfall is common, affecting park operations. The park is closed during this time. Read Blaxland Riverside Park – All About to Know
Boulder Dash Lake Compounce
Boulder Dash at Lake Compounce is a legendary wooden roller coaster that has thrilled riders for over 20 years. Here’s what makes it so special:
Thrilling Ride:
- High speeds: Reaching speeds of over 60 mph, Boulder Dash delivers a truly exhilarating experience.
- Unique layout: The coaster winds its way through the natural terrain of the park, offering stunning views and unexpected drops and turns.
- Wooden coaster charm: The classic wooden construction provides a nostalgic and exciting ride experience, with the creaks and groans adding to the thrill.
Accolades and Recognition:
- World’s #1 Wooden Coaster: Boulder Dash has been voted the world’s #1 wooden roller coaster five times by Amusement Today, a prestigious industry publication.
- Golden Ticket Awards: The coaster has also received numerous Golden Ticket Awards from Amusement Today, recognizing its excellence in various categories.
- Popular Choice: Boulder Dash consistently ranks among the most popular rides at Lake Compounce, attracting riders of all ages.
Additional Details:
- Length: 4,725 feet (1,440 meters)
- Height: 115 feet (35 meters)
- Drops: 3 major drops, including a 105-foot (32-meter) plunge
- Trains: 2 trains with 6 cars each, seating 24 riders per train
Overall, Boulder Dash is a must-ride for any roller coaster enthusiast visiting Lake Compounce. Its combination of speed, thrills, and classic charm makes it a truly unforgettable experience.
Lake Compounce Holiday Lights
Lake Compounce Holiday Lights is a magical winter wonderland event at the park, transforming it into a festive spectacle for the whole family to enjoy. Here’s what you can expect:
- Millions of twinkling lights: The entire park is bathed in millions of twinkling lights, creating a dazzling atmosphere. From towering trees adorned with lights to illuminated pathways and themed areas, it’s a feast for the eyes.
- Christmas tree and light shows: The centerpiece of the event is the tallest Christmas tree in Connecticut, standing proudly at the park’s entrance. Throughout the evening, it comes alive with stunning synchronized light shows, adding to the festive cheer.
- Themed areas: Explore different themed areas like Santa’s Landing, where you can meet jolly old Saint Nick, or Candy Cane Lane, a whimsical wonderland with playful lights and decorations.
- Live entertainment: Enjoy live music, carolers, and dance performances throughout the park, adding to the festive ambiance.
- Holiday activities: Get into the holiday spirit with activities like gingerbread decorating, cookie decorating, and visits with holiday characters.
- Rides and attractions: Some of the park’s most popular rides and attractions remain open during Holiday Lights, allowing you to experience the thrills alongside the festive atmosphere.
- Dates and hours: Holiday Lights typically runs from November to December, with select weekends open for the event. Check the Lake Compounce website for the exact dates and hours each year.
Lake Compounce Concerts
Lake Compounce hosts a Summer Concert Series every year, which includes a variety of local bands and national acts. The concerts are held on Saturdays throughout the summer, and are free with valid admission to the park. The concerts take place on a floating stage on the lake, which is a unique feature of Lake Compounce. You can enjoy the concerts while hanging out on the beachfront and soaking up the sounds of the music. The park also offers fireworks shows on select dates.
Here’s the lineup for the 2024 Summer Concert Series at Lake Compounce:
- TBA (May 27)
- Jerrod Niemann (May 28)
- TBA (June 3)
- Everclear (June 10)
- Stiletto – A Billy Joel Tribute (June 17)
- CeeLo Green (June 24)
- Larger Than Life: Mi Gente (July 1)
- Larger Than Life: Abba Mia (July 2)
- Raise Your Hands – A Bon Jovi Tribute (July 3)
- Southern Voice (July 4)
- The Way Outs (July 8)
- Canaan Smith (July 15)
- All-4-One (July 22)
Lake Compounce Halloween
Lake Compounce hosts a Phantom Fall Fest every year, which is a Halloween-themed event that includes a variety of haunted houses, scare zones, and spooky attractions. The event takes place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout October. The park is decorated with Halloween-themed decorations, and visitors can enjoy special treats and food items. The Phantom Fall Fest is included in the price of admission to the park.
Here’s a list of some of the attractions you can expect at the Phantom Fall Fest:
- mALICE in Wonderland 3D: A new attraction that takes you on a terrifying journey through a twisted version of Wonderland.
- Spirits of the Swamp: A haunted attraction that takes place in a ghost town in the bayou.
- The Root of All Evil: A haunted attraction that takes place in a twisted manor.
- MediEvil: A haunted attraction that takes place in a medieval chamber of chaos.
- Sinister Circus: A scare zone filled with sinister clowns and carnival attractions.
The Phantom Fall Fest is a great way to get into the Halloween spirit and enjoy some spooky fun with family and friends. For more information on tickets, passes, and attractions, visit their official website. Read Antioch Bridge – All about to know
Lake Compounce Food
Lake Compounce offers a wide variety of dining options to satisfy all kinds of cravings, from quick bites to sit-down meals. Here’s a breakdown to help you navigate the park’s culinary scene:
Quick Bites:
- Classic Amusement Park Fare: Hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, french fries, onion rings, chicken tenders, and funnel cakes are readily available at numerous stands and kiosks throughout the park.
- Sweet Treats: Ice cream cones, soft pretzels, churros, cookies, cotton candy, and funnel cake fries are perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
- Grab-and-Go Options: Salads, sandwiches, wraps, and fruit cups are available at some locations for a lighter and healthier option.
Family-Friendly Restaurants:
- Lakeside Cafe: Located in Crocodile Cove, this cafe offers burgers, sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, and kids’ meals in a comfortable setting with shaded outdoor seating.
- Harborside Pizza: Serving personal-sized pizzas with various toppings, this spot is ideal for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner.
- Timberjack Chowhouse: This sit-down restaurant offers a more upscale dining experience with steaks, burgers, pasta, seafood, and vegetarian options.
Themed Eateries:
- Dippin’ Dots: Enjoy these bite-sized ice cream treats in a variety of flavors and combinations.
- Johnny Rockets: Step back in time with classic diner food like burgers, fries, milkshakes, and onion rings.
- Rita’s Italian Ice: Cool off with refreshing Italian ice in various fruity flavors.
Additional Options:
- Food Carts: Look out for roaming food carts offering snacks like popcorn, pretzels, and ice cream.
- Picnic Areas: If you prefer bringing your own food, designated picnic areas are available within the park.
Hotels near Lake Compounce
Here are some hotels near Lake Compounce:
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol, Connecticut – Casual rooms & suites in a polished hotel with a sports bar/pizzeria, a gym & a heated indoor pool. Price: US$173 per night.
- Days Inn by Wyndham Southington – Laid-back hotel offering simple rooms, plus free WiFi, parking & a continental buffet breakfast. Price: US$79 per night.
- Holiday Inn Express Southington, an IHG Hotel – Traditional lodging with a fitness center & meeting rooms, plus free hot breakfast & WiFi. Price: US$111 per night.
- Courtyard by Marriott Waterbury Downtown – Straightforward hotel with contemporary rooms & an indoor pool, plus 7 meeting rooms & free Wi-Fi. Price: US$113 per night.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Southington, CT – An extended-stay hotel offering stylish suites with kitchens & free WiFi, plus a heated indoor pool. Price: US$153 per night. Read Spitting Caves – O’ahu, Hawaii – All about to know
Restaurants near Lake Compounce
Here are some restaurants near Lake Compounce that you might enjoy, with a variety of cuisines to choose from:
- Ideal Tavern: This gastropub is located just minutes from the park and offers a menu of American cuisine with a twist, like lobster mac and cheese and steak frites. They also have a great selection of craft beers on tap.
- Pagliacci’s Restaurant: This Italian restaurant is a bit further away from the park, but it’s worth the drive. They have a large menu of classic Italian dishes, like pasta, pizza, and seafood. They also have a nice outdoor patio.
- The Manhattan: This steakhouse is another great option for a sit-down meal. They have a variety of cuts of steak, as well as other seafood and pasta dishes. They also have a great wine list.
- Rowdy Rooster Eatery: This spot is a casual eatery with a focus on comfort food. They have burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. They also have a great selection of local beers on tap.
- New Mill Restaurant: This family-friendly restaurant has a menu of American classics, like fried chicken, pot roast, and meatloaf. They also have a large selection of desserts.
- Butcher Bros Steakhouse: This steakhouse is a great option for a meat lover. They have a variety of cuts of steak, as well as other dishes like lamb chops and burgers. They also have a great selection of wines and spirits. Read Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor- Florida
Lake Compounce Reviews
Some reviews of Lake Compounce on TripAdvisor:
- One reviewer said that Lake Compounce is a “great little amusement park” and that it has “enough attractions to make the visit worthwhile if you are in the area for a short time”.
- Another reviewer mentioned that the park is “small with some nice coasters” but that the food was expensive and the park was understaffed.
- A third reviewer described Lake Compounce as “the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America” and said that it has “plenty of room to host your next birthday, party, family reunion, and corporate event”. Read West Side National Park – All About to Know