Lakemont Park Review, Altoona, Pennsylvania Amusement Park | Roller Coasters & Baseball

Lakemont Park is one of the oldest amusement parks in the country. Located in Altoona, Pennsylvania, this park has had financial troubles and was recently closed for the entire 2017 and 2018 seasons. When it reopened for the 2019 season, it was transformed from a full-fledged amusement park into a family entertainment center with some historic roller coasters.
Video Credits
Home Run (AltoonaCurveBaseball)- • Curve vs. Rubberducks ...
Lil Leaper (The Coaster Spot)- • Lil' Leaper | Frontsea...
Skydiver (Menachem Piekarski)- • skydiver lakemont park
Toboggan (psyclonesteve)- • Toboggan, Lakemont Par...
Background Music
SUNNY AFTERNOON
royalty free Music by Giorgio Di Campo for @FreeSound Music
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original video:
• Sunny Afternoon - roya...

[@DankPeezy]

You're hands down my favorite park review channel bro. You're in depth analysis of aspects that other people never think about is both refreshing and fulfilling. I have to get over and ride Leap the Dips next year. I'm only 2 states away and who knows what it's future holds.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thank you!

[@dougronald561]

@@CanobieCoaster and his reviews are well organized and logical.

[@CD-ht6dk]

My memory from the late 1990s is the park had an old wild mouse like coaster as well as the Skyliner and the toboggan. Leap the Dips had plants growing through it at the time. It’s good to see both wood coasters running.

[@CanobieCoaster]

They did used to have a mouse.

[@Nitrox4me]

So many memories at this park. In the 60s, we would go there from Long Island to visit my grandparents and Lakemont Park was the place to go. I'll never forget it

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@urbex_coasters]

For me this is a full day park. I love the woodies, both are severely underrated in my view. I got the kiddie credit before adults were allowed since one operator let a family ride and then I walked up, and he said "can't really turn you away now". But what makes Lakemont a full day park for me is the supporting cast, with rides that are typically upcharge on the wristband. I also appreciate how the paddle boat lake is a little more nature oriented than the typical paddle boat lake at an amusement park. Sadly, however, I think the waterpark is closed for good. On my most recent visit (September) I noticed that weeds were taking root in the concrete from looking over the fence. Waterparks are typically a main draw for the GP so I'm concerned for Lakemont's future seeing that. I don't want another Todd Joseph situation, Lakemont is a park we need to be supporting to make sure someone like him can't get their hands on it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It is nice they have those unique things on the wristband.

[@maxhagenauer24]

I don't know if I would call it dumb to remove literally every one of your flat rides but I'd still be happy with just roller coasters. Very cool to have a baseball field in it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I want this park to do whatever needed to get attendance to keep the woodies going.

[@iangraham6351]

I was there this summer for a few hours. It was the first time there for 10-12 years. Even though almost all the rides are gone now my family and I had a really great time. Leap the dips was down for around a month so I kept pushing the trip by a week for a while. We marathoned the dips and skyliner so it was fantastic. We also packed a picnic and utilized a pavilion. Can’t wait to go back!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad you got on both woodies.

[@rutheliz75]

I remember when Skyliner was in the finger lakes region at Lake Canandaigua in the 1960s .

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm glad this park saved the ride.

[@jonathansima7591]

My take on the transformation is as such: though Lakemont currently operates with fewer rides, the park feels like it has more of a proper identity. Back when I visited in 2016, it felt rather mismatched, with an abundance of gravel paths and less-than-scenic midways. One key factor to remember about Lakemont in its current form is that it appeals to a niche market, inasmuch it has go-karts, paddle boats, batting cages and mini golf, none of which can be found at Del Grosso’s (its main competitor). Coupled with the fact that Lakemont still features their Holiday Lights on the Lake event, and has a steady social media presence catering to community events also speaks toward its longevity. The staff also seems more personable in recent years than they did back during my 2016 visits, which also act towards its benefit. Do I lament the loss of the Skydiver? Absolutely, but given the trade-off, I would rather see the park thriving in its current form than a continued decline into stagnation. To my understanding, too, they are adding an additional parking lot nearest the lake in a formerly blighted area, which may mean they plan on revitalizing the water park next (though this last bit is pure speculation on my part). But under the current business model, I definitely see Lakemont sticking around for the long haul. That’s my take, at any rate.

[@MrSRArter]

I think adding just a carousel would round out their new "city park with a mini amusement park" model perfectly.

[@jonathansima7591]

Agreed. A carousel at any capacity would round out the park perfectly. Even a small two-abreast model would be a solid fit.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree. The park is less appealing now for a theme park enthusiast, but if it preserves the woodies, I'm on-board.

[@georgenelson3719]

@@jonathansima7591 there was a carousel when i was a kid back in the early seventies. It was the oldest operating carousel in the country (if not the world) but it was liquidated when those who were entrusted with managing the park saw dollar signs when they found out that the ancient wooden horses were worth thousands of dollars each. A few thousand dollars ain't much today but back then a fully equipped Cadillac with all the bells and whistles had a sticker price of ten thousand bucks. To an 8-year-old kid that carousel was magnificent... it seemed like an entire carnival going around in a circle.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

On my 2021 visit, the kiddie coaster was for kid's only. Adults couldn't ride it, even if they had a kid with them. It's good to hear that they allow us to ride now. The Curve were out of town the day I visited. But seeing that even when they're in town, the park isn't crowded, I now wish they had been in town. I would love to catch a home run ball while on Skyliner.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I believe 2022 is the first year adults can ride the kiddie coaster.

[@bmcc4379]

I was there this past June for the leap the dips125th birthday, which coincidently was also my birthday. The park had a ton of potential & space to be a thriving amusement park, with investment and leadership

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope it does well.

[@marchingbandtakemebythehan1887]

4:50 I actually prefer signs like this, to me they’re quite charming, they give the ride (and park) character. but i’m probably biased as an artist 😂

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's fair!

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

Having a small baseball stadium near a coaster is definitely worrying it does look really cool though

[@CanobieCoaster]

It does.

[@buckeyeguy82]

I’m adding this park to my bucket list because of the coasters, they look like fun! I may have to take some pain medicine the day after but it would be worth it to ride the oldest coaster 😄😆

[@CanobieCoaster]

They are definitely rough around the edges, but worth it.

[@georgenelson3719]

I think you will enjoy yourself because Altoona has many friendly, humble and unassuming people. It might be worth your while to research the many things to do here before you get here. Yes, do bring some medication for the leap-the-dips, you will need it. Considering that I haven't rode it in almost fifty years it must surely be a rather jarring ride now because it was very much so even back then.

[@elevatoralarmcoasterandarc1214]

Hey, Canobie Coaster! This park was closed for the entire 2017 and 2018 seasons!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@karlanderson7436]

Went to Altoona for a baseball game in mid-June 2019. Tried going to Lakemont in the early afternoon, but nothing seemed open and it did feel abandoned. Too bad I couldn't ride Leap the Dips.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I know Leap the Dips was closed that year.

[@singlerailindustries1763]

Skyliner Should Get A GCI Titan Track Refurbishment To Make It Glass Smooth.

[@S.J.C._Entertainment]

As long as they don’t mess with the layout too much I’d love for that to happen. Even though it probably won’t due to the fact this park is the way it is.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I don't think the park will pay for that.

[@swifttttt]

I'd been to the park a couple times back in the 2000s when it was actually a park. It had a nice atmosphere very comparable to something like Knoebels with its collection of classic flat rides, good food, relaxed picnic grove look, and friendly staff, I remember the Leap-the-Dips operators being history buffs same as today. I understand why the transformation had to happen even back then, there usually was only about 100 guest roaming through the park. Doesn't mean I don't miss the old park though. The modern park just looks abandoned and has more in common with a city park then it does an amusement park. Skyliner has become a shell of its former self, though I suppose I should count my blessings its still running at all. Also, your dead on about the water park. The slides are exactly the same. You didn't miss all that much, even during its hay day it was the most basic of setups. Single pool, a single slide tower, and a splash pad. Enough to keeps kids occupied for a couple hours and that's about it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The water slides at Ocean Beach were just ok, so they wouldn't have been a priority for me even if they were open.

[@mitchellries256]

This looks like a nice place to stop for a couple hours if you were on a roller coaster trip in Pennsylvania and you were traveling from the parks in the east to the parks in the west and back.

[@CanobieCoaster]

True.

[@ScottyMania313]

One of the best spots by me is a place called Sportway which has Minigolf, Go Karts and cages and it's always busy. This place would do great in Michigan as we love coasters in the mitten. As a Putt-putt master, I would love to challenge people in mini-golf combat - loser buys the next round on Skyliner ♥️

[@CanobieCoaster]

I love mini golf courses if they have obstacles.

[@Harrys.Truman-fanpage]

I have an unfortunate memory regarding a family member and the back row of leap the dips, but you pretty much covered it all here. Also, I don’t know if you’ve checked out the paddle boats but the lake is massive compared to other parks that charge way more for them.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Oh no!

[@shainahullihen1159]

@myaccount7, what happened in the back row on Leap The Dips? Did they get sick, get stung, go to the bathroom, swallow a bug or get hurt? Either way ☹️😢.

[@Jeeters87]

Compared to what happened to Conneaut Lake Park I say this model is actually working. CLP just didn’t want to adapt a different business model. Still a shame. RIP Blue Streak.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I miss Blue Streak as well.

[@WCfanboy]

Have you been to boston bowl, and if so, would you consider it an FEC?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I have not been there.

[@zbfuller]

Or… combine it with Delgrosso’s Park like 15 minutes away for some good food. I personally spent a whole day at Lakemont with some time in the afternoon and early evening at Delgrosso’s.

[@CanobieCoaster]

True!

[@shainahullihen1159]

@zbfuller, I went to Delgrosso's park in early to mid 90's, by then it was called Blands Park. My family and I ate a picnic lunch in the park before walking around it. I remember riding a few rides and back then, it had two Carousels and I got dizzy after riding one of the Carousels. My parents rode the roller coaster but my mom didn't like it. I rode a dark ride that goes back and forth but I don't remember what that ride was called and I also rode a ride with my dad, but don't remember what that one was called either. As little girl back then, I had fun that day. I haven't been back since that day.

[@randomtraveler9854]

And now they just announced Leap the Dips and Skyliner aren't operating in 2024. That park is finished. Leap the Dips is all it had going for it. Hopefully someone will buy both of the coasters.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope they can find a profitable model in the future.

[@randomtraveler9854]

@@CanobieCoaster Maybe sell it to new owners and change it back to a regular amusement park?

[@Wolf_Tycoons]

To be honest, looking at this park makes me sad. It just feels so sad to see how old and dilapidated and empty. Especially with the success of even older parks

[@CanobieCoaster]

The recreational stuff seems to be their biggest draw right now so if that saves the woodies, I support it.

[@chargedonpc9989]

This park has more rides than I thought. I was under the impression that it was basically just a regular park with a few roller coasters.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It used to have way more.

[@waveiscursed]

is it just me ir does every hill on leap the dios feel like the first 2 hills on SteVe

[@CanobieCoaster]

I definitely don't get that.

[@waveiscursed]

@@CanobieCoaster by the first hills i mean the hills before the lift in SteVe

[@kennyt7708]

ay home come canadas wonderland review haven't come out

[@CanobieCoaster]

There will be one soon.

[@micoasters]

It’s cheaper here to get an all day wristband than it is to get enough tickets to ride 2 things at my local carnival

[@CanobieCoaster]

True!

[@CanobieCoaster]

True!

[@frankrider3503]

Leap the dips is the best

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's so neat.

[@toasterbrick7780]

I live 5 miles away from that park

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@mattyorshin]

Would you ever think of doing coaster battle? Love those type of vids but it seems like all the coaster channels halted doing them

[@CanobieCoaster]

Maybe? I'd rather prioritize reviews and rankings for the time.

[@jerseyharlot]

Honestly. Some parks just aren’t worth saving.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish the park the best, but the low crowds are a major issue.