Lake Compounce

{{short description|Amusement park in Bristol, Connecticut}} {{Use American English|date=August 2025}} {{Infobox amusement park | name = Lake Compounce | logo = File:New Lake Compounce logo.png | image = File:Lake Compounce Main Gate.jpg | image_size = 200px | caption = The main gate of Lake Compounce | location = 185 Enterprise Drive, [[Bristol, Connecticut]] | location2 = | location3 = United States | coordinates = {{Coord|41|38|30|N|72|55|24|W|type:landmark_region:US-CT|display=title,inline}} | area = {{convert|332|acre|ha}} | status = open | opening_date = {{start date and age|1846}} | previous_names = ''Lake Compounce'' (1846–1985), ''Hershey Lake Compounce'' (1986–1987), ''Lake Compounce Festival Park'' (1988–1995) | season = May through October | rides = 44 | coasters = 5 | water_rides = 13 | owner = [[Herschend]] | slogan = "New England's family theme park!" | homepage = {{URL|http://www.lakecompounce.com}} }} '''Lake Compounce''' is an [[amusement park]] located in [[Bristol, Connecticut|Bristol]] and [[Southington, Connecticut]] that opened in 1846. It is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |title=Park Information |url=https://www.lakecompounce.com/site/information.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725083247/http://lakecompounce.com/site/information.html |archive-date=July 25, 2012 |access-date=July 25, 2012 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Oldest Amusement Parks in the United States |url=https://www.americasbestonline.com/index.php/pages/amusementparkoldest.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717214528/http://www.americasbestonline.com/index.php/pages/amusementparkoldest.html |archive-date=July 17, 2012 |access-date=July 25, 2012 |publisher=The Best of America |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

It spans {{Convert|332|acre}}, which includes a beach and a [[water park]] called Crocodile Cove, both included in the price of admission.<ref>{{cite web |title=Acres |url=http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201307/3575/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108094852/http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201307/3575/ |archive-date=November 8, 2017 |access-date=November 7, 2017 |publisher=themeparkinsider.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In addition to housing the 14th oldest wooden [[roller coaster]] in the world, [[Wildcat (Lake Compounce)|Wildcat]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Photos: 21 oldest roller coasters in the world |url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-oldest-roller-coasters-photos-07201118-pg-photogallery.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170125230242/http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-oldest-roller-coasters-photos-07201118-pg-photogallery.html |archive-date=2017-01-25 |access-date=2017-01-26 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=17 March 2014 }}</ref> its newer wooden roller coaster, [[Boulder Dash (roller coaster)|Boulder Dash]], won the [[Amusement Today|Golden Ticket Award]] for Best Wooden Coaster for five consecutive years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Golden Ticket at Boulder Dash |date=11 September 2016 |url=http://goldenticketawards.com/2016-top-50-wooden-roller-coasters/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107055403/http://goldenticketawards.com/2016-top-50-wooden-roller-coasters/ |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |access-date=October 30, 2017 |publisher=Golden Ticket Awards |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The park is owned by [[Herschend]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bluewave.lanchaowaterpark.com/herschend-completes-acquisition-of-24-us-attractions-from-palace-entertainment/|title=Herschend Completes Acquisition of 24 US Attractions from Palace Entertainment|work=Bluewave|access-date=2025-09-22|language=en}}</ref>

== History == The lake's name is derived from Chief John Compound, a Mattatuck-[[Tunxis]] Native American. On December 3, 1684, his tribe signed a deed that left Compound's Lake to a group of white settlers, including John Norton, who had migrated to central Connecticut from Massachusetts. The property was left to the settlers in exchange for a small amount of money and miscellaneous items, including a large brass tea kettle.<ref>{{cite web |title=Early Beginnings |url=https://sites.google.com/a/bristolk12.org/bristol-then-and-now/2-tunxis-tribe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718192155/https://sites.google.com/a/bristolk12.org/bristol-then-and-now/2-tunxis-tribe |archive-date=July 18, 2018 |access-date=November 24, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=America's First Family Theme Park |url=http://www.lakecompounce.com/site/information.html#history |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204165122/http://www.lakecompounce.com/site/information.html#history |archive-date=4 December 2011 |access-date=20 December 2011 |work=Lake Compounce History |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

=== Early days === [[File:Green_Dragon.jpg|right|thumb|300x300px|Green Dragon roller coaster]]

The park's history goes back to 1846, when Gad Norton hired a scientist to perform an experiment using explosives, which failed. The experiment brought large crowds, which inspired Norton to open an amusement park. His park had public swimming and [[rowing]] on the lake, a gazebo for lakeside band concerts, and several rides. The park saw success as a picnic park through the post–[[American Civil War]] era.<ref name="cthistory2">{{cite web |title=Lake Compounce: Bringing Amusements to the State's Residents Since 1846 |url=https://connecticuthistory.org/lake-compounce-bringing-amusements-to-the-states-residents-since-1846/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802204241/https://connecticuthistory.org/lake-compounce-bringing-amusements-to-the-states-residents-since-1846/ |archive-date=2017-08-02 |access-date=2017-08-02 |publisher=Connecticut History}}</ref>

In 1851, a [[California Gold Rush]] 49er named Isaac Pierce joined Norton to establish a firm. The two men petitioned local legislators and asked that their residences be ceded from the town of Southington to the town of Bristol. In 1895, a [[casino]] was built on the property, which was the first permanent building at the site. Later that year, the Bristol and Plainville Tramway Company constructed the Southington and Compounce [[Tram|trolley]] line.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lake Compounce Trolley History |url=http://www.bera.org/articles/compounce.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627230843/http://www.bera.org/articles/compounce.html |archive-date=June 27, 2018 |access-date=August 14, 2017 |publisher=bera.org |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Shortly after, Lake Compounce purchased the [[Lake Compounce Carousel]] for $10,000. The Carousel is included in the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NRHP Confirmation |url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/827ae077-eaca-480e-98ba-fea85563600f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814215631/https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/827ae077-eaca-480e-98ba-fea85563600f |archive-date=August 14, 2017 |access-date=August 14, 2017 |publisher=npg.gov |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In 1914, Lake Compounce opened [[Green Dragon (Lake Compounce)|Green Dragon]], the park's first electric-powered roller coaster. The coaster was torn down in 1927 to make room for Wildcat, a wooden coaster designed by [[Herbert Schmeck]] and built by the [[Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters|Philadelphia Toboggan Company]].

The early 1930s brought more growth to the park. The casino was expanded with the addition of a dance floor. An all-time attendance record of 5,000 people was set in the spring of 1941, when [[Tommy Dorsey]]'s reorganized band featured [[Frank Sinatra]], who had yet to reach the height of his career.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lake Compounce Facts |url=http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/connecticut/lake-compounce-ct/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814175548/http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/connecticut/lake-compounce-ct/ |archive-date=August 14, 2017 |access-date=August 14, 2017 |publisher=onlyinyourstate.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

The effects of the [[Great Depression]] and the growing usage of the [[automobile]] brought [[Tram|trolleys]] in the United States into a decline, which negatively impacted attendance at Lake Compounce. These same factors had similar effects on other parks in the [[New England]] region, such as [[Canobie Lake Park]] and [[Six Flags New England|Riverside Park]].<ref name="cthistory2" /> In 1944, Lake Compounce opened a [[steam railroad]]. It was designed and built by Connecticut actor [[William Gillette]], the original actor of [[Sherlock Holmes]] in silent films.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gillette Trains Coming Back |url=http://articles.courant.com/1997-12-23/news/9712230288_1_two-trains-richard-bisi-engine |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814183142/http://articles.courant.com/1997-12-23/news/9712230288_1_two-trains-richard-bisi-engine |archive-date=August 14, 2017 |access-date=August 14, 2017 |publisher=Courant.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

=== New ownership === The park's success was stable until the late 1960s, when attendance began to decline. Lake Compounce remained under the ownership of the Pierce and Norton Corporation until 1966, when Edward G. Pierce sold his share to the Norton family. The Nortons owned and operated the park through 1985 and were able to restore some profitability and raise attendance. No major attractions were added during this time, and the Nortons listed the park for sale in 1984. In 1985, Lake Compounce was sold to the [[Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company]], owners of [[Hersheypark]] in [[Hershey, Pennsylvania]], who briefly renamed the park to "Hershey's Lake Compounce".<ref>{{cite web |date=June 29, 1986 |title=140-year Run of Fun at Lake Compounce Perseveres |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/06/29/nyregion/140-year-run-of-fun-at-lake-compounce-perseveres.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107015622/http://www.nytimes.com/1986/06/29/nyregion/140-year-run-of-fun-at-lake-compounce-perseveres.html |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |access-date=October 30, 2017 |df=mdy-all |last1=Hamilton |first1=Robert A. }}</ref> Factors such as poor marketing, low attendance, and repeated ride outages caused Hershey to sell the park after two seasons in 1987, a decision that upset local representatives.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 11, 1987 |title=Bristol Fights Park Closing |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/11/nyregion/bristol-fights-park-closing.html?pagewanted=all |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107021810/http://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/11/nyregion/bristol-fights-park-closing.html?pagewanted=all |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |access-date=October 30, 2017 |work=The New York Times |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In the spring of 1987, Joseph Entertainment Group (JEG), owned by Joseph Balestieri, bought the park and renamed it "Lake Compounce Festival Park". The park received renovations, and in 1988 a 20,000-seat outdoor amphitheater was added. One of the first notable musical acts to perform at the new venue was the group [[Milli Vanilli]], and their live performance was broadcast on [[MTV]] in what was later recognized as the first public sign that [[Milli Vanilli#Lip-syncing exposure and media backlash, 1989–1991|they were lip-syncing]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Anitai |first=Tamar |date=May 15, 2009 |title=Vintage Video: Milli Vanilli Performs 'Live' On Club MTV In 1989 |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2293803/vintage-video-milli-vanilli-performs-live-on-club-mtv-in-1989/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019225537/http://www.mtv.com/news/2293803/vintage-video-milli-vanilli-performs-live-on-club-mtv-in-1989/ |archive-date=October 19, 2015 |access-date=October 19, 2015 |publisher=MTV |df=mdy-all}}</ref> JEG focused more of their attention on concert promotion and neglected the amusement park portion of the property. The Wildcat roller coaster and other rides were nonoperational by 1991. That year, JEG's financial troubles were exposed when a check the company wrote to [[Guns N' Roses]] bounced, and the performance was cancelled. It was later discovered that JEG was nearly $900,000 behind in taxes and had not refunded nearly $300,000 to ticket-holders for 15 cancelled concerts.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 4, 1992 |title=When the Carousel Comes Grinding to a Halt |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/07/04/nyregion/when-the-carousel-comes-grinding-to-a-halt.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107032206/http://www.nytimes.com/1992/07/04/nyregion/when-the-carousel-comes-grinding-to-a-halt.html |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |access-date=October 30, 2017 |work=The New York Times |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 21, 1991 |title=Guns N' Roses Bows Out |url=https://www.courant.com/1991/09/21/guns-n-roses-bows-out/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107032738/http://articles.courant.com/1991-09-21/news/0000211789_1_refunds-ticket-prices-roses |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |access-date=October 30, 2017 |publisher=Hartford Courant |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

At the end of the 1991 season, Joseph Entertainment Group filed [[Chapter 11, Title 11, United States Code|Chapter 11 bankruptcy]] and did not open the park for the 1992 season. The park was put up for sale at a very low price. After being unable to find a buyer, JEG filed for [[Chapter 7, Title 11, United States Code|Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection]] and liquidated the park. The land and what was left of the rides and buildings were sold to Stephen Barberino. The park remained closed for the 1992 and 1993 seasons. In 1993, [[Funtime, Inc.|Funtime Parks]], owner of [[Geauga Lake|Geauga Lake Park]] and [[Darien Lake|Darien Lake Park]], among other parks, became Barberino's management partner. The existing rides were repaired, several new rides were added, and waterslides were constructed on the beach and lake areas. The park reopened for the 1994 season. That year, Funtime merged with Premier Parks, which later became [[Six Flags (1961–2024)|Six Flags]]. Premier Parks and Barberino then put Lake Compounce up for sale again in 1995. Companies including [[Cedar Fair]], Alpha Smartparks, and the [[Kennywood Entertainment Company]] made offers.

=== Kennywood Entertainment Corporation and Parques Reunidos === [[File:LakeCompounceSkyRide.JPG|left|thumb|Lake Compounce SkyRide chair lifts from the Tunxis Trail Compounce Ridge side trail in 2010.]]

Early in 1996, Kennywood Entertainment Company, owners of Pittsburgh's [[Kennywood]] amusement park, signed an agreement to purchase Lake Compounce. That year the park added several new rides and a [[Boomerang (roller coaster)|Boomerang]] roller coaster. The park prospered as a family amusement park, rather than a thrill park. In 2000, the roller coaster [[Boulder Dash (roller coaster)|Boulder Dash]] was opened, and later received the 2004 Golden Ticket Award for the #1 Wood Roller Coaster from ''[[Amusement Today]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=2004 Golden Ticket |url=https://www.lakecompounce.com/node/315 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030348/https://www.lakecompounce.com/node/315 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |access-date=November 23, 2017 |publisher=lakecompounce.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In late 2007, Kennywood Entertainment Company sold its parks to the Spain-based [[Parques Reunidos]] company.<ref>{{cite press release |publisher=Kennywood Entertainment Company |title=New Chapter in Kennywood Entertainment History Announced |date=2007-12-11 |url=http://www.kennywood.com/docs/12.11.07KECNewChapterRelease.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911092118/http://www.kennywood.com/docs/12.11.07KECNewChapterRelease.pdf |archive-date=2008-09-11}}</ref>

More recent plans have included a significant expansion of the Crocodile Cove water park. This has required the moving of nearby Mount Vernon Road to the north to allow the park more room for expansion. The road move was expected to cost $6 million, while the additions to the water park were expected to cost $15 million.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bristol News |url=http://bristolnews.blogspot.com/2007/12/lake-compounce-sold-along-with.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811183419/http://bristolnews.blogspot.com/2007/12/lake-compounce-sold-along-with.html |archive-date=August 11, 2017 |access-date=August 9, 2017 |publisher=Bristol Press |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In 2013, the park added the Bayou Bay wave pool. In 2014, the park added an off-site campground called Bear Creek Campground with cabins, tent and RV spaces, and a main lodge. The campground was renamed to Lake Compounce Campground in 2021 during park's 175th season.

In 2016, the park added a new roller coaster called Phobia Phear Coaster, a [[Sky Rocket II]] model from [[Premier Rides]]. Phobia Phear Coaster features three [[Linear motor|linear synchronous motor]] (LSM) launches and a heartline roll at {{Convert|150|ft}} high. General Manager Jerry Brick stated that the coaster was the biggest investment in the park's history.<ref name="Phobia-RecordJournal2">{{cite news |last=Sievert |first=Lauren |date=July 10, 2015 |title=New multi-million dollar roller coaster coming to Lake Compounce next year |url=http://www.myrecordjournal.com/news/latestnews/7494079-129/new-multi-million-dollar-roller-coaster-coming-to-lake-compounce-next.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710172302/http://www.myrecordjournal.com/news/latestnews/7494079-129/new-multi-million-dollar-roller-coaster-coming-to-lake-compounce-next.html |archive-date=July 10, 2015 |access-date=July 10, 2015 |work=Record-Journal |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Phobia-Coaster1012">{{cite web |last=Stillwell |first=Andrew |date=July 10, 2015 |title=Lake Compounce Announces "Phobia" for 2016 |url=http://www.coaster101.com/2015/07/10/lake-compounce-announces-phobia-for-2016/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711235734/http://www.coaster101.com/2015/07/10/lake-compounce-announces-phobia-for-2016/ |archive-date=July 11, 2015 |access-date=July 10, 2015 |publisher=Coaster101 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

[[File:Decommissioned_Lake_Compounce_chair_lift_on_Tunxis_Trail_2019.jpg|thumb|Decommissioned Lake Compounce chair lift on Tunxis Trail in 2019.]]

In early July 2017, Lake Compounce shut down Sky Ride—a twenty-five minute round trip chairlift from the park up to the top of the Southington Mountain ridge. The non-ski chairlift was one of the rides brought to the park by Kennywood Entertainment in 1997. The decommissioning came after a chairlift accident at [[Six Flags Great Escape Theme Park & Lodge|Six Flags Great Escape]] on June 24, 2017. The remote and inaccessible nature of the lift's path and terminus on top of Southington Mountain were cited by Brick as reasons for the closing.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lake Compounce Closes Sky Ride Attraction Permanently |url=https://www.courant.com/community/bristol/hc-bristol-compounce-skyride-0704-20170703-story.html |access-date=2019-10-14 |website=courant.com|date=6 July 2017 }}</ref>

Both the bumper cars and the trolley ride were removed for the 2024 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sobol |first=Evan |date=2024-01-22 |title=Lake Compounce to remove some attractions |url=https://www.wfsb.com/2024/01/22/lake-compounce-remove-some-attractions/ |access-date=2024-08-13 |publisher=WFSB |language=en}}</ref>

=== Acquisition by Herschend === On March 18, 2025, it was announced that Lake Compounce had been purchased by Herschend, alongside several other American Parques Reunidos-owned parks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Herschend to Acquire Palace Entertainment |url=https://www.hfecorp.com/whats-new/herschend-to-acquire-palace-entertainments-us-attractions-from-parques-reunidos/ |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=www.hfecorp.com |language=en}}</ref>

== Events == During October, the park runs a [[Halloween]] event called Phantom Fall Fest. Rides still operate during the event, and when the sun goes down, scare actors roam the park and four haunted houses open. Before sunset, there are no scare actors or haunted houses, allowing for children to enjoy the park scare-free.

During December, the park holds a Christmas event called Holiday Lights. A selection of children's and family rides are available, as well as a place to meet [[Santa Claus|Santa]]. The event also features a 100-foot-tall Christmas tree, the largest in Connecticut.<ref>{{cite web |title=Holiday Lights |url=https://www.lakecompounce.com/holidaylights |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108151618/https://www.lakecompounce.com/holidaylights |archive-date=November 8, 2017 |access-date=November 7, 2017 |publisher=lakecompounce.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Tallest tree in CT |url=http://wrch.cbslocal.com/2015/11/25/tallest-tree-in-ct-ready-to-illuminate-weekends-at-the-lake/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108151541/http://wrch.cbslocal.com/2015/11/25/tallest-tree-in-ct-ready-to-illuminate-weekends-at-the-lake/ |archive-date=November 8, 2017 |access-date=November 7, 2017 |publisher=cbslocal.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In August 2025, the ''[[Hartford Courant]]'' reported that after 175 years, Lake Compounce's Holiday Lights event would come to an end following the 2025 season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 8, 2025 |title=CT theme park announces end to 175-year beloved family tradition |url=https://www.courant.com/2025/08/08/ct-theme-park-announces-end-to-175-year-beloved-family-tradition/ |access-date=August 8, 2025 |website=[[Hartford Courant]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Former events == The park's former Halloween event was known as The Haunted Graveyard. Many of the park's rides were operated after dark, and a haunted house called The Haunted Graveyard operated as well. The attraction consisted of a 45-minute walk-through of catacombs, castles, special effects, and graveyards. The Haunted Graveyard started in 1991 and relocated to Lake Compounce in 2001, returning every year until its final year in 2020. Portions of the proceeds were donated towards the [[American Diabetes Association]] and the [[Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Haunted Graveyard |url=http://hauntedgraveyard.com/about/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108035022/http://hauntedgraveyard.com/about/ |archive-date=November 8, 2017 |access-date=November 7, 2017 |publisher=hauntedgraveyard.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=October 24, 2016 |title=Haunted Graveyard among top Halloween treats |url=http://www.ctpost.com/entertainment/article/Haunted-Graveyard-among-top-Halloween-treats-10162948.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108094955/http://www.ctpost.com/entertainment/article/Haunted-Graveyard-among-top-Halloween-treats-10162948.php |archive-date=November 8, 2017 |access-date=November 7, 2017 |publisher=CT Post |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

== Attractions == {| class="wikitable sortable" !Ride name !Picture !Opening year !Manufacturer !Description |- ! colspan="5" |Roller coasters |- |[[Boulder Dash (roller coaster)|Boulder Dash]] |[[File:Boulder_Dash.jpg|185x185px|Boulder Dash]] |2000 |[[Custom Coasters International]] |First wooden coaster to be built on the side of a mountain.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mountain Coaster |url=https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/reviews/boulderdash/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031133/https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/reviews/boulderdash/ |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |access-date=November 25, 2017 |publisher=ultimaterollercoaster.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The track length is {{convert|4725|ft|m|adj=on}} long with a {{convert|115|ft|m|adj=on}} first drop. |- |Kiddie Coaster |[[File:Lake_Compounce_-_48333826747.jpg|150x150px|Kiddie Coaster]] |1997 |Molina & Sons |A children's roller coaster with an oval-shaped track. The train consists of five cars with two children or one adult and one child per car. |- |Phobia Phear Coaster |[[File:Lake_Compounce_-_48333789501.jpg|150x150px|Phobia Phear Coaster]] |2016 |[[Premier Rides]] |[[Sky Rocket II]] model roller coaster. Features an [[inline twist]], a [[non-inverting loop]], three [[Linear synchronous motor|LSM]] launches, and a top speed of {{convert|62|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phobia Phear Coaster—Lake Compounce (Bristol, Connecticut, USA) |url=http://rcdb.com/12897.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305230820/http://rcdb.com/12897.htm |archive-date=2016-03-05 |access-date=2016-02-29 |website=rcdb.com}}</ref> |- |[[Wildcat (Lake Compounce)|Wildcat]] |[[File:Wildcat_Coaster.jpg|150x150px|Wildcat Coaster]] |1927 |[[Philadelphia Toboggan Company]] |A historic wooden roller coaster. 14th oldest operating roller coaster in the world and recipient of an [[American Coaster Enthusiasts|ACE]] Coaster Landmark Award.<ref>{{cite web |title=ACE Coaster Award |url=http://www.aceonline.org/CoasterAwards/details.aspx?id=65 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009151843/http://www.aceonline.org/CoasterAwards/details.aspx?id=65 |archive-date=October 9, 2017 |access-date=November 25, 2017 |publisher=ACE |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |[[Zoomerang (Lake Compounce)|Zoomerang]] |[[File:Zoomerang.jpg|150x150px|Zoomerang]] |1997 |[[Vekoma]] |A [[Boomerang (roller coaster)|Boomerang]] shuttle coaster from Vekoma with a {{convert|125|ft|m|adj=on}} drop, a [[cobra roll]], and a [[vertical loop]]. |- ! colspan="5" |Amusement rides |- |American Flyers | |1997 |Rocco Amusements |A [[Flying Scooters]] ride that previously resided at several different amusement parks, including Kennywood, before being relocated to Lake Compounce in 1997. |- |[[Lake Compounce Carousel|Carousel]] |[[File:LakeCompounceCarousel.jpg|150x150px|Carousel]] |1911 |[[Charles I. D. Looff|Looff]]/Murphy |A [[carousel]] that was built in 1898 and moved to Lake Compounce in 1911. One of the oldest operating carousels in the US. A [[Wurlitzer]] #153 [[Fairground Organ|band organ]] once provided the carousel's music. However, due to the difficulty of repairing such an organ, the park uses it sparsely. |- |Compounce Railway | |1997 |Chance Rides |A [[Ridable miniature railway|rideable miniature train]] that runs along the east side of the lake with two stations. |- |Down Time |[[File:Down_Time.jpg|172x172px]] |2004 |[[S&S Power]] |A [[drop tower]] ride that drops riders {{convert|185|ft}} up to {{convert|60|mph|abbr=on}}. |- |Ferris Wheel | |1997 |[[Chance Morgan|Chance]] |A [[Ferris wheel]]. |- |Ghost Hunt |[[File:Ghosthunt.jpg|150x150px|Ghosthunt]] |1999 |[[Sally Corporation]] |A [[dark ride]] experience where riders shoot laser guns at targets to score points.<ref name="New in 1999 – NYT2">{{cite news |last=Hamilton |first=Robert A. |date=June 13, 1999 |title=In the Region /Connecticut; An Amusement Park on a Roller-Coaster Upswing |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/06/13/realestate/in-the-region-connecticut-an-amusement-park-on-a-roller-coaster-upswing.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721171540/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/06/13/realestate/in-the-region-connecticut-an-amusement-park-on-a-roller-coaster-upswing.html |archive-date=July 21, 2015 |access-date=July 14, 2015 |work=The New York Times |page=2 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> |- |Pirate Ship | |1986 |[[HUSS Park Attractions|HUSS]] |Classic swinging [[Pirate ship (ride)|pirate ship]] ride. |- |Rev-O-Lution | |2011 |[[Zamperla]] |A [[Disk'O]] flat ride that spins 360 degrees on a half-pipe-shaped track. |- |Saw Mill Plunge |[[File:Lake_Compounce_-_48333909957.jpg|150x150px|Saw Mill Plunge]] |1987 |[[Arrow Dynamics]] |A classic [[Log flume (ride)|log flume]] ride. |- |Sky Coaster | |1998 |Skycoaster Inc. |A [[Skycoaster]] amusement ride that swings riders in a pendulum motion. |- |Thunder N' Lightning |[[File:Thunder_N_Lightning.jpg|150x150px|Thunder N Lightning]] |2006 |[[S&S Power]] |A [[Screamin' Swing]] ride where two giant arms swing riders up to {{convert|60|mph|abbr=on}} producing up to 3 [[G-force|Gs]]. |- |Thunder Rapids |[[File:Lake_Compounce_-_48333722726.jpg|150x150px|Thunder Rapids]] |1997 |[[Hopkins Rides Inc|Hopkins]] |A classic [[river rapids ride]]. |- |Twister | |2000 |Wisdom Industries Ltd. |A [[Tornado (Wisdom ride)|Tornado]] ride where riders are able to spin their own gondolas while the entire platform rotates and tilts. |- |Wave Swinger |[[File:Wave_Swinger.jpg|150x150px|Wave Swinger]] |1986 |[[Zierer]] |A [[Swing ride|Wave Swinger]] flat ride that tilts as riders swing in a circular motion. |- |Zoomer's Gas N' Go |[[File:Lake_Compounce_-_48333906967.jpg|150x150px|Zoomer's Gas N' Go]] |2007 |[[D. H. Morgan Manufacturing|Morgan]] |A 1950s car-themed attraction for children. |- ! colspan="5" |Children's rides |- |Drop Zone | |2004 |[[Moser's Rides|Moser]] |A {{convert|40|ft|m|adj=on}} drop tower. Riders are lifted {{convert|36|ft|m|adj=on}} in the air and then bounced to the bottom. There are four different drop sequences. |- |Drum Circus | |1997 |Sartori |Each ride seat is a drum that spins individually while the entire ride spins clockwise. The drums are fixed to arms which raise and lower automatically. |- |Kiddie Carousel | |1997 |[[Chance Morgan|Morgan]] |A miniature [[carousel]]. Some figures are animated while others are stationary. |- |Flying Elephants | |1997 |Sartori |The ride rotates in a clockwise direction and has six arms, each with an elephant attached. The arms rise when the rider pulls the control stick towards theirself, and the elephant descends when the control stick is pushed away. |- |Kiddie Swinger | |1985 |Dietz |Consists of 16 swings suspended from chains on a rotating center. |- |Little Critters | |1999 |I. E. Park |Small scale bumper cars which seat up to two riders. |- |Little Daredevils | |1985 |Hampton |Small-scale motorcycles which rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. |- |Rainbow Riders | |2007 |SBF Visa |Consists of eight hot-air balloon themed baskets suspended from a center carriage which rotates and raises {{convert|25|ft|m|adj=on}}. |- ! colspan="5" |Crocodile Cove rides |- |Croc-O-Nile | |2005 |[[ProSlide Technology]] |[[Lazy river]] that also includes a waterslide. |- |Bayou Bay | |2013 |N/A |[[Wave pool]]. |- |Anchor Bay | |1998 |N/A |Soak zone. |- |Clipper Cove |[[File:Lake_Compounce_-_48333735836.jpg|150x150px|Clipper Cove]] |2003 |N/A |Soak zone. |- |Compounce Cabana Boat | |2007 |N/A |[[Pontoon (boat)|Pontoon]]. |- |Keeper's Cottage | |1998 |N/A |Soak zone. |- |Mammoth Falls | |2001 |ProSlide Technology |Enclosed raft slide. |- |Riptide Racer | |2012 |ProSlide Technology |Matt racer slide. |- |Tunnel Twisters | |2009 |N/A |Body slide. |- |Wave Pool | |1998 |N/A |Wave pool. |- |Venus Vortex | |2021 |[[WhiteWater West]] |Raft slide. |- |Storm Surge |[[File:Lake_Compounce_-_48333808702.jpg|225x225px|Lights Out]] |1998 |N/A |Waterslide. Closed in 2019. Reopened in 2022 after a refurbishment and added SFX and VFX. |}

=== Former attractions === {| class="wikitable sortable" !Ride name !Type !Year opened !Year closed !Service years !Description !Replaced by |- ! colspan="7" |Roller coasters |- |Green Dragon |Roller coaster |1914 |1926 |12 |Wooden roller coaster that was replaced by [[Wildcat (Lake Compounce)|Wildcat]]. |[[Wildcat (Lake Compounce)|Wildcat]] |- |Roll in the Dark |Enclosed roller coaster |1979 |1982 |3 |Enclosed roller coaster. |N/A |- ! colspan="7" |Amusement rides |- |The Sky Ride |[[Chairlift]] |1997 |2017 |20 |A 25-minute chairlift ride that took riders to the top of Southington Mountain and back. |N/A |- |Bumper Cars | |1997 |2023 |26 |Classic [[bumper cars]] ride. |Arcade games in former building |- |Enterprise |[[Enterprise (ride)|Enterprise]] |1986 |2015 |29 |An Enterprise amusement ride model that consisted of 20 gondolas arranged in a circle that spin at nearly a right angle to the ground. Manufactured by [[HUSS Park Attractions|HUSS]]. |Phobia Phear Coaster |- |Musik Express |[[Music Express]] |1985 |2008 |23 |A Mack Music Express. |Wipeout |- |Rotor |[[Rotor (ride)|Rotor]] |1997 |2010 |13 |A cylindrical spinning ride where centrifugal force pinned riders to the wall. |Rev-O-Lution |- |Top Spin |[[Top Spin (ride)|Top Spin]] |1997 |2002 |5 |A HUSS Top Spin. Relocated to [[Kennywood]] in 2003 and renamed King Kahuna. |American Flyers |- |Tornado |[[Scrambler (ride)|Scrambler]] |1975 |1999 |24 |Indoor Scrambler ride. |Twister |- |The Trolley | |1997 |2023 |26 |A {{Track gauge|4ft8.5in|allk=on}} open-air trolley ride utilizing the historic [[Connecticut Company]] #1414 trolley car, built in 1911.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Museum |first=Connecticut Trolley |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6x7bFurFv1YC&q=lake+compounce+trolley+gauge&pg=PA20 |title=Hartford County Trolleys |date=7 November 2017 |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |isbn=978-0-7385-3930-0 |via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Shore Line Trolley Museum: Articles: Lake Compounce |url=http://www.bera.org/articles/compounce.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627230843/http://www.bera.org/articles/compounce.html |archive-date=2018-06-27 |access-date=2017-08-14 |website=www.bera.org}}</ref> |N/A |- |[[Wipeout (ride)|Wipeout]] |[[Wipeout (ride)|Wipeout]] |2009 |2020 |12 |[[Chance Rides]] Wipeout. |An entertainment stage |- ! colspan="7" |Children's rides |- |Arctic Express |Kiddie ride |1997 |2015 |18 |Miniature version of Musik Express. |Jolly Jester |- |Caterpillar Train |Kiddie ride |1997 |2020 |24 |Caterpillar-themed powered train ride from [[Zamperla]]. Consisted of a powered first car and four non-powered carts. |N/A |- |Jolly Jester |Kiddie ride |2009 |2023 |14 |A smaller version of Pirate Ship, where a motor below the ship turns a drive wheel that allows the boat to move back and forth in the direction of the spinning tire. |N/A |- ! colspan="7" |Water rides |- |Lake Plunge |Tube slide |1999 |2011 |12 |Two enclosed tube slides. It emptied into the lake. |[[Multi-lane racer water slide|Riptide Racer]] |- |Twister Sisters |Body slide |1985 |2007 |22 |Three enclosed twisting body slides. |Tunnel Twisters |- ! colspan="7" |Other |- |Miniature Golf Course |[[Miniature golf|Miniature golf course]] |1959 |2004 |45 |18 miniature golf holes. |Anchor Bay |- |Amphitheater |Stage |1988 |1997 |9 |20,000 seat outdoor amphitheater. Home to concerts for many big-name bands. |[[Zoomerang (Lake Compounce)|Zoomerang]] |- |Paddle Boats |Paddle boats |1985 |2005 |20 |Rental paddle boats. |Compounce Cabana Boat |- |Swan Boats |Paddle boats |2005 |2007 |2 |Rental paddle boats themed as swans. |Compounce Cabana Boat |- |Mark Twain |Paddle boat |1999 |2007 |8 |Flat-bottom paddle boat that transported guests across the lake. Themed as a classic steam boat. |Compounce Cabana Boat |- |Gillette Railway |[[Ridable miniature railway|Miniature railway]] |1943 |1997 |54 |Train designed by [[William Gillette]]. Was borrowed from and later returned to [[Gillette Castle State Park]]. |C.P. Huntington Train |- |Dino Expedition |Walk-through attraction |2015 |2023 |8 |Short walk-through of a jungle-themed area. Featured multiple dinosaur animatronics, as well as a children's dig site. |Kyle's Garden |}

==Incidents== * On July 19, 1981, a 16-year-old girl died falling from the Wildcat coaster after attempting to stand up during a ride cycle.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.courant.com/1999/08/22/park-worker-dies-from-injuries/ |title=Park Worker Dies from Injuries |date=22 August 1999 |access-date=26 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/07/08/nyregion/boy-hurt-in-park-accident-dies.html |title=Boy Hurt in Park Accident Dies |date=8 July 2000 |access-date=26 November 2024}}</ref> * On August 4, 1986, several riders were injured after two train engines on the Gilette Railway collided at a switching station. Four people were taken to Bristol Hospital for treatment, while one was treated at the park's first aid center. Investigators determined that the accident was caused by operator error. The ride resumed operation that evening with only one train engine running, allowing the other to be repaired.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17588869/hartford-courant/|title=Ride Reopened at Lake Compounce|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-date=2021-01-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129011623/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17588869/hartford-courant/|url-status=live}}</ref> * On July 31, 1997, 27 people were stranded on the Zoomerang coaster for an hour and a half after its emergency system stopped the train. All were evacuated and no injuries were reported.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65992262/27-people-stranded-when-lake-compounce/|title=27 people stranded when Lake Compounce coaster shuts down|access-date=2020-12-25|archive-date=2021-07-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711011529/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65992262/27-people-stranded-when-lake-compounce/|url-status=live}}</ref> * On August 20, 1999, a 16-year-old park employee was knocked over and crushed by the Tornado ride. The employee died from his injuries 10 hours later.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Maryellen|last1=Fillo|first2=John|last2=Springer|title=Amid The Grief, Warm Memories Of Teenager|url=https://www.courant.com/1999/08/23/amid-the-grief-warm-memories-of-teenager/|newspaper=Hartford Courant|access-date=11 August 2018|date=1999-08-23|archive-date=2018-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811204048/http://articles.courant.com/1999-08-23/news/9908230065_1_richard-bisi-ride-hartford-hospital|url-status=live}}</ref> * On July 1, 2000, a six-year-old boy riding the Lake Plunge water slide fell into the lake when the tube he was using overturned. The boy was found unconscious after a twenty-minute search and died six days later as a result of the injuries. In response, Lake Compounce introduced stricter safety precautions regarding the water slide and made life jackets a requirement for children.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lake Compounce changes policy in wake of drowning|url=https://www.middletownpress.com/news/article/Lake-Compounce-changes-policy-in-wake-of-drowning-11933352.php|publisher=TheMiddleTownPress|access-date=11 August 2018|date=2000-07-10|archive-date=2018-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811200311/https://www.middletownpress.com/news/article/Lake-Compounce-changes-policy-in-wake-of-drowning-11933352.php|url-status=live}}</ref> * On June 13, 2001, a train on the Boulder Dash coaster was sent on a preliminary test run when it struck and killed a 23-year-old groundskeeper who had been cutting weeds by the side of the ride.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.middletownpress.com/news/article/Attendant-struck-killed-at-Lake-Compounce-11903242.php|title=Attendant struck, killed at Lake Compounce – The Middletown Press|publisher=The Middletown Press|first1=Jackie|last1=Majerus|first2=Steve|last2=Collins|date=2001-06-14|access-date=2018-12-19|archive-date=2018-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811200323/https://www.middletownpress.com/news/article/Attendant-struck-killed-at-Lake-Compounce-11903242.php|url-status=live}}</ref> * On June 14, 2001, a train stopped on Zoomerang's cobra roll with 28 people aboard after it somehow continued running on the track while its automatic braking system malfunctioned. There were no injuries and all riders were safely evacuated by firefighters. The ride was shut down for inspection and park officials later determined the incident was caused by a safety sensor malfunction.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/06/14/connecticut.coaster/|title=Roller Coaster strands passengers|work=cnn.com|date=2001-06-14|access-date=2020-12-25|archive-date=2020-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220090644/http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/06/14/connecticut.coaster/|url-status=live}}</ref>

* On May 16, 2004, a five-year-old boy was killed when he was struck by a fallen tree branch from a decaying 80-foot red oak tree that hung above the park's miniature golf course.<ref>{{cite news |author=Roberto Gonzalez |title=Family Sues Lake Compounce |url=https://www.courant.com/2005/12/03/family-sues-lake-compounce/ |newspaper=Hartford Courant |access-date=11 August 2018 |date=2005-12-03 |archive-date=2018-08-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811201240/http://articles.courant.com/2005-12-03/news/0512030015_1_tree-service-oak-tree-amusement-park |url-status=live}}</ref>

== References == {{reflist}}

== External links == * [http://www.lakecompounce.com/ Official website] * [http://www.hauntedgraveyard.com/ Haunted Graveyard official website] * {{RCDB|4683}}

[[Category:1846 establishments in Connecticut]] [[Category:Amusement parks in Connecticut]] [[Category:Amusement parks opened in 1846]] [[Category:Buildings and structures in Bristol, Connecticut]] [[Category:Southington, Connecticut]] [[Category:Tourist attractions in Hartford County, Connecticut]] [[Category:2025 mergers and acquisitions]]