9 Awesome Independent Amusement Parks

Canobie Lake Park (Salem, New Hampshire)

Canobie Lake Park is one of the oldest amusement parks in America (the actual oldest is also on this list). It opened back in 1902 and predates modern concepts of amusement parks. Canobie Lake was designed to be a trolley park that would increase awareness of the Massachusetts Northeast Street Railway Company.

Even though the trolley business eventually failed, the park survived and has evolved into the premier field trip and day camp destination for kids throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The Yankee Cannonball, Corkscrew, and Frisbee are just a few of the high-thrill rides that await visitors to Canobie Lake.