Impulse

Nestled within the scenic landscape of Elysburg, Pennsylvania, Knoebels Amusement Resort is celebrated for its charming atmosphere, classic attractions, and family-friendly appeal. While the park has long been known for its wooden coaster gems like Phoenix and Twister, Knoebels made a thrilling leap into the world of steel coasters with the addition of Impulse in 2015. This vibrant yellow and blue ride stands as a centerpiece of modern thrills at the park, drawing in coaster enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

History and Development

Knoebels Amusement Resort is unique among amusement parks in that it remains a family-owned and operated establishment, consistently balancing traditional charm with modern attractions. The decision to install Impulse, a custom-designed steel coaster, marked a significant shift for Knoebels. The park teamed up with Zierer, a renowned German manufacturer, to create the ride, aiming to blend smooth inversions, vertical drops, and a compact footprint that would fit well within the park’s limited available space.

Impulse was unveiled in 2015 as the most significant steel coaster addition in the park's history, intended to appeal to thrill-seekers while complementing Knoebels' traditional family-oriented attractions.

Ride Specifications and Experience

Impulse is a custom-made steel roller coaster from Zierer, standing at 98 feet tall and featuring a 90-degree vertical drop that thrills riders right from the start. With a compact, intertwining track layout, the coaster is a perfect fit for the park’s limited space, providing a thrilling ride without overwhelming the landscape.

• Height: 98 feet
• Track Length: 2,000 feet
• Top Speed: 55 mph
• Number of Inversions: 4
• Ride Duration: Approximately 1 minute and 20 seconds

The coaster begins with a heart-pounding 90-degree ascent, leading into a vertical drop that sets the tone for what follows. After the drop, riders are sent into a sequence of inversions, including a cobra roll and a vertical loop, followed by high-speed turns and rolls. The smoothness of the steel track and comfortable seating harness make it accessible to a broad audience, while still delivering enough intensity to keep thrill-seekers coming back.

Design and Theme

The bold color scheme of Impulse—with its bright yellow supports and blue track—creates a striking visual impact within the park. Its vibrant hues are matched by a modern station design, featuring a clean, steel aesthetic that stands out among the more rustic surroundings. Despite its contemporary look, Impulse was thoughtfully integrated into the park’s overall layout, sitting in close proximity to classic rides like the Scenic Skyway and Bumper Cars, adding a dynamic contrast between old and new.

Rider Accessibility and Safety

Knoebels is known for its commitment to guest experience, and Impulse reflects this focus. The coaster features comfortable lap bars with over-the-shoulder restraints, ensuring both safety and comfort. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall to board, making Impulse suitable for older children and adults. The park’s open, welcoming approach means that visitors can watch the entire ride experience from various vantage points, creating a spectator-friendly atmosphere.

Reception and Impact

Since its debut, Impulse has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both coaster enthusiasts and casual park-goers. Its smooth inversions, compact layout, and thrilling drop have solidified its place as a must-ride attraction at Knoebels. For a park traditionally focused on nostalgia and classic wooden coasters, Impulse signaled a new era of innovation without sacrificing the charm and character that make Knoebels special.

Many fans view Impulse as a bridge between the park’s traditional appeal and a more modern ride experience. It complements the existing lineup of attractions, providing a unique steel coaster experience that contrasts the airtime-filled drops of the park’s wooden coasters.

Impulse stands as a testament to Knoebels’ ability to evolve and diversify its offerings while staying true to its roots. This vibrant, high-energy steel coaster has become a favorite for those seeking a thrilling experience within one of America’s most beloved family-owned amusement parks. With its daring vertical drop, sleek inversions, and eye-catching design, Impulse not only draws attention but solidifies Knoebels’ reputation as a park where tradition meets innovation.

Whether you’re a coaster enthusiast or a casual visitor, Impulse is a ride that shouldn't be missed during any visit to Knoebels. As the park continues to grow and expand, this steel powerhouse will likely remain a symbol of Knoebels’ ongoing commitment to providing both classic charm and modern thrills for generations to come.