Camden Park in Huntington, West Virginia: A Historic Family Amusement Park

I remember as a child going to Camden Park. It was the first amusement park that I can remember going to. The big dipper was my first Roller Coaster ride and the thrill of the wood creaking while I was soaring downhill made me a die hard roller coaster fan. The park is average sized, and there are lots of activities to keep children and adults alike busy.

The Park opened in 1903 as a Picnic area, and has changed thought the years to become a beloved amusement park. When you enter the park a clown greets you with a wave and you know you are in for some nostalgia.

Kiddie-land Rides- There are nine rides featured for children 48' and under. Some of the rides feature hand cars ( kids use the turning motion of their own hands to make these cars move), the pony cart, carousel, and kiddie boats. The whip and the kiddie coaster are the last of their kind. The whip was manufactured about 70 years ago and is still running strong. The look in children's eyes when they are riding these rides are something to remember forever.

Now the park is not just centered for small children, It of course has a section for all of us thrill seekers as well.There are 18 rides for persons 48' and taller. Some of the major rides include The big and little dipper ( historic wooden roller coasters). The West Virginia logging Co. log flume ride, the kite flyer, the one of a kind haunted house ( that upon ending the ride your car gets stopped by an attendant), the paratrooper, and many more. The newest ride added in 2006 was the flying scooters which has gotten rave reviews.

There are also many other attractions available at Camden Park. These include: Mini golf, a gift shop, paddle boats, michway stage, and the discovery center. There are 3 picnic areas. You can rent a pavilion and picnic with your family.

The concessions offered range from cotton candy and corn dogs to the WV Grille a sit in restaurant. There is something here for everyone. Then we have the Midway packed with games and also a arcade for children and adults to cut loose.

The park opens on May 5th and admission is as follows
General Admission 20.99
Children and Seniors 14.99
Season Pass 99.99
Parking 3.00
Paddle boats 6.00

Special events for 2007 include:

A children's festival every Thursday in June. Dora the Explorer will be featured on June 7th and June 29th. And every Thursday in June there will be special events like face painting, puppet shows and special attractions. Times 12:00 - 4:00pm.

Memorial day weekend is packed full of fun events. Every Wednesday is Coca - Cola Wednesday's which feature a 25 percent discount on admission if you bring a coca- cola lid with you. Plus there is free coke all day.

This is a wonderful family amusement park, and I feel that it is the last of its kind. For years there have been rumors that it would close soon, So I would suggest if you can visit this beautiful place.

For more information call 1-866-8CAMDEN or www.camdenpark.com