If you live in Connecticut, or anywhere in the New England area, you probably know about Lake Compounce. In fact, you might have even visited a few times. Listed below are 11 fascinating facts regarding information about Lake Compounce. Some of the Lake Compounce history might even surprise you. 

1. Lake Compounce in Bristol is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States. It opened in 1846 and is home to a carousel that was built in 1911.
joelip/Flickr
2. The Lake Compounce Carousel, which is now included on the National Register of Historic Places, took four master carvers to complete.
Lake Compounce/Facebook
3. The lake is named for Chief John Compound, a Mattatuck Native American. The deed for "Compound's Lake" was given to settlers in 1684.
Lake Compounce/Facebook
4. The park, originally set up as a picnic park, prospered through the post-Civil War era. However, it only consisted of picnic tables and swimming.
GSCuriousEye/Flickr
5. The Wildcat, a wooden roller coaster built in 1927, is still running at Lake Compounce. It's a real time capsule and is a totally different experience than the steel monsters you're used to riding.
Lake Compounce/Facebook

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6. In the early 1900s, you could ride a trolley straight into the park. Also, nutmeggers took advantage of the park's restaurant, which is where you could get a full-course dinner for only $0.50.
facebook/Lake Compounce
7. Frank Sinatra performed at Lake Compounce in the spring of 1941, setting the all-time attendance record of 5,000 for the Starlight Ballroom.
Martin Lewison/Flickr
8. The first Sherlock Holmes, actor William Gillette, designed and built the train that encircles the lake.
wikimedia commons/Roller Coaster Philosophy
9. From 1959 to 2004, an 18-hole, mini-golf course existed. It's gone now, but you know what isn't? Sleeping overnight in a cabin.
Lake Compounce/Facebook
10. In the early 1990s, the future of Lake Compounce became uncertain, and big names such as Anheuser Busch and Lego expressed interest in purchasing it. This just further proves that the park's greatness is unquestionable.
Lake Compounce/Facebook

11. Lake Compounce is home to a thrilling ride that’s known as the Phobia Phear Coaster, which is the first triple launch coaster in New England. It features twists and inversions at 600 feet in the air. If you enjoy thrill rides, this one is most definitely for you!

Have you ever been to Lake Compounce? If so, please share your experience with us in the comments below. Also, feel free to share with us some of your favorite rides.

For more information about Lake Compounce, including its operating schedule and ticket prices, you can view the Lake Compounce website or the Lake Compounce Facebook page.

Another fun attraction in Bristol, Connecticut that’s worthy of a visit is the New England Carousel Museum. For information about this one-of-a-kind museum, be sure to take a look at the following article: Bristol, Connecticut’s New England Carousel Museum Is Sure To Make You Feel Like A Child Again.

 

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More to Explore

Connecticut Family Attractions + related info

Jennifer Young | December 16, 2022
  1. Are there any fun family-friendly attractions in Connecticut?

There are many family-friendly attractions in Connecticut. One of the most popular attractions that welcomes thousands of families year after year is The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk. This award-winning aquarium has a variety of exhibits featuring all kinds of sea creatures, including harbor seals, sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays. You can even touch a shark or stingray! There's also an exhibit that features toxic creatures. This "untouchable" exhibit is interesting for all ages and includes jellyfish, sponges, and anemones. Even though you aren't allowed to touch these toxic sea creatures, you can still get an up-close view of them. If you enjoy all things sea life, you'll definitely want to add The Maritime Aquarium to your bucket list.

2. Is Connecticut home to any family-friendly restaurants that are worth grabbing a bite to eat at?

There are many wonderful family-friendly restaurants in Connecticut. One restaurant in particular is Pizza Works. Pizza Works in Connecticut is situated along the tracks of the Old Saybrook Train Station. Kids of all ages enjoy dining at this unique restaurant because they're able to peer out the big windows and watch trains come and go. When it comes to food, Pizza Works has some of the best pizza around. However, that's not the only type of food that's available at this family-friendly restaurant. A variety of pastas and salads are also on the menu. To further your train experience, miniature train displays are located in the upstairs area of the restaurant. Kids especially love this part of Pizza Works.

 

 

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Lake Compounce, Southington, CT 06489, USA