11 Fascinating Things You Probably Didn't Know About Knott's Berry Farm In Southern California
Angela
Author
Fun facts about Knott’s Berry Farm are always excellent ingredients for a spirited conversation. Whether you are from Southern California or not, I can bet that everyone has heard of this popular attraction at least once in their lifetime. Not only has this been a very special place to visit for many generations, but it’s also filled with some fascinating history. Take a look at these 11 Knott’s Berry Farm facts that you probably don’t know about this exciting attraction in Buena Park, California!
1. Knott's Berry Farm is a well-known theme park that spans 160 acres and offers approximately 40 different rides.
2. As of 2015, Knott's Berry Farm was the 12th most-visited theme park in North America.
3. Dating back to the 1920s, this popular SoCal destination is known as "America's 1st Theme Park."
4. Long before it was a bustling destination for entertainment, it started off as a berry farm with nothing but a berry stand to bring in customers.
5. And long before it was named Knott's Berry Farm it was originally named Knott's Berry Place.
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6. There really is a Knott family.
7. In 1940, the Knott family opened a replica of a ghost town on the property for guests to enjoy when they visited the farm.
8. Not only did the family sell berries, but they also started selling fried chicken dinners in a tea room on the farm in 1934.
9. As the popularity of the chicken restaurant increased, Walter Knott started building various attractions on the farm.
10. The first official "ride" at Knott's Berry Farm started in 1949. It was named the Stagecoach.
11. It wasn't until 1968 that the staff started charging admission to the theme park at Knott's Berry Farm.
More fun facts about Knott’s Berry Farm are available on the website. Do you have any fun memories of this historic theme park in Southern California? Please share in the comments below.
Shop for some vintage items from the park available on Etsy. And for more SoCal history, you might enjoy these seven historic towns and districts.
These 7 Historic Towns and Districts In Southern California Will Transport You Into A Different Time
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More to Explore
History In Southern California
What are some interesting historical places in Southern California?
- Historic ruins: This list of nine interesting sites will transport you to the past. Some include the Marshal South Home in Anza-Borrego State Park, the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns in Death Valley, and the St. Francis Dam Disaster Site in Santa Clarita.
- Mission San Juan Capistrano: This historic mission is the birthplace of Orange County. More than two centuries ago, it was founded as the seventh of 21 missions in California. Folks can still visit the chapel where Saint Serra once celebrated Mass.
- Railroad history: (San Diego): In the towns of Campo and La Mesa, you'll find the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum. It showcases more than 120 pieces of equipment and artifacts where people can learn about the local railroad history.
- Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge (Guadalupe): This beautiful National Natural Landmark is an 18-mile-long coastal dunes landscape that sits on about 20,000 acres. Did you know that Cecil B. DeMille crafted an Egyptian city on this property in 1923 to film "The Ten Commandments?" This protected property is home to more than 120 species of rare plants and animals.
Where are some of the best state parks in Southern California?
- Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area (Borrego Springs): Explore 85,000 acres of inspiring desert on this gorgeous property. Camping is free and is permitted throughout the land for up to 30 days a year. Visit some interesting destinations on your off-highway vehicles, such as Blowsand Hill and Devil's Slide.
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (Borrego Springs): This park has so many fascinating places, such as the visitor center with informative exhibits, the Desert Garden, and hundreds of colorful wildflowers.