Haunted Mansion (Knoebels)
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The Haunted Mansion at Knoebels Family Park was built in 1970 by the Pretzel Amusement & Ride Company and opened July 2nd, 1973, on Rick Knoebel's birthday.
On June 22, 1972, the creeks that run through Knoebels overflowed six feet over their banks, swollen with heavy rains from Hurricane Agnes. The flood destroyed several cottages and damaged many other buildings including the park's roller rink. Work began on a new roller rink building but it was later decided that the original roller rink could be repaired and reused as a roller rink.
The new building under construction became the Haunted Mansion. To prove that the park had quickly recovered from the flood, the Haunted Mansion dark ride was opened in 1973. The ride has been recognized as one of America's best dark rides by organizations such as Dark Ride and Funhouse Enthusiasts and The National Amusement Park Historical Association.
The old roller rink building was refloored and used as a skating rink until the mid-1980s when it was converted into the "Roaring Creek Saloon", which now hosts a concession stand, an arcade and free performances.