23-05-2025
The oldest theme park in New Hampshire is over 100 years old. Here's where it is
As the weather gets warmer, it's almost time to return outdoors to some of your favorite summer attractions, including beaches, festivals and theme parks.
Luckily, New Hampshire has plenty of longstanding theme parks perfect for a fun-filled summer day wrapped in New England tradition. In fact, the oldest theme park in New Hampshire opened over 100 years ago, and you've probably been to it without even knowing. Located in Salem, Canobie Lake Park first opened in 1902.
Here's the story of how the park came to be, as well as how to visit this summer.
According to the park's website, Canobie Lake dates back to 1902, when trolley line company The Hudson, Pelham & Salem (HP&S) Railways opened the park as a resort for trolley cars. Original attractions included picnics, canoeing, sporting events and a penny arcade.
However, with the rise of the automobile in the 1920s, HP&S Railways started to face trouble, and in 1929, Canobie Lake Park went out of business. The park reopened in 1932 thanks to a purchase from a private citizen. In 1936, Canobie Lake constructed its first rollercoaster, The Greyhound, today known as the Yankee Cannonball.
Despite its coaster, Canobie was mainly known as an entertainment destination, hosting names like Duke Ellington and Frank Sinatra in its Dancehall Theater. In 1958, Canobie Lake Park was purchased by new owners, who are credited with adding rides, games and concessions that made Canobie into a true theme park.
Today, Canobie Lake Park stands as one of New England's most popular theme parks, complete with over 85 attractions and an additional 180 water attractions at Castaway Island, Canobie's waterpark.
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Canobie Lake Park is currently open on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., with Castaway Island opening on May 24 and daily park operations returning June 4. A full calendar with hours can be found online.
Tickets range from $34-59 depending on the day, with discounted tickets available for those over age 60 or under 48" tall. Special nighttime tickets and season passes are also available. All tickets must be purchased online.
The park is located at 85 N. Policy St. in Salem.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Canobie Lake Park is the oldest theme park in NH. Here's its history
