Lake Compounce in Connecticut

Lake Compounce is the biggest water park located in Connecticut and the oldest amusement park in the country. In this case, it’s easy to say that the park has gotten better with age. Situated in Hartford County’s southwest region in Bristol southeast of Hartford, Lake Compounce has enjoyed numerous improvements over the years and has a sleek new edge to it with several modern touches. A new take-over in 1997 saw a $40 million dollar investment sunk into Lake Compounce Amusement Park to both upgrade and renovate the park. Steeped in rich history and featuring more than 300-acres of entertainment, the park is has been a family favorite for more than a century and a half.

Over the last few years, Lake Compounce Amusement park has enjoyed a major revival with almost 30 new attractions and rides added to classic entertainment like the antique trolley, colossal Ferris wheel, and vintage carousel. Scenic rides to the peak of Compounce Mountain are now implemented by the Sky Ride. A new steel roller coaster called Zoomerang twists, turns, and shoots riders sky high. The thrilling water chute ride, called Mammoth Falls, spans more than 500-feet long, 10-feet wide ride is the newest addition to Splash Harbor Water Park. The fiberglass chute and wooden tower feature a darkened flume for two-thirds of the way that gives way to an open-air channel totaling 50 feet. Splash Harbor also features a sand beach and swimming in the lake.

Yet the most impressive, exciting, and talked-about roller coaster in Lake Compounce is Boulder Dash, the fastest of any wooden coaster on the USA’s East Coast and the first-ever coaster incorporated into a mountain. The almost mile-long thrill ride hits speeds of up to 60 miles (and costs of $6 million) making the two-minute whirl feel like a two-hour jolt. Almost as exciting—but not quite!—is the new Text2Ride system, debuting in 2010, that permits visitors to buy ride credits that essentially secure a ride time on nine major attractions including Boulder Dash and Zoomerang. Simply send a text and receive a response that confirms a secured time. The service is available to those with full-price and Lake Compounce discount tickets. Tech-wise, this is a major breakthrough for Lake Compounce, the first park of its kind to implement this advanced technology. Roller coaster fanatics the world over are saying ‘it’s about time!!”

Shows and special events are another all-time favorite of visitors both young and old. It’s Magic! is one of the newest shows to hit the stage at Lake Compounce Amusement Park. The show features a pro illusionist who wows with magic and wonder. Cirque en Vol, part of world-famous Cirque du Soleil from Montreal, also takes the stage with juggling, aerial flight, and acrobatics. There are also sing-along dances, games, and other interactive shows park-wide.

The best times to visit the park vary. In the onset of the season, the crowds are scarce. From the Fourth of July through August, the weekend crowds can be stifling, especially if you’re visiting the waterpark. Any super-hot days see the park fill up really quickly, too. If it’s a really hot day and the kids need a reprieve, the spacious lakefront beach or the kiddie park, which features several water-based attractions, are the best bets. One of the best times to visit is when the weather forecast calls for an overcast day with a tinge of hope that the sun will pop out. These days are great with few crowds, no blaring sun, and no sunburns!

With all these great rides and reserved ride times, Lake Compounce discount tickets weigh on everyone’s mind. How to get them? There are many ways to score Lake Compounce discount tickets. AAA members receive them automatically just for having a membership. The park’s May Preview days offer the chance to pick up Lake Compounce discount tickets, or visit the park after 5:00 p.m. and admission is half-price. Visitors purchasing admission tickets, discount or not, will be allowed access to all attractions, rides, and Splash Harbor Water Park so don’t forget your swimsuit!