Upstate New York Attraction Named Best in the Nation

A popular Upstate New York attraction has just been recognized as the best in the U.S.

As summer approaches, many of us have begun to plan out some exciting things to do with the family. Some of us are planning to spend a few weeks at a beach, others might be heading to another state or out of the country, but is anyone planning to visit an amusement park this summer?

America Loves Amusement Parks

Each year, thousands of thrill seekers travel far and wide to enjoy some of the amazing amusement parks scattered across the U.S., but which park do you think is the best? The folks at the National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA) have the answer as they recently announced the results of their 39th annual NAPHA Amusement Park and Attractions Survey.

To find the best, members of the NAPHA, who have visited countless amusement parks around the world and have ridden a massive assortment of roller coasters and other rides, visit parks across the country and rank them based on various factors.

Best Amusement Parks in the U.S.

The 2024 winners include Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA, which has been named the "Favorite Traditional Amusement Park". Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN, has been named "Favorite Theme Park" for the third year in a row, followed by Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, VA, named "Most Beautiful Park" for the 35th consecutive year. For the first time, a park closer to home has also been named to the 2024 list.

Upstate New York Amusement Park Attraction Named Best in the U.S.

The celebration is underway at Six Flags Great Escape located in Queensbury, NY, as the NAPHA has named its newest attraction "The Bobcat" the best new attraction in 2024. The Bobcat is a new wooden rollercoaster that opened in May 2024, replacing the Alpine Bobsled, which closed for good in September 2023. Since it opened, the Bobcat has become a fan favorite among guests from all over the world due to its adventurous mix of speed, airtime, and twists and turns aboard an all-natural wooden coaster.

SEE ALSO: New Policy Introduced at Amusement Park in Upstate New York

The Bobcat soars 55 feet in the air, reaching top speeds of nearly 40 miles per hour, and is the second wooden coaster at the Great Escape, joining a longtime fan favorite coaster, The Comet.

Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury, NY, Wins Again

This is the second time the Bobcat has been recognized as one of the best new attractions in the U.S. Back in February, the folks at USA Today also named it as one of the best new theme park attractions in the world. Six Flags Great Escape has opened for the season on a limited schedule and will open daily starting on Thursday, June 19th, 2025.