CT's Biggest Amusement Park Celebrating Major Anniversary

BRISTOL/SOUTHINGTON, CT — Lake Compounce will open its 180th season on Saturday, May 9, with a series of park-wide upgrades, new attractions, and expanded events, according to park officials.

The amusement and water park plans to open at 11 a.m., with the first 180 guests receiving commemorative coins to mark the milestone anniversary.

Among the most significant additions to the park, which is located in Bristol and Southington, is a new on-site history museum near the Down Time ride.

The walk-through exhibit will display photographs and memorabilia documenting the park’s evolution and generations of visitors.

Ride upgrades are a central focus this season.

The Wildcat wooden roller coaster, which recently underwent a full retrack in partnership with Gravity Group, will operate with a second train to reduce wait times.

Boulder Dash, another wooden coaster, received an additional 500 feet of steel “Titan Track” during the offseason, bringing the multi-year upgrade total to 1,735 feet.

Park officials said the improvements are intended to make the ride smoother while preserving its terrain-based layout.

Food and beverage options have also been expanded.

New offerings include salads, wraps, flatbread pizzas, macaroni and cheese bowls, and desserts such as a fried Oreo sundae.

A refreshed version of the Little Daredevils children’s ride will debut with a new paint scheme tied to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

The park will introduce a new seasonal event, "All-American Summer,” running from July 3 through Aug. 22.

The event will feature weekly fireworks, drone shows, parades, and themed food offerings. Fireworks are scheduled for Saturdays between July 3 and Aug. 15.

Returning events include Kids Fest on weekends in June, featuring rotating appearances by children’s characters, and Phantom Fall Fest, scheduled for select dates from Sept. 19 through Nov. 1.

Doug Hemphill, new general manager of Lake Compounce, said the anniversary season reflects both the park’s history and its future direction.

“Reaching 180 years is an incredible milestone, and it speaks to the generations of families who have made Lake Compounce part of their traditions,” Hemphill said. “As we celebrate this historic season, we’re proud to honor our past while continuing to add new experiences that today’s families will remember for years to come.”

In a separate statement issued May 4, Hemphill emphasized recent operational improvements and the park’s focus on guest experience.

“Behind the scenes this offseason, our team has been working to enhance your experience throughout the park,” Hemphill said. “You’ll see this in thoughtful improvements like the addition of a second train on Wildcat, to help shorten wait times, a smoother and more enjoyable ride on our award-winning Boulder Dash, thanks to track upgrades, and refreshed food and beverage offerings.”

Season passes are currently on sale, with promotional pricing available ahead of opening day.

Park officials said further details on events and operations are available on the park’s website.

The 2026 season will conclude with Phantom Fall Fest in early November.

For more information on Lake Compounce and to purchase passes, click on this link.