When most people think of amusement parks and coasters in the Kentucky area, they either think of…read moreKentucky Kingdom or the out of state parks Holiday World, Kings Island, or Dollywood. But while Beech Bend isn't as nearly as well known or have as high profile coasters as those parks, it shouldn't be ignored. This is because Beech Bend has an excellent thrilling coaster in Kentucky Rumbler, which is a relatively smooth wooden coaster that is filled with a mix of forces and airtime that will make you want to go on it again and again. Additionally, Beech Bend has some very interesting flat rides you generally only see at fairs, but here you ride them over and over again instead of having to pay per ride. Plus, admission is quite affordable, especially if you buy it in advance, and parking is free, so Beech Bend will not set you back a lot. With that in mind, Beech Bend, while it lacks the high profile coasters of the parks that surround it, is a nice, charming, and affordable small park that should not be missed if you are in the area.

When I see such mixed reviews on a place, I feel obligated to give a honest and detailed review…read more This was written in June 2023. Prices to get in the amusement/water park are $44.99 plus tax for anyone over 48" but there are a few offers that can get you in cheaper. I strongly suggest using a discount, as this park is not worth the full price. You are allowed to bring one water bottle per person and you should because there are limited areas of shade. The two star review is because of the following: First, like many of the prior reviews have stated, the rides are old, unkept, and rickety. A few are even dangerous. The Wild Mouse gave me a bruised leg and sore neck. The main attraction for thrill seekers is the Kentucky Rambler, which was closed when we were there. There were other rides closed too. Second, most of the snack huts were closed. The lines at the opened concessions were long and moved slow. Of course food is overpriced too. I would recommend bringing your lunch/snacks in a cooler and going outside the park for eating. They allow you to go and come with a stamp. There are shaded picnic tables outside the park if you bring your lunch. You can't bring coolers of food inside. Third, the park is overrun with tweens and teens. Ages 12 and up are allowed in without an adult. My 9 year old son rode the bumper cars and got bumped really hard by a unsupervised teenager. I was worried he may have gotten whiplash. Fourth, our experience with the staff was pleasant and the only reason we gave 2 stars instead of 1 star. The staff enforced the rules and took their jobs seriously. Many of them joked around with my son. In conclusion, if you are an area tween or teen with a season pass, this park may be worthwhile. If you have kiddos under 5 years old, there are a number of kiddie rides that are safe enough. The water park also has a nice little kids section. The free parking and free sunscreen is a plus. If you arrive when they open, lines for rides aren't long, especially on weekdays. Again, if you pay full price for your tickets and don't bring your own food, you will probably be disappointed. However, if you pack food and get a discount, you may be able to enjoy yourself if you fancy low budget fair rides. I recommend Holiday World, about an hour from Beech Bend, it's well worth the drive. Holiday World is clean and the rides are safe. If you go to Holiday World in May, your tickets would be cheaper than Beech Bend.