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Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park amusement park in Chattanooga, TN
Photo: Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park
View of Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park in Chattanooga, TN
Photo: Carol J Edwards
View of Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park in Chattanooga, TN
Photo: Misty hambrick

Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park

4.1(5,439 reviews)$$$Amusement Park
🕑 4-6 hours for a full visit👶 Best for ages 2-14. Toddlers and preschoolers will adore Kiddieland with its pint-sized rides, while elementary-aged kids can graduate to classic wooden coasters like the Cannon Ball. Teens may find it less thrilling than major parks, but tweens hit the sweet spot of being able to ride everything.

About

Lake Winnepesaukah (affectionately called 'Lake Winnie') is a charming, old-school amusement park that offers the perfect blend of thrilling coasters for older kids and gentle rides for little ones, plus refreshing water attractions on hot summer days. Unlike sprawling mega-parks, this family-owned gem feels manageable for families with young children while still delivering plenty of excitement, all at a fraction of the cost of larger theme parks.

Highlights

  • The historic Cannon Ball wooden roller coaster,a thrilling classic since 1967
  • Splash Island water play area with slides, splash zones, and kid-friendly water features
  • Kiddieland section with over a dozen rides perfectly sized for preschoolers
  • The Wacky Worm coaster,perfect first roller coaster for nervous young riders
  • Old-fashioned carousel and Ferris wheel with nostalgic charm

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive right at opening to hit the most popular rides like the Cannon Ball roller coaster before lines form, then retreat to the water park area during the hottest afternoon hours.
  2. 2.Bring swim gear and water shoes,the Splash Island water play area is included with admission and provides welcome relief on hot Georgia days.
  3. 3.Pack your own snacks and drinks in a cooler (allowed in the parking lot) and get your hand stamped for re-entry to save significantly on food costs.
  4. 4.Purchase tickets online in advance for the best prices and to avoid long ticket booth lines, especially on weekends.
  5. 5.The park is cash-friendly but ATMs have fees, so bring cash for games, lockers, and faster concession transactions.

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays in May, early June, or September offer the smallest crowds and pleasant weather. Arrive at opening (typically 10 or 11am depending on season) to enjoy shorter lines before afternoon crowds. Avoid summer Saturdays and July 4th week when the park is most packed.

What to Know

Admission includes unlimited rides and Splash Island water park access (typically around $35-45 per person with discounts for purchasing online). Parking is free. Outside food isn't allowed inside the park, but you can leave and return for picnic lunches. The park has traditional concessions, and height requirements are clearly posted at each ride.

Seasonal Notes

Lake Winnie operates seasonally from late April through October, with limited weekend-only schedules in spring and fall. Daily operations run Memorial Day through early August. The park hosts special events like July 4th fireworks and Halloween-themed weekends in October. Water attractions close after Labor Day, so plan accordingly if that's a priority.

Nearby Eats

Champy's Famous Fried Chicken (about 10 minutes away) serves up legendary fried chicken and mac-and-cheese that kids devour. For a quick post-park bite, Zaxby's and Chick-fil-A are just a few minutes down Battlefield Parkway with kid-friendly menus and play areas.

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