A lot of fun is just an hour and a half away
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Billed as “the South’s favorite family amusement park” and entering its 78th year, Lake Winnie as it’s affectionately known, has won the hearts of youngsters throughout the Midstate.
Located about an hour and a half from McMinnville in Chattanooga, Lake Winnie has rides for the entire family. Whether it’s the high speeds and daring drops of the popular wooden roller coaster Cannon Ball, or a subtle ride over the lake on the sky lift, there’s no shortage of attractions.
In keeping with a recent trend, Lake Winnie opened this year with a brand new ride called Conestoga. This high-rising attraction is modeled after the classic covered wagons of yesteryear, but park officials say guests shouldn’t be fooled by its peaceful look. Sitting face-to-face, riders are carried into the air before plummeting to the ground in stomach-dropping fashion.
The park winds through a lush, wooded area hugs a lake and makes for picturesque scenery during a train ride around the park. Antique cars and paddle boats are other popular, low-key attractions.
For the younger crowd eager for twists and spins, the rides include: tilt-a-whirl, bumper cars, the pirate ship, the boat chute and amusement park favorites such as the Ferris wheel and Scrambler.
And for folks eager for a toe-tapping good time, concerts will be held at Jukebox Junction throughout the summer. For the $3 gate admission, guests are welcome to attend this year’s concert series which includes such country music headliners as Mark Wills, Confederate Railroad and Blake Shelton.
“It’s important to us to make certain every family has an unforgettable time here,” said park representative Talley Rhodes. “Lake Winnepesaukah is more than just the South’s favorite family amusement park. It’s part of the South and is a family tradition.”
Lake Winnepesaukah is open Thursdays through Sundays until Aug. 10. It’s then open on weekends until Sept. 13. Parking is free and picnic baskets are welcome.
How to get there
• Take I-24 east to exit 184 and go straight to the second traffic light which is McBrien Road.
• Turn right onto McBrien Road and follow it to the main gate of Lake Winnepesaukah.
Admission
• Gate admission is $3 and children 2-and-under are admitted free with paying adult.
• Unlimited ride tickets cost $18 and individual ride tickets are also available.
• Special rates are available for groups of 25 or more riders.