With a relatively short operating season from May to mid-October, Darien Lake, New York, is a destination resort that attracts more than its share of visitors every year. Whether you enjoy thrill rides, flat rides or water attractions, there is something for everyone at this park. Take in a show, stop by one of the restaurants or food stands, or visit a shop. Plan to stay all day and don't forget the Laserblast show to end your stay.
Darien Center is a small town at the intersection of state Route 20 and U.S. Highway 77, between Buffalo and Rochester. Just north of here on U.S. 77 is Darien Lake Theme Park and Resort.
Darien Lake began as a simple campground and picnic area in 1960 when the land and lake were purchased by Buffalo entrepreneur Paul Snyder. He added a pair of waterslides in the early 1970s, and kept adding other attractions for the next 10 years until Darien Lake Fun country was born. The first major attraction was added in 1982, It was a roller coaster called The Viper. A year later it was joined by what was then the world's largest Ferris wheel, which arrived from its previous home at the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Snyder sold half of the park to Funtimes Parks Inc, in 1983, and the rest them in the early 1990s. During that period, more roller coasters were added, along with a theater, special kid's area and a water park. They in turn sold the park to Premier Parks in 1995. By 1998 Premier Parks had acquired the Six Flags brand and by 1999 changed the name from Darien Lake to Six Flags Darien Lake. The year 2007 brought one more sale, and the park became the property of CNL Lifestyles Properties, under the management of PARC Management. The name was changed to Darien Lake Theme Park Resort.
What began as a small campground situated around a small lake exploded into a 980-acre empire, of which 360 acres have been developed for entertainment purposes. Along with the theme park, which has more than 40 rides and attractions for all ages, there is a water park with eight water attractions in operation as of 2009, and a performing arts center that seats 20,000.
The Lodge on the Lake Hotel has 160 luxury hotel rooms available for guests who do not want to stay in one of the 1,200 campsites that still exist on the original campground location.
The original Darien Lake remains on the north side of the theme park, separating it from the hotel. Additional man-made lakes have been added to the park. These include Fun Lake, Willow's Lake, Elk Lake, Trout Pond and Apple Lake.
Several additional attractions are in and around Darien Lake Theme Park Resort. Rent a paddle boat, play miniature golf at Mountain View Golf or race a go-kart at the Watkins Glenn Road Rally. Ride the Sky Coaster up 180 feet over Fun Lake then plummet back down on this tethered skydive attraction, or try the Reverse Bungee action of the Slingshot.
As the largest campground and theme park in the region, thousands of visitors flock to the park every season for food, thrills and entertainment. An average of 20 concerts are booked into the amphitheater every summer.
With almost half of the acreage of the park undeveloped, there is great potential for expansion. In a 2007 interview with PARC Management, CEO Randall Drew, who's company has a 52-year lease on the property, tentative plans for an extended operating season, and the addition of winter attractions like snowmobiling and cross-country trails were mentioned as being under consideration.
