The park was originally built by the Massachusetts Northeastern Street Railway Company to encourage weekend ridership on their trolley lines.
The Yankee Cannonball coaster was relocated to Canobie Lake Park from the defunct Lakewood Park in Waterbury, Connecticut, in 1936.
The park grounds contain the remains of the former ballroom which was a major regional destination for big band performers in the mid-20th century.
The park maintains a collection of vintage rides including an original 19th-century carousel.
The lake itself, Canobie Lake, serves as a primary water source for the town of Salem, restricting certain types of shoreline development.
Canobie Lake Park is a historic amusement park established in 1902, originally functioning as a trolley park. Located on the shores of Canobie Lake in Salem, New Hampshire, the site features over 85 rides, games, and attractions. The park's centerpiece is the Yankee Cannonball, a wooden roller coaster that has been operating since 1930. The grounds include an onsite water park area known as Castaway Island with multiple slides and a splash pad. The park maintains a mix of modern thrill rides, such as the Untamed Euro-Fighter coaster, and classic midway attractions. It hosts seasonal events including the summertime fireworks displays and the autumn-themed Screeemfest. The park layout integrates natural waterfront views with traditional amusement infrastructure. It remains a privately owned facility with a long history of family-oriented operations.
The lakeside path near the entrance provides a scenic view of the water with the ferris wheel in the background.
Check the park's online calendar for scheduled fireworks displays, which usually occur on specific summer nights.
Wear water-appropriate footwear or bring a change of clothes if you plan to visit the Castaway Island water area.
Download the park map ahead of time, as the layout can be winding and dense with trees.
Attempting to ride all major attractions on a single busy Saturday, as wait times can be significant.
Operates seasonally from spring through late October; closed on most weekdays during the early spring and autumn months.
Shirts and shoes are required at all times; swimwear is restricted to the water park area.
