Knott’s Preserved: Knott’s Berry Farm History Book
Knott’s Preserved is the kind of theme park history book that makes you pause mid-page because you can practically smell the boysenberry pie and hear the Ghost Town train in the distance. Written by Christopher Merritt and J. Eric Lynxwiler, this book traces how a roadside berry stand and chicken dinner stop grew into Knott’s Berry Farm, one of the most influential parks in themed entertainment history. I missed the original release, so finding the revised edition (Angel City Press, 2015) felt like finally getting to add a key “missing volume” to my theme park shelf, especially with a foreword by Tony Baxter and a collector-friendly 176-page format that begs for a slow, nostalgic flip-through.
Knott’s History Book Preview Video
Have you had a chance to read this title? Have you visited Knott’s Berry Farm?
Check out my video of the Calico Mine Ride at Knott’s Berry Farm. I must have ridden the Calico Mine ride multiple times during my one-day visit to Knott’s Berry Farm. As a dark ride, it completely enchanted me and blew my mind. Kudos to Bud Hurlbut and his team for creating a masterpiece.
I visited Knott’s Berry Farm, Disneyland, and Six Flags Magic Mountain during Coaster Con in 2019. I couldn’t believe how good the Six Flags Magic Mountain coasters were (and the churros at Disneyland).
Are you a fan of Knott’s Berry Farm?
If you love theme park history beyond the usual Disney-only lane, Knott’s Preserved is absolutely worth tracking down, because it captures the park’s roots and evolution with the kind of detail that makes you appreciate how much of modern theme park “language” started here.  If you’re on the fence, watch my preview video for a quick look at what’s inside, then grab a copy for your own library (especially if you collect regional park history or coffee-table books that actually get read). And tell me in the comments: what’s your most nostalgic Knott’s memory, or what’s the one attraction/area you hope a history book preserves forever?
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