Did you know that the oldest continuously operated amusement park in the U.S. is just minutes from the Wesleyan campus? It's called Lake Compounce, and it's awesome.

What's that you say? Six Flags New England is better?

Well consider this: Lake Compounce has shorter lines. It's closer (20 miles as opposed to 50). It's cheaper ($33.95 vs. $49.99, and only $17.95 after 5 pm). And even though it may not have a gazillion coasters like the Six Flags parks, it has everything an amusement park enthusiast could want: a waterpark, several stomach-churning thrill rides, a skyride to the top of a mountain, a fun haunted house, and three coasters. 

One of these coasters, The Boulder Dash, makes up for the park's lack in coaster quantity through sheer quality – it has been voted the world’s #1 wooden coaster several times, and it deserves the honor. Built along the side of the mountain, it weaves its way through trees and boulders on a wonderfully smooth, air-time filled ride.

After (not before) riding this coaster you should take advantage of the park’s offer of FREE unlimited soft drinks!! Actually, this exciting-sounding prospect becomes sickening after the third or fourth soda has completely dehydrated you. But at least you have Garfield to hang with. He’s the park’s official mascot. (Take that, Bugs Bunny.)

P.S. Go in October to enjoy the Haunted Graveyard, a top-rated Halloween event that takes over the park.