5 Unknown Things About Buena Park

Mr. and Mrs. Knott in front of stand at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park

1. The Boysenberry was born in Buena Park

In 1926, Walter Knott and his close friend Rudolph Boysen created the Boysenberry – a hybrid of the Loganberry, blackberry and raspberry. The boysenberry was first sold at his roadside fruit stand which eventually grew to a restaurant that sold his wife Cordelia's famous fried chicken and later, California’s first theme park – Knott’s Berry Farm. Today, Knott’s honors their storied past with their annual Boysenberry Festival which features Boysenberry treats, food and beverages. This seasonal event can be enjoyed in late spring every year.

Fossils at Ralph B Clark Park in Buena Park

2. Home to One of the Oldest Ice Age Fossils

Located in Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, the Los Coyotes Paleontology Museum is a free interpretive center that offers insight into Orange County’s prehistoric past. Visitors can interact with exhibits, explore dinosaur bones and study a 9-million-year-old Baleen Whale fossil, reputed as the oldest complete Ice Age fossil in existence. The museum is also a working lab where archaeologists are often seen carbon dating and examining new specimens. The Interpretive Center hours are dependent on volunteer availability. Please contact the front office at (714) 973-3170 to confirm operating hours for the day of your visit.

Gordon Ramsey at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park

3. Reel Popular Filming Location

Many of Buena Park’s attractions have been featured in film and television. You may recognize Knott’s Berry Farm as the backdrop for ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and ‘MasterChef’. Knott’s Independence Hall was used for several scenes in the Nicolas Cage movie, National Treasure. And the movie The Cable Guy, featuring Jim Carrey filmed one of their most famous scenes at Medieval Times. Buena Park's popular filming location is a great place to spot celebrities doing their work - and who knows, you may turn a corner and spot someone famous on your next trip to Buena Park!

Knott's Independence Hall at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park

4. A free slice of American history

Commissioned by Walter Knott, Knott’s Independence Hall is an exact brick-by-brick replica of the original in Philadelphia but without the long wait lines and ticket fees. He wanted a place where children could come to learn about the most important events in American History. Visitors can listen to a reenactment of the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, see an exact replica of the Liberty Bell and read a copy of the U.S. Constitution. Knott's Independence Hall is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every day but Christmas and is free to all.

5. Historic district tours

James A. Whitaker founded Buena Park in 1887 and opened a general merchandise store, helped found a church, and established the first industry company in Orange County. Travel back in time by touring the Buena Park Historic District which has served as Buena Park's local history museum alongside the Bacon House, one the oldest surviving structures in Orange County. Note: To schedule a free tour of the historic buildings, call (714) 562-3570 or get more information.

After a long day of excitement, choose from over a dozen comfortable and affordable hotels in Buena Park. Check out our ‘suite’ hotel and ticket deals. To start planning your SoCal vacation, order your FREE Buena Park Travel Guide.

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Hangtime at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA