Knott's Independence Hall, Church of Reflections, and Picnic Areas

One of most iconic attractions at Knott’s actually sits outside the park.  Knott's Independence Hall is an exact brick-by-brick replica of the real Independence Hall.  It is synonymous with Knott’s Berry Farm even though it sits outside the park and is free to the public.  Nowadays, a full scale attraction like this would be unheard of outside of any theme park gates.  Knott’s Independence Hall opened July 4th 1996 and is a throwback to the “classic” Knott’s of yesteryear.

The wide open lawn in front of the Hall is a great place to get away from the crowds.

This version of the Liberty Bell weights 2,075 lbs - only a few pounds less than the original.

"A Storm In Philadelphia" is an interesting audio presentation about the creation of the Declaration of Independence.  Speakers hidden at the tables place the sound where the speaker might have been sitting.  The effect works well and the show is worth seeing.

Patriotic themed items are for sale.

The roosters are not.

This small lagoon flows outside of the picnic areas in back of Independence Hall.  This lagoon might look familiar…it is part of the waterway that used to surround the Jungle Island play area until it closed in the early 1980s.

The verse under the statue reads:

By the rude bridge that
Arched the flood.
Their flag to April’s
Breeze unfurled.
Here once the embattled
Farmers stood.
And fired the shot heard
Round the world.

From “Concord Hymn” by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The Church of Reflections was rescued from demolition in 1955 by Walter Knott.  After spending many years inside Knott's, its was moved to this location outside the park in 2003.  The church was first constructed in 1896 and was Downey First Baptist.

 
The church is designated a Historic Church by The Daughters of the American Revolution.  The church was moved outside the park to make room for Silver Bullet, and now serves as a popular wedding site.  Knott's is to be commended for rebuilding the church and preserving it's place in the neighborhood.

Knott's has various picnic centers ranging from day-to-day centers above...

...to areas offering fully staffed and professionally catered experiences.