A visit to Branson wouldn’t be fully experienced without a journey to Silver Dollar City, renowned as one of the region’s biggest and most iconic attractions.
This internationally acclaimed 1880s-style theme park offers something to enchant every visitor, with over 40 rides and attractions, numerous unique shops, delightful restaurants, and 100 skilled craftsmen!
Rides and Attractions
Thrill seekers at Silver Dollar City can indulge their adrenaline appetites on a range of exhilarating rides. Take, for instance, Time Traveler, the world’s fastest, steepest, and tallest complete-circuit spinning roller coaster. Brace yourself for Outlaw Run, a hair-raising wood coaster featuring a double-barrel roll and an 81-degree drop, recognized in the Guinness World Records for its steep descent. And don’t miss PowderKeg, launching from 0 to 53 mph in just 2.8 seconds, WildFire’s daring loops and corkscrews, and the towering Giant Barn Swing swinging at speeds up to 45 mph over a 230-degree arc!
Families will find plenty of classic rides catering to younger adventurers throughout Silver Dollar City. Fireman’s Landing, Half Dollar Holler, The Grand Exposition, and the Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train offer hours of laughter and fun for children of all ages.
When temperatures climb, the park’s popular water rides provide refreshing thrills. Embark on the new Mystic River Falls, boasting the tallest raft ride drop in the Western Hemisphere since its 2020 debut, or enjoy gentler splashes at the Firehouse Splash Yard, perfect for younger family members.
Shows and Festivals
Silver Dollar City, much like Branson itself, offers a wide array of live shows, performances, and entertainment. From the lively Silver Dollar City Saloon to the soothing sounds of traditional bluegrass at Homestead Ridge, there’s something for every taste.
Throughout the year, seasonal performers take center stage during various festivals. Whether it’s country music, Cajun tunes, or captivating storytelling, visitors can immerse themselves in diverse musical experiences at different venues across the park.
Silver Dollar City truly comes alive during its seasonal festivals, each offering a unique perspective on the park. From the thrill-packed Spring Ride Days featuring over 40 rides, to the vibrant Street Fest with outdoor entertainment and culinary delights, there’s always something new to explore. Other festivals include Summer Celebration, Summer Nights, Southern Gospel Picnic, Country Music Weekend, Harvest Festival with Craft Days and Pumpkins in the City, and the enchanting An Old Time Christmas. Whether you have a favorite or wish to experience them all, Silver Dollar City promises unforgettable memories worth reliving!
Demonstrating Craftsmen
At this 1880s-style theme park, the experience goes beyond thrilling rides. Silver Dollar City proudly showcases the craftsmanship and hardworking spirit of the Ozarks with over 100 local artisans demonstrating traditional 1880s craft techniques. Recognized by the US Congress as The Home of American Craftsmanship, the park features blacksmiths, glassblowers, candy-makers, furniture-makers, potters, and a host of other skilled craftsmen practicing their trades throughout. Visitors can witness these artisans at work and purchase unique souvenirs and gifts crafted right before their eyes, creating memorable mementos of their visit.
Dining at Silver Dollar City
Explore a variety of dining options scattered throughout the property, where you can savor everything from homemade fried chicken and hearty skillet bowls to irresistible treats like freshly baked cinnamon bread and artisanal ice cream churned right on site—over 9000 gallons annually at the 1880s ice cream parlor! Indulge in southern-inspired, home-style buffets at Molly’s Mill Restaurant and the Lucky Silver Mine, or customize your meal with southwestern flavors and fresh ingredients at Percy’s Southwest Grill.
Marvel Cave and the Origins of Silver Dollar City
Underneath the park lies Marvel Cave, a breathtaking and intricate natural wonder designated as a National Natural Landmark by the US Department of the Interior. As Silver Dollar City’s original attraction, Marvel Cave has captivated visitors for generations.
Originally mistaken for Marble Cave due to its deceptive walls, this cave was among Branson’s earliest attractions. Discovered by the Osage tribe around 1500, it gained geological attention in the 1860s and drew adventurous explorers in the 1880s, who descended 200 feet into its main chamber using ropes. In the 1880s, a group of Union Civil War veterans mined nitrogen-rich bat guano from the cave before selling it sight unseen to Canadian miner William Henry Lynch.
Lynch renamed the cave Marvel Cave and operated it with his daughters for over fifty years until he leased it to Hugo Herschend and his family in April 1950 for a 99-year term. That summer, the Herschends welcomed 8,000 visitors to Marvel Cave, marking the beginning of their enduring involvement in park management. Today, members of the Herschend family continue to play a key role in the park’s leadership and operations.
Additional Information: Directions, Parking, Ticketing, and Accessibility
As you approach Silver Dollar City from W 76 Country Blvd, you’ll discover convenient and plentiful free parking, complemented by complimentary shuttles that whisk you to the iconic entrance of the park. Reserved parking options, including spaces for disabled guests and preferred/VIP parking, are also available. Guests needing extra assistance or with disability-related inquiries are encouraged to visit Guest Relations at the park entrance. Here, they can obtain comprehensive information on rider requirements, accessible entrances, service animal policies, and more.
Tickets can be purchased conveniently online at silverdollarcity.com or at the park’s ticket booths located at the entrance. Special group rates are offered for groups of 10 or more.
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