Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri
Silver Dollar City is a pretty famous theme park located in Branson. It's got an Old West theme geared towards the 1880's.
A couple of the big rides:
Fire in the Hole - This is an entirely indoor roller coaster. It's got some splashing sections in it, so you can get a little wet. It is one of the oldest rides at the park, originally built in the 1960's. The theme is that the Baldknobbers (a vigilante group in the 1880's that wore skull masks over their faces) have set fire to the town, and you are escaping on the coaster. It's got three sharp drops. It's not that intense as roller coasters go, but it's still a fun ride.
Silver Dollar City Ticket Prices:
Generally it will cost $30-40 for a one day pass, depending on your age (it's less for kids and seniors). If you live in the area, season passes are a good deal, as they're only $60-70 or so, and you can get discounts for guests if they're coming with me. Current pricing information is available here on their web site.
Named “The Friendliest Park in the World” by Amusement Today magazine, Silver Dollar City is Branson’s most popular theme park. Well known as a family-oriented location, it has been in operation since 1960, long before the town achieved the notoriety it currently enjoys. Touted for its down-to-earth charm, this 1880s-themed park is owned and operated by Herschend Family Entertainment, which also owns adjoining attractions including White Water waterpark, Branson Ride the Ducks, and Showboat Branson Belle.
Open from mid-March until late December, the park enjoys a long and prosperous season each year. It covers more than 50 acres and attracts in excess of 3 million visitors annually. The park was built around one of the Ozarks’ oldest attractions, Marvel Cave, which can still be toured today on a visit to the theme park. Led my costumed guides, the tours emphasize the folklore of the area and educate visitors about the geology of caves.
For most families that visit Silver Dollar City, however, the rides are the main attraction. This park boasts 30 different rides ranging from mild kid’s fare to wild coasters that thrill even the most ardent coaster enthusiasts. Coasters include WildFire, a multi-loop coaster that flies at speeds up to 66 miles per hour; PowderKeg, a truly wild coaster that boasts a compressed air launch, nail-biting spirals, and negative G forces for a ride that is not for the feint of heart; Thunderation, an 80-foot-tall smooth-riding steel runaway train ride; and Fire-in-the-Hole, a high-energy indoor coaster that takes riders through an imaginary town that’s been set ablaze by the bad guys. Other thrill rides include the two-armed giant swing, and the five-story American Plunge log flume ride (open in season).
Families who aren’t into high thrill amusements have plenty to keep them busy as well. Family-oriented rides include the Frisco Silver Dollar Steam Train, a gentle 20-minute ride with a few surprises; the 5-story Wave Carousel swing ride; the dizzying Electro-Spin; the Galleon swinging ship; the Great Exposition mini coaster; the Royal Tea Party; and several rides designed for Silver Dollar City’s smallest visitors. Kids can also enjoy Geyser Gulch, a giant playground with lots of room to run around.
In addition to rides, a number of other attractions make a day at Silver Dollar City enjoyable. Guests can visit McHaffie’s Homestead, an 1880s homestead complete with animals and entertainment; the Oak Trail School, where visitors can meet the teacher; the charming Wilderness Church; and The Flooded Mine, where kids get to ride a boat and enjoy an arcade-style shoot-out with some misbehaving prisoners.
There are no less than 40 live shows daily at Silver Dollar City, ranging from traditional country music concerts to comedy shows to elaborate musical productions that tell the story of American western expansion. All the shows are included with admission to the park.
In addition, Silver Dollar City is home to some 100 artisans who demonstrate their craft each day to visitors. These include silversmiths, candy makers, coppersmiths, potters, blacksmiths, basket makers, glass cutters, and more. The artisans offer seminars, workshops, and other special events throughout the year for the education of those interested in learning more about their craft. Also in the craft area and throughout the park are numerous specialty stores peddling items from apple butter to fine art.
A dozen restaurants round out the offerings at Silver Dollar City, prompting Amusement Today magazine to also honor the park with its “Best Theme Park Food” Golden Ticket Award. Choices range from succulent barbecue and fried chicken restaurants to a shop that serves huge deli-style sandwiches. Numerous concessions are also located throughout the park.
Useful Links:
http://www.silverdollarcity.com/
http://www.branson-missouri.com/silver-dollar-city.asp
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