Silver Dollar City
Many things draw tourists to the small town of Branson, Missouri each year but one of the best attractions remains one of the oldest: Silver Dollar City. This unique theme park located in the Ozark Mountains combines history with fun for all ages. Built as an Ozark pioneer village on the site of Marvel Cave, the oldest local attraction, Silver Dollar City offers log-hewn buildings that include a frontier church, shops, restaurants, a saloon and more.
Feel the flavor of the past as you walk through the park and watch craftsmen at work. A blacksmith pumps the bellows, a broom maker turns out new brooms, and the glassmakers continue the centuries old art of blowing glass, all before your eyes. Other artisians include book binders, leather makers, weavers, basket makers, and old time photographers who can take your family’s own tintype style portrait to take home.
Rich aromas of roasting ears of corn, smoky barbeque, fried ‘taters, baking bread and much more make the City a delicious place to visit. On-site eateries range from full-scale restaurants to snack shops and you’ll find everything from huge, juicy burgers to funnel cakes.
Although the atmosphere is that of a 19th century rural village, Silver Dollar City offers many rides that are state of the art. Their newest rollercoaster, Powder Keg, takes riders from zero to sixty miles per hour in seconds for the ride of a lifetime. Other rollercoasters include Thunderation, a runaway train coaster that soars through the treetops, Wildfire! and Fire-In-the-Hole, an underground coaster. Less adventuresome guests can ride an 1880’s steam train that is robbed en route, enjoy a ride down the Lost River of the Ozarks or test their aim during the Shoot-Out in the flooded mine!
Children’s areas include a carousel for all ages with horses and other animals, a hot air balloon ride, and more. Geyser Gulch offers a giant treehouse and Splash Harbor, a water cannon play area.
Comedy and music shows can be found throughout the park. Join in hymn singing at the church or renew your vows at the Wilderness Church.
Admission to Marvel Cave is included in the ticket price and takes visitors through a beautiful cavern. Walk in and ride out during the guided one hour tour.
Multiple festivals each year bring even more fun to the City. World Fest brings entertainers and artisians from around the globe, Barbeuqe and Blues brings the taste of good barbeque to the Ozarks, and the annual Children’s Festival features even more fun for the young ‘uns. In the fall, an annual Craftsman’s Festival brings more artisians in and during the Christmas season, even Santa takes up residence at Silver Dollar City.
Silver Dollar City offers something for all ages, for the young and for the young at heart. For further information and details, call 1-800-831-4386.
