Silver Dollar City, located in Branson, Missouri, has become a family vacation destination and tradition for folks all across the country – and abroad too! This unique theme park, set in the rugged hills of the Ozarks, has a rich history that can still keep up with the times. Featuring themed festivals, heritage craftsmen, live entertainment, Midwest comfort food, and cutting edge theme park ride technology, Silver Dollar City will amaze and excite you over and over again!
Outlaw Run at Silver Dollar City in the fall
To understand the history of Silver Dollar City, you must first understand the history of the Herschend Family, and Herschend Family Entertainment. The Herschend family story began with Hugo and Mary Herschend and their two sons, Jack and Pete. The family vacationed to the Ozarks from Chicago, Illinois and they were enthralled with the beauty and heritage of the area. In 1951, the Herschends’ began to sink their roots into the Ozarks – that year, Hugo obtained a long-term lease (ninety-nine years, to be exact) on the well-known Marvel Cave.
After Hugo’s passing in 1955, Mary and her sons made continued improvements to the cave such as electricity, walkways and eventually a cable train to take guests up and out of the cave after the tour. The popularity of Marvel Cave continued to grow, and more and more people flocked to the carven attraction in Branson. A small replica frontier town was built outside the cave entrance to entertain visitors while they waited in line – to boost attendance, the town was named ‘Silver Dollar City’ and a silver dollar was distributed to every guest; the hope was that the folks who had received the coins would spend them and tell other folks where they had come by them. The idea was a hit, the Herschends’ fell into the theme park business, and Silver Dollar City was born.
Today, Silver Dollar City still has that old time feel, but can really bring the modern thrills – especially on theme park rides like Outlaw Run or Powder Keg! Outlaw Run, Silver Dollar City’s newest roller coaster that broke worldwide records, is one of the most popular coasters at the park. This wooden roller coaster was a $10 million investment for Silver Dollar City – and the thrill is worth it! This wooden coaster features over half a mile of track, and has the steepest drop of any wooden roller coaster ever – a nearly vertical 162 feet at 81 degrees plummet. Outlaw Run is also the first wooden roller coaster ever to go upside down, and it is the second fastest wooden coaster in the world. Powder Keg, another popular roller coaster, as the ride blasts you from zero to 53 miles per hour in a mere 2.8 seconds! A 110-foot drop, G forces and floater hills all await riders as they speed through the wilderness at 64 miles per hour. This thrill ride is a salute to the miners who worked in Marvel Cave – the original Branson attraction. That is why the beginning of the ride is stimulated to make riders think that a powerful blast of dynamite is responsible for the initial blast of speed!
The festivals at Silver Dollar City are another huge draw. One of the most visited is the Old Time Christmas Festival, held annually each holiday season. The entire park is lit up from top to bottom during the holiday season, a feat made possible by over five million Christmas lights. You will also find a thousand decorated Christmas trees throughout the property. Make sure you make time to stop by and watch the five story special effects Christmas tree as it lights up and shimmers in time to the music of classic Christmas carols! You will also want to find a good spot to watch the Holiday Light Parade.
Most people have heard of Silver Dollar City’s famous craftsmen and women. They practice time honored arts and create show-stopping pieces that you can take home with you! The pottery shop offers a selection of mugs, bowls, vases, pie plates and more – all handcrafted within ‘city’ limits. If you are looking for a unique showpiece, the glass blowers at the local glass shop will create the artistic glass item you desire – right before your very eyes! Candles, leatherwork and hand forged items from the blacksmith’s shop are other great gifts you will find at the park.
Each year, Silver Dollar City finds new ways to dazzle their visitors, while still honoring their history. If you are looking for a truly unique attraction in the Ozarks, you won’t have to look any further!
