Silver Dollar City
Silver Dollar City, located in Branson, Missouri, is one of America’s most unique and celebrated theme parks. Blending award-winning roller coasters with artisan crafts, live music, and historical theming, this 1880s-style Ozark village delivers immersive entertainment for all ages. It’s a must-visit for thrill-seekers, history lovers, and families alike.
History & Background
The park was built around Marvel Cave, a local attraction since the 1890s, and opened officially as Silver Dollar City in 1960. It was designed to reflect an authentic 1880s mining town, with costumed craftsmen, blacksmiths, and themed architecture. Over the decades, it’s grown into a major theme park while keeping its roots in storytelling, tradition, and hospitality.
Ticket Prices & Packages
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1-Day Tickets: ~$79–$89 depending on day
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2-Day and Season Passes: Available with discounts and perks
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Ages 3 and under: Free
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Groups and homeschool days offered
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Combo tickets available with White Water and Showboat Branson Belle
Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
Open March through December, with seasonal events and nightly shows.
Typical hours: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, later during summer and holidays
Best times to visit:
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April and May for light crowds
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September weekdays for comfortable weather
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Late November for An Old Time Christmas lights and events
Top Rides & Attractions
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Time Traveler – World’s fastest, steepest, and tallest spinning coaster
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Outlaw Run – Groundbreaking wooden coaster with inversions
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PowderKeg – Launch coaster through the woods
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Fire-In-The-Hole – Indoor coaster/dark ride hybrid (closing in 2023, being reimagined)
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Thunderation – Classic mine train coaster
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Mystic River Falls – River rapids ride with a record-setting drop
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Fireman’s Landing – Family ride zone with drop towers and blasters
Crafts & Heritage Attractions
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Working Blacksmiths, Glassblowers, and Candle Makers
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Demonstrations of taffy pulling, woodcarving, and leatherwork
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Homestead Ridge – Historical cabins and storytelling presentations
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Marvel Cave Tours – Included with admission, 60-minute guided cave adventure
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Over 60 shops with handmade goods and souvenirs
Family & Kids Rides
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FireHouse Play Place and Lucky’s Dizzy Dogs
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Magnificent Wave Carousel, Royal Tea Party, and Grand Exposition Coaster
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Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train – Scenic ride through the Ozark forest
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Carousel Barn & Half Dollar Holler – Designed just for kids 3–7
Festivals & Events
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Bluegrass & BBQ (Spring) – Live bands and smoky flavors
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Summer Celebration – Fireworks, extra hours, and concerts
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Southern Gospel Picnic (August) – Music and comfort food
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Harvest Festival (Fall) – Pumpkin Nights and artisan crafts
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An Old Time Christmas (Nov–Dec) – 6.5 million lights, parades, and seasonal shows
Dining Options
Silver Dollar City has award-winning food:
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Rivertown Smokehouse – Brisket, ribs, pulled pork
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Buckshot’s Skillet Cookery – Hearty Ozark skillets
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Eva & Delilah’s Bakery – Giant cinnamon rolls and seasonal baked goods
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The Mine Restaurant – Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, comfort meals
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Snack stands with kettle corn, funnel cakes, homemade lemonade, and fudge
Food allergies are well-accommodated, and portions are generous.
Hotels & Accommodation
While there is no on-site resort, lodging is abundant in Branson and the surrounding areas:
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Silver Dollar City Campground – Cabins and RV sites with park shuttle
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Still Waters Resort – Lakefront with family units
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Lodges at Timber Ridge – Upscale suites with pools and splash zones
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Budget options in Branson West and the Table Rock Lake area
Stay-and-play packages are available through the park and local partners.
Getting There & Parking
Address: 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO 65616
Located off Highway 76, about 15 minutes west of downtown Branson.
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Parking is free with a shuttle to the entrance
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Preferred Parking: ~$20–$25
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Campground guests have dedicated access
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Expect hilly terrain — wear comfy shoes
Tips for Visiting
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Head to Time Traveler or Mystic River Falls early
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Use the Silver Dollar City app for live wait times and dining info
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Take the Marvel Cave tour for a cool escape on hot days
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Bring a reusable water bottle — fountains are everywhere
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Plan around festivals — they’re a huge part of the park’s draw