Silver Dollar City, Branson Missouri
By Harold Merton
Silver Dollar City is a huge theme park fashioned in the spirit of the 1880s and located on the outskirts of Branson, Missouri. It offers a fine array of entertainment for every member of the family.
Photos by Harold Merton
Deep in the hills of the Ozark mountains, hundreds of entertainers are striving to make your visit there a memorable one. The true spirit of American craftsmanship lives at this attraction and you will be able to watch a number of artisans as they create pieces before your eyes.
Glass blowers, blacksmiths, weavers, potters and more are all busy creating exquisite keepsakes for visitors to purchase and take home. There are over one hundred master craftsmen on the site. Visitors also have access to over 40 live shows each day and these are great productions. Watch the schedules carefully because it can be a chore getting to each of the theaters on time.
When you enter the main gates they will give you a schedule. Check the date to make sure it's for the day you are there then plan your trip through the park accordingly.
If you are hungry you can satisfy your desires at a dozen delightful restaurants and stands and you can experience their unique style of country cooking that was rated "best theme park food" by Amusement Today Magazine. Huge skillets are constantly cooking up fantastic smelling food as you walk past their establishments.
If it is great rides you want then you won't be disappointed at Silver Dollar City. In 2005 they launched a new coaster Powder Keg. It detonates from 0 to 53 MPH in just 2.8 seconds.
You can enjoy the Lost River of the Ozarks water ride where spectators can drop a coin in a fence-mounted water gun to soak you when you go by. Then there is Thunderation with its corkscrew curves and you can go flying through the sky on the multi-looping Wildfire. For something tamer try the Frisco Silver Dollar Steam Train. We visited during their annual World-Fest where hundreds of performers from around the world came to share their talents.
The colorful costumes and festive dances gave us a better insight into our global neighbors. This celebration runs early April to mid May and is billed as America's largest international festival. Check dates and times to be sure you attend when the performers you are interested in are there.
Other festivals include National Kid's Fest mid June to late August, Bluegrass & BBQ Festival late May to early June, Festival of American Music and Crafts early September to late October and An Old Time Christmas from early November to the end of December. At Silver Dollar City you and your family can join in on the adventure of a lifetime. You had better set aside at least a day for this attraction which is open from mid March to December. The entertainment company also operates Celebration City a night place for families located closer to downtown Branson on Hwy 376. It features a nightly spectacular. Again check operating time. Silver Dollar City Attractions are top-rated entertainment venues and in our book well worth a visit.
Silver Dollar City
Branson MO
800.831.4FUN
silverdollarcity.com
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