Silver Dollar City is a quaint theme park in Branson, Missouri. But it is unlike any other theme park with it’s down home country feel and homespun hospitality. Yes, the rides are incredible, but there is so much more beyond the rides. I’ve got — reasons to visit Silver Dollar City and I’m not counting the rides!
6 Reasons to Visit Silver Dollar City and Skip the Rides
Disclosure: I was the guest of Myrah at Couponmamacita on the #BloggingBranson trip. All opinions are my own.
Admittedly, I am a Disney person, but I adore theme parks of all kinds. Each are unique and have their own personality. Recently, I was granted the opportunity to visit Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.
On our visit to Silver Dollar City it was unseasonably cold. I don’t think it hit the mid 40s until late afternoon, unfortunately many of the rides cannot operate at such cold temps. Now, I have a younger tween who isn’t a roller coaster fan, so this was my chance to see what there was for him to see and do beyond the rides at Silver Dollar City. And, it didn’t disappoint!
1. Craftsmen Demonstrations
2. Culinary Craft School
3. Shopping
4. Dining
5. Performers
6. Marvel Cave
1. Craftsmen Demonstrations
From glass blowing to baking and pottery to candy making – these men and women have mastered their crafts. And they happily share them with every guests while answering any questions they may have.
I’ve seen demonstrations for many things before, but most of the time it’s a quiet affair. The master craftsmen at Silver Dollar City interact with the crowds gathered around and will answer the tough questions.
When I was watching the pottery demonstrations there was a young girl that had the “why” questions mastered. And she asked every “why” you could think of and the pottery craftsmen kindly answered each one without one eye roll. That’s a skill I’d gladly learn how to master!
2. Culinary & Craft School
Take a seat in Ms. Debbie’s kitchen and get ready to learn everything you didn’t know you needed to know about cooking and entertaining. Remember that tween that doesn’t like rides? Well, this is where you’d find him as he loves cooking and um, of course, eating!
Master Craftsmen Debbie Dance Uhrig is brilliant! She’s knowledgeable and gives tricks and tips invaluable in your kitchen for everyday cooking.
The cuisine varies from day to day (schedule can be found here) and each student get a copy of the recipes that were demonstrated during the class.
Recipe for Thai Noodles With Burnt Butter Sauce
3. Shopping
The activity that ties everything together – shopping! Silver Dollar City is home to many different shops. And many of the items you see being made throughout the park are available for purchase in the stores.
There is such beauty to be found at the Hillcreek Pottery shop or at Hazel’s Blown Glass Factory. Stock your home spa with the homemade products from White River Bath and Body.
But my favorite spot was Brown’s Candy Factory – home to Master Craftsman Ms. June or Candy Queen as she’s affectionately referred to. Funny and witty, Ms. June Ward is the shining star of Silver Dollar City.
4. Good ‘Ole Fashion Dining
Where to dine and what kind of food is available is a huge factor for my family. I have some very picky eaters, so finding somewhere everyone will agree on can be tricky.
You’ll find your average theme park goodies – hot dogs, popcorn, funnel cakes and ice cream at Silver Dollar City. But the highlight are the skillets! The delicious aroma is wafting throughout the park and makes your mouth water.
Another favorite was the homemade pastries! Get to the park early and start the morning off with a warm, freshly baked cinnamon roll. Trust me – it’s not a bad way to start your day.
5. Performers
Music performances include the Homestead Pickers, the Horsecreek Band plus so much more. The Street Troupe will have you laughing as they create mischief and mayhem.
Unfortunately, due to the cold weather we didn’t get to see any performances, but if they are even half as entertaining as Ms. June or Ms. Debbie you’re in for a real treat! And it’s just another reason I need to go back!
I did help this gentleman escape a certain place using some TNT… But we don’t need to discuss that. I’m sure he’s harmless.
6. Marvel Cave
Marvel Cave was opened to the public in 1894 by William Henry Lynch, a Canadian entrepreneur and his two daughters. The Herschends family leased the cave in 1950 and it became part of Silver Dollar City by 1960.
This one isn’t for the faint at heart! There are 600+ stairs to climb as you descend almost 500 feet below the surface. (make sure to have that FitBit on!) But let me tell you every step is worth it.
Filled with history, gorgeous formations and a bat or two this tour is incredible. And you don’t have to climb the stairs back out! There is a unique cable train to take guests back up to the surface.
Honestly, I was under the impression that Silver Dollar City was similar to a Six Flags – a basic one day theme park. Boy was I wrong! This is a multi-day adventure and even then you may not see it all. I could go on and on about why you need to make a trip to the Ozarks to see Silver Dollar City, but I want to leave some to your imagination and dreams.
You can get tickets, hours and all the info you need to make a trip to Silver Dollar City – HERE.
For more Branson Fun check out these posts –
Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center
Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers
Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex
Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano
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