Few families manage to plan a trip to Branson, Missouri, or Table Rock Lake without including at least a day at Silver Dollar City. There’s nothing in the region that compares to the amusement park, not when it comes to thrill rides and immersive experiences. There is so much to do at Silver Dollar City, it’s best to have a plan before you go. So, I asked readers to share their tips for making the most of a visit to help first-timers. Enjoy!
Disclosure: My visit to Silver Dollar City was hosted by the theme park. All thoughts, opinions and typos are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.
Where is Silver Dollar City
Address: 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway, Branson, Mo.
First off, you gotta know where Silver Dollar City is located. While it is technically in Branson, it is not located on the famous “Strip,” AKA Highway 76. I like the location since it feels removed from the chaos of Branson, but it’s close enough to include in any itinerary.
Given its location, it’s tempting to stay on site. The Silver Dollar City Campground offers campsites, RV sites and log cabins, plus, guests there can take the free shuttle to Silver Dollar City (a very popular amenity). The shuttle drops passengers off right at the entrance to the park.
On our recent visit, we stayed at Table Rock Shore Resort in Kimberling City, about 10 miles west of Silver Dollar City. The location was close to Table Rock Lake, which was ideal for our summer plans of boating on the lake.
When to go
Silver Dollar City is open in mid-March to December, with several unique festivals throughout the season. These festivals include Summer Nights (July-August), Southern Gospel Picnic (late August-early September), Country Music Days (early September), Harvest Festival (mid-September – late October), and An Old Time Christmas (early November-late October.
- “If you go in the summer go early. The Missouri Ozark humidity will kick your butt. Be there for the park opening. Or go later and stay till close. Just don’t do mid day Missouri. I’d also make a personal point to stop at Lambert’s home of the throwed rolls one day.” – Tammy S.
- “Ok so they have an AMAZING light parade and light display in the winter leading up to the holidays. During that time you should also visit the small chapel where they will sing hymns requested by you and will give you a history of the song which is so neat! There is a food stop near the chapel with delicious bread bowl soups!” – Mercie B.
- “Go on Sunday!!” – Lindsey B.
- “Christmas time is a MUST see!” – Chelsie R.
- According to Silver Dollar City’s website, “Weekends and holidays are often times of higher attendance. Saturdays in November & December can be very busy, particularly if the weather is mild.”
Money-saving tips
When we visited the park, I noticed the trams dropping people off right in front of the entrance. At most FREE parking locations, a tram or bus will pick you up and take you to the admission gate. These trams are also FREE.
- “We got a refillable mug, that we could refill with drinks all day at no cost. This was nice as multiple people could use it to get their drink at some time during day. They fill water bottles for you if you ask…or you can yourself at the drink fountains, so take one or two metal water bottles in book bag…(Take the) tram from free parking…quick and easy, saved us money.” – Nicole E.
- “Park in the off site parking lots and ride the shuttles.” – Chelsie R.
- To find the current discounts and special offers, go to the Silver Dollar Special Offers Page.
Things to do at Silver Dollar City
My best tip is that if you have some must-ride rides and it’s a busy day, it’s worth purchasing the add-on, TrailBlazer. It’s an excellent way to make the most of your visit, getting you front-of-line access to some of the park’s most popular rides, up to eight times during a single visit.
Having TrailBlazer access really helped us since we had only a single day there. The wait for Time Traveler, Fire In The Hole, and Mystic River Falls were pretty long and getting to skip the wait helped us see and do more things.
- “If you enjoy thrill rides, the Time Traveler roller coaster is one of my all time favorite rides (I’ve been to Universal and Disney haha). It’s unlike any coaster I’ve been on. It spins you around, but it doesn’t make you sick. You go upside down, but the whole thing is so SMOOTH. My teens and I head straight for it when we get there.” – Nikki T.
- “Take the cave tour – it’s amazing!” – Julie S.
- “See the Saloon show, I know some of the cast-they are great!” – Sara S.
- “Don’t skip the shows! We loved the Sunt Dog one and the demonstrations glass blowing and taffy making. We are regretting not doing cave.” – Nicole E.
- “Take the train, they stop 1/2 way through to do a skit. Also the glass blowing exhibit/show is incredible.” – Michael M.
Food and restaurant recommendations
There are several restaurants and food vendors scattered around the theme park. Our favorite restaurant in Silver Dollar City is Rivertown Smokehouse. There was a wait to order, but it’s well worth it. As a family of four, we split two platters. They have a shaded patio in back with a view of Mystic River Falls.
We also dined at Wagon Works Grill (where you’ll find a turkey leg, if you’re craving one). If you’ve got little ones in tow, there’s one seating area inside the restaurant that looks like a wagon, and it’s a hit with kids.
- “…get cinnamon bread
” – Nikki T.
- “We’re not super food driven family, but we do always get a funnel cake to split. There’s a FB group on SDC apparently the blueberry ice cream is amazing. I’ve had lots of the food over the years, we typically have lunch at BBQ place now, the platters are generous, we get one and share it.” – Angela B.
- “We loved the steak grilled cheese sandwich and Annabelle’s cinnamon bread. My kids also liked mac and cheese.” – Nicole E.
- “Plan to eat while waiting in line to get the most out of your time.” – Chelsie R.
More helpful advice
- “My advice for SDC: We downloaded the app, it was so helpful with showing the approximate ride wait times. It also had a map and showtimes. …Take a battery pack/extra charger for phone. Take a towel. You will eventually get soaked on water rides. My poor tennis shoes…so if you have crocs, sandals that you can walk miles in, do those.” – Nicole E.
- “It’s a lot of hills bring good walking shoes. Choose comfort over style.” – Michael M.
- “When you go to the park, start by going to the left of the main square so that you go down Hugo’s hill (aka cardiac hill) instead of trying to go up it later in the day.” – Courtney H.
- For nursing mothers, there are four quiet stations throughout the park located by the restrooms at PowderKeg, Fireman’s Landing, Red Gold Heritage Hall and The Giant Barn Swing.
- If you love ride photos, these are the rides where they are taken on: American Plunge, WildFire®, PowderKeg® and Outlaw Run®.
I’d love to hear your tips! Leave a comment with your best advice for enjoying a trip to Silver Dollar City.
