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Step Back in Time at Silver Dollar City Theme Park, Branson, Missouri 
 
by Mary M. Alward August 19, 2005

If you want to experience all aspects of 1800's life in America, plus enjoy rides, attractions and a unique and profound shopping experience, visit Silver Dollar City Theme Park in Branson, Missouri.

One of the most popular attractions in Branson, Missouri is Silver Dollar City Theme Park. When you enter the Park, you feel like you have stepped back in time to 1880’s America and Silver Dollar City has a lot to offer. Enjoy family festivals, attractions, rides, specialty shops, local artisan demonstrations, family dining and more than forty live shows.

Family Festivals

Between April and December, Silver Dollar City hosts five family festivals that are fantastic.

National Kids’ Fest

There is a lot for kids to see and do at this exciting festival. Kids who enjoy roller coaster rides will love the new PowderKeg. Go from zero to fifty-three miles per hour in three seconds and travel back in time on this electrifying ride. It is a fantastic experience designed for kids forty-two inches tall or over. Warning: This ride is not for the faint of heart.

The newest attraction at Kids’ Fest is a live show called Newton’s Revenge, from Mad Science. The show explores the wild side of science and incorporates interactive experiments. Kids will laugh uncontrollably at the zany antics that go on at Newton’s Revenge and they will love watching these skilled performers flipping, gliding, jumping and spinning their way into the hearts of the audience.

If your kids love dogs, be sure to take in the Purina Dog Team Challenge, which is a canine thrill show. Watch World Champion Frisbee Dogs do amazing tricks. Then, watch the “Challenge,” in which ten of the top dogs of the world compete in barrel racing, high jumping, team wave pole racing and other stunning feats.

The Championship Clogging show features young competition clogging teams from all corners of the US, telling the story of American folkdance traditions. Their performances are always outstanding.

All kids enjoy parades and they will be thrilled with the Circus of Dreams Parade. Colorful characters and beautiful floats wind through the park twice a day. Kids can join the Puppet Platoon and tag along with the parade as it passes.

Festival of American Music and Crafts

If you want to feel, taste and touch the best of America, you won’t want to miss this festival. Sway to the beat sound of a bluegrass banjo and view the works of juried artists. Take in the sights and sounds of live artists and view the works of skilled craftsmen. Be sure to stop by the Tastes of America Food Fair to sample all the tantalizing specialty foods.

Tap your feet and clap your hands to the beat of bluegrass, big band, country, gospel and western swing music. Each year the biggest names in music take part in this exciting festival.

Christmas Attractions

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for both the young and young at heart. Celebrate the true meaning of the holiday at Silver Dollar City. Stop by Kringle’s Krossing, located in the Carousel Barn and let the kids visit with the Jolly Old Elf and hand him their Christmas wish list. Each year Mrs. Claus decorates Santa’s Bronson home and welcomes guests to an open house. See Santa’s special weather station and his study where all he keeps all the plans for his Christmas Eve trip.

Before you leave Kringle’s Krossing, be sure to stop by Mrs. Claus’ kitchen and enjoy decorating and eating freshly baked cookies that are still warm from the oven. Kringle’s Krossing is one attraction you won’t want to miss.

If you are a fan of Dicken’s, A Christmas Carol, you will want to take in the musical adaptation. The special effects are awesome and include vanishing ghosts, flying spirits and singing statues. The exquisite props, the magical set and the utterly remarkable cast of characters will transport you back in time to the streets of London, where Dicken’s classic was set. This traditional story warms the heart and brings a sense of giving to all who sees it.

Shops

Silver Dollar City offers a unique shopping experience and is dedicated to preserving the arts and crafts of early America. Skilled and talented artisans use the techniques and tools of their ancestors to handcraft collectibles and family heirlooms for the generations of the future. There are over sixty Silver Dollar City shops for you to visit and each one will leave you in awe of the talent and skill of the artists.

Cowboy Jepp’s

If you’re looking for western art, furnishings or supplies, drop by Cowboy Jepp’s. This magnificent shop carries a line of barbecue and outdoor cooking items. Watch demonstrations of cowboy clay art and saddle-making. Be sure to sample some treats for the barbecue that will tickle your taste buds. Cowboy Jepp’s is an indoor facility that is wheelchair accessible.

Bummer and Lazarus

If you and your family love dogs and cats, stop by this shop for a totally unique pet experience. Bummer and Lazarus were stray dogs that came together and formed a bond of friendship. Take time to listen to fantastic tales of how these two canines became the best of friends. If you have a dog or cat waiting for you at home, you will want to pick up a gift or two from the complete line of unique pet items. Bummer and Lazarus accept all major credit cards and is wheelchair accessible.

PowderKeg Company Store

This old time company store features complete lines of gifts, Native American jewelry and wall décor items. All major credit cards are accepted and the store is wheelchair accessible.

PowderKeg Outfitters

Souvenirs, special T-shirts, sweat suits and other types of clothing can be purchased at PowderKeg Outfitters. The store is wheelchair accessible and accepts all major credit cards.

Ozark’s Farmer

You can buy all types of farm related items at Ozark’s Farmer. The store carries a complete line of John Deere collectibles, Carhart clothing and chicken and rooster kitchen décor items, plus much more. Ozark’s is wheelchair accessible and accepts all major credit cards. There line of products are unique and provides collectors with a wide range of merchandise.

Apple Butter Shop

If you remember the apple butter that Grandma used to make, you won’t want to bypass the Apple Butter Shop. Apple Butter is a quaint log cabin that offers an old time experience. Sample or purchase jams, jellies, fruit butters, warm apple butter and hot turnovers. Check out the gifts that include cherry, grape, pumpkin and strawberry motifs. This shop is entirely an indoor venue, accepts all major credit cards and is wheelchair accessible.

Brown’s Candy Factory

If you have a sweet tooth, stop by Brown’s Candy Factory and pick up a few treats to satisfy your cravings. Take part in the live interactive demonstration of brittle and fudge making. If you’re a diabetic or are on a sugar free diet, there’s no need for you to avoid Brown’s. The store features a wide range of confections that are sugar free, so even those who cannot eat sugar can enjoy their tasty candy. Sample strawberries dipped in chocolate, homemade fudge and a variety of brittles and hard candy. The Brown family also entertains guests with a bit of down home Ozark humor. The store accepts all major credit cards and is wheelchair accessible.

Carrie’s Candles

Step into a wonderful world of fragrance when you enter Carrie’s Candles. The shop features both traditional and novelty candles with a wide range of scents and in almost every hue of the color spectrum. Most of the candles are made at Silver Dollar City and the demonstrations are rich in the history of candle making. Take a turn at the dipping tanks and dip your favorite color and scent of candles to take home. Candle accessories of all types and styles are available, as well as a selection of Trapp and Yankee candles. Carrie’s staff is always happy to serve you and they accept all major credit cards. Carrie’s is also wheelchair accessible.

Colonel Poppin’s Kettle Corn

If you like popcorn you will love this unique, tasty treat. The corn is flash-popped in a large copper kettle with sugar, which gives it a caramelized coating. The flavor is indescribable, but mouth watering good. Be sure to buy extra to take home, as you won’t find anything like it anywhere else in the US. Colonel Poppin’s is wheelchair accessible and accepts all major credit cards.

Aunt Molly’s Featherbed

Aunt Molly’s is a step back in time. Here, you will see all types of quilted accessories for your home, including quilts, pillows, cushions, throws and more. The goods are displayed in a beautiful log cabin and the atmosphere is one of the old time Ozarks home. Quilts are available in a variety of patterns and colors. The only problem you’ll have is deciding which one to buy. All products are exquisite, which will make your decision very difficult. Aunt Molly’s Featherbed has friendly staff that will be glad to help you in every way they can. The store is wheelchair accessible and accepts all major credit cards.

General Store

As in all 19th century towns, the General Store is at the heart of Main Street. Visit the authentic Post Office and choose from a large selection of products, including sunbonnets, graniteware, meat, cheese, snacks and gifts. The Best of Missouri Provisions section features food stuffs made in the State. The General Store is wheelchair accessible and accepts all major credit cards. Stop for a chat with the friendly staff and browse the wide range of merchandise.

Granny’s Lye Soap

This is entirely and outdoor attraction that will pique the interest of the entire family. Lye soap making is demonstrated daily. Ingredients are mixed and boiled in large pots before being poured into moulds. Once the soap has set, it’s cut into bars and logs.

Years ago, lye soap was used for almost every household task, as well as a remedy for insect bites, stings and poison ivy and poison oak. Mother washed her hair, her dishes and the baby, all using lye soap. It is also a great stain remover, so be sure to pick up a few extra bars to take home and to give as gifts. Soap can also be ordered and shipped to you throughout the year.

Granny’s Lye Soap is a terrific experience if you have an interest in old time life. The atmosphere is friendly and the area is wheelchair accessible. Soap can be purchased using all major credit cards.

Silver Pick Rock Shop

Rock hounds will have a blast at Silver Pick Rock Shop. Sift through bins to find your favorite rock. All stones are polished to perfection. Pick up a crystal or a piece of ore as a souvenir of your visit. Buy jewelry set around a semi-precious stone. If you have a new baby or a grandchild, watch as craftsmen make Baby’s First Ring. This shop is popular with both the young and the young at heart. The shop is entirely indoors, is wheelchair accessible and all major credit cards can be used to make purchases.

Christmas Hollow

Christmas is celebrated every day of the year at Christmas Hollow. Buy twinkle lights, stockings, snowmen, Santa ornaments and a wide variety of other Christmas products. There are over fifty decorated trees in Christmas Hollow and the friendly staff is dressed in costumes made of holiday fabric. You will be amazed at the sights, sounds and fragrances that greet your as you enter the shop. Christmas Hollow accepts all major credit cards for your convenience and is wheelchair accessible. No matter what time of year you are visiting Silver Dollar City, be sure to stop here and pick up unique and interesting décor items.

There are dozens of shops at Silver Dollar City, including Greene’s Trail Dolls, Hazel’s Blown Glass Factory, Hillcreek Pottery and J.J. Fiddlestick’s Toy Store, just to name a few. Silver Dollar City offers visitors an ultimate shopping experience that they won’t find anywhere else in the US.

Shows

Each day, Silver Dollar City offers visitors over forty live musical and comedy shows to choose from. Laugh, tap your toes and clap your hands to the beat of bluegrass, gospel, Cajun and country tunes.

Gospel Jubilation

Take in Gospel Jubilation at the Echo Hollow Amphitheater. The ninety minute show is filled with the Spirit and offers timeless gospel classics as well as contemporary hits. The show is offered from June through August and is wheelchair accessible.

Cajun Connection

If you enjoy Cajun music, be sure to stop by Cajun Connection to join in the fun. Cedric Benoit, member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame performs a tribute to the musical history of Louisiana.

American Heartland

Remember the 50’s? If you do, this show will transport you back to the days of your youth. If not, this is the musical experience of a lifetime. Teach your kids to jive, or learn yourself. The show is open from June to August and produces a unique musical show. American Heartland is put on in the Echo Hollow Amphitheater Monday to Saturday for a ninety minute 50’s music extravaganza. The show is terrific and is wheelchair accessible.

Classic Country Nights

Join “The Time Machine Band,” and performer Jim Dandy for a night of country classics that span from the 60’s to present day. Special performers often appear as guests. Classic Country Nights run from May to June and from August to October. It is a great experience for all lovers of country music. The show is two hours and is wheelchair accessible. It is performed at the Echo Hollow Amphitheater.

McHaffie’s Homestead

Step back in time at McHaffie’s Homestead, which is located on Silver Dollar Square. The hand-hewn log cabin was built in 1843, by the Levi Casey family, who were pioneers. Later, the McHaffie family lived in the cabin. It was dismantled in 1960, piece by piece, and reassembled at Silver Dollar City. This authentic saddlebag log cabin gives visitors the feeling of living in a different era. Sit on the real featherbed while the aroma of corn bread cooking on the wood stove makes your mouth water in anticipation, or rock by the fire and chat with the family as they tend to their daily chores and tasks around the cabin. Watch the old steam tractor run the shingle saw or the family’s mule power the corn grinder. In the barnyard you will find piglets, ducks, goats, ponies, rabbits and turkeys.

Drop by the one-room school where both the young and the young at heart will enjoy attending a day of learning. The schoolmarm presents lessons daily, just as she did in the 1800’s. Test your knowledge of reading, writing, math and spelling.

Enjoy tall tales and yarns spun by Aunt Judy, or sing along to the old time favorites that are performed by the Homestead Pickers on the front porch. McHaffie’s Homestead is an incredible experience right out of the 1880’s Ozarks. The Homestead is wheelchair accessible so every visitor can take part in this magnificent old time experience.

Silver Dollar Saloon Frontier Follies

Kids of all ages will love the antics of Old West comedy when Charlie and his peculiar and nutty sidekick Dusty Chaps take to the stage along with the beautiful saloon girls. This is a hilarious performance that you won’t want to miss. It takes place at Silver Dollar City Saloon and is wheelchair accessible. There are a wide variety of other shows available daily at Silver Dollar City. Be sure to check times when entering the park.

Craftsmen Demonstrations

While visiting Silver Dollar City, be sure to take in the demonstrations that are put on by over a hundred craftsmen whose skills have been passed down through the generations. These artisans create heirloom keepsakes while you watch. You will be in awe of the exquisite items that they produce. See glassblowing demonstrations, basket making, a blacksmith creating his wares, candle making, broom demonstrations, a working gristmill, leather crafts, low hewing and more. No matter what your interest, there will be something here for everyone.

Rides and Attractions

Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train

This attraction takes you on a scenic steam train ride through the beautiful Missouri countryside. Your trip is interrupted briefly when some scatterbrained train robbers attempt to hold up the train. Be sure to keep a good hold on your valuables as you hoot in delight at their comical antics. Children under eight years must be accompanied by a person twelve years or older. The ride is wheelchair accessible.

Geyser Gulch

The kids will love exploring the Word’s Largest Treehouse, which is a giant playground where they run the show. This attraction is outdoors and kids under eight must be accompanied by someone twelve years or older.

The Flooded Mine

Kids, help! The prisoners have taken over the prison and the warden needs your help to capture them. This zany ride is for kids of all ages who will love the boat ride through the Flooded Mine. The ride includes arcade style shoot-outs for a blast of fun. Riders must be of walking age, but those under five can sit on the lap of a parent or caregiver. This ride is an indoor attraction.

Lost River of the Ozarks

This is the swiftest white water ride in the Ozarks and you’re going to get wet as you raft through twists, turns and drops. Children must be a height of three feet in order to ride. Those under eight years must be accompanied by a person twelve years or older.

Marvel Cave

Silver Dollar City Theme Park was established around the mouth of nature’s greatest wonder; Marvel Cave.

William Henry Lynch, an entrepreneur from Canada, along with his daughter Miriam, opened the cave to the public in 1894. Marvel Cave was a tourist attraction for over fifty years. Then, Hugo Herschend and his wife and sons leased the cave in 1950 and by 1960 had established the Ozark Mountain Village, now known as Silver Dollar City Theme Park. The entire Park was built around the entrance of Marvel Cave.

When you visit Silver Dollar City, a tour of Marvel Cave is included with the price of your ticket. The tour is not recommended for visitors who have trouble walking or standing, those who suffer from heart or lung conditions, or those with back problems, as the tour is strenuous and includes six hundred stairs. A trained guide hosts your tour, points out points of interest and provides interesting anecdotes of historical importance. The tour of Marvel Cave is approximately one hour.

Location

Silver Dollar City

399 Indian Point Road

Brandon, Missouri 65616

Phone: 1-800-475-9370


 




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