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.