Silver Dollar City Bucket List of Rides, Places to Eat & Shows

So, you have a vacation planned to Branson, Mo and Silver Dollar City is on the itinerary?  If so, we have the ultimate Silver Dollar City Bucket List for you.  This guide is especially important to visitors that will be under time constraints while visiting SDC.  If you only plan to have 6 hours at the park, possibly in between dinner engagements and evening shows, then getting the most bang for your buck is imperative!  We hope our Silver Dollar Bucket List of Rides, Places to Eat in the park, and fun family friendly shows to see will help you get the most bang for your buck and squeeze out the most enjoyment as possible.

Ultimate Silver Dollar City Bucket List – Rides, Shows, Places to Eat and More

When you are on a time crunch, it is important to use your time wisely, plan ahead, and create a bucket list of the “must-do” and “must-see” places during your visit.  If you have some extra time at the end, BONUS!  We hope our favorite bucket list, tips, and the best places to eat may help you when you are planning your vacation to Branson, and in particularly for this article, Silver Dollar City!

Plan Your Day at Silver Dollar City Wisely

If you are able to choose which day that you spend at SDC, we strongly suggest that you choose which day of the week that you visit the park.  Typically (broad generalization and varies) the best days are Wednesdays and Thursdays.  They are usually considerably quieter than weekends or public holidays.  The lines to get on the rides are much shorter, easier to get into the shows, and a shorter waiting time to indulge in some incredible Silver Dollar City food!

Another good time to visit is in May, preferably before Memorial Day.  The weather is pleasant and the crowds are not too bad.  However, Fridays in May can be troublesome because the park is often crowded due to school kids on school trips!  We strongly suggest checking out our Silver Dollar City Crowd Calendar that will help inform you about the best times of the year to visit Silver Dollar City, and which peak periods to avoid the park. If you want further value, check out our post on the best ways to get discount tickets to Silver Dollar City.

Get the App!

Yes, there is an app for Silver Dollar City Park that can help you plan your visit and enjoy the attractions! The app has features such as GPS-enabled map, show schedules, ride wait times, ticket access, and more. You can download the app from the official website or from your preferred app store. The app can be a big help, although it has been known to have some “bugs” that need to be worked out.  Hopefully, 2024 and beyond they will have the App working smoothly so your experience can the absolute best!

Arrive Early and Beat the Traffic

Arriving early to SDC is always a good idea.  Parking can be a hassle and a time waster if you arrive with the masses.  All of the parking lots closest to the park will already be full and then you will have to wait on a bus or shuttle to pick you up at all of the various drop off / pick up points. Check out our SDC Parking Guide for helpful tips on finding the best (and cheapest) places to park.

If money is not an issue, the absolute best thing you could do is park in the Preferred Parking Lot which is the closest to the entrance.  It is flat, and easily accessible on foot (or you can wait for a shuttle if you need assistance).

What Are the Must-Do and Must-See Attractions at SDC?

Ok, now that you have arrived at the park early, and on one of the lower traffic day, it’s time for the real fun to begin.  There is an enormous plethora of activities to do, based on your interests.  You will be amongst roller coasters, crafts, workshops, shopping, restaurants, shows, live entertainment on the streets, cave tours, exhibits, and so much more.

So, what are the must-do and must-see “things to do”?  Well, of course this all depends on you.  So, I will separate this by category and share the most popular rides, shows, attractions, and foodie favs.

Most Popular Rides

Of course this can vary, based on your thrill seeking threshold and if you are seeking rides for teens and older, or for the younger kids.  I have been to Silver Dollar City dozens of times, and these are at the top of the list in my opinion.

Roller Coaster Rides

Personally, I love roller coasts.  You can spin me, loop me, toss me, zoom me, blast me, splash me, and I’m ready for more….more….more… Fortunately, my daughter feels the same way.  We created a lot of memories over the years while she grew up on all the rides at Silver Dollar City.  From the young kiddie rides, and the thrilling coasters meant for the adrenaline junkies out there.

Here are my favorites :

Time Traveler: This is the world’s first extreme spinning coaster, featuring a 90-degree drop, three inversions, and two launches. The ride spins randomly, creating a different experience every time.

So, what makes Time Traveler so unique and should be at the top of everyone’s Silver Dollar City bucket list?  Let me give you a few reasons :

Time Traveler is the world’s fastest, steepest, and tallest spinning coaster, with a top speed of 50.3 mph, a height of 100 feet, and a drop of 10 stories. You can watch some videos of the ride here: Time Traveler front seat on-ride HD POV Silver Dollar City, Time Traveler – Silver Dollar City, and Time Traveler front seat on-ride 4K POV @60fps Silver Dollar City. The Time Traveler ride is a revolutionary coaster that defies the laws of gravity and breaks speed barriers. It is a must-try for thrill seekers and coaster enthusiasts. 😎

Outlaw Run: This is a wooden coaster that twists and turns through the Ozark Mountains. It has a 162-foot drop, a double barrel roll, and a top speed of 68 mph. It is one of the only wooden coasters in the world to go upside down. At one time, it was the only looping wooden roller coaster on the planet.  Now, we have to share the distinction, but that’s ok.  We can share the honors.

PowderKeg: This is a unique coaster that combines a water ride with a launch coaster. It starts with a blast of air that propels the train from 0 to 53 mph in 2.8 seconds, followed by a series of hills, turns, and a 110-foot drop. This one is intense from the get-go… You get shot out of the gate like they are sending you to the moon.  You won’t be creeping up the opening hill like a traditional roller coaster.  So, be forewarned… This one starts out fast, so you might want to be sure to have glasses, hats, cell phones, etc… secure (they have a drop box that people put their belongings into that you can pick up after the ride is over).

Wildfire: This is a steel coaster that loops and twists over the scenic Ozark Mountains. It has a 155-foot drop, five inversions, and a top speed of 66 mph. It offers stunning views of the park and the surrounding nature.

Thunderation: This is a mine train coaster that runs along the side of a steep hill. It has a unique layout, with the lift hill at the end of the ride. It has a top speed of 48 mph and some intense helixes.

Fire in the Hole: This is an indoor coaster that combines dark ride elements with gravity-powered drops. It tells the story of a town set on fire by a group of outlaws. It has a water splashdown and some surprises along the way.

Grand Exposition Coaster: This is a family coaster that is suitable for younger riders. It has a single helix and some mild thrills.

Best Places to Eat at Silver Dollar City

Of course everyone has their own unique pallet when it comes to restaurants, but here I will show a popular place that will satisfy anyone’s taste buds.  Listed #1 on this list and on top of my Silver Dollar City is “Buckshot Annie’s Skillet Cookery”..  I wouldn’t even call it a restaurant, but I just make it through a day at SDC without getting me a bowl of succotash right out of a huge (and I mean HUGE) iron skillet.  I don’t even really have to tell you where it is (there are maps everywhere, plus you will have downloaded that App right?) because you can smell it a mile away.  Follow your nose and you will find your way.  Ok, here goes.

Best Fooderies and Restaurants to Eat at Silver Dollar City

• Buckshot Annie’s Skillet Cookery: This is one of the most popular places to eat at Silver Dollar City, where you can watch the chefs cook your meal on a gigantic skillet. You can choose from different skillet meals, such as succotash, harvest, or cowboy, that are made with fresh ingredients and served with cornbread.
• Riverside Ribhouse: This is the place to go for fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs, smoked chicken, pulled pork, and brisket. You can also enjoy a variety of sides, such as baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and corn on the cob.
• Eva & Delilah’s Bakery: This is a sweet tooth’s paradise, where you can find freshly baked goods, such as cinnamon rolls, apple dumplings, cookies, pies, and cakes. You can also order sandwiches, salads, and soups, if you are looking for something savory.
• Lady Liberty Dining Pavilion: This is a great place to eat at Silver Dollar City if you are looking for a quick and easy meal. You can find burgers, hot dogs, nachos, and fries, as well as soft drinks and ice cream⁴.
• Poke Salad Mary’s: This is a healthy and refreshing option, where you can order sandwiches, wraps, and salads, made with fresh ingredients and dressings. You can also try the signature poke salad, which is a traditional Southern dish made with greens, bacon, eggs, and vinegar.
• Crossroads Pizza: This is a family-friendly place to eat at Silver Dollar City, where you can enjoy pizza, pasta, and breadsticks. You can choose from different toppings and sauces, and customize your pizza to your liking.
• Sullivan’s Mill: This is a unique place to eat at Silver Dollar City, where you can see how flour is made from wheat in a working grist mill. You can also buy freshly made bread, cookies, and other treats, as well as jams, jellies, and honey.

I hope this information helps you with your bucket list / itinerary. Silver Dollar City is a wonderful place to have fun and enjoy some amazing food. 😊

What Are the Best Shows at Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City is known for their musical entertainment.  They have a variety of music to satisfy everyone.  They have the hilarious play / sketch / comedy musicals that are hysterical (and family friendly), and also have beautiful entertainers from all over the world displaying their God given talents.  Personally, I love to laugh at Silver Dollar City and choose Frontier Fa-La-La-Follies, but they are all spectacular.  Pick out one of these and add it to your Silver Dollar City bucket list!

Frontier Fa-La-La Follies: The Saloon show may not be for everyone, but if you feel like kicking back to laugh and list to a lot of slapstick comedy, and a little music then this one is for you.  It takes place at the Silver Dollar Saloon. It follows the hilarious adventures of the saloon gang as they sing and dance their way through the season. It is a fun and festive show that features classic carols and original songs.

A Dickens’ Christmas Carol: Ok, can I have two favorites?  During the Christmas season, this show is at the top of my list and have seen it several times over the years! A Dickens’ Christmas Carol is a Broadway-style show that adapts the classic novel by Charles Dickens. It features a talented cast, elaborate costumes, and original songs. It is a heartwarming story of redemption and hope that celebrates the true spirit of Christmas.

Frontier Fa-La-La Follies: This is a comedy show that takes place at the Silver Dollar Saloon. It follows the hilarious adventures of the saloon gang as they sing and dance their way through the season. It is a fun and festive show that features classic carols and original songs.

Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade: This is a musical procession that goes through the streets of Silver Dollar City. It is led by Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ and features colorful floats, characters, and performers. It is a joyous and magical show that lights up the night.

Hot Time In Rivertown: This is a jazz show that takes place at the Dockside Theater. It features the Rivertown Ramblers, a group of singers and musicians who perform Dixieland jazz versions of famous songs from different eras. It is a lively and energetic show that showcases the versatility and creativity of jazz.

Roots & Koontz: This is a folk show that takes place at the Silver Dollar Saloon. It features a duo of singers and songwriters who perform original songs and covers of folk classics. They use a variety of instruments, such as guitar, banjo, mandolin, and harmonica. It is a soothing and soulful show that expresses their passion for life and music.

Summer Concert Series: This is a series of concerts that take place during the summer season. It features a range of artists who bring live music and melodic skills to the forefront. From Christian tunes to rock songs, these performances are sure to impress. Some of the artists in the line-up for this summer are Members Only, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, and ABBA Tribute: Dancing Dream.

NOTE : All of the shows listed above come with your price of admission!

I really hope that I have helped give you some great ideas for your visit at Silver Dollar City.  We all have our own bucket list, but hopefully you can choose out of this list of ideas to help give you and your family a wonderful time at one of the best Amusement Parks in America.  If I could only ask for one favor?  Please Like “What’s New in Branson” on Facebook.  We share all of the latest and greatest shows, attractions, and just fun things to do in Branson all season long.  You will always be in the loop at what is coming to town!  God Bless!