Silver Dollar City announces exciting new ride for 2027

On Friday, August 14, Silver Dollar City hosted a “Town Hall Meeting,” in person with special guests as well as online, to unveil Miner’s Mountain Express, America’s Most Legendary Family Coaster, scheduled to open in 2027. Based on a true Ozarks story, families will embark on an expedition more than a century in the making as they race through the history, mystery and determination behind America’s #1 Theme Park. 

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“Head Miner Jedediah Campbell,” based on the real historical figure, greeted the group from the mine-themed stage setting with a hearty “Welcome to my office,” describing the town meeting as “a company tellin’ what it’s fixin’ to do, to the people they’re fixin’ to do it to.” In full miner costume, he used a need to “find a new way in” to a flooded mine, to introduce Silver Dollar City President Brad Thomas. Thomas in turn introduced Max Rosé of Mach Rides, a 250-year-old family ride-production company in Germany. Several “Mini Miners,” young Town Hall attendees sporting carbide lamp helmets, then gathered around to hear “Jed’s” request, Thomas’s answer and the stories connecting them. 

“For over 65 years, Silver Dollar City has entertained our guests through fun story-based adventures,” said Thomas. “This family coaster has been designed so that multiple generations can enjoy the mountain-themed adventure together. Annually, Silver Dollar City hosts visitors from every state in America. In 2027 and beyond, this family coaster and our all-new resort continue our growth strategy to invite even more guests to discover the Ozarks for their vacations and getaway weekends.” 

Thomas, along with “Jed’s” storytelling, reminded Town Hall attendees that the entire history and development of Silver Dollar City is based on real, true people, stories and events: A real working mine; tours hosted by the Lynch sisters; a vacationing Chicago family, the Herschends; and the 66-year-and-counting history of Silver Dollar City. The presentation referenced several real events, such as the actual fire that inspired the Fire in the Hole ride. 

Miner’s Mountain Express is located in Daredevil Pass, a newly-created section of the park connecting thrill rides Wildfire, PowderKeg, and The American Plunge. After arriving beneath a towering 15-story working mining headframe sourced from a real Missouri mine, guests will set out on their expedition in runaway mine cars to race across Daredevil Pass, dodging boulders and plunging past a flooded mine shaft in search of a lost entrance to Marvel Cave. The ride follows the natural contours of the Ozark Mountains above Marvel Cave, a United States Registered Natural Landmark first explored by the Osage centuries ago. The real Marble Cave Mining Company operated on the site in the 1880s before being renamed Marvel Cave after prospectors discovered no marble at all. 

Celebrating the grit and determination that built the Ozarks, Miner's Mountain Express races for 3 minutes and 18 seconds, climbing two towering lift hills and delivering 15 airtime experiences of weightlessness, more than any other coaster in the park. This ride is about more than the numbers, however. With a minimum rider height of just 39 inches, when accompanied by a supervising companion age 14 or older, the adventure is designed for families to experience together, adding their personal family legacy to the Ozarks history shown in the authentic structures, equipment, and other details inspired by actual mining in the Ozarks. 

Wrapping up the presentation, Thomas told the attendees, “I guess the answer to Jed’s question is, ‘Yes.’ ” He described the $150 million investment in the new ride and the resort as an ongoing commitment to the future of the Ozarks, as the projects expand Silver Dollar City into an even more compelling multi-day destination while celebrating the Ozarks heritage that has defined, and will continue to define, the park. 

Before dismissing attendees to visit the ride construction area and enjoy lunch, presenters reminded them that while they anticipate the new ride in 2027, there are many wonderful events still to be enjoyed this year: Southern Gospel Picnic; special Country Music Nights; a 9/11 Remembrance; the Fall Craft Fair; over 10,000 non-scary family-themed pumpkins; and four more months to enjoy Thunderation as it wraps up its 33-year history. And don’t forget the Christmas celebration, designated by USA Today as the #1 Christmas experience in the nation! Check it all out at www.silverdollarcity.com, where you’ll find links to more history, more photos and all the upcoming special events.