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Marvel Cave at Silver Dollar City

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Marvel Cave, a Registered Natural Landmark, opened for tours in 1894. The cave, which lies beneath Silver Dollar City theme park, was the first attraction to bring tourists to the Branson area. One of the deepest caves in Missouri, it has one of the largest subterranean entry rooms in the United States. Traditional guided cave tours are included with standard admission to Silver Dollar City.

Cave tours depart approximately every half-hour; they last about one hour. Because of the strenuous nature of the tour, which includes nearly 600 stairs and some stooping, it is not recommended for visitors with heart or lung conditions, back issues, weak knees, or ankle problems.

For an additional fee, special lantern light tours are offered. (Children younger than 8 are not permitted on this tour.) Reservations are required. See website for details.

Open March-December.

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This Cave in the Ozarks Is So Big a Hot Air Balloon Once Floated Inside It — Plus, There’s a 40-foot Waterfall and a 20-story-tall Cavern

Marvel Cave is the deepest cave in Missouri.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

lantern light tour silver dollar city

Eric Lindberg/Courtesy of Silver Dollar City

The deepest cave in Missouri, which sprawls over 500 feet below the surface of the Earth, was first discovered by the Osage Nation in the 1500s. Not long after, Spanish explorers in search of riches and the fountain of youth made the journey into the cave and returned empty-handed. 

The fountain of youth has yet to be found, but riches — albeit from an unexpected source — were discovered by miners in the 1800s. They came to the cave, which was later named Marvel Cave , in search of marble and iron. But instead of precious rocks and metals, they found bat guano — commonly known as bat droppings. At the time, the excrements could be sold for fertilizer and ammunition for $700 a ton (that’s more than $20,000 today), according to Mindy Bianca Public Relations , which handles press for the destination.

The unlikely source of wealth is still present in the cave today, but the estimated 70,000 bats — and their feces — are no longer the main attraction. Hot air balloons have floated aloft inside the cave’s cavern and square dances have taken place in its temperate 60-degree climate. And by 1960, the mining-site-turned-tourist-destination became the centerpiece of Silver Dollar City , a theme park in Branson, Missouri .

The 1880s-themed park has all the attractions you’d expect from a park that was named the No. 1 amusement and water park in the U.S. by Tripadvisor in 2023. There are 30 rides and attractions, 40 live daily shows, and 13 acres of waterslides and waves at the nearby water park. And while there is more than enough to do above ground, the heart of the park remains 500 feet below ground.

Courtesy of Silver Dollar City

The journey under the Earth begins with a dramatic 300-foot descent to the 20-story-tall Cathedral Room — the largest cave entry room in the U.S. Along the way, visitors pass a 40-foot-high underground waterfall and rock formations set nearly 500 feet below the Earth’s surface. (These rock formations are alive and still growing.)

Hidden among the wet limestone cave’s darkest nooks are the endangered blind cave salamander and the bats that made the miners rich in the 1800s. Both creatures are rarely seen by visitors, yet remain an important part of the cave’s story and ecosystem. 

The return to daylight, which is a 1,070-foot-climb from the cave’s depths, is aided by a cable train.

Tours of Marvel Cave take place daily, weather permitting, and are included with a ticket to Silver Dollar City. Even so, Mindy Bianca Public Relations notes that only 200,000 to 300,000 of Silver Dollar City’s two million annual visitors — that's between 10 to 15 percent — actually visit the cave.

In addition to fewer people and comfortable temperatures, the team notes that those willing to wait until the end of the day can book the Lantern Light Tour , where visitors can experience what it was like for the miners who descended into the vast darkness aided only by the light of lanterns.

Marvel Cave and Silver Dollar City are located just west of Branson in the Ozark Mountains .

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Marvel Cave is the natural attraction that first drew guests to the area that houses Silver Dollar City, and every guest receives a free tour of it as part of their park admission. A hundred-year lease on it was acquired by Hugo Herschend, the founder of Herschend Family Entertainment (which also runs Dollywood), in 1950.

The free tours last for 60 minutes, and can accommodate 60 people. They pass through a number of caverns, with guests required to traverse hundreds of steps. Mercifully, a cable train drags them back up to the surface.

Since 2006, the park has also offered the Lantern Light Tour, which carries a $10 upcharge and is limited to 20 guests at a time. The cave's electric lights are extinguished, with the old-fashioned, 90-minute tours being lit only by lanterns.

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Never a Dull Moment while Exploring the Marvel Cave Attraction

Marvel-Cave-Lanter-Light-Tour

The cave was originally known as Marble Cave when miners thought that marble could be found in the cave. When it was found out that no marble was ever mined inside the Marble Cave, the name was changed to Marvel Cave. The cave is known to be one of the largest caves in Missouri, with the biggest cave entry rooms of any cave in North America and for being one of the longest running tourist attractions in Branson.

A Marvel Cave tour is always included with your ticket when you visit the Silver Dollar City where the tours depart every half hour. To begin the tour, you will have to travel to the surface 300 feet below and get in the Cathedral Room. The excitingly wonderful Cathedral Room is the largest cave entrance in the whole USA. The tour lasts 60 minutes and most of it is spent climbing about 600 stairs. The cave tour offers a trained cave guide who will guide your journey and give you interesting and entertaining facts of geographical and historical importance of the cave.

A unique cable train designed to take cave visitors back to the surface with 1070 foot climb was installed in 1957. Thereby giving visitors an easy climb to get back up to a daylight. Many famous spelunkers have ventured the Marvel Cave which is Missouri’s deepest cave with rich history and interesting facts. The tour to the Marvel Cave is a unique opportunity to see Mother Nature where only a few were fortunate to experience the beauty and wonder of the cave.

Explore the Marvel Cave’s darkest and deepest secret and experience a wonderful cave tour using a lantern light. The last lantern light tour starts 90 minutes before closing time. Tour guides are dressed in costumes that delight guests with interesting facts and little known histories during this daily nostalgic journey. Lantern Light Tour is open to guests above 11 years old to see the Mammoth Room. This big room is located just to the right of guest trail in the Cathedral Room. The re-opened trail highlights the bat wall, the only surviving Spanish ladder left in the cave (circa 1541) and many interesting stories.

If you want to discover the interesting facts and historical treasures of the Marvel Cave, visit the original tourist attraction in Branson and enjoy some of several exciting activities of the 1800s style theme park of Silver Dollar City.

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Marvel Cave, a Registered Natural Landmark, opened for tours in 1894. The cave, which lies beneath Silver Dollar City theme park, was the first attraction to bring tourists to the Branson area. One of the deepest caves in Missouri, it has one of the largest subterranean entry-rooms in the United States. Traditional guided cave tours are included with standard admission to Silver Dollar City.

Cave tours depart approximately every half-hour; they last about one hour. Because of the strenuous nature of the tour, which includes nearly 600 stairs and some stooping, it is not recommend for visitors with heart or lung conditions, bad backs, weak knees or bad ankles.

For an additional fee, special lantern light tours are offered. (Children younger than 8 are not permitted on this tour.). Reservations are required. See website for details.

Open March-December.

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How much do tickets to see the lights cost?

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Silver Dollar City Questions & Answers

lantern light tour silver dollar city

It depends. You didn't mention the important things like how many people are in your group, their ages, whether you prefer to buy discounted tickets, whether you prefer to buy tickets at the gate, or whether you prefer to buy online. You also didn't mention if you want single day ticket(s) or how many days you will be there for.

The lights are free with park admission, like almost everything else in the park, except food, souvenirs, and the lantern light tour in Marvel Cave. You will see lights everywhere in the park, including inside Marvel Cave, when you take a free cave tour. The only way to see all the lights is by doing everything you can, incliding the parade, seeing shows, riding the train.

Since I have no info about you, you will have to check the price for yourself on their website and don't forget to look closely for cheaper ways to snag a deal that sounds good to you.

For a 24-year old male, like myself, a 1-day admission ticket would cost about $69, year-round, if I bought it in person, at the gate.

SDC does not post coupons in the normal Branson coupon books that you can find everywhere around Branson, like every other business in Branson does, but they do have deals like "After 3, next day free", $45 Thursdays" if you buy your ticket at Country Mart, 2-day passes, season passes, and military/police/fire fighter/EMS discounts. Last time I checked, my 2-park season pass FOR NEXT YEAR was $132, which I got at a discount because I bought it during An Old Time Christmas, and it included a magazine subscription, unlimited visits to SDC for the year they are for, unlimited visits to White Water for the year they are for, 10% discount at all shops/restaurants in both parks, 25% off coupon, 1 free go-kart ride at The Track, discounted admission to all parks that are owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, a thank you letter, 10 "Bring A Friend Passes", you are granted access to Season Pass Holder Appreciation days (which means you get in 1 hour early to only ride rides on select days only), 1 SDC opening time schedule for the year the passes are good for, and you are automatically subscribed to their mail club and/or e-mail club. If you come at least once to 5 or more different events/festivals/times of the year, you will automatically get a free Christmas Tree ornament for that year just by going to the chosen ornament/season pass building during An Old Time Christmas on that year.

Again, this was the price for me and me alone. To figure out what the price would be for you, check the website.

lantern light tour silver dollar city

Too much!!!!!!!!!!

lantern light tour silver dollar city

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Cave Tours Branson MO: 5 Can’t Miss Natural Wonders in the Ozarks

interior view of Marvel Cave at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, USA

The lush forested mountains of the Ozarks may intrigue many visitors to Branson, MO.

However, beneath the Earth’s surface lies a world of wonder. Known as the Cave State, Missouri is actually home to over 6,000 caves. Follow along to learn everything you need to know about Branson Cave Tours.

The Ozarks form the perfect breeding ground for cave formation thanks to unique geology and abundant limestone. Tourists can shake up their traditional Branson sightseeing when they spend hours peeking at stunning stalagmites and mineral deposits.

Gaze in wonder at the famous Marvel Cave Cathedral room, or give your feet a rest with a Golf Cart Cave Tour Branson MO. See Silver Dollar City caves after hours of high-thrill fun on Outlaws Run or appreciate the magical glow of a lantern-led Branson Cave Tour.

Cave Tours in Branson MO

Are you fascinated by hollowed-out caverns, enchanting mushroom formations, and Civil War History? Lucky for you, the premier cave tours of Branson seamlessly combine folklore, geology, and fun for an unforgettable experience.

Take in mystical formations in the shape of an angel or traverse rimstone dams. Whatever excursion you select, each Branson Cave delivers its own unique story.

Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail

Revel in the spellbinding views afforded by Big Cedar Lodge when you reserve your spot with the Top of the Rock Branson Cave Tour . Charge that camera, as you’ll want to document every moment of this incredible hour-long 2.5-mile ride through cave rock formations, waterfalls, and more.

Related Post: Best Time to Go to Branson, Missouri – An In-Depth Guide

If you’re looking to take a load off, this golf cart ride is ideal. As a bonus, you and your party will be treated to the sweeping scenery of Table Rock Lake and admission to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum.

We recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as possible as online single-day tickets are priced at variable rates and increase daily.

Smallin Civil War Cave

Civil War history, spelunking, and lanterns, oh my! Smallin Cave  is considered the first documented cave in Missouri and boasts a number of exhilarating tours. Displaying a mammoth entrance that measures 55 feet tall and 100 feet wide, guests of all ages will be swept away in the folklore of this time-tested cave.

Indeed, Smallin Cave was home to Osage Indians, and there is strong evidence that the cave was also used by the Union Army to store both ammunition and artillery during the Civil War.

Related Post: Branson on the Cheap – How to Save While You Play

Guests can opt for the popular one-hour guided tour, which features no stairs and is mobility-friendly, or test their intrepid spirit with an Off-Wild Tour. This two-hour adventure is chock full of caving challenges and will have you wading through knee-deep 54-degree water.

Visitors lucky enough to swing by Smallin from late September to early November can also partake in a Lantern Tour. Participating adventurers should be prepared to enjoy rimstone dams and intricate limestone formations. All with the addition of campfires, storytelling, and glowing lights.

Talking Rocks Cavern

Discover year-round family fun underground at Talking Rocks Cavern . This spectacle of Mother Nature is a vertical drop featuring both concrete handrails and steps.

Designed for varied ability levels. All guests are able to enjoy the cool 63-degree temperatures and the intriguing history of this geological hotspot.

Prime yourself for a one-hour walking tour where your guide will cover everything from mineral deposits to early cave history. Witnessing the thready Stalactites and Stalagmites firsthand. It is easy to see why the cavern was originally nicknamed “Fairy Cave” by early cave developer Turman Powell.

After traversing this ethereal dimension, carve out some time to explore Talking Rocks Cavern’s other above-ground activities, which include Cave Country Miniature Golf, gemstone panning, and the nature trail.

More than steam train engines, blacksmith demonstrations, and Fanny’s Famous Funnel Cakes. Did you know your Silver Dollar City theme park ticket entitles you to cave exploration? Walk in the footsteps of thousands of other adventurers when you buy your Marvel Cave tickets.

Related Post:  Branson Spring Break – Your In-Depth Guide

Departing throughout the day, visitors can escape the heat when they scurry 300 feet below Branson’s surface and enter the Cathedral Room. This stunning natural formation is the largest cave entrance room in the United States. Marvel Caves is a wet limestone cave that was first discovered by the Osage Indians.

Want to take a look at what was once known as the ‘Devil’s Den’? Check out more spellbinding Marvel Cave photos and information here .

Fantastic Caverns

Feeling fantastic? Break away from Branson for a tour of the only ride-through cave in the United States. Located in Springfield, MO, and just a short drive from Branson, these aptly named caverns are ideal for those looking to forgo hiking in favor of a comfortable tram ride.

Fantastic Caverns were discovered in 1862 by an Ozarks farmer and his dog and contain a mesmerizing mix of unique rock formations, including tiny soda straws, cave pearls, massive columns, and flowstones.

In addition, these brightly lit passageways also provide shelter for a number of native cave fauna, including the grotto salamander, the cave crawfish, and the rare blind Ozarks fish. Pay attention on your 55-minute tour, and you’ll spot the names of the first 12 women who explored the cavern’s fantastic depths.

Marvel Caverns Lantern Light Tour

Are you in the mood for some more spooky flavor? If you can handle the dark, we highly recommend the Marvel Caverns Lantern Light Tour . One of the most popular Marvel Cave Tours, this 90-minute add-on adventure ups the ante with the addition of ambient lanterns, little-known stories, and more.

Related Post: Learn the History & Legend of Silver Dollar City’s Marvel Cave

Journey through the caves like the first explorers. Or trek through the Mammoth room and observe the beauty of these infamous Ozark caverns up close. Please note that children must be eight years old or older to participate in the Lantern Tour.

Branson Hotels

Before we explore the multitude of cave tours in Branson MO, it’s time to lock in those lodgings . Ensure you have a spacious suite or luxe Ozark resort to call home during your stay in the Branson area.

Whether you are yearning for some rugged mountain relaxation or would rather recharge with the help of an indoor pool, sauna, or whirlpool spa, we offer Branson Hotels & Lodging for every type of traveler. As always, make your booking worry, knowing you are guaranteed our lowest rates online.

Rugged and wild, the Ozark Mountains have inspired many adventurers to embark on quests both above and below ground.

While many visitors may congregate in Branson, MO., thanks to its wholesome family appeal and first-rate live shows , a Branson Cave Tour offers an unexpected way to encounter this Midwest paradise.

Related Post: Best Hotels in Branson, MO – 16 Great Options

Set your peepers on the same exquisite rock and mineral formations as the Osage Indians. Or listen up as your expert guide regales you with Civil War history and adrenaline-pumping tales of spelunking.

Wade through real cavern water with your headlamp shining bright. Or stay cozy and dry thanks to a comfortable tram ride.

waterfall with lights inside of Marvel Cave in Branson, Missouri, USA

Branson Cave Tours FAQs

How many caves are in branson.

Unable to resist the allure of speleology? Well, you'll be thrilled to hear that Branson, Missouri, is a paradise for cave enthusiasts, boasting a whopping total of over 6000 caves.

So why wait? Craft your itinerary, add Branson to your bucket list now, and dive into an experience of subterranean wonder!

What Is the Name of the Cave in Branson Missouri?

Ever wondered what the name of that awe-inspiring cave located in Branson, Missouri, is? Well, you're in luck!

Let's venture together into the depths of the captivating Marvel Cave - Branson, a mesmerizing subterranean wonder that beckons to thrill-seeking explorers and curious tourists alike.

What is the History of the Marvel Caverns in Branson MO?

For those who've ever wondered about the history of the incredible Marvel Cave in Branson, MO, it's a tale that reaches back over a century! This breathtaking natural wonder was first opened as a tourist attraction in 1894 by Canadian entrepreneur William Henry Lynch.

Over the years, Lynch's once modest show cave has transformed into one of Branson's most popular attractions, a fascinating fusion of natural beauty and historical intrigue.

However You Decide to Cave Tour Branson, MO., You’re in For a Real Treat!

Leave a comment below and let us know which cave tour you’d conquer first!

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Marvel Cave Lantern Tour

The cave that started it all, Marvel Cave is one of the most exciting, famous, and all-around incredible caves in Missouri! What began as a show cave attraction in Branson turned into one of the state's most popular theme parks, Silver Dollar City. Today, you can still enjoy the geological wonder that helped make Missouri the official Cave State!

Marvel Cave was actually first discovered by the Osage Indians in the 16th century, calling it "Devil's den." It was again discovered by Spanish explorers looking for the fountain of youth. Though they didn't encounter that infamous watering hole, they did find echoing limestone caverns, towering stalactites and stalagmites, and phenomenal sights. The first explorers carried lanterns, as you will on the exciting Marvel Cave Lantern Tour!

Explore the biggest caverns like the Cathedral Room and Mammoth Room 300 feet below the surface of the theme park, carrying only the swinging lantern which casts looming shadows on the rocky walls. Hike your way through the many rooms and crevices over the hour-long tour, lead by a knowledgeable and practiced cave guide. You will learn all there is to know about the cave's history, the geology of its structures, and how Marvel Cave helped put Silver Dollar City on the map!

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BRANSON MO CAVES

Branson MO caves see 1,000's of tourists on vacation every week. Add the Marvel Cave, Crystal Cave, Fantastic Caverns, or Talking Rock Caverns to your vacation list of places to see!

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MARVEL CAVE

Branson caves started as an attraction with a limestone cave called Marvel Cave. Visitors can travel 300 feet below the grounds to the Marvel Cave cathedral room which is the largest cave entrance room in the United States and participate in a lantern light tour. When visiting Silver Dollar City, a tour is always included with your ticket. Marvel Cave is a wet limestone cave, complete with formations that are still alive and growing! After descending nearly 500 feet below the surface, you'll take a unique cable train ride back up the 1070 foot climb to the surface!

CRYSTAL CAVE

Crystal Cave is one of the Branson MO caves that offers a great collection of stalagmites, stalactites and other cave formations. It's just a short drive north of Branson. Two separate paths inside offer a varied time of exploration. Throughout the two paths, visitors find a number of sights completely unique to Crystal Cave. This includes the flowstone formation Rainbow Falls, a grouping of stalactites and stalagmites that has been dubbed The Cathedral and various ancient Native American cave drawings and symbols. The Ozark's Crystal Cave is a must see!

TALKING ROCK CAVERNS

Fantastic caverns.

Talking Rock Caverns is one of the most interactive Branson MO caves. It's a special and unique cave for the family. Mine for precious stones and gemstones, play mini golf, walking trails and over 400 acres of wilderness above Talking Rock Caverns as well as other activities. It gets its name from the strange noises it makes. Tours at this cavern demonstrate the beginnings of rock formations and the minerals that help them grow. Talking Rocks Caverns definitely counts as one of the amazing things to do in Branson caves and caverns locations.

Fantastic Caverns is a big cave but a operated by a small family owned business. Fantastic Caverns was discovered in 1862 by a farmer's dog, who crawled through an entrance. Great for kids, grandparents, and families because it's America's only all riding cave tour. The cave is toured in Jeep drawn trams. Enjoy the beauty of this Missouri natural cave without the long walks and stairs. Fantastic Caverns is one of the most beautiful Branson caves.

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Caves in Branson

An adventure awaits at silver dollar city's marvel cave.

The beautiful landscape of Missouri is dotted with caves throughout many parts of the state. Branson is home to both sightseeing cave attractions, including Silver Dollar City’s Marvel Cave, and smaller caves found along trails and in the protected park and forest lands.

Silver Dollar City’s tourism began with Marvel Cave more than fifty years ago. The area’s Osage Indians named it Devil’s Den centuries ago, and it’s still a popular attraction today. The cave tour requires extensive stair climbing, making it an ideal excursion for physically fit guests. Explore the most extensive cave entrance room in the United States, the Cathedral Room, 300 feet below the surface.

In addition, there is a 1541 Spanish ladder, the only one known to exist. A half-mile tram ride back to the character ends the 60-minute tour. You can tour the recently re-opened Mammoth Room, which hasn’t been open since the 1950s. Explore this part of the cave on a 90-minute lantern light tour that lets you see the cave as early explorers did. Additionally, caves can be found in nearby Branson West and Springfield, as well as northern Arkansas, just minutes from Missouri.  

Branson Cave

Most frequent questions and answers

Beneath the entertainment and fun of Branson lies breathtaking underground landscapes. Dubbed “the Cave State,”  Missouri has over 6,000 caves  with some of the most awe-inspiring and accessible ones in and around the Branson area.

Marvel Cave can be found in Roark Mountain, Stone County, near Branson, Missouri. The cave is part of Silver Dollar City’s theme park. It is one of the most prominent cave entrances in the country.

Take a deep look underneath Branson.  Silver Dollar City is located on top of Marvel Cave, the deepest cave in Missouri at 505 feet.

Missouri is known for its caves, and Missouri State Parks offers four of the most popular public cave tours.  

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Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City is a special attraction in the heartland of America where families can gather together in fun, where traditions are created, memories are shared and where time stops for you to celebrate each other. This 1880s theme park will turn an ordinary day into a best-ever day with fun that awaits you from a spring-time getaway to a Christmas celebration. Experience record-breaking thrills and discover a world of surprises at one of the to  things to do in Branson MO .

Rides and Attractions

American Plunge – Riders experience a 50-foot (15 m) drop at speeds of 35 miles (56 km) per hour. Birdle’s Cabin Electro Spin – Riders sit facing outward with chests against a padded panel while riding a rotational vehicle the spins at high speeds on a 50-foot (15 m) U-shaped track. Elephant March – Riders sit in an elephant-shaped vehicle that revolves around a central machine. The vehicles also ascend and descend at the press of a button, which is controlled by the rider. Elsie the Milk Cow – A fake cow with udders that allows guests to pull and retrieve their own “milk”. FireFall – An eight-story drop tower in the Firemans Landing area. Fireman’s Flyer – A low flying swing ride for children in the Firemans Landing area. Fire-in-the-Hole – The park’s first, and oldest, roller coaster. Guests ride in a dark building with scenes that tell of a town set ablaze by the Baldknobbers overnight. Riders then are shifted quickly to avoid trains, fires, and broken bridges. The ride is notable for being the site of the park’s only fatality to date. Fire Spotter – A family balloon ride in the Firemans Landing area. Fire Wagon Frenzy – A magic carpet ride themed around a fire wagon in the Firemans Landing area. Flooded Mine – Guests ride in a dark building that resembles an old broken down mine. The prisoners of the mine have escaped during a flood, and the warden needs the guests’ help in shooting them down. Guests have laser powered guns that count how many times they hit specified targets. Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train – Guests experience a slow-moving, 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge[5] train ride through the park lasting 20 minutes. In the middle of the ride, guests experience a show where uneducated train robbers try their best to rob the train, but guests are saved just in time by the conductor, who was tricked into searching for “Yankees” or “Indians.” During the Old Time Christmas festival, the train is decked-out in lights and becomes the Frisco Sing-Along Steam Train. Also, the train robber act is replaced by Grandpa telling the Christmas story. The attraction uses three 600 mm (1 ft 11 5⁄8 in) narrow gauge[6] steam locomotives, two numbered 13 and 43 built by Orenstein & Koppel in Germany in 1934 and 1938, and one numbered 76 built in 1940 by Kolben-Danek in Czechoslovakia. This is one of the oldest attractions in the park. The Giant Barn Swing – a Screamin’ Swing that includes two 16 capacity swings on two giant pendulum arms each. The Grand Exposition Coaster – A small, 20-foot (6.1 m) roller coaster, with speeds up to 20 miles per hour. Grandfather’s Mansion – Guests walk through a large fun house.

silver-dollar-city-time-travel

Half Dollar Holler – a kids’ play and ride area. Happy Frogs – Riders sit in a frog-shaped vehicle that revolves around a central machine. The vehicles also bounce up and down from a combined mechanical/airbag system. High-Low Silos – Guests sit with a companion and pull themselves up a 20-foot (6.1 m) cable and drop at low speeds as soon as they let go. Homestead Animal Barnyard – A petting zoo with animals such as goats, chickens, hens, and other farm animals. The Ladybugs – Riders sit in a bug-shaped vehicle that revolves around a central machine. The vehicles also ascend and descend at the press of a button, which is controlled by the rider. Lost River of the Ozarks – a whitewater rapids tube ride. Magnificent Wave Carousel Marvel Cave – The cave offers two types of tours. The Traditional Cave Tour is a one-hour guided tour through a half mile of lighted passageway. Throughout the tour, geological and historical information is explained. The Lantern Light Tour is a one and a half-hour guided tour through a little over a half mile of unlit passageway. A narrow gauge funicular railway is employed to take visitors from the far end of the cave back to surface level. McHaffie’s Homestead – a real, hewn-log cabin built in 1843. Oak Trail School – a 19th-century school house where everyone is invited to pick a desk, sit down and learn about school in the 1800s. Outlaw Run – Added in 2013; the world’s second steepest wooden coaster and the only one featuring three inversions. PowderKeg – an S&S launched roller coaster which reused the coaster segment portion of Buzz Saw Falls. Racing Regatta,  Royal Tea Party,  Swinging Bridge, and  The Mighty Galleon The Roundabout – Carousel ride themed around dalmatians circling a fire hydrant. Opens in 2015 in the new Firemans Landing area. Tom & Huck’s River Blast Thunderation – an Arrow Dynamics mine train roller coaster; one of the largest and fastest in the world currently in operation. Time Traveler – Added in 2018; an Mack Rides spinning launch coaster. Up The Ladder – A small drop tower for children. Opened in 2015 in the Firemans Landing area. Wilderness Church – an old-time church with a view of the Ozark and Boston Mountains of Arkansas. WildFire – a Bolliger & Mabillard sit down looping coaster with five inversions. Wings of Wonder – caterpillar and butterfly vehicles rotate around a central mast, and ascend and descend at the press of a button, which is controlled by the rider.

Throughout the operating season Silver Dollar City hosts six different festivals:

  • Festival of Wonder (April): a spring festival showcasing unusual acts and performances.
  • Bluegrass & BBQ Festival (May): a celebration of bluegrass music and BBQ from across the nation.
  • Star-Spangled Summer (June – August): a summer festival featuring shows and activities that appeal to families with children.
  • Southern Gospel Picnic (August – September): Gospel music is showcased during this festival along with picnic style dinners.
  • National Harvest & Cowboy Festival (September – October): a salute to an old time harvest celebration featuring visiting craftsmen.
  • An Old Time Christmas (November – December): a traditional holiday Christmas celebration with special shows, foods, and other attractions . In addition, the park is decorated with 6.5 million Christmas lights and a five-story special effects Christmas tree.

Ten Districts of SDC

  • Park Entrance
  • Main Street
  • Homestead Ridge
  • Valley Road
  • The Grand Exposition
  • Wilson’s Farm
  • Hugo’s Hill Street
  • Fireman’s Landing

Demonstrations

  • Brown’s Candy Factory
  • Carrie’s Candles
  • Duplicating Lathe
  • Hazel’s Blown & Cut Glass
  • Heartland Home Furnishings
  • Hillcreek Pottery
  • Mountain Leather
  • Mountain Outfitter’s Knives
  • Sullivan’s Mill
  • Valley Road Woodcarvers
  • Wilderness Road Blacksmith

Related Attractions

  • Showboat Branson Belle
  • White Water
  • Silver Dollar City Campground
  • Marvel Cave

Opening Hours

9:30AM–10PM

* seasonal hours and subject to change.

399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO 65616

(800) 888-7277

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We had so much fun here. I had never been and neither had my kids. I was so excited and really wasn’t sure what to expect.

Love this family friendly place!! Can’t wait to go again!

Comments (23)

Love Branson and all the attractions………..Silver Dollar City is one we have missed on previous visits, but would love the opportunity to go back.

I would like to visit Branson and Silver Dollar City!

I would love to know how it would feels to be on a real vacation!

I WILL LOVE TO TAKE MY 2 GRANDSON & MY WIFE. TO SILVER DOLLAR CITY. THANK YOU

Thank you for all the fun!

I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO SLIVER DOLLAR CITY, LOVE TO GO WITH THE FREE PASSES

I am on disability and would like to give my family a great memory for after i am gone. I have never beeen and would like to mark it off my bucket list. Thank you

Never been..sounds like fun and it’s kinda close…need a vacation

Silver Dollar City is one of the best places to vacation it is so much fun it is a time to always have fun and let your hair down

I have never been to Silver Dollar City. I would love to take my family or my husband. We have taken family trips in the east, but not North West. We would love to go.

I love to visit there never been it look like, I will enjoy myself as well as my family, I really need a getaway to let my hair down

It’s been a while so it’s a little blur…lol! We haven’t been to Silver Dollar City in several year’s. I would love to visit SDC and give a new review.

Silver Dollar City is a magical place, would love to win tickets to take my family of 4. There is no where else I would rather be than Silver Dollar City with my family!!

My family L❤️vED ?Lost Rivers? raft ride! We haven’t been for years, but we’d L❤️VE to make a trip to Silver Dollar City this Summer to make new memories!☀️

Silver Dollar City is a magical place, my family and I love it!

We really enjoyed this ride. So much fun!!!

My husband and i really enjoyed Silver Dollar City. Would love to be able to take all of my kids there they would love it too.

Would love to win tockets to this beautiful place. Never been to Branson!

Would love to take my grandbabies to silver dollar city. That would love it. I use to take their mother and loved watching her eyes while waiting in-line to enter. Please help with this opportunity

I would love to Silver Dollar City with my family & would need 6 tickets. Thank you.

Would love tickets. I love roller coasters but can’t ride anymore because of bulging discs, might be paralyzed! SDC is someplace I’ve always wanted to work!

I have not yet had the privilege of visiting Branson and your “Amazing” Silver Dollar City. However, I can think of nothing more incredibly joyous magnificent experience it would be to be to bring my Daughter there. I’m am a single Mom and have raised her by myself but, with money being tight, I was only able to take her on 3 vacations…she is now 30yrs old! So, I feel with every beat of my heart, that she deserves a trip like this. It sounds like the perfect place to relax, be silly and make enormously wonderful memories to remember forevermore.

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IMAGES

  1. Branson, Missouri's Silver Dollar City Named to National Top 10 Light

    lantern light tour silver dollar city

  2. 8 Reasons To See The Silver Dollar City Christmas Lights

    lantern light tour silver dollar city

  3. Silver Dollar City sparkles among Nation's top ten Christmas lighting

    lantern light tour silver dollar city

  4. Silver Dollar City Christmas Lights

    lantern light tour silver dollar city

  5. Run to the Lights 5K at SDC tickets on Nov 8, 2019 at Silver Dollar

    lantern light tour silver dollar city

  6. Geyser Gulch at Silver Dollar City during An Old Time Christmas Best

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VIDEO

  1. My Trip to Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri

  2. Silver Dollar City Old Time Christmas

  3. Visiting Silver Dollar City I Fall 2023

  4. Silver Dollar City 2023

COMMENTS

  1. Marvel Cave Lantern Light Tour

    The Lantern Light Tour is the last tour of the day and is a special enhanced experience recommended for guests who have already enjoyed the regular lighted tour. Silver Dollar City admission is required. Tour begins at 5:30 pm during An Old Time Christmas (4:30 pm on 12/31/22). Please arrive at the Marvel Cave Information Desk 10 minutes prior ...

  2. Silver Dollar City's Original Attractions

    The lantern light tour begins 90 minutes prior to park closing and is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 8 to 11. Children under 8 are not allowed on lantern light tours. Lantern light tours have limited space available, so order your tickets online or make your reservations early at the Cave Information Desk at the Hospitality House.

  3. Marvel Cave

    9:30 AM - 7:00 PM. Write a review. About. A highlight of the Silver Dollar City theme park, this constantly evolving wet limestone cave under the Ozark Mountains, dating back to the 1500s, provides a one-hour tour of fascinating rooms and passageways. The cave's entryway is the largest in the U.S.

  4. Marvel Cave

    Silver Dollar City theme park evolved around the entrance to one of nature's greatest wonders, Marvel Cave. In 1894, Canadian entrepreneur William Henry Lynch and his two daughters, Miriam and Genevieve, opened the cave as an Ozarks tourist attraction. For more than 50 years, Marvel Cave operated as a tourist show cave.

  5. Explore Marvel Cave

    Regular cave tours are FREE and start at park opening, leaving frequently throughout the day. And, year round the cave is "naturally-climate controlled" at a comfortable 60 to 65 degrees! For the more adventuresome, sign up for a Marvel Cave Lantern Light Tour —Silver Dollar City's Deepest Darkest Secret. During this special 90-minute ...

  6. Things to Do

    Open Seasonally. Check website for details. 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy. Branson, MO 65616. 800-888-7277. Visit Official Website.

  7. lantern light tour

    lantern light tour - Review of Marvel Cave, Branson, MO - Tripadvisor. Marvel Cave. 769 Reviews. #14 of 143 things to do in Branson. Nature & Parks, Caverns & Caves. 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO 65616-6172. Open today: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM.

  8. Marvel Cave Is the Deepest Cave in Missouri

    Courtesy of Silver Dollar City. The journey under the Earth begins with a dramatic 300-foot descent to the 20-story-tall Cathedral Room — the largest cave entry room in the U.S. Along the way ...

  9. Marvel Cave Branson MO

    Marvel Caves are located within Silver Dollar City amusement park in Branson MO. The Osage Indians called it The Devil's Den because of the strange sounds. Spanish explorers explored searching for gold and the fountain of youth. William Henry Lynch first opened it to spelunking tourists over 100 years ago in 1894.

  10. Attraction of the week: Silver Dollar City's Marvel Cave

    For an extra charge ($10.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids ages 8-11), Silver Dollar City offers a Lantern Light Tour where up to 20 visitors can experience the Marvel Cave the old fashioned way ...

  11. Marvel Cave at Silver Dollar City Reviews & Info

    The free tours last for 60 minutes, and can accommodate 60 people. They pass through a number of caverns, with guests required to traverse hundreds of steps. Mercifully, a cable train drags them back up to the surface. Since 2006, the park has also offered the Lantern Light Tour, which carries a $10 upcharge and is limited to 20 guests at a time.

  12. Learn the History & Legend of Silver Dollar City's Marvel Cave

    Pro Tip: Lantern Light Tours tickets need to be purchased in addition to the Silver Dollar City tickets. Historic Rides, Dining, Shopping, and Crafts. An 1800 village theme does not mean that Silver Dollar City is without excitement. Over 40 rides, 60 shops, over a dozen restaurants, and 40 live shows ensure there is plenty for you to experience.

  13. Explore Unseen Depths of Marvel Cave

    On this cave lantern tour, you'll explore unseen depths of Marvel Cave! Take the Cave Lantern Tour at Marvel Cave and experience the spooky stories and folkl...

  14. Never a Dull Moment while Exploring the Marvel Cave Attraction

    A Marvel Cave tour is always included with your ticket when you visit the Silver Dollar City where the tours depart every half hour. To begin the tour, you will have to travel to the surface 300 feet below and get in the Cathedral Room. ... Lantern Light Tour is open to guests above 11 years old to see the Mammoth Room. This big room is located ...

  15. Visit Missouri

    Marvel Cave, a Registered Natural Landmark, opened for tours in 1894. The cave, which lies beneath Silver Dollar City theme park, was the first attraction to bring tourists to the Branson area. One of the deepest caves in Missouri, it has one of the largest subterranean entry-rooms in the United States.

  16. How much do tickets to see the lights cost?

    The lights are free with park admission, like almost everything else in the park, except food, souvenirs, and the lantern light tour in Marvel Cave. You will see lights everywhere in the park, including inside Marvel Cave, when you take a free cave tour. The only way to see all the lights is by doing everything you can, incliding the parade ...

  17. Branson Cave Tours 5 Can't Miss Natural Wonders in the Ozarks

    If you can handle the dark, we highly recommend the Marvel Caverns Lantern Light Tour. One of the most popular Marvel Cave Tours, this 90-minute add-on adventure ups the ante with the addition of ambient lanterns, little-known stories, and more. Related Post: Learn the History & Legend of Silver Dollar City's Marvel Cave

  18. Marvel Cave Lantern Tour

    Take your school or group on an Educational Tour of Branson and include Marvel Cave Lantern Tour. Call Toll-Free (877) 397-5700.

  19. Branson MO Caves

    Branson caves started as an attraction with a limestone cave called Marvel Cave. Visitors can travel 300 feet below the grounds to the Marvel Cave cathedral room which is the largest cave entrance room in the United States and participate in a lantern light tour. When visiting Silver Dollar City, a tour is always included with your ticket.

  20. Branson Missouri Caves

    Silver Dollar City's tourism began with Marvel Cave more than fifty years ago. The area's Osage Indians named it Devil's Den centuries ago, and it's still a popular attraction today. ... Explore this part of the cave on a 90-minute lantern light tour that lets you see the cave as early explorers did. Additionally, caves can be found in ...

  21. Silver Dollar City

    Silver Dollar City is Branson's theme park featuring 6 renowned festivals, 30 thrilling rides & attractions, 40 live shows, and 60 shops. ... The Lantern Light Tour is a one and a half-hour guided tour through a little over a half mile of unlit passageway. A narrow gauge funicular railway is employed to take visitors from the far end of the ...

  22. Southern Missouri Cave and Cavern Tours

    Marvel Cave - Branson. Located in the Silver Dollar City theme park, Marvel Cave is ideal if you're looking to visit one of Missouri's cavernous wonders but don't have a lot of room in your itinerary. A tour of this limestone cave lasts about an hour and is included in admission to the theme park. Explore nearly 500 feet beneath the ...

  23. Missouri trip report day 2 & 3: [Silver Dollar City] 7/12-13/ ...

    I have zero complaints from an operations standpoint. We went on a Tuesday and Wednesday so crowds were light. Everything was running, and the only ride running 1 train that I felt needed 2 was Thunderation. The only complaint with SDC was both my friend and I felt extremely frustrated trying to navigate. It has a similar problem to Knoebels.