SILVER DOLLAR CITY, Mo. – Silver Dollar City has announced that it will retire its beloved roller coaster, Thunderation, after 33 years of operation, with the final ride set for January 2, 2027. Since its opening in 1993, Thunderation, a runaway mine train-style coaster, has provided thrills to over 27 million riders, becoming a cherished experience for families visiting the 1880s-themed park.
Brad Thomas, president of Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts, noted that Thunderation’s debut marked the beginning of exciting developments at the park. He expressed optimism about the future, stating, “Thunderation’s retirement at the end of 2026 will launch new and exciting chapters in Silver Dollar City’s future. In this case, the end is really an exciting beginning.”
As for what comes next, park officials suggest that the Marvel Cave Mining Company plans to reclaim the coaster’s area for geological surveys and mining operations within Silver Dollar City. Foreman Jedidiah Campbell emphasized the importance of returning to underground work, highlighting their commitment to uncovering the potential of previously undiscovered sections of the mine that have been dormant since 1889.
In light of the coaster’s closure, Silver Dollar City will celebrate Thunderation throughout the 2026 season. The festivities will kick off with an opening-day ceremony on March 13, leading up to a final sendoff event. Guests can look forward to special ride experiences, promotional offers, commemorative merchandise, and other limited-time offerings as part of this year-long celebration.
For those wishing to experience Thunderation one last time, plans can be made through the park’s website. The retirement of this iconic ride marks a poignant moment in the park’s history, but the excitement surrounding its replacement promises to bring new adventures for guests in the future.