Herschend Family Entertainment has signed an exclusive agreement to acquire Silverwood Theme Park, the biggest theme and water park in the Pacific Northwest.
The deal signals a major milestone for the long-running independent park and continues Herschend’s steady growth across North America.
Silverwood has been owned and operated by the Norton family since its founding in 1988 by Gary Norton. Over more than 35 years, the park has transformed from a small local attraction into a 400-acre destination featuring over 70 rides, slides, shows, and attractions, including the popular Boulder Beach Water Park and a historic 1915 steam engine train. The park draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to North Idaho’s scenic panhandle.
For fans of the park, Herschend emphasized that the acquisition is intended to preserve—rather than replace—Silverwood’s identity. The company often refers to employees as “hosts,” a philosophy central to its culture at Dollywood and Silver Dollar City. CEO Andrew Wexler described the agreement as “more than a business transaction,” calling it the continuation of a family legacy built with heart.
Paul Norton, Silverwood’s Chief Operating Officer and grandson of founder Gary Norton, echoed that sentiment. “Silverwood has been our family’s life’s work for more than three decades,” he said. “When the time came to pass the torch, Herschend was the only choice. They share our values, our long-term approach, and our belief that parks like this are built by people with heart.”
Herschend operates more than 40 entertainment brands and employs roughly 22,000 hosts. Its portfolio includes iconic destinations such as Dollywood in Tennessee and Silver Dollar City in Missouri, along with the Harlem Globetrotters and several historic regional parks.
Industry observers view the Silverwood move as Herschend’s first significant entry into the far Northwest, a region that has lacked a major multi-park operator presence. While no immediate investment plans were announced, Herschend acquisitions typically bring enhancements to food quality, guest service training, festivals, and resort integration—areas where the company has earned strong consumer loyalty.
Silverwood is best known for its collection of roller coasters, including wooden favorite Tremors and steel launch coaster Aftershock, as well as classic family experiences like the steam train through the forest. Boulder Beach complements the dry park with wave pools, high-speed slides, and a lazy river, making Silverwood a full-day summer destination comparable in size to many Midwestern parks.
The companies have begun a formal due diligence process and are working toward finalizing the transaction. Both sides expressed optimism that operations for the 2026 season would continue without disruption.
ThemeParks-US.com will follow developments closely, particularly any announcements regarding new attractions, pricing policies, or membership programs that could affect visitors planning trips to Idaho in the coming seasons.
