Silver Dollar City has unveiled plans for Miner’s Mountain Express, an all-new custom family roller coaster scheduled to open in spring 2027.
Dubbed by the park as "America’s Most Legendary Family Coaster", the attraction is inspired by the true 19th-century history of the site, taking riders on a runaway mine car expedition through the rugged terrain of the Ozarks.
Miner's Mountain Express: At a Glance
- Opening Date: Spring 2027
- Coaster Manufacturer: MACK Rides (Waldkirch, Germany)
- Track Length: Over 0.5 miles (Midwest record)
- Ride Duration: 3 minutes, 18 seconds
- Lift Hills: 2
- Airtime Moments: 15 (Park record)
- Minimum Height Requirement: 39 inches (with companion)
Rooted in True Ozark History
The narrative surrounding Miner’s Mountain Express is grounded in the real-life story of the Marble Cave Mining Company, which prospected the area during the 1880s. When miners realized that no actual marble existed inside the subterranean chambers, the site was famously renamed Marvel Cave.
The new coaster pays tribute to this origin story, celebrating the very roots that eventually led to the founding of Silver Dollar City over 65 years ago.
Brad Thomas, President of the Silver Dollar City Company, said:
"For over 65 years, Silver Dollar City has entertained our guests through fun story-based adventures. This family coaster has been designed so that multiple generations of families can enjoy the mountain-themed adventure together."
Riders will encounter detailed storytelling alongside authentic historical features. The new attraction introduces guests to Jedidiah "Jed" Campbell, a legendary mining foreman whose motto, "Where there’s a will, there’s a way," drives the quest to find a lost entrance to Marvel Cave.
Technical Features & Ride Experience
The custom roller coaster is being developed in collaboration with MACK Rides, the acclaimed manufacturer behind Silver Dollar City's award-winning spinning coaster, Time Traveler. Construction and immersive thematic elements are being crafted in-house by Silver Dollar City's Maintenance & Construction team alongside Herschend Creative Studios.
Key Ride Highlights
- Longest Family Coaster in the Midwest: Stretching across more than half a mile of custom steel track.
- 15 Airtime Moments: Delivering more weightless moments than any other coaster in Silver Dollar City's lineup.
- Dual Lift Hills: Navigating a 3-minute, 18-second layout that hugs the natural elevation of the Ozark hillsides above Marvel Cave.
- Authentic Artifacts: Anchored by a genuine 15-story working mine headframe sourced directly from a historic Missouri mining operation.
- Accessible Thrills: A minimum rider height requirement of 39 inches (when accompanied by a supervising companion) ensures young children and grandparents can ride together.
A New Area: Daredevil Pass
Miner’s Mountain Express will anchor Daredevil Pass, a newly created land designed to seamlessly bridge the park's major thrill attractions: WildFire, PowderKeg, and American Plunge.
"Every building, every tool, and every detail was thoughtfully designed to honor the people who came before us while creating an unforgettable adventure for today's families," explained Erica Rutledge, Senior Creative Director at Herschend Creative Studios.
Part of a $150 Million Master Plan
The announcement forms a major centerpiece of Silver Dollar City's broader $150 million investment into property expansion.
Alongside the coaster, 2027 will also mark the grand opening of the all-new Silver Dollar City Resort, expanding the Branson destination into a multi-day resort experience while maintaining the authentic Ozark hospitality that has defined the park for decades.
