Things to Do in Silver Dollar City and Table Rock Lake
Branson's favorite theme park and a big, clear lake on the west side of town.
See top-rated activities »About Silver Dollar City and Table Rock Lake
Silver Dollar City opened in 1960 on the hillside above Marvel Cave, and the cave is still at the center of the park: guided tours lead down into its huge first chamber and out again by cable train. Around it, the park recreates an Ozark mining town of the 1880s. Blacksmiths, glassblowers, potters and candy makers work in open shops along the lanes, bluegrass and gospel groups play on small stages, and a set of well-regarded roller coasters and water rides keeps teenagers busy. Plan on a full day; many visitors buy a season pass and come back for each festival.
The park runs on a festival calendar. Spring brings Bluegrass & BBQ, summer has a long evening celebration, early fall has a southern gospel picnic, the Harvest Festival fills September and October with pumpkins and crafts, and An Old Time Christmas covers the hillside in lights from early November into the new year. Silver Dollar City is closed in the depths of winter, so check the operating calendar before you go. The park also operates Silver Dollar City's Showboat, the three-deck paddlewheeler long known as the Showboat Branson Belle, which sails Table Rock Lake with a meal and a variety show; it is being moved to a new dock in 2026 so park and resort guests can reach it more easily.
Table Rock Lake itself is one of the clearest large lakes in the region, popular for boating, swimming, fishing for bass and scuba diving. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Table Rock Dam on the White River in the 1950s, and the lake now winds through more than 40,000 acres of drowned valleys. Table Rock State Park, near the dam, has campsites, a paved trail and a full-service marina. Below the dam, the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, the largest trout-rearing facility run by the Missouri Department of Conservation, has a visitor center and walking trails, and it stocks the cold water of Lake Taneycomo just downstream.
Don’t Miss
An 1880s-style theme park with craftspeople, roller coasters, live music and seasonal festivals. Check the park calendar for operating days.
A deep limestone cave toured from inside the park, with a large entrance chamber and a cable train ride back to the surface. Included with park admission.
The paddlewheel showboat formerly called the Showboat Branson Belle, with a meal and live show on the lake; it moves to a new location in 2026.
Lakeside campgrounds, picnic areas, a paved trail and a marina with boat rentals.
A Missouri Department of Conservation trout hatchery and conservation center with exhibits, a video on how trout are raised and about three miles of trails.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Silver Dollar City
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Get free trip quotes »Silver Dollar City — FAQ
How long should I spend at Silver Dollar City?
Plan on a full day, from opening until the evening. During festivals and the Christmas season, staying into the evening is worthwhile because many shows and light displays happen after dark.
Is Silver Dollar City open all year?
No. It usually opens in March and runs through the Christmas festival into early January, with a closed season in the middle of winter. Operating days vary, so check the park calendar.
Can you swim in Table Rock Lake?
Yes. The lake has public swimming beaches at several Corps of Engineers parks, and many visitors swim from rented boats. There are no lifeguards at most areas, so wear a life jacket and watch for boat traffic.
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