A major announcement took place October 17 that SDC will be "growing!" An expansion that will take over 500 million Silver Dollars to make, to be exact! The ground has been broken and construction is already underway. This phase is targeted to open toward the end of 2026 with so many exciting features. You will get to experience premium amenities, priority park access, fantastic views, exclusive offers all starting in the 262 "Themed Room Resort Hotel!" This hotel will be seven stories tall and will feature indoor/outdoor pool, restaurants onsite, and countless other amenities. We will be able to host events and conferences in our 17,000 square foot meeting area. This is all part of the new expansion for the over 1,200 acres of land to develop.
Governor Parson was on hand and stated, "We are excited to see this bring economic growth, thousands of jobs and millions of visitors to our area! This will showcase Silver Dollar City's commitment to tourism and growth in the Ozarks and for the state of Missouri."
This is the largest investment in the 65-year history of Herschend Family Entertainment. President of HFEC, Brad Thomas stated in the announcement, "Over the next 10 years, we will mindfully transform and redefine the 1,200 acres into a one-of-a-kind experience in the "Heart Of The Ozarks!" It will be a continuation of the park's story and creativity, with a start of a new era moving forward with all the discovery and craftsmanship of tomorrow. This will be the only resort of its kind right here in the Heartland of America. We have always honored our past and will continue to "Make Memories Worth Repeating" as we continue this expansion over the next 10 years by creating different things within this area."
The humble beginnings starting with cave tours in 1950 to this kind of expansion will be breathtaking and exciting. Over the years, SDC has continued to grow and develop into what it is today. Over the years, HFEC has had similar ventures with the sister property, "Dollywood" in Pigeon Forge, TN. It has had great success with the two resorts that have been built in the last decade. Brad also stated, "We've got a lot of development plans that aren't going to be revealed today, so put on your seatbelt and get ready for the breathtaking ride over the next few years! In this crazy time that we are living in right now, we believe that we can continue to bring families closer together in an escape to laugh, have fun and maybe even scream together. Our country is stronger when families can come together and enjoy time together."
The resort will be close to the other attractions owned by HFEC: White Water, Dolly's Stampede, Showboat Branson Belle and The Pink Jeep Tours here in the area. Other properties that are owned by the HFEC are Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts, Silver Dollar City Campground, Adventure Aquarium, Newport Aquarium, Kentucky Kingdom and Wild Adventures, Herschend Live (Harlem Globetrotters) and Herschend Entertainment Studios (Splash & Bubbles and Chuggington). HFEC is recognized today as the largest family-owned themed attractions organization in the U.S., with approx. 11,000-plus employees across 26 properties that collectively entertain over millions of people annually.
Many generations have attended the park and continue to make it a part of their lives today. Many people have worked many years here and continue to be "family" after retiring.
I, myself, attended the park as a child, then in high school for "Band Days" and then was employed here. I still see people that I have worked with, and they always ask me when I am going to come back to work with them. When I attended the announcement, I was greeted by several that I had worked with and still received my howdies and hugs from them; it's truly family here! This is just the start of many exciting things coming to our area, and I look forward to many other things happening here.
Continue to watch the development and announcements on the Facebook page and at the website, Silver Dollar City.