Credit: Silver Dollar CitySilver Dollar City is officially preparing to say goodbye to one of its most recognizable attractions.
The Branson, Missouri theme park confirmed this week that Thunderation, one of the park’s earliest and most iconic roller coasters, will be closing after the 2026 season. The announcement marks the end of an era for longtime visitors, as the ride has been operating for more than three decades and has become a staple of the park’s thrill lineup.
According to the park, the coaster’s final day of operation is scheduled for January 2, 2027, meaning 2026 will serve as its farewell season.
Thunderation’s Final Season Is Set for 2026
Silver Dollar City announced the closure on Monday, February 16, confirming that Thunderation will continue running throughout the 2026 season before officially shutting down at the beginning of 2027.
The coaster originally opened in 1993, making its upcoming closure a significant moment in the park’s history. The attraction has operated for 33 years and is widely considered one of the rides that helped shape Silver Dollar City’s modern reputation as a destination for thrill rides.
The park described Thunderation as the “runaway mine train coaster” and noted that it was once considered the park’s first true roller coaster.
Over the course of its long run, Thunderation has become a major part of the guest experience at Silver Dollar City. The park reported that the coaster has carried more than 27 million riders since its debut.
The ride features 3,022 feet of track and reaches speeds of up to 48 miles per hour, which is still impressive for a classic mine train-style coaster.
While newer attractions have been built over the years, Thunderation has remained a fan favorite because of its traditional theme, its terrain-based layout, and the fact that it feels like a true “old-school” coaster experience.
The Coaster Was Once the Fastest Mine Train in the Industry
Silver Dollar City also emphasized how important the ride was when it first opened.
According to the park’s release, Thunderation was considered the fastest mine train coaster at the time of its debut, giving it a standout reputation in the early 1990s.
The ride was designed in Utah by Arrow Dynamics, with its steel track manufactured and shaped there before being shipped to Branson for assembly. Construction also used timbers from Louisiana and Arkansas, which helped bring the ride’s rugged mining aesthetic to life.
The Park Is Already Hinting at What Comes Next
Although Silver Dollar City has not confirmed what will replace Thunderation, the park’s announcement strongly suggests the closure is being used to clear space for future plans.
The park teased that the area will be taken over by the Marvel Cave Mining Company, which has supposedly ordered the ride’s closure to allow for “geological surveys.”
The park even included a quote from Marvel Cave Mining Company foreman Jedidiah Campbell, who said the mountain was “never meant to be borrowed forever,” hinting that new discoveries—and likely new development—could be on the horizon.
While the quote is clearly themed storytelling, it feels like the park is already building excitement for whatever comes next in that section of the property.
Fans React to the Announcement Online
As expected, the news spread quickly online, with many longtime Silver Dollar City visitors reacting emotionally to the announcement.
Some guests expressed disappointment, while others said they appreciated that the park is giving fans a full year to ride it one last time. Others have already begun suggesting ideas for how the coaster’s final season could be celebrated, including bringing back older features that longtime riders remember from earlier years.
It’s clear that even though Silver Dollar City has added larger and more modern coasters since 1993, Thunderation still holds a special place in the park’s lineup.
A Full Farewell Celebration Is Planned for 2026
Silver Dollar City is not quietly retiring the coaster.
Instead, the park confirmed it will hold a yearlong sendoff, including an opening-day ceremony on March 13, with additional special offers and announcements expected throughout the season.
For many guests, that farewell season will likely become a “must-do” trip, especially for those who grew up visiting the park and riding the coaster year after year.
The End of a Major Era at Silver Dollar City
The closure of Thunderation marks a major shift for Silver Dollar City, not just because the coaster is popular, but because it represents a big piece of the park’s identity.
For more than three decades, the runaway mine train has served as a rite of passage for young thrill-seekers and a nostalgic favorite for returning families. It has helped define the park’s coaster collection and has remained a recognizable part of the Branson destination experience.
While the park has not confirmed what will be built in its place, the messaging makes it clear that something new is likely coming.
Until then, Silver Dollar City visitors have one clear message: if Thunderation is on your list, 2026 is the final season to ride it before it officially closes in early 2027.