Silver Dollar City's Thunderation Roller Coaster to Close After 33 Years

The beloved 80-foot tall, 48 mph mine train coaster will operate for the 2026 season before shutting down permanently on January 2, 2027.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri has announced that its Thunderation roller coaster will be permanently closing after the 2026 season. The 80-foot tall, 48 mph mine train coaster first opened in 1993 and has carried over 27 million riders. The park says the fictional Marvel Cave Mining Company is reclaiming this section of the park to resume mining operations, forcing Thunderation to vacate the tracks.

Why it matters

Thunderation was a landmark attraction that helped put Silver Dollar City on the map as a top theme park destination. Its closure after over three decades of operation marks the end of an era and will likely disappoint many loyal park visitors who have fond memories of riding the classic wooden coaster.

The details

Thunderation was originally designed by Arrow Dynamics and featured 3,022 feet of track with a 910-degree double helix into a mine shaft. The ride was named the fastest mine train coaster when it debuted in 1993. An employee tragically died while testing the ride in 2022, leading to OSHA fines for the park. Silver Dollar City plans to hold a yearlong celebration of Thunderation in 2026 before the coaster's final season.

  • Thunderation first opened in 1993.
  • Thunderation will operate for the 2026 season.
  • Thunderation's last day of operation is scheduled for January 2, 2027.

The players

Thunderation

An 80-foot tall, 48 mph wooden mine train roller coaster that has operated at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri since 1993.

Marvel Cave Mining Company

The fictional mining company that is reclaiming the section of the park where Thunderation is located in order to resume mining operations underground.

Brad Thomas

The president of Silver Dollar City.

Jedidiah Campbell

The foreman overseeing the Marvel Cave Mining Company's operations.

Joshua Outhouse

A 31-year-old mechanic who tragically died while testing Thunderation in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“Thunderation has had its run. But this mountain was never meant to be borrowed forever. There are still undiscovered sections of that mine, and I intend to see what it holds. The work underground matters more than any cheer from above.”

— Jedidiah Campbell, Foreman (people.com)

“Thunderation's opening kickstarted exciting additions to Silver Dollar City. Likewise, Thunderation's retirement at the end of 2026 will launch new and exciting chapters in Silver Dollar City's future. In this case, the end is really an exciting beginning. Please stay tuned!”

— Brad Thomas, President of Silver Dollar City (people.com)

What’s next

Silver Dollar City plans to hold a yearlong celebration of Thunderation in 2026 before the coaster's final season, including an opening-day ceremony on March 13 and the unveiling of commemorative merchandise and special ride moments throughout the year.

The takeaway

The closure of the beloved Thunderation roller coaster after over three decades of operation marks the end of an era for Silver Dollar City, but also signals an exciting new chapter for the park as it looks to the future and what new attractions may replace this classic ride.