Amusement parks in and around St. Louis celebrate the region's history and culture. Six Flags St. Louis honors the St. Louis World Exposition of 1904 as well as the city's role as a Gateway to the West. Silver City in Branson recognizes the region's country music roots. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on family-fun parks, here is our guide to all the key information visitors need to know about St. Louis area amusement parks.
Silver Dollar City
, which opened in 1960, celebrates the Ozark region's ties to country music as well as its frontier history. The 55-acre park is divided into 10 themed areas, and visitors can enjoy 22 thrill and water rides, craft demonstrations, live entertainment and concerts.
Best Coaster
The signature ride at Silver Dollar City is
, a spiraling, steel cobra coaster that reaches speeds of up to 66 mph.
Other Coasters
In addition to WildFire,
offers 21 roller coaster and water rides as well as a variety of craft and pioneer skill demonstrations, a special kiddie area, lots of live music and dozens of shops where visitors can buy pioneer-era crafts that were made at the park.
Buffets And Grills
Silver Dollar City features a variety of buffets, concessions and grills scattered throughout the park. Among these is Molly's Mill Restaurant, where guests can enjoy a piping hot breakfast before exploring the park.
Safety Record
In 2005,
, a train carrying 16 passengers on the Powder Keg roller coaster failed to stop and collided with an empty train. No injuries were reported. In 2002,
when a 25-foot section of a walkway collapsed. The accident happened as visitors waited in line for the Lost River of the Ozarks ride.
Address: 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway, Branson, MO 65616Phone: 800-475-9370 Hours: Silver Dollar City is open from mid-March through December. Hours vary frequently. Check the website for current information.Price: Adults, $59.11; seniors 62 and older, $56.96; children ages 4 to 11, $48.36; children 3 and younger, free.
Six Flags St. Louis
Six Flags St. Louis, formerly called Six Flags over Mid America, is 132 acres of thrill rides, roller coasters, water rides, live entertainment and concerts. The park is divided into six themed areas, many of which represent stages in Missouri history.
Sure To Make You Scream
The signature ride at Six Flags St. Louis is the
. This three-mile-long wooden coaster reaches speeds of 62 mph. It may be a classic, but it's definitely not your grandmother's roller coaster.
Other Attractions
In addition to Screamin' Eagle,
features 39 other rides, including seven additional coasters and three water rides. There are also live shows, concerts, kiddie rides and a free water park (open from Memorial Day through Labor Day).
Snacks And Dining
Six Flags St. Louis offers more than a dozen dining options. Among these are Johnny Rockets, a full-service, 1950s-style diner; 1904 Classics, which specializes in chili dogs and fries; and Villian's Cafe, which serves nachos, burritos, chicken sandwiches and house-made tortilla chips.
Safety Record
Our research revealed no notable news reports of accidents or safety issues at Six Flags St. Louis.
Address: 4900 Six Flags Road, Eureka, MO 63069Phone: 636-938-4800Hours: Six Flags St. Louis is open from April through October. Hours vary frequently. Check the website for current information. Price: General Admission, $46.99; children under 48 inches, $36.99; children 2 and younger, free; online tickets, $36.99.
Other Noteworthy Parks Near St. Louis
What's your favorite amusement park in St. Louis?
Check out more AMUSEMENT PARKS.
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