Get ready for the ultimate fun-filled theme park adventure that you didn’t even know existed in North Idaho! Silverwood Theme Park is the place to be for an unforgettable summer experience. Every time we visit this amazing park, it’s a memory-making extravaganza!
And the best part? Our kids have gotten to go for free with tickets provided by their school for having good grades and completed reading lists! As if we needed an excuse to go, but free tickets never hurt.
Silverwood is not your everyday typical theme park, it’s a quaint gem that offers just as many endless thrills and excitement as any big-wig theme parks out there. From heart-pumping rides to shows that will leave you in awe, this park caters to everyone’s interests.
And with the beautiful North Idaho countryside as its backdrop, it’s one of our favorite places to bond with friends and family while creating memories that have lasted a lifetime. So come join us and get ready for the ride of your life at Silverwood Theme Park Idaho!
But First, A Bit of History
The park has been around for over 30 years, opening its doors for the first time in June 1988. It’s the largest theme park in the northwest on 413 acres and has over 70 rides, shows, and other attractions.
Initially, the park featured a limited selection of rides like those found at county fairs. The main draw was a genuine steam train that provided 30-minute tours around the park’s border. Silverwood won the train at auction, outbidding even Disney.
The train station is on “Main Street” near the park entrance. Which is designed to look like an old western town with wooden sidewalks, shops, and eateries reminiscent of those in classic spaghetti western movies. Stepping into the ticket line, you are already being transported to another by-gone era.
Before becoming a theme park, the land was used as an airstrip called Henley Aerodrome (1976-1988). The current owner acquired it in 1981. With a functioning airstrip and hangars, Silverwood’s early offerings included airshows featuring stunt flying and comedic interactions between pilots and ground crew, broadcast over loudspeakers for the audience. The airshows ended after a fatal crash in 1996.
Silverwood Theme Park Idaho has experienced significant growth in popularity and size since its early days of carnival rides, a steam train, and airshows. It has evolved from a small, local park to a popular regional destination, attracting over 800,000 visitors annually.
Boulder Beach water park was added in 2003 and is included with admission to the main park. Since 2009, Silverwood transforms into “Scarywood” during October nights for Halloween enthusiasts. Boulder Beach and Scarywood deserve their own story, so we will dive into that another time. Stay tuned!
The Silverwood Express
When people think of theme parks, roller coasters often come to mind. While Silverwood now has them, this wasn’t always the case.
In 1986, two years prior to opening, Silverwood bought a 1915 Porter Steam Locomotive and underwent extensive restoration. When the park opened, it was renamed the Silverwood Express and was the main ride until 1990.
Amy and I have many memories at Silverwood and the train ride always holds a special place in our hearts. The 30-minute, 3-mile journey through the stunning Idaho countryside is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. The train chugs along at a leisurely 20 mph, with open-air cars inviting us to bask in the sun on a lazy summer day.
The train ride at Silverwood is a beloved experience, and the icing on the cake is the entertaining train robbery performance. The train stops in front of an old silver mine, where actors dressed as bandits come out and put on a hilarious old-west-style show complete with props and stunts.
In the end, the bandits board the train to “rob” the riders, but all the money collected goes towards a good cause – a local children’s home. Last year, the train robbery performances alone raised an impressive $100,000 for charity.
The train departs Main Street Station every hour on the hour with the last ride starting at 8 pm. Don’t miss this one!
Welcome to Roller Coaster Alley
Coaster Alley at Silverwood is the ultimate destination for roller coaster enthusiasts, with all its thrilling rides within easy reach. From 1990 to 2021, the park has continually added to its collection, totaling 5 heart-pumping coasters to appease the bravest adrenaline junkies.
Corkscrew, Silverwood’s inaugural steel roller coaster, was acquired from Knott’s Berry Farms in 1990, where it had operated for 15 years. The coaster was the world’s first inverter, earning its name from its signature “corkscrew” pattern that flips riders upside down twice in succession. The ride, although brief, is a thrilling experience with its signature corkscrew pattern.
Memories of the Corkscrew remain dear to me, reminding me of a simpler time during my middle school years, which hmm, was a few years ago. My friend and I were lucky enough to stumble upon the ride on a slow day at the park and rode it repeatedly without getting off for a time, creating a delightful and unforgettable experience. For me, the joy of memories like these is a testament to the magic of Silverwood.
Timber Terror arrived at Silverwood in 1996, reminiscent of classic wooden “air” coasters of the past with its traditional out-and-back design. With speeds up to 55 mph and a thrilling 85-foot drop, this coaster is a wild and jolting ride.
During the spooky Scarywood season in October, the cars are turned around for an even more intense experience, as riders navigate through twists and turns backward. The “Terror” in its name takes on a new meaning when experienced in reverse.
In 1998, Tremors joined the coaster lineup at Silverwood. The long wait for this high-speed wooden coaster is definitely worth it.
Building on the success of Timber Terror, the park aimed to create an even bigger, faster wooden coaster, and they delivered. The initial drop is 100 feet tall and reaches speeds of 60 mph!
Its name comes from a section of track that travels under the gift shop, causing those inside to feel a shake as the coaster passes by. Don’t forget to smile before you go underground as cameras are set up to capture riders’ reactions.
You can even buy a photo of your terrified face as a souvenir after the ride.
Aftershock is an inverted roller coaster that takes the excitement to a whole new level. With riders’ legs dangling beneath the track making it a thrilling experience unlike any other.
Boasting speeds of up to 66 mph, Aftershock is the fastest coaster at Silverwood and takes you to new heights with a start from 191 feet up in the air. The initial drop sets the tone for a thrilling ride filled with rushing air and the screams of riders.
The Stunt Pilot coaster at Silverwood is a nostalgic nod to the thrilling airshows of yesteryear. Back then, one could watch pilots soar high in the sky and feel the rush of adrenaline as they pulled off death-defying aerial acrobatics.
The Stunt Pilot captures that same excitement, giving riders the feeling of flying a plane through its heart-pumping drops, sharp turns, and looping flight through buildings. Get ready for a blast from the past and an adrenaline-fueled ride!
Honorable Mentions and Favorites
Silverwood boasts much more than just its impressive roller coasters. Here are some must-try highlights.
The Rolling Creek Log Flume has been one of our beloved family favorites for years. What’s not to love about a leisurely log flume ride? It’s the perfect balance of excitement and chill, offering a refreshing break on a hot summer day. This lazy river ride is a blast, leading up to the finale: a thrilling 40-foot drop and splash. And if anyone thinks you didn’t get wet enough, watch out! Mischievous onlookers might just soak you with their water cannons.
Thunder Canyon is another must-try water ride. Brace yourself, because you’re going to get drenched – they warn you upfront! This mini whitewater adventure is a wild ride, and no matter how hard you try, you won’t stay dry for long. And if you thought you were safe, watch out for those sneaky spectator-operated water cannons again. This ride is always a favorite for us!
Spincycle is one of a kind 104 feet tall thriller of a ride. This next one is not for the faint of heart and you may want to ride this with an empty stomach. Twenty-four people sit in a cylindrical vehicle facing out with legs dangling. The riders start the ride rotating 360 degrees while at the same time, the ride begins swinging like a gigantic pendulum. Back and forth it swings all the while getting higher and higher. Eventually, the pendulum takes the riders all the way upside down at 104 feet in the air and back around again. I can honestly say I’m too chicken to try this one. Give me a roller coaster any day!
But Wait, There’s More!
At Silverwood, you can relive the days of county fairs with its classic attractions. From carnival games to win prizes, classic rides like the Ferris Wheel and Tilt-A-Whirl, and even a magic show (which is one of our family’s favorites for the show, pizza, and a rest time), the park offers some truly nostalgic fun.
You’ll also find video arcades, photo opportunities to dress up in old-time outfits, and all the fair food you can imagine. With vendors selling everything from hot dogs to elephant ears and funnel cakes to ice cream, you won’t go hungry.
If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, there are multiple restaurants near the train station and on Main Street. Don’t worry about leaving younger kids behind, the park also offers smaller rides just for them.
Conveniently located near Coaster Alley, parents can easily enjoy all the fun with their little ones.
In a nutshell…
With a compact layout that’s easy to navigate and packed with thrills, you’ll have a blast from open to close. Trust us, you’ll need a jam-packed schedule if you want to hit every ride in a single day – there’s that much to see and do.
From classic carnival games to heart-pounding roller coasters, and everything in between, Silverwood offers a day of county fair-style fun at a budget-friendly price.
If searching for lodging, there is an RV park attached to the theme park (be sure to book early) and many AirB&Bs; and VRBOs.
So, whether you’re a roller coaster aficionado or just looking for a fun-filled day, make sure to add Silverwood to your must-see list!
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