BRANSON, Mo. — Move over Disney, SeaWorld, Universal Studios and Dollywood. The best theme park in the country is located in the Show Me State, according to USA Today readers.
You don't have to travel far from the St. Louis area if you're planning a family trip to the top theme park in the nation.
USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards 2024 named Silver Dollar City the No. 1 theme park in America for the second year in a row. Industry experts narrowed down the nation's parks to 20 nominees, and the public narrowed them down to the top 10 during a four-week voting period.
"Silver Dollar City, with its 1880s mining town theme, attracts some 2 million visitors annually with its combination of entertainment, festivals, 100 resident craftsmen, and more than 40 rides and attractions," USA Today editors wrote. "The park is also home to Time Traveler, the world's fastest, steepest and tallest spinning coaster."
“We are so thankful for our loyal, enthusiastic fans who visit — and vote — for us,” President of the Silver Dollar City Company Brad Thomas said in a statement. “Our guests could travel to other states and other parks but choose to spend their family time making memories with us here in the Ozarks."
Here's what other parks made the top 10 theme park ranking:
- Silver Dollar City - Branson, Missouri.
- Knoebels - Elysburgh, Pennsylvania.
- SeaWorld Orlando - Orlando, Florida.
- Hersheypark - Hershey, Virginia.
- Dollywood - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
- LEGOLAND California - Carlsbad, California.
- Bush Gardens Williamsburg - Williamsburg, Virginia.
- Kennywood - West Mifflin, Pennsylvania.
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - Tampa, Florida.
- Cedar Point - Sandusky, Ohio.
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