On Thursday, Silver Dollar City made a significant announcement concerning the future of the theme park in Branson, Missouri, revealing its plans for the next ten years.

The theme park has begun work on developing part of its 1,200 acres, which will house the new Silver Dollar City Resort, slated to open by late 2026. This seven-story resort will be situated west of the park, offering views of Table Rock Lake. It will comprise 260 themed guest rooms, an indoor and outdoor pool, a full-service dining option, 1,700 square feet for meetings, and a designated entryway to Silver Dollar City, shared by President Brad Thomas with an enthusiastic audience.

The Silver Dollar City Resort is just one element in a broader investment plan by Herschend Family Entertainment, the company that owns both Silver Dollar City and Dollywood. Over the next decade, they plan to invest $500 million into the undeveloped land they acquired around 18 months ago. According to Herschend CEO Andrew Wexler, roughly $100 million of this fund will specifically cover the costs of the Silver Dollar City Resort. Thomas mentioned that more projects will be announced in the years ahead.

“Most people are not familiar with the Herschend name. It’s not as recognizable as Disney, which is well-known,” Wexler commented. “Our focus is on being part of the local community. Silver Dollar City represents the heart of the Ozarks.”

While specific plans were not disclosed, Wexler indicated that the resort will incorporate Silver Dollar City’s signature craftsmanship.

Before construction can proceed, extensive landscaping is needed in the area designated for the resort. Wexler confirmed that construction officially began about a month ago.

“It’s a tight construction timeline,” Thomas said, expressing the aim to welcome guests by 2026.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson attended the announcement event on Thursday.

“When they shared their plans for this resort, it felt like they were making a statement about their commitment to family entertainment and their long-term dedication to this area,” Parson remarked at the site. “It’s a remarkable message to convey.”

The idea of a Silver Dollar City resort has been in discussion for nearly two decades. Wexler noted that when he joined Herschend Family Entertainment as a consultant in 2007, his main task was to develop a hospitality strategy for their parks. However, these plans were disrupted by the financial crisis a year later. In 2015, Herschend successfully opened Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa alongside Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Following the positive response, they began to brainstorm new concepts, leading to the launch of Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge last fall.

Herschend Family Entertainment operates several popular attractions in the Midwest, including Silver Dollar City, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Showboat Branson Belle, Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay, and Pink Jeep Tours.

The last year has been eventful for both the staff and enthusiasts of Silver Dollar City. In March, the park introduced the new Fire In The Hole roller coaster, and next year, it will launch a new spring festival.