5 Best 417-land Rides

Learn where to get stomach-dropping and skin-drenching thrills this summer.

It’s time to pack up the mini-van and head out on a summertime adventure. The good news: as gas prices approach $4 a gallon, you won’t have to travel far to get a true thrill-ride experience. With Silver Dollar City, Celebration City, White Water and the Ozark Empire Fair all located within 417-land, you are sure to find a thrill without having to spend a fortune. Not into rides that twist and turn? Don’t worry. Our list has all members of the family in mind.

Best Old-School Ride:

Fire in the Hole, Silver Dollar City

Opened in 1972, Fire in the Hole is a classic. Ask anyone who has ever been to Silver Dollar City, and they have a Fire in the Hole story. “Fire in the Hole was before research, e-mails and focus groups,” says Lisa Rau, director of public relations for Silver Dollar City Attractions. “Customers love Fire in the Hole. There is an emotional connection to it.”

Themed on the actual burning of the city of Marmaros (where Silver Dollar City now sits) by the Baldknobbers, this classic coaster has drops and turns, just not the kind that will make you dizzy. This ride is more about watching the low-tech burning city scene that hasn’t changed since Nixon was in the White House. You are a true 417-lander if you know what we mean when we say “I ain’t got no pants no more. The dang Baldknobbers stole ’em.”

Best Family-Friendly Ride:

Rain Tree Island, White Water

Opened in 2000, this “ride” has more than 60 water elements and can accommodate 800 guests. Rau knows why Rain Tree Island is a 417 best ride. “There is one way in, and one way out,” she says. This set-up allows the whole family to explore and have fun without having to worry about safety.

The 20,000-square-foot “island” contains slides, walkways, shooting water and a surprise from the sky. A 700-gallon bucket of water looms over the island (and of course, dumps its contents) allowing kids of all ages to get soaked—safely, of course. “It’s all about anticipation,” Rau says.

Best Ride for Those Who Don’t Like Rides:

The Century Wheel, Ozark Empire Fair

One staple found at carnivals around the world is the Ferris wheel. First appearing at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, the big wheel was built to rival the Eiffel Tower. Now, generations later, the Ferris wheel is still the calmest way to ride. Reithoffer Shows Midway, the carnival ride company outfitting this year’s Ozark Empire Fair, will bring its version, The Century Wheel, to town July 25 through August 3. We suggest cuddling up and enjoying the views of Springfield from the highest seat at the fair. No strong stomach required.

Best Roller Coaster:

WildFire, Silver Dollar City

According to Rau, this multi-looping coaster was built by the “Rolls Royce” of coaster manufacturers, Bolliger and Mabillard Consulting Engineers (more commonly known as B&M). We love WildFire for its unexpected surroundings. Nothing takes our breath away more than shooting through trees and the Ozark hills at 66 miles per hour, or a 15-story drop down a mountainside.

Rau believes one key to a good ride is its theme. WildFire is based on “an Ozarkian inventor with an obsession to create a high-flying speed machine.”

Best Water Ride:

Roaring Falls, Celebration City

Opened in April 2008, this is the newest ride on our list. Again, theme plays a large role in this multi-million dollar adventure ride. “We take guests through an Amazon-themed adventure then send them on a five story splash-down,” Rau explains. “We really listened to our customers on this one. They wanted a second big ride at Celebration City.” And they delivered. The 55-degree angle drop delivers an epic splash sending water 60 feet in the air. Warning: If you don’t want to get wet, don’t stand too close.