Reviving Tradition: The Design Story Behind Silver Dollar City’s Iconic Attractions

Silver Dollar City, nestled in the picturesque Ozark Mountains is ranked as the #1 theme park in America and is known for its unique blend of thrilling rides, artisan crafts, and family-friendly entertainment. pb2 architecture + engineering has had the privilege of contributing to this enchanting world by designing several key structures, including the beloved restaurants Fried Fancies and Sadie’s Pretzel Cafe, as well as the furniture store Heartland Home Furnishings. Heartland Home Furnishings is a testament to American craftsmanship, showcasing furniture made using authentic late-1880s equipment. In this new, expanded facility visitors can watch as craftsmen create high-quality heirloom products, such as bedroom sets, desks, and cabinetry.

Our most notable project is the all new re-birth of the iconic ride, Fire in the Hole. As one of Silver Dollar City’s original attractions, Fire in the Hole has captivated guests since the early 1970s. Recently revitalized, this ride continues to offer unforgettable experiences to visitors of all ages. Jonathan Sproule, pb2 project architect, shares his insight into the impact of these projects:

“To me, I think the biggest impact of these types of projects is the bonding that takes place among multiple generations of families and friends. Every day, the park takes in anywhere from 14,000 – 18,000 different guests from all over. They talk about it on the way there, share some laughs and screams together, and then talk about it all the way home. It’s excitement that sticks with so many people for a long time then they do it all over again. For ‘Fire In The Hole’ that was originally built in the early 1970s, I’ve heard so many stories of grown adults that rode the original with their parents (including me) and now can share that same experience with their kids. As an architect, seeing so many people enjoy your work is the biggest reward.”

The architectural designs at Silver Dollar City play a crucial role in shaping the park’s attractions and enhancing its thematic elements. From the initial concept sketches and storylines to the final realization, pb2 architecture + engineering collaborates with a diverse team of specialists to create a cohesive and immersive experience. Sproule elaborates on this collaborative process:

“By the time we get started on the project, there are usually a handful of concept sketches, storyline, and ideas that were used to put a budget together and get the project approved. It’s at that point we have to start making it real and making it ‘work.’ In addition to your usual consultants you would typically have on a project, there are so many more talented folks that are brought in on these projects such as thematic designers, graphic designers, lighting designers, prop designers, the ride manufacturer, audio designers, construction crew, safety consultants, etc. It takes a little give and take from everybody to come up with something perfect. I usually tell people that ‘I just do the building,’ as basic as that sounds, but the building really comes to life as an experience with all of us.”

Designing attractions at Silver Dollar City presents unique challenges, including the park’s hilly terrain. Adjusting to these conditions requires innovative thinking and adaptability. Sproule describes the complexities encountered working on Fire in the Hole:

“All of these projects present a different set of challenges every time. One of the biggest ones is usually hilly terrain; there aren’t a lot of flat spots at this particular location. You can design a ride or roller coaster to any kind of terrain, but the adjacent building and infrastructure have to accommodate. The ‘Fire In The Hole’ ride presented a new kind of terrain challenge for me within the building. The ride itself is a 3-story floor plan that is a constant progression as you follow the ride path and track. It really took some thinking to portray this on paper. Working for this client in particular, I’m constantly challenged in a good way, as they are ‘outside of the box’ thinkers.”

Through these challenges and collaborations, our work at Silver Dollar City has become a testament to creative design and engineering excellence. We are proud to contribute to a legacy of family fun and adventure that spans generations. As Jonathan concludes, “As an architect, seeing so many people enjoy your work is the biggest reward.” We look forward to continuing our partnership with Silver Dollar City, crafting more memorable experiences for years to come.