Located near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho just outside Spokane, Washington, Silverwood Theme park is a true gem. It is a rarity of a regional theme park that has as much to offer as many of the more well know locales in California and the east coast.
The park was started out simply as a main street attraction that featured a very popular train ride on a historic engine that the owner of the park obtained when he outbid the Disney Corporation. Over the years the park has made the most of the 600+ acres it owns, and has currently developed over 200 acres to include 65 rides and attractions. The park offers something for everyone from the youngest riders to the more seasoned thrill seekers.
When guests first enter, they are presented with the amazing detail and architectural accuracy of a main street that offers everything from a coffee house in a built-to-scale Victorian style home to an old West saloon and theater which offers a glimpse of the past, as well as some great food and souvenirs at prices which are lower than one would expect to find at most theme parks.
The park offers a selection of rides for children and they vary from a carousel and mini coaster to a Ferris wheel and flying rides such as copters and planes.
The Country Carnival section of the park has some really enjoyable attractions for those seeking classics like Tilt a Whirl, Scrambler, Round Up, Paratrooper, and Ferris Wheels.
The bumper boats and Log Flume offer guests a chance to cool off as does the white water raft ride, Thunder Canyon. I have ridden many water rides in my life, but I have never been more soaked than the times I have ridden Thunder Canyon. If river itself was not enough, a well-timed water shot from a quest dropping a quarter into a soak cannon did the job.
During our time in the carnival zone, I enjoyed the Krazy Kars and had a great time chasing others around before slamming into them. The staff is friendly and very accomodating. Souvenir shops offering snacks, hats, sunscreen, shirts and bottled drinks quickly got our hands full, but the conveniently located and reasonably priced lockers near the gaming midway had more than enough room for all of our items with plenty to spare.
For guests wanting big thrills, the park offers some of the best thrill rides anywhere in Coaster Alley which is highlighted by the brand new coaster Aftershock which offers speeds of over 65 mph, a 177 feet drop and a dizzying cobra loop. Fans of wooden coasters will enjoy the out and back classic Timber Terror and the amazing Tremors which has been voted one of the ten best coasters in America, which is amazing considering the ride is just now celebrating its tenth year.The Timber Tremor drops riders over 100 ft at a speed of 60 miles an hour and features four underground tunnels. The classic Corkscrew, which was purchased and shipped from Knotts Berry Farm, and the thrilling Panic Plunge round out this very impressive section of rides.
The park is immaculate and the staff is very friendly and helpful. My wife and mother were amazed at the landscaping and beautiful flowers. The abundance of picnic and seating areas offer a very scenic locale to enjoy a meal or a much needed break from the excitement.
After going through the park, we took the train tour, and our guide, Steamer, offered up great points of interest and history of the park, which included a herd of buffalo and a train robbery where all money raised benefits a local charity.The park features several live shows including an illusionist and an ice skating show. During out lunch on Main Street we enjoyed a performer who impersonated a series of country artists like Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, and Shania Twain.
While this would be plenty for most parks, Silverwood has a water park named Boulder Beach available for guests and admission is included in the ticket price.Upon entering Boulder Beach, my wife commented that she would never look at our local water park the same way again after seeing this spectacular park.
From the numerous slides and two wave pools to the ability to rent a private cabana for the day, the park offers everything you will need to stay cool. One wave pool had large undulating waves, while the other one featured roaring white caps that invited boogie board action. The lazy river ride Elkhorn Creek was one of my favorites as it featured a bar where you could float up to and order an array of tropical drinks.
If thrills are what you have in mind, then rest assured, the parks speed slides will more than meet your expectations.For guests with younger children, Boulder Beach also offers Polliwog Park a splash and play area as well as areas perfect for wading.
Not only is Silverwood Theme Park as must see attraction for guests in the area, it is a very good destination resort for those looking to spend some time in Eastern Washington and Idaho. My only regret was that we did not have more time to enjoy the park, but we had a wonderful time, and look forward to covering the park in future visits.
Discount tickets can be purchased at most Costco stores as well as discounted tickets for children and seniors.
