Washington - Silverwood Theme Park
By Gareth Von Kallenbach
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Silverwood Theme Park | 
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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.
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