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Fall 2021

Barr provided channel and pump design, as well as mechanical design review, for Silver Dollar City’s new Mystic River Falls water ride. (Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City)

Water ride makes a splash at Branson theme park

September 30, 2021

In July, Mystic River Falls became the newest family attraction for the 2 million yearly guests who visit Silver Dollar City theme park near Branson, Missouri. The thrilling water raft ride is based on the 1800s legend of Silver Dollar City’s Marvel Cave, the Mystic River, and whitewater rafting expeditions through the rapids and over the thunderous falls.

Part of the park’s largest capital improvement project to date and coinciding with its 60^th anniversary, Mystic River Falls boasts a long and fast whitewater rafting experience, a raft-spinning elevated channel, and the highest drop in North America finishing with a huge splashdown.

In 2018 when Silver Dollar City decided to replace the 34-year-old Lost River of the Ozarks ride with what would become Mystic River Falls, it came back to Barr for assistance. Our multidisciplinary team of engineers and technical support personnel provided channel and pump station design as well as review of the ride’s innovative mechanical equipment design.

To help overcome travel restrictions and material delivery delays brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Barr helped Silver Dollar City and its European ride equipment vendor find additional U.S. companies capable of performing the fabrication, testing, and quality control measures.

Interested in learning more about our services for amusement park rides? Contact our team.

About the author

Al Fandrey serves as principal in charge, project manager, and project engineer for all phases of diverse hydraulic, water resources, and civil engineering. His experience includes leading the development, planning, and design of many water-based attractions and amusement rides.