Silver Dollar City will mark America’s 250th birthday in 2026 with free season passes for all active-duty U.S. military. The program is made possible through a partnership with Arvest Bank.
“For generations, Silver Dollar City has honored the values that make our country special — faith, family and freedom,” said Brad Thomas, president of Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts. “There’s no better way to celebrate America’s 250th than by welcoming our nation’s heroes to a season of celebration.”
Arvest Bank has been a sponsor of Silver Dollar City since 2021 and expanded its partnership this year to support Hero Appreciation Days and the military season pass program.
“As a community-focused bank with deep Ozarks roots, it’s an honor to give back in this meaningful way,” said Jason England, president of Arvest Bank’s Springfield region. “We’re proud to stand alongside Silver Dollar City to honor our heroes and thank them for their dedication and the personal sacrifices they make every day.”
The 2026 season will feature patriotic programming throughout the park, including:
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Kickoff Concert (May 9): Echo Hollow will host The Presleys, The Petersons, Clay Cooper & his Band, The Haygoods, and Mike Patrick of Grand Country Music Hall.
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Spectacular Evenings: Fireworks and drone shows celebrating America in the Ozarks.
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Patriotic Plates: Holiday-themed food and drink, including a custom Coca-Cola flavor created exclusively for Silver Dollar City.
Artist redention of the new Silver Dollar City Resort currently under construction. The resort will be the first themed of its kind in the region.
New resort takes shape
Construction is “full steam ahead” on Silver Dollar City’s resort, with crews reaching the third floor of the six-story property.
The crews also have poured more than 3,500 cubic yards of concrete and moved 400,000 cubic yards of earth and rock in the past year.
“From sunup to sundown, our teams are building a whole new way for families to stay and play in the Ozarks,” Thomas said. “This resort will be as authentic to our heritage as it is forward-looking for future generations.”
About 150 workers are currently on site building the new Silver Dollar City Resort, located near Silver Dollar City.
The resort will include:
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262 rooms, including family suites with bunk beds
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A full-service restaurant
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17,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space
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Door-to-door transportation to Silver Dollar City
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Fresh-baked Silver Dollar City cinnamon bread delivered to guest rooms
The design features a lobby with stonework and lantern lighting, a four-story window overlooking the Ozark Mountains and Table Rock Lake, as well as outdoor areas with fire pits, walking trails, grottos and a pool.
Construction is ongoing, with the project slated to become the region’s first theme park resort.
“This resort will be a place where families can truly slow down, connect, and create memories — a place with the same spirit of playfulness, discovery, craftsmanship and exploration guests already love about Silver Dollar City,” Thomas said.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Silver Dollar City, Arvest Bank honor U.S. military with season passes
