The Flooded Mine in Silver Dollar City Is Absolute Chaos in the Best Way Possible

There are theme park rides you enjoy, and then there are theme park rides that live rent-free in your brain for decades. The Flooded Mine at Silver Dollar City is firmly the latter. 

It’s part boat ride, part shoot-‘em-up challenge, part fever dream, and 100% the reason your kids will still be talking about Branson on the drive home.

The Flooded Mine Silver Dollar City experience isn’t flashy or high-tech. That’s kind of the point.

Picture creaky wooden beams, flickering lanterns, and convicts yelling about escape plans as you float past in a little canoe that definitely doesn’t feel OSHA-certified. 

It’s equal parts Wild West drama and family-friendly chaos, with a laser blaster thrown in for good measure. Basically, it’s like Pirates of the Caribbean met a water pistol and said, “Hold my moonshine.”

But First, Buy Your Silver Dollar City Tickets

Planning a day at Silver Dollar City and trying to score the best deal without spiraling into 17 open tabs? Same.

You can grab Silver Dollar City tickets on Tripster for some of the lowest online prices available, which means more money left over for cinnamon bread and theme park snacks that are absolutely not optional!

Want to make things even easier on Future You? Bundle your tickets with a nearby hotel stay for one streamlined price, or pair them with other Branson attractions to stretch your budget further.

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Less planning stress, more time riding coasters, watching craftsmen work their magic, and soaking up that old-school Ozarks charm.

Quick Reference Guide

Height Requirement: 48 inches

Best For: Families

Thrill Level: 3/10

TimeSaver Eligible: Yes

Location: Valley Road

What You Need to Know Before You Climb Into That Ore Cart

Not every theme park ride requires sunscreen and a pep talk. The Flooded Mine at Silver Dollar City is air-conditioned, indoors, and fully interactive.

It’s the kind of attraction where grandparents, toddlers, and competitive uncles can all ride together, and still walk off debating who won.

It’s a fully themed, story-driven shooting game set inside a collapsing 1880s prison mine. You’re not just floating through it. You’re helping stop a full-on jailbreak.

Ride Type: Indoor, Interactive, and Float-Through

The Flooded Mine is a dark ride, meaning it takes place indoors with dramatic lighting and immersive sets.

Themed as a flooded county prison mine, it features a slow-moving ore cart that floats along a water channel.

Unlike passive dark rides, this one includes mounted light guns at each seat.

Guests use them to shoot at electronic targets throughout the attraction. It’s equal parts arcade game and scenic boat ride without any actual thrill elements like drops or spinning.

Riders sit side-by-side in a shared ore cart with bench seating and seatbacks. There’s no lap bar, no harness. It’s designed to be comfortable, calm, and accessible.

Because it’s water-based, the motion is smooth. There’s a slight current, but nothing jarring. Think of it as a lazy river with laser pistols and prisoners yelling in the background.

The Experience: Chaos, Targets, and Old West Atmosphere

As the ore cart floats forward, scenes unfold with animatronic prisoners, crumbling walls, and pumping water stations.

You pass through tunnels and shafts while aiming your light gun at blinking targets that trigger sound and movement effects.

You won’t get wet, but the ride simulates flooding through clever lighting, water effects, and props. The water is part of the setting, not a splash element.

The sets are packed with detail: dynamite charges, swinging lamps, and animated inmates shouting about digging out.

When you hit a bullseye, you might set off a jackhammer or make a convict fall backward. Each target earns points, tracked digitally at your seat.

The storyline is simple but effective: you’re helping the warden stop an escape. The sets progress through different mine areas, from tool rooms to guard stations, each adding to the sense of urgency.

Sound design heightens the atmosphere with simulated explosions, echoing voices, and industrial noise.

It’s not quiet, but it’s not overwhelming for younger riders. Most kids treat it like a game, not a haunted house.

Duration: A Tight, Satisfying Six Minutes

The full ride lasts around six minutes from boarding to exit. That includes several distinct scenes with shifting environments, new targets, and light storytelling. 

And because the pace is slow and even, nothing feels rushed or skimmed over here. Families have enough time to enjoy the sets, take photos, and compete for high scores, without feeling like it drags.

Speaking of the score display, it resets with each ride, which means there’s a built-in reason to do it again. (And again. And again.)

Location: Hidden in Plain Sight (Near Giant Swing and Riverfront Shops)

The Flooded Mine is located in the Valley Road area of Silver Dollar City, tucked near some of the park’s most walkable attractions. 

You’ll find it just across from the Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train and steps from the Giant Swing—which means one child can blast glowing bullseyes while another launches 45 feet in the air.

Parenting is all about balance.

The ride also sits between the Riverfront Playhouse and the Homestead Ridge path, making it a great midpoint stop between high-energy thrill rides and slower-paced craft areas.

It’s also within easy strolling distance of the Wilderness Church, several food spots, and shaded benches if your group needs a break.

Accessibility: The Perfect Ride For Just About Anyone

There is a posted height requirement of 48 inches, so smaller children may need to sit this one out.

That said, the seats are roomy, the boarding area is well-managed, and the light guns are mounted within easy reach for most guests.

Guests with mobility concerns will find designated boarding accommodations, and the entrance has enough space for strollers or wheelchairs.

Silver Dollar City staff are stationed nearby and ready to assist with loading.

Operating Hours: When To Catch a Ride

The Flooded Mine operates daily during regular Silver Dollar City hours, which vary by season and day. 

Most days, that means open by mid-morning and running until park closes, but exact times shift with festivals, holidays, and weather.

The ride may also temporarily close if lightning is detected within 10 miles of the park. Safety specialists monitor conditions in real time, and operations resume after at least 15 minutes without a strike. 

The Flooded Mine High Score Strategies: Aim With Intention, Not Vibes

The Flooded Mine might look like another relaxed river float, but don’t be fooled. This is an old-school shootout dressed in animatronics and damp lighting.

Scoring high takes more than just enthusiasm. This is your guide to riding smarter, not harder. Use these tips to get the most out of your six-minute float through chaos.

Use a Two-Handed Grip

Holding it with both hands gives you better aim and less shake. Especially during scenes where targets are farther back, that extra control can mean the difference between a miss and a bell-ringing hit.

Stabilizing the gun also helps younger riders who may struggle to keep it steady with one hand. Everyone in the boat will thank you if your shots actually land where they’re supposed to.

Fire Fast, Fire Often

Don’t wait for the perfect shot. Use two fingers on the trigger for rapid-fire bursts, especially once you’ve confirmed your aim is landing hits.

The faster you shoot, the more chances you have to score—even if every shot isn’t perfect.

This is about volume. Hit early, hit often, and don’t let a single convict slip by without at least trying to take them down.

Pick a Side and Commit

Scanning left to right the entire ride wastes valuable seconds. Choose either the left or right side of the boat, and focus your firepower there.

You’ll maintain a rhythm and won’t miss closer targets while swiveling to reach distant ones.

Stick with that side for the entire ride to avoid double-aiming or crossing over with another rider’s line of sight.

Don’t Chase High Point Targets

Point values vary, and according to park staff, they sometimes change. Chasing “better” targets can actually lower your score if you miss more often. Aim for consistency instead.

You’ll score higher by hitting more mid-value targets than by missing half your shots at the flashy ones. If it blinks, shoot it. If it moves, shoot it again.

Listen for Feedback

Confirmation sounds—bells, whistles, sudden movements—tell you when you’ve landed a shot.

Start tracking which targets give you instant feedback and aim for those more often. It’s a quick way to know what’s working and adjust in real time.

The ride is noisy, but these effects cut through. If you don’t hear or see anything happen, you probably missed.

How To Make the Most of Your Time in the Mines

This ride isn’t just about scoring. It’s one of the smartest ways to outmaneuver crowds, cool off, and sneak in a breather between coasters. Here’s how to make it work for your day—not just your score.

Go During Peak Times – Yes, Really

Most guests head straight for the coasters. That’s your chance. The Flooded Mine rarely has long lines, even during the busiest part of the day.

Midday, when the sun is brutal and lines are longest elsewhere, is a great time to ride.

Because it’s a fast-loading attraction, even short waits move quickly. You’ll be in and out while others are still halfway through the Time Traveler queue.

Indoor = Instant Relief

This is one of the few Silver Dollar City attractions that’s fully enclosed. That means no sun, no rain, no windblown turkey leg napkins flying into your face mid-ride.

If you need to cool off, regroup, or just stop sweating for six minutes, this is the move. No ponchos required.

Keep Phones Secure and Stay Focused

While it’s tempting to capture every blinking light and chaotic inmate moment, this ride’s not ideal for multitasking. 

The motion is gentle, but you’ll need both hands to aim your light gun and keep pace with the action. If you’re trying to film and shoot at the same time, you’re probably doing neither well.

If you want a photo, grab one at the entrance or while waiting in line. Once you’re in the boat, focus on gameplay. You’ll get more out of the ride—and avoid losing a phone to the water channel.

Follow the Rules (So You Don’t Get the Whole Boat Stuck)

It may not look dangerous, but this ride stops instantly if someone stands, switches seats, or leans out. 

Don’t be that person. If a child needs help with their gun, assist them from your seat, don’t try to reach across the cart.

Staff are watching, and they will pause the ride if it looks unsafe. That ruins it for everyone, including you.

Ride Again for a Better Score

Once you’ve done one full run, you’ll know which scenes have the best clusters of targets and what to listen for. 

The second ride is usually the sweet spot for high scorers—now that you’re not distracted by talking animatronics and moving backgrounds. And yes, it’s fun to beat your own score. 

Plan Your Silver Dollar City Adventure with Tripster

You’ve got the insider scoop on The Flooded Mine, now make the rest of your trip just as epic.

Tripster makes it easy to skip the guesswork and dive straight into Branson’s best attractions, from thrill rides to scenic train tours and everything in between.

Need a place to crash after chasing escaped convicts through a flooding mine? Our curated hotels are family-tested, centrally located, and come without the sticker shock. 

Whether you want cozy and quiet or splashy and kid-friendly, the options are laid out and ready to book.

Don’t stop at one ride. With us, you can bundle shows, tickets, and lodging into flexible packages that fit your crew’s schedule, and your budget. 

Plus, with exclusive deals, you’ll spend less time planning and more time floating, laughing, and yelling “I got that one!” like it actually matters (because it does).

The Flooded Mine FAQs