Spoiler Alert: YES.
Planning a long drive can feel overwhelming. With bathroom breaks and stopping for snacks- my commute from Eastern Idaho to Northern Idaho was over 8 hours! But when the destination is Silverwood Theme Park? The 8-hour commute was MORE than worth it.
My husband and I don’t have kids, but we drove from Idaho Falls to Silverwood with our old, blind, grumpy dog. Pit stops were frequent, bathroom breaks were necessary, and snacks were non-negotiable. Our drive there began after work at 5 PM. That meant driving in the dark. Less scenic, a bit tiring, and definitely a caffeine-fueled experience. But the return trip? Breathtaking. Sunlight lit up Lake Coeur d’Alene. Trees rolled out like a green carpet just for us to drive through. We even explored bits of Montana along the way. So yes, the drive there wasn’t easy. The drive back was scenic, but still long. Overall the real question is… was it worth it?
My answer is: Absolutely.
Let’s break down why Silverwood is 100% worth the road trip with four of my biggest takeaways.
- The Drive There Can Be Part of the Fun!
Turn your journey into an adventure- especially if you’re traveling during daylight hours.
Insider Tips:
- If possible, plan your drive during the day. Idaho and surrounding states have hidden gems you’ll miss in the dark!
- Pack your favorite car snacks and drinks. This helps keep everyone happy and gives you something to look forward to for each leg of the drive.
- Be open to pit stops. Cute ice cream shops and roadside sites make for great memories. You can plan ahead your pit stops or just be open to stopping when nature calls (literally!).
- Park Highlights Will Justify Every Mile!
Silverwood isn’t your average amusement park—it blends nostalgia with thrills. If your schedule allows, you’ll want to spend multiple days here!
My Top Picks in the Amusement Park:
- Aftershock & Stunt Pilot: Heart-racing roller coasters you’ll want to ride over and over.
- Silverwood Central Railway train ride: Includes an entertaining live-action show and a glimpse of each section of both parks.
- Old-timey shops: Great for gifts, souvenirs, and quirky finds.
My Top Picks in the Water Park:
- Wave pools and the lazy river: Perfect for cooling off and relaxing (especially after a long travel day or a day of non-stop fun in the amusement park).
- Water slides and splash zones (like the new Salmon Run): Fun for all ages, especially the kiddos.
- Lounge Chairs: Hundreds of lounge chairs are available for you to kick back, relax, and enjoy the waterpark’s overhead music.
Insider Tips:
- Go for at two to three days. One day just isn’t enough to soak up all the fun- especially when you are traveling from a long distance away. Take time to enjoy both the amusement park and the water park separately if possible.
- Check showtimes. Live entertainment can be found throughout the park. You might not be able to attend every show but try to prioritize one or two. These shows are part of what makes Silverwood so unique!
- Arrive early. You’ll beat the crowds. Ride your favorite rides first if prioritizing the theme park or grab a coveted location of lounging chairs at the water park- either way, the early bird will get the worm!
- Food Finds Will Surprise & Delight!
Typically theme park food can be “meh…” but Silverwood serves up an actual mouth-watering experience with their top-quality foods and treats.
Must-Try Eats:
- Hand-dipped corn dogs: Crispy, golden, perfect.
- Loaded fries: Huge portions, and easy to share.
- Ice cream: Whether soft served or freshly scooped, it is worth every calorie.
Insider Tips:
- Skip the cash. Silverwood is cashless but you can get a cash band if you don’t want to bring your card, or use Apple Pay.
- Eat during off-hours. Grab lunch right at noon or wait until after 3 PM to avoid the lines.
- Splurge at least once or twice. Their sit-down dining options are a great way to relax and enjoy a full meal together.
- Many Hidden Treasures to Enjoy!
Silverwood rewards the curious. Take time to explore beyond the rides.
Insider Tips:
- The Engineers roaming the park. Cute photo ops, especially for kids! We spotted Ranger Rosie handing out “Junior Ranger” stickers after the train ride.
- Quiet benches and grass patches. Recharge at any point in the day by finding a patch of grass or a bench set aside specifically for you to relax and take a load off.
- Carnival games and arcade. We didn’t discover the games and arcade until our trip was almost over-, and we regret it! There were fun opportunities to win a souvenir, and the arcade was a great spot to enjoy the air conditioning without missing out on the fun.
Final Thoughts: Silverwood Is SO Worth It
An 8-hour drive might sound wild- especially with kids or pets- but Silverwood makes every minute count. With its blend of thrilling rides, charming shops, great food, and gorgeous views, it’s a trip you’ll talk about for years to come! You don’t just visit Silverwood. You experience it and all of its surrounding beauty.
Pack the snacks. Charge your phone. Map your pit stops. Silverwood’s calling!
MEET YOUR CONDUCTOR
Hey y’all! I’m “Just Jessica Emry”! I’m a fun-loving, thrill-seeking extravert. I was born and raised in SE Idaho, and although I work as a full-time bookkeeper (BORING!) my joy comes from creating content on social media and providing product reviews and supporting small and local businesses. My sweet husband and I are on an infertility journey but proudly accept the titles of “Favorite Aunt and Uncle” on both sides of the extended family! We are, however, proud parents of a very old dog and a very antisocial fish in Idaho Falls.
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