Silverwood Theme Park is an amusement park located in northern Idaho, United States, near the town of Athol on highway US 95. Owner Gary Norton opened the park in June 1988 and originally included a few carnival rides, a main street with shops, and an authentic steam train that traveled in a 30-minute loop around the owner's property. One of the original steam train entertainers was a talented banjo player named Scott Reid, who developed much of the "patter" still used in today's steam train ride. Reid returned to Silverwood's entertainment line-up in summer 2009.
A popular attraction in the early days was the afternoon air show, featuring stunt planes and a glider. The owner's personal collection of antique airplanes was housed in a hanger that now is home to an ice show. Although the planes are now gone, people who wish to avoid the thrill rides can enjoy the ice show, a fabulous magic show by Nick Norton, and entertainers like Reid who perform at the Half Moon saloon.
As the years went by, Silverwood expanded by adding more rides and attractions, including Corkscrew, the first coaster that spun people upside down, from Knott's Berry Farm. In later years, the park's popularity soared with the opening of the popular Timber Terror (1996) and Tremors (1999) wooden roller coasters. In 2006, Silverwood introduced Panic Plunge - the 141 ft (43 m). drop tower.
For the 2008 season, Silverwood installed a relocated Giant Inverted Boomerang roller coaster renamed Aftershock. Garfield is the official mascot of Silverwood Theme Park.
In 2003, Boulder Beach, a 12-acre (49,000 m2) themed water park opened adjacent to Silverwood Theme Park. Boulder Beach shares its main gate with Silverwood, meaning that visitors to Silverwood also are admitted to Boulder Beach for one price. Boulder Beach includes various water slides, 2 wave pools, and a lazy river. The addition of the water park proved popular and turned Silverwood into a multiple-day destination.
As part of Tremors' tenth anniversary, Silverwood has announced plans to celebrate the anniversary, including videos on the park's website and events held to recognize the anniversary.
