The owners of a Dolly Parton-inspired amusement park have reached a deal to buy a property in Idaho that’s described as the largest theme and water park in the Pacific Northwest.
Herschend Family Entertainment agreed to purchase the Silverwood theme park in Athol from the Norton family, according to a statement. Financial terms and an estimated closing date were not identified. A 372-acre property in tax records for Kootenai County that is consistent with the location of the Silverwood theme park has a net taxable value of $48.2 million this year, according to public documents.
The sale agreement comes as Six Flags Entertainment, the largest theme park operator in North America, struggles with weakening demand. Six Flags recently closed a 50-year-old theme park in Bowie, Maryland, and has said it plans to close California’s Great America theme park in Santa Clara after the 2027 season.
The Norton family opened Silverwood in 1988. The park, situated on U.S. Highway 95 about 45 miles northeast of Spokane, Washington, includes seven roller coasters, a carousel, a Ferris wheel and rides for young children. The park is home to more than 70 rides and attractions, including Boulder Beach Water Park.
“Silverwood has been our family’s life’s work for more than three decades,” Paul Norton, chief operating officer, said in a statement. “When the time came to pass the torch, Herschend was the only choice.”
Herschend, based in Atlanta, owns seven theme parks and aquariums in the United States, including Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri; and Kennywood near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.