Time Traveler spins at 50.3 mph (81.0 km/h) on a 3,020 ft (920 m) track with a 90 ft (27 m) drop and 3 inversions.
Time Traveler spins at 50.3 mph (81.0 km/h)
That’s one seriously fast ride. Located at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, this spinning coaster doesn’t mess around—it hits 50.3 mph in just a few seconds.
Time Traveler is the fastest and tallest spinning coaster in the world as of 2026
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains along the White River, Silver Dollar City sits about 120 miles south of Springfield. The park draws over 2.3 million visitors a year, thanks in part to its stunning mountain backdrop and family-friendly attractions. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Branson’s population was approximately 12,600 in 2024, with tourism driving much of the local economy.
The ride features a 90 ft (27 m) drop, 3,020 ft (920 m) of track, and 3 inversions
| Feature |
Measurement |
Specification |
| Drop Height |
90 ft (27 m) |
Vertical descent from peak |
| Track Length |
3,020 ft (920 m) |
Total ride length |
| Top Speed |
50.3 mph (81.0 km/h) |
Maximum velocity |
| Inversions |
3 |
Including vertical loop |
| Height Requirement |
4 ft 3 in (1.30 m) |
Minimum rider height |
| Duration |
2 minutes 18 seconds |
Average ride time |
| Open Date |
March 14, 2018 |
Inaugural launch |
Time Traveler’s 2018 debut brought three inversions to the spinning track—more than any other ride of its kind at the time
Here’s the thing: most spinning coasters don’t flip you upside down. Time Traveler changed that. Its vertical loop reaches 95 feet, giving riders that classic “whoa” moment of weightlessness. According to Silver Dollar City, the coaster cost $26 million to build and uses linear induction motors for its two launches. The design team even worked with dynamic simulation experts to make sure riders stayed safe during those high-speed flips. The Association of Science and Technology Centers notes that such engineering feats rely on precise physics modeling to ensure both thrill and safety.
Branson has been a tourism hotspot since the 1950s, when country music stars like Dolly Parton started performing there
Parton herself didn’t create Silver Dollar City—it’s run by Herschend Family Entertainment—but her influence helped turn Branson into the family-friendly entertainment hub it is today. (Honestly, you can’t talk about Branson without mentioning her.) The Branson Convention & Visitors Bureau reports that the city hosts over 8 million visitors annually, many drawn by live music and outdoor recreation.
Time Traveler operates seasonally from mid-March through late December
If you want to ride without a massive wait, get there before 9:30 AM on weekends—especially in summer when lines can stretch past 90 minutes. You’ll need to be at least 4 ft 3 in (1.30 m) tall, and if you’ve got heart issues or back problems, check with a doctor first. Fast Lane passes are available if you’d rather skip the standby line.
Getting there is easy: Silver Dollar City is right off U.S. Route 65, with free parking and hotel shuttles. The park also offers accessible entrances and sensory-friendly ride hours on certain days, following guidelines from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Time Traveler is the centerpiece of Silver Dollar City
Tucked into the Ozark Mountains along the White River, the park sits about 120 miles south of Springfield. Over 2.3 million visitors swing by each year, thanks to those gorgeous mountain views and family-friendly rides.
Time Traveler features a 90 ft (27 m) drop, 3,020 ft (920 m) of track
| Feature |
Measurement |
Specification |
| Drop Height |
90 ft (27 m) |
Vertical descent from peak |
| Track Length |
3,020 ft (920 m) |
Total ride length |
| Top Speed |
50.3 mph (81.0 km/h) |
Maximum velocity |
| Inversions |
3 |
Including vertical loop |
| Height Requirement |
4 ft 3 in (1.30 m) |
Minimum rider height |
| Duration |
2 minutes 18 seconds |
Average ride time |
| Open Date |
March 14, 2018 |
Inaugural launch |
Time Traveler’s 2018 debut brought three inversions to the spinning track
Here’s the thing: most spinning coasters don’t flip you upside down. Time Traveler changed that. Its 95-foot vertical loop delivers that classic “whoa” moment of weightlessness. According to Silver Dollar City, the coaster cost $26 million to build and uses linear induction motors for its two launches. The design team even worked with dynamic simulation experts to keep riders safe during those high-speed flips.
Branson has been a tourism hotspot since the 1950s
Parton didn’t start Silver Dollar City—it’s run by Herschend Family Entertainment—but her influence helped turn Branson into the family-friendly entertainment hub it is today. Britannica notes that the city’s music and theme park scene still draws millions every year.
Does Time Traveler go upside down?
Buckle up for the ride of a lifetime on the World’s Fastest, Steepest & Tallest Spinning Coaster. The $26 million Time Traveler® packs three inversions—the most ever on a spinning coaster, including a 95-foot vertical loop—and two launches that hurl riders to unprecedented speeds.
What is the fastest ride at Silver Dollar City?
Outlaw Run® holds the crown. This wood coaster reaches a blistering 68 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest in the world.
How many loops does Time Traveler have?
|
Time Traveler’s Promotional Art
|
Drop 90 feet
|
Top speed 50.3 mph
|
Length 3020 feet
|
Inversions
3
|
How tall do you have to be to ride Time Traveler?
You’ll need to be at least 4 ft 3 in tall to experience the thrills.
How fast is WildFire at Silver Dollar City?
WildFire is a high-flying, multi-looping beast that’ll leave you breathless! This coaster rockets up to 66 miles per hour, drops 15 stories, and includes five inversions—a full loop, cobra roll, corkscrew, and high-speed spiral.
How fast is the Time Traveler roller coaster?
Time Traveler clocks in at 50 mph, making it one of the fastest spinning coasters around.
How fast is Powder Keg?
Powder Keg hits 64 mph, delivering a wild ride with plenty of twists and turns.
When did Time Traveler open?
Time Traveler debuted in 2018, bringing record-breaking thrills to Silver Dollar City.
What is the steepest roller coaster in the world?
|
Rank Steepest drop Park
|
1st 121.5°
American Dream Meadowlands
|
2nd 121° Fuji-Q Highland
|
3rd 120.5° Warner Bros. Movie World
|
* 120° Happy Valley Tianjin
|
Does Dolly Parton own Silver Dollar City?
No. She owns a piece. She partners with Herschend Family Entertainment, the company behind the park. The Herschends started their entertainment business in the Ozarks back in the 50s and 60s.
What is the fastest wooden roller coaster in the world?
|
Rank
|
1
|
Name
|
Goliath
|
Park
|
Six Flags Great America
|
Country
|
United States
|
Speed
|
72 mph (116 km/h)
|
How many times does Time Traveler go upside down?
Time Traveler flips riders upside down three times during the ride.
What’s the fastest roller coaster in the United States?
In 2021, Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure Park in Jackson, New Jersey, held the title of fastest in the U.S., hitting a blistering 206 kilometers per hour.
How tall is Outlaw Run?
Outlaw Run stands 107 feet tall, with a 162-foot drop that’ll make your stomach drop too.
How many loops does Wildfire have?
|
Wildfire
|
Length 3,073 ft (937 m)
|
Speed 66 mph (106 km/h)
|
Inversions
5
|
Duration 2:16
|
How tall is the Powder Keg drop?
The Powder Keg’s drop towers 110 feet, setting the stage for a wild ride.
How fast is Outlaw Run?
Outlaw Run reaches 68 mph, making it one of the fastest wood coasters on the planet.
Does the Powder Keg go upside down?
The World’s Most Daring Wood Coaster features a 162-foot initial drop, three twists upside down, and a top speed of 68 miles per hour.
How many Gs is Powder Keg?
Powder Keg pushes riders to 3.9 Gs during its most intense moments.
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.