“Silverwood will remain Silverwood” under the new ownership of Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation, the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, the companies announced Friday.

The acquisition, first revealed in November of last year, is complete. There will be no changes to 2026 season passes or pricing, according to Silverwood, and the 2026 season, which begins May 2, “will offer the same beloved experiences guests know and expect, including Night of the Stars, Coaster Classic and Scarywood.” 

“We’re the same park you know, now with long-term support from a company that shares our values and purpose,” Silverwood told guests in a social media post. 

Since its founding in 1988, three generations of the Norton family have operated Silverwood. 

The 400-acre property near Athol is the Northwest’s largest theme park, with more than 70 rides, attractions and shows, including Boulder Beach Water Park, and a seasonal workforce of more than 1,200 employees. Silverwood draws hundreds of thousands of guests annually from across the region. 

“Herschend was the only choice for us,” Paul Norton, Silverwood executive director, said in a news release Friday. “As a family business, they understand what it means to build something by hand, with your whole heart — and the deep responsibility that comes with serving families and communities. I trust them to carry our legacy forward with the same care and commitment my family has.”  

Herschend owns more than 40 family entertainment brands, including Dollywood Parks and Resorts, Silver Dollar City Parks and Resorts and the Harlem Globetrotters. 

“As a family-held company, we’re not driven by quarterly earnings or short-term trends,” said Chris Herschend, Herschend’s board chair. “We have the responsibility and privilege of thinking generationally. That long-term view guides how we invest in our people, our brands, and the communities we serve — which now includes the incredible Silverwood team and the guests who have cherished this property for nearly four decades.” 

Silverwood and the Norton family are known for philanthropic giving, including annual gifts to Canopy Village, a haven for children and families in crisis. 

A $100,000 donation to Canopy Village in December — including more $27,000 donated by guests on the Steam Engine No. 7 train robbery ride and additional funds contributed by Silverwood founders Gary and Jeanne Norton — brought the theme park’s lifetime support for the nonprofit to $1.4 million. 

Silverwood donated more than $38,000 to local food banks in November. The theme park contributed $4 from every general admission ticket and $1 from youth and senior tickets to the cause. 

According to Herschend and Silverwood, the theme park will continue to operate with its existing identity and team. 

“Silverwood is the result of decades of heart, vision and hands-on dedication,” said Andrew Wexler, CEO of Herschend. “The team has built more than a theme park — they’ve built a place that brings people together, creates joy and strengthens the community around it. Being entrusted with that legacy is an incredible honor, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our role is to shepherd what’s been built and support the team so Silverwood can continue creating memories — and thriving — for generations to come.”