The original amusement park named Branson USA was opened on the same site in 1999. The park struggled in its early years and closed in 2001.
Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation purchased the park in 2002 with plans to redevelop and reopen it, The Branson Courier reported at a cost of over $40 million.
It was reopened as Celebration City in 2003, after a redesign and expansion. It was equipped with a laser, water, and fireworks show, a wooden roller coaster, and a brand new log flume ride in 2008.
On Friday October 24, 2008, Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation announced that the park would finish out its 2008 season and not return for 2009, due to unmet financial expectations.
It closed its doors for good on Saturday, October 25, 2008. Herschend continues to operate the nearby Silver Dollar City and White Water Branson attractions, and in announcing the closure, stated “…the company is already exploring various new development concepts for the site including an aquarium, other family attractions, re-theming the current park and also, destination retail and dining.”
