Silver Dome Ballroom

**AtlasObscura** · January 24, 2019, 3:59pm

Welcome to the Atlas Obscura Community discussion of Silver Dome Ballroom in Neillsville, Wisconsin. Ask questions or share travel tips, experiences, pictures, or general comments with the community. For the story behind this place, check out the Atlas Obscura entry:

**lewbryson** · January 24, 2019, 4:00pm

Cool building, but…what is it about the dance floor that makes it unique? Why did they call it the “floating dance floor”? Really curious!

**jacs** · January 24, 2019, 4:33pm

Looks like the writer missed a great opportunity. Theres loads more info here:

**carl_in_boston** · January 24, 2019, 5:09pm

(see Sprung floor - Wikipedia). Apparently not uncommon, should have been addressed in the article!

**blained** · January 24, 2019, 5:19pm

Not only did they not discuss it, there wasn’t even a photo of the interior! Very disappointing. Thanks jacs for the link to a more detailed article!

**jtscomm21** · January 24, 2019, 6:07pm

There is a hotel with a floating lobby(?) I forget the details but people love to dance there. Can anyone write an article about a modern floater?

**carlsont** · January 24, 2019, 6:10pm

Yes their web site not only describes the floating floor, but also the unique Lamella truss, which is very cool indeed. Suggested adding details about both the floor and dome along with pictures. Here is a web page with some history of the truss system.

**Nerophiliac** · January 24, 2019, 6:45pm

Thanks jacs and carlsont. I was pretty confused about why this info wasn’t included in the article.

**k8zt73** · January 24, 2019, 6:53pm

form website http://silverdomeballroom.net/about : "Another most remarkable feature of the Silver Dome’s construction is that the ballroom rests on dozens of concrete piers which hold the entire structure about a foot off the ground. This design not only allows sufficient airflow to prevent the floor beams, flooring and other foundation materials from rotting, it also provides such “give” to the dance floor that dancers report being able to dance for hours without discomfort as compared to other, less-forgiving dance floors. Area dancers describe it as a “floating” dance floor.

**CassEdwoods** · January 24, 2019, 7:23pm

NEILLSVILLE, WISCONSIN](https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/silverdome-ballroom)

‘Floating Dance Floor’

There is a restaurant in Victoria BC Canada that also has a ‘floating dance floor’. McMorran’s Restaurant was built in the early to mid 1900’s. It was THE place to go for dancing as the floating floor meant that you were less tired after dancing the night away. While the restaurant has a new name (The Beach House Restaurant) and is an event venue, I believe they still have the dance floor.

**EricGrundhauser** · January 24, 2019, 7:23pm

Hey @CassEdwoods! It looks like your comment was meant for the Floating Dance Floor place discussion. I’m going to move it over there now.

**EricGrundhauser** · January 24, 2019, 7:45pm

Thank you all for the clarifications and great insights! I’m sorry this place page fell short. Just a reminder that if you ever find one of our Place pages that you think could be improved, you can always submit an edit by clicking the “Suggest an Edit” button below the page titles. In any event, thank you again!

**CassEdwoods** · January 24, 2019, 8:10pm

Thanks, Eric. Yes, it was meant to go there, but I didn’t find any other route. Can
you tell me how, for future reference, please?

Caroline

**EricGrundhauser** · January 24, 2019, 8:17pm

Sure thing! You can join a specific conversation about any of our Place or Food listings by clicking into that discussion through the box at the bottom of each entry page. I hope that helps!

**lewbryson** · February 17, 2019, 7:00pm

Thanks, jacs! Fascinating details, and the truss information is a bonus!