About
For an entertaining and immersive taste of Appalachian life, add Dollywood to your docket! This amusement park offers thrilling rides, live music, restaurants, and hands-on crafts. But before it was Dollywood, it was Rebel Railroad in 1961.
As a smaller attraction, this park featured a steam train, a general store, and a saloon to transport guests back to Civil War days. As it grew, the park's name changed to Goldrush Junction and then to Silver Dollar City.
Dolly Parton entered the scene in 1986 when she teamed up with the Herschend family. Together, they gave the park a new name, made it more engaging for families, and brought national attention to the Smoky Mountains.
When Dollywood opened, the turnout was so big that traffic stretched for miles! The focus honored the heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains, where guests can watch glassblowers, blacksmiths, and candle makers at work. These craftspeople keep mountain traditions going and give visitors a real sense of the region's history.
Dollywood spans more than 160 acres, with areas such as Craftsman's Valley, Wilderness Pass, and Country Fair. It's open year-round, from Christmas time's dazzling lights and rides, to the hot summer with water-inspired rides. No matter when you visit, you'll find something magical to experience.
Its proximity to other vacation areas and attractions makes planning a jam-packed itinerary easy. For instance, combine a day of adrenaline-inducing rides by including time at the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster. Or while some of your group tee off at nearby Gatlinburg Golf Course, the remaining members can explore Dollywood. The possibilities are endless!
Dollywood: Fun Facts & Cool Features
The smell of fresh cinnamon bread near the Grist Mill will tempt you to stop for a sample. Bakers turn out thousands of loaves daily, and the line of hungry guests winds down the street. Built in 1982, the Grist Mill is the first working mill to open in Tennessee in over a century. Be sure to buy stone-ground cornmeal to take home to enjoy this Smoky Mountain tradition.
When it comes to heart-racing rides, Dollywood has you covered! From age-appropriate rides like Busy Bee for young children, to the NightFlight Expedition ride for thrill seekers. The latter is available sometime in 2026 and is a one-of-a-kind nighttime ride featuring four experiences.
Eagle Mountain Sanctuary stands out for its commitment to wildlife conservation. Here, the largest collection of non-releasable bald eagles in the country lives in a hillside habitat that looks and feels like the wild. With care overseen by the American Eagle Foundation, the sanctuary is a reminder that a theme park can help protect animals.
Train fans have a lot to look forward to at Dollywood. The park uses two steam engines: Cinderella and Klondike Katie, which once hauled troops across Alaska during World War II. Today, these locomotives take you on a scenic five-mile ride through the foothills.
The Robert F. Thomas Chapel offers guests a place to pause and reflect amid all the excitement. Named for the doctor who delivered Dolly Parton, this chapel features wood pews and hosts Sunday services.
While there are restaurants and shops offering snacks, there are plenty of nearby eateries if you prefer a meal outside the park. The Old Mill Restaurant offers several restaurants in its historic setting, while the Sunliner Diner features a classic 1950s diner vibe.
As you can see, there's more to this park than thrilling rides. Families appreciate the mix of entertainment, from live shows to roller coasters built for all ages. Add the crafts, food, and music, and it becomes a must on any East Tennessee getaway.
Local Tips
- Save time with pre-purchase parking.
- When with children, visit the Ride Measuring Center near the entrance for a color-coded wristband.
- Download the official app to see wait times and show schedules.
- There are free water stations throughout, so bring water bottles.
- Turn left when entering the park to hit the biggest coasters with shorter lines.
