Dollywood

State: Tennessee. Type: theme park in Pigeon Forge, Sevier County, near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Jointly owned by Dolly Parton Productions and Herschend Entertainment (Herschend operates it day-to-day). Covers 168 acres; roughly 3.8 million visitors annually, making it Tennessee's largest ticketed attraction. Opened as Rebel Railroad in July 1961; renamed Goldrush Junction (1964), Goldrush (1975), Silver Dollar City (1977), then Dollywood in May 1986 after Dolly Parton's involvement. Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.

Dollywood is a large theme park on the edge of Pigeon Forge, built around the history and heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains and the persona of its namesake, entertainer Dolly Parton. The site has passed through several identities since it first opened in July 1961 as Rebel Railroad, becoming Goldrush Junction, then Goldrush, then Silver Dollar City, before Dolly Parton took an ownership stake and the park was rebranded Dollywood in 1986. It is now co-owned by Dolly Parton Productions and Herschend Entertainment, with Herschend managing daily operations. Spread across 168 acres, the park mixes Appalachian craft demonstrations and music entertainment with a substantial roster of thrill rides, including 10 roller coasters, among them Lightning Rod, billed as the world's first launched wooden coaster, and Wild Eagle, described as America's first wing coaster. Dollywood anchors a wider resort complex that also includes the Splash Country water park, the DreamMore Resort and Spa, and Dolly Parton's Stampede dinner attraction. With around 3.8 million visitors a year, it is Tennessee's largest ticketed attraction and a central draw for the Pigeon Forge-Gatlinburg tourism corridor.

Dollywood is located at 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in Sevier County, within the Knoxville metropolitan area and close to the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The park sits in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, sharing Sevier County's humid subtropical climate: hot, humid summers and cool, wetter winters. Indoor shows and some ride queues offer shelter, but much of the park is outdoors, so summer heat and occasional afternoon storms are a factor for visitors.

Spring and fall generally bring milder temperatures than the height of summer, and the park's own tiered date pricing (value, regular, peak) suggests weekdays outside summer and October are typically less crowded and cheaper than weekends, summer, and the October peak season.

The site opened in July 1961 as Rebel Railroad, built by the Robbins brothers around a small steam excursion railroad. It was renamed Goldrush Junction in 1964, simplified to Goldrush in 1975, and rebranded Silver Dollar City in 1977. Dolly Parton became a partner in the park, and it was renamed Dollywood in May 1986, blending her name with the mountain setting she grew up in nearby. Since then it has expanded steadily, adding roller coasters, shows and the surrounding resort properties (Splash Country, DreamMore Resort and Spa, and the Stampede dinner attraction), while retaining its original focus on Appalachian craft and music heritage.

The park offers 50 rides and attractions in total, including 10 roller coasters and 2 water rides. Signature coasters include Lightning Rod, billed as the world's first launched wooden coaster, and Wild Eagle, described as America's first wing coaster. Beyond thrill rides, Dollywood features live music and craft demonstrations reflecting Appalachian and Smoky Mountain heritage, seasonal festivals, and family-oriented shows throughout the year.

Within the wider complex, visitors can also access Dollywood's Splash Country water park (35 acres) on a separate or combined ticket, and nearby, though separately ticketed, Dolly Parton's Stampede dinner attraction (5 acres) and the DreamMore Resort and Spa (20 acres).

Dollywood sits in Pigeon Forge, reached most commonly by driving; the nearest major commercial airport is McGhee Tyson Airport near Knoxville, with a drive of under an hour to Pigeon Forge. Local trolley services also connect Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg to the park area for visitors without a car.

Operating hours vary by season and are published on Dollywood's official online calendar (dollywood.com/Calendar); as of research, exact daily hours for a given date must be checked there rather than assumed, since the park does not run identical hours year-round.

As of the 2026 season, single-day theme park tickets started at $94.99 (Pick-A-Day) or $99.99 (Good-Any-Day) for adults, with child and senior discounts available; a combined Dollywood-plus-Splash-Country two-park ticket started at $104.99-$109.99, and a Splash Country-only ticket started at $54.99-$59.99. Prices do not include tax and are subject to change; confirm current pricing on dollywood.com before booking.

A full day is generally needed to experience the major rides, shows and craft areas; visitors combining Dollywood with Splash Country often plan two days.

The on-site DreamMore Resort and Spa offers the most convenient stay directly within the Dollywood complex. Pigeon Forge itself has a large supply of hotels, cabins, chalets and condos of varying price points within a short drive of the park entrance.

The park has extensive in-park dining reflecting Southern and Appalachian comfort food, alongside quick-service options. Pigeon Forge, just outside the park, offers a wide range of additional restaurants, including chain and independent dining along the main tourist corridor.

Dolly Parton's Stampede dinner attraction and Dollywood's Splash Country water park are both part of the same complex. Downtown Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, and the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, are all a short drive away.

McGhee Tyson Airport, near Knoxville, is the closest major commercial airport; from there, most visitors drive or use a rental car to reach Pigeon Forge. Local trolley routes connect parts of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for visitors staying nearby without a car.

As with any large theme park, follow posted height, health and age restrictions on thrill rides, stay hydrated in summer heat, and keep track of children and belongings in crowded queue areas. For any emergency, dial 911; the park also has its own on-site first aid and guest services.

Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat for outdoor queues, a phone charger for a full day out, and a change of clothes or rain layer if planning to add Splash Country or if summer storms are likely.

Buying tickets online in advance and checking the official calendar for that day's operating hours can save time and avoid surprises. Arriving near opening helps beat both crowds and the worst of summer heat. Because pricing is tiered by date (value/regular/peak), visiting on a value or regular day, where possible, can reduce cost.

Dial 911 for any emergency. Dollywood's main visitor line is 1-800-DOLLYWOOD (1-800-365-5996).

Dollywood Parks & Resorts - https://www.dollywood.com

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This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.