How do you celebrate a theme park’s birthday? When it’s Dollywood, maybe with cinnamon bread and a 25-pound apple pie. Only those on park property today, July 16, will know for sure.
Dollywood officially became Dollywood on July 16, 1986. However, the property, located at 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, was a theme park for decades before the Herschends transformed it into Dollywood.
Rebel Railroad opened in 1961 and included a coal-powered steam train, which Dollywood still operates today. It also included a general store and a blacksmith shop – both of which the park still has. In 1970, Art Modell, who owned the Cleveland Browns, purchased the acreage and renamed it Goldrush Junction. In 1976, the Herschend family bought the park, incorporated Appalachian crafts and traditions, and called it Silver Dollar City. A decade later, Dolly Parton, a native of the area, joined as a partner. With her on board, the Herschends renamed Dollywood after Sevier County’s favorite daughter.
This year, Dollywood is marking its 40th anniversary.
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Dollywood: 40 Years of Memories
“I can’t believe that we’ve been making memories for folks here at my Dollywood for 40 years,” Parton said. “That’s a lot of laughter, hugs, and smiles, and I’m glad that we’ve been able to be part of it for so many years. When we opened Dollywood, the main thing I wanted to do was to give families a fun place where they could enjoy time spent together.”
In the last four decades, Dollywood has expanded to cover 165 acres near the Great Smoky Mountains. If you count the adjacent waterpark, Splash Country – that’s another 35. Dollywood boasts multiple high-tech rollercoasters, including the $25 million Big Bear Mountain and Wild Eagle, the first winged coaster in the United States that simulates flying like eagles.
The super smooth Big Bear hurls guests of all ages down nearly 4,000 feet of track on a family-friendly journey to find Big Bear. Dragonflier is a suspended family coaster that reaches speeds of up to 43 mph with a lift height of 63 feet. Guests will experience up to 3.5 positive G-forces on the coaster, which is classified as a moderate thrill attraction. Wild Eagle is America’s first wing coaster and sits 21 stories above Dollywood. Lightning Rod is a 1950s hot rod-themed coaster that carries riders more than 20 stories high before its first drop.
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USA Today readers voted Lightning Rod one of the Top 10 best roller coasters in the country. And that’s not even including Mystery Mine, FireChaser Express, Thunderhead, or Tennessee Tornado.
In addition, there are also high-flying rides, county fair attractions, pint-sized adventures for preschoolers, water rides, and more. There’s a country fair area with carnival games, just like a county fair. Wildwood Grove is tree-themed, with many rides situated to look like they’re in the trees or flying through the trees. Craftsman’s Valley still has craftsman at work pounding horseshoes, blowing glass, making hats, and more. The train and general store are located in the Village, and Jukebox Junction is situated near the Dolly museums, offering an assortment of throwback rides and experiences.
Since it’s summer and hot enough to cook an egg on the asphalt, the park’s water rides are popular destinations. Daredevil Falls and the Smoky Mountain River Rampage are at the top of the list. Weight times and soar to well over an hour.
It’s ironic because when the park opened, Parton worried Dollywood wouldn’t be popular.
Dollywood Admission Starts at $82 Online
“And just think, I spent opening day watching the parking lot because I was worried that people might not show up,” Parton said. “But look at how far we’ve come since then—and we’re just getting started!”
Dollywood has a festival for every season. The 40th anniversary season-themed Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks will take flight during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City, which is in production now – Aug. 3. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, presented by Humana, is Sept. 12-Oct. 27 and includes thousands of carved pumpkins. Dollywood’s award-winning Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana is on fire with 6 million lights and festive holiday shows November 1- January 4, 2026.
Dollywood is open from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily through August 4. After that, the park remains open daily but starts closing earlier. Admission starts at $82 when purchased online.
(Photo by AFF-USA/Shutterstock)
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