Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Here Are Some Interesting Things To Know About The Renowned Park Dollywood

Things To Know About Dollywood
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

As far as theme parks go, Dolly Parton’s Dollywood is pretty close to perfect. 

While it’s an homage to the big-hearted country singer – highlighting her story and legacy – the theme park is for the whole family to enjoy. Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, this sprawling 160-acre establishment has been delighting visitors for over three decades. It welcomes visitors of all ages through a wide variety of rides and other types of entertainment. 

RELATED: “Christmas at Dollywood:” Dolly Parton’s Christmas Movie is Officially a Thing

It’s no surprise it became one of the most popular attractions. Still, there might be a few things you may not know about it! Keep on reading below as we spill some of the most fascinating facts about Dollywood.

It Had Many Names Before Dollywood

When one day Dolly Parton decided to build a theme park, she didn’t do it from scratch. In fact, three other parks had already existed and had been around for decades in this location before it became Dollywood

The very first park was the Rebel Railroad, which was a small tourist attraction built by brothers from North Carolina in 1961. Its main attractions are the steam train, saloon, blacksmith shop, and similar others that are based around Smoky Mountains’ history.

It was rebranded nearly a decade later by the same man who owned the Cleveland Browns football organization and changed the name to Goldrush Junction, wherein log flume ride, kids’ rides, and more attractions inspired by the Wild West theme were added. In 1977, it became Silver Dollar City, where the park had significant growth. The new owners added several brand-new rides, shows, and shops that showcased the craftsmanship of the Smoky Mountain region.

Parton came into the story in the 1980s as she became part-owner of Silver Dollar City. In 1986, it was then that she reopened the park as Dollywood.

It’s The Home To The Fastest Wooden Roller Coaster In The World

In 2016, Dollywood announced what is said to be the world’s fastest wood coaster, called the Lightning Rod. Based on the theme of a tricked-out 1950s-era hot rod, the ride comes with 3,800 feet of track that could reach a speed of 73 mph.

In over three minutes of ride time, twenty-four riders will get to experience a 165-foot drop, a half-loop, wicked twists and turns, and more.

But The Queen Of Country Music Refuse To Ride The Rides

Ironically, Parton is not riding the rides at her own theme park. It turns out the country legend is terrified of roller coasters. And her reason for fearing them is a little more unique. She admitted to having motion sickness and jokingly said she has too much to lose — like her hair! 

It Is Also The Home To One Of The Largest Eagle Sanctuaries In The Country

Dollywood is not only a great place for thrill-seekers and music enthusiasts but also the best one for animal lovers. The park holds the country’s biggest sanctuary for non-releasable bald eagles, which spans up to 30,000-square-foot. You can walk along the edges of the aviary and enjoy the sight of its occupants. There’s also a show by the live birds and their handlers.

It Hosts Various Festivals

The renowned park hosts multiple festivals throughout the year. 

It begins with the Festival of Nations at the start of the year, where performers and artists from different countries come together to give the guests the opportunity to explore other cultures. What’s even more interesting is that every year is unique, making you want to visit again and again.

Meanwhile, Dollywood hosts a fireworks show each summer. Other festivals include Flower & Food Festival, Harvest Festival, and Smoky Mountain Christmas, among others.

It Is More Popular Than Disneyland

According to Tripadvisor’s Choice Best of the Best Awards in 2020, Dollywood is more popular than the so-called “Happiest Place on Earth.” Tripadvisor users love the park’s proximity, its accommodating employees, exciting rides, and world-class entertainment. 

It beat three Disney properties in the Top 25 United States Amusement Parks poll, where it ranked No. 6. Meanwhile, it also ranked No. 8 worldwide, making it the first American park on the list that is not part of the Disney or Universal families.

The rankings were based on Tripadvisor’s reviews, ratings, and saves from travelers all over the world.

It’s The Best Place To Learn About Dolly Parton’s Life

While not every part of Dollywood directly relates to the country legend, there are several attractions celebrating her. This includes Chasing Rainbows, which features Parton’s prestigious awards and her intricate costumes throughout her career. 

For a much more intimate look at Parton’s life, you can drop by her tour bus or the replica of her childhood home – which was built by her brother, with an interior that was created by her mother. It is filled with plenty of authentic items from the old home Parton grew up in Sevierville, Tennessee.

Indeed, whether she’s entertaining fans through her songs or on an adrenaline-pumping amusement park ride, it’s clear Dolly Parton knows how to deliver a great time. So, if you have never been to Dollywood, make sure to add this to your travel list.

Latest Stories

Mary MacGregor performs "Torn Between Two Lovers" live in the 1970s, holding a microphone with a soft, emotional expression that captures the song’s quiet heartbreak.

“Torn Between Two Lovers” Might Be the Most Soft-Spoken Cheating Song Country Music Ever Adopted

In a decade full of outlaw anthems, trucking songs, and Conway Twitty slow burns, nobody saw this one coming. Released at the tail end of 1976, “Torn Between Two Lovers” ...

WWII Marine Corps veteran Don Graves, age 100, sits in a Nashville recording studio wearing a military hat and red shirt, having just signed his first country music record deal.

This WWII Veteran Just Signed His First Country Record Deal at 100 Years Old

There are country songs, and then there are country lives. Don Graves didn’t just live through one of the bloodiest battles in American history. He came home, built a life, ...

Split image of Toby Keith and Blake Shelton performing with guitars; highlights the backstory of how Shelton’s label passed on “I Wanna Talk About Me,” which became a massive hit for Keith.

Blake Shelton’s Label Rejected “I Wanna Talk About Me” and Toby Keith Turned It Into a Monster Hit

Every artist’s got one: the song that got away. For Blake Shelton, it just happens to be one of Toby Keith’s biggest bangers. Blake recently dropped by The Tonight Show ...

Split image of Zach Bryan performing live on stage with guitar and John Moreland playing guitar in a studio; reflects their public feud following a canceled collaboration.

Folk Musician John Moreland Says Zach Bryan Was Rude, a D*head, and Not Who You Think

Well, the gloves are off in Oklahoma. What started as a cryptic shot from Americana singer-songwriter John Moreland has now turned into a full-blown fallout with country megastar Zach Bryan, ...

Carrie Underwood appears as a judge on American Idol, amid speculation she may not return next season—not because of backlash, but because she knows she belongs on the stage, not behind the desk.

American Idol Was Renewed but Carrie Underwood Might Not Return for the Right Reasons

Carrie Underwood isn’t the problem with American Idol. In fact, she may have been the best thing that happened to the show this season. But if the rumors are true ...

Garth Brooks' Mississippi lawsuit was dismissed but the California case continues.

Garth Brooks’ Mississippi Lawsuit Is Over, But the California Case Is Just Getting Started

A Mississippi judge has dismissed Garth Brooks’ lawsuit against his former hairdresser as “moot,” ending one chapter of an ongoing legal battle. But don’t let that ruling fool you. The ...

George Strait, seen performing with his signature black cowboy hat and guitar, recently revealed he may only have five years left on the road

George Strait Says He Has “Maybe Five Good Years” Left to Tour and That Sound You Hear Is a Million Hearts Breaking

You never want to imagine a world where George Strait isn’t somewhere on a stage, guitar slung over his shoulder, letting the steel ring through the rafters while the crowd ...

Carrie Underwood speaks passionately as a guest judge on American Idol, wearing a floral purple outfit, while fans react online to her controversial critique.

Carrie Underwood Faces Idol Backlash After Fans Call Her Critique Rude and Unfair

Carrie Underwood knows a thing or two about American Idol pressure, but some viewers think she brought the wrong kind of heat this week. After Sunday and Monday’s Top 5 ...

Vince Gill smiles while playing guitar onstage at the Grand Ole Opry as his granddaughter Everly and daughter Jenny Gill join him, creating a touching three-generation family moment.

Vince Gill’s Granddaughter Everly Steals the Show with Surprise Grand Ole Opry Debut

There’s legacy, and then there’s bloodline. And when you’re Vince Gill’s granddaughter, stepping onto the Grand Ole Opry stage isn’t just a “moment”, it’s a birthright. On Saturday, May 3, ...

George Strait pays tribute to Johnny Rodriguez following the late singer’s passing.

George Strait Honors Late Country Legend Johnny Rodriguez With a Heartfelt Tribute

Country music legend Johnny Rodriguez, one of the genre’s most groundbreaking voices and its first major Mexican American star, died Friday, May 9, in San Antonio at 73. His daughter, ...