History of Dollywood in Timeline

Dollywood is a popular theme park co-owned by Herschend and Dolly Parton, situated in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, near the Great Smoky Mountains. It attracts approximately 3 million visitors annually, making it Tennessee's largest ticketed tourist destination. Dollywood operates from mid-March through the Christmas season and has received numerous international accolades for its attractions and entertainment offerings.

1924: Antique Dentzel Carousel Built

In 1924, the Antique Dentzel Carousel was originally built for Rocky Springs Park in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

1958: Release of the movie 'Thunder Road'

In 1958, the movie 'Thunder Road' was originally released.

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June 10, 1961: Rebel Railroad Park Opening

On June 10, 1961, Rebel Railroad opened as a small tourist attraction with a steam train, general store, blacksmith shop, and saloon. The park was Civil War-themed and the train ride featured simulated attacks.

May 24, 1964: Goldrush Junction Name Change Announcement

On May 24, 1964, the Knoxville News Sentinel announced the park's name change to Goldrush Junction. As part of the name change, the park adopted a wild west theme.

1970: Art Modell Buys Goldrush Junction

In 1970, Art Modell purchased Goldrush Junction. He retained the railroad and added an outdoor theater and the Robert F. Thomas Chapel.

1975: Park Renamed to Goldrush

In 1975, the park's name was changed to Goldrush.

1976: Herschends Buy Goldrush

In April 1976, Jack and Pete Herschend, owners of Silver Dollar City, bought Goldrush, and the park continued to operate as Goldrush for the 1976 season.

1977: Park Renamed Silver Dollar City Tennessee

In 1977, the Herschends renamed Goldrush to Silver Dollar City Tennessee, making it a sister park to their original Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. They invested about $1 million in upgrades. The train ride added two new steam locomotives, the #70 and the #71, plus the remains of engine #72 for spare parts, from the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad in 1977.

May 3, 1986: Dollywood Reopens with New Attractions

On May 3, 1986, Silver Dollar City Tennessee reopened as Dollywood. The new Rivertown Junction area included Smoky Mountain River Rampage, Back Porch Theater, Aunt Granny's Dixie Fixins' Restaurant, and Dolly's Tennessee Mountain Home. "Rags to Riches: The Dolly Parton Story" museum also opened. The Butter Churn was removed at the end of the season.

1986: Park Size Doubled

From 1986 to 2010, Dollywood doubled in size to 150 acres.

1986: Dolly Parton Buys Interest in Silver Dollar City, Park Renamed Dollywood

In 1986, Dolly Parton bought an interest in Silver Dollar City, and the park reopened as Dollywood for the 1986 season.

1987: Daydream Ridge Area Opens

In 1987, the Daydream Ridge area opened with the Mountain Slidewinder water toboggan ride, Mountain Dan's Burger House, Sweet Dreams Candy Shop, The Rainbow Factory, and Critter Creek Playground. Engine #70 was restored to operation.

1988: Celebrity Theater and New Rides Added

In 1988, the 1,739-seat Celebrity Theater was constructed, featuring the "Showcase of Stars" celebrity concert series. Five new children's rides were added to the Fun Country area, and the Dollywood Foundation was established.

1989: Thunder Express Coaster Built

In 1989, Thunder Express, a steel mine train coaster, was built. The 1989 season was the last for the National Mountain Music Festival.

1990: Antique Dentzel Carousel Relocated to Park

In 1990, a 1924 antique Dentzel Carousel was relocated to the park, and the 600-seat Gaslight Theater opened. The Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival premiered in November, extending the park's operating season into December.

1991: Eagle Mountain Sanctuary Added

In 1991, Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, an outdoor aviary, was added along with the Wings of America Theater and the 300-seat Valley Theater.

1992: Showstreet Area Added

In 1992, the Showstreet area was added, including the Showstreet Palace Theater, The Butterfly Emporium, The Backstage Restaurant, The Spotlight Bakery, Friendship Gardens, and WDLY-FM. The park's main entrance moved to Showstreet, and annual attendance topped 2 million.

1993: Fun Country Area Renovated

In 1993, the Fun Country area was renovated and became The Country Fair with three new rides: The Wonder Wheel, Twist and Shout, and Tennessee Twister. Also new at the park was "Sunset Musicfest", a summer music festival.

1994: Gaslight Theater Renamed Heartsong Theater

In 1994, the Gaslight Theater became the Heartsong Theater, named for the multi-media musical presentation that told the story of Dolly Parton's life.

1995: Jukebox Junction Added

In 1995, the Jukebox Junction themed area was added and included Rockin' Roadway miniature car ride, The Pines Theater, Red's Diner, and Cas Walker's Music Store. The Sunset Musicfest did not return for the 1995 season.

1996: Dollywood Boulevard Area Added

In 1996, the Dollywood Boulevard area was added, including Thunder Road, Silver Screen Café, and Centerstage gift shop.

1997: "U Pick Nick" Children's Show, Flooded Mine Closed

In 1997, the "U Pick Nick" children's show played in Celebrity Theater. The Flooded Mine dark-ride was closed and demolished, and Silver Screen Cafe became DJ Platters.

1998: Daredevil Falls Opens, Thunder Express Closes

In 1998, Daredevil Falls opened. Thunder Express was closed and sold, and the antique carousel was removed and replaced.

1999: Tennessee Tornado Opens, Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame Added

In 1999, the Tennessee Tornado opened, and the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame was added. The Balloon Race ride was removed.

2000: Daydream Ridge Renovated, Becomes Dreamland Forest

In 2000, the Daydream Ridge area was renovated and became Dreamland Forest.

April 2001: Festival of Nations Premieres

In April 2001, the Festival of Nations international music festival premiered. Dolly's Splash Country also opened.

2002: Dollywood Boulevard Renovated, Becomes Adventures in Imagination

In 2002, Dollywood Boulevard was renovated and became Adventures in Imagination. Smoky Mountain Wilderness Adventure replaced Thunder Road, and Chasing Rainbows museum opened.

2003: KidsFest Premieres, Imagination Station Becomes Celebration Hall

In 2003, KidsFest premiered, and Imagination Station was converted into Celebration Hall. It was also the final season for the "Showcase of Stars" celebrity concert series.

2004: Thunderhead Gap Opens with Thunderhead Roller Coaster

In 2004, Thunderhead Gap opened with the Thunderhead wooden roller coaster. The construction opened up a new valley for park expansion. The Country Fair Falls log flume was demolished in November.

2005: New Rides Added to Country Fair

In 2005, Country Fair rides were removed to make room for newer rides. The new rides included Dizzy Disk, Amazing Flying Elephants, Lemon Twist, Shooting Star, Sky Rider, VeggieTales Sideshow Spin, Waltzing Swinger, Piggy Parade, Busy Bees, and Lucky Ducky. The National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration was also new in 2005.

2006: Timber Tower and Lil' Loggers Landing Open

In 2006, the Timber Tower ride, along with Lil' Loggers Landing, Beaver Creek, Beaver Creek Boat Float, and Lumberjack Lifts, opened in a new area adjacent to Thunderhead. The Barbeque & Bluegrass festival also premiered.

2007: Mystery Mine Opens

The 2007 season included the addition of Mystery Mine, a Gerstlauer Eurofighter coaster. The $17 million ride used an abandoned mine shaft theme.

2008: River Battle Opens, Thunder Road Returns

In 2008, River Battle was built in Wilderness Pass. "Thunder Road" returned to the motion theater and replaced Smoky Mountain Wilderness Adventure. Della's Lye Soap shop moved, and The Polar Express 4-D Experience was shown during the Smoky Mountain Christmas.

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2008: Release of the movie 'Journey to the Center of the Earth'

In 2008, the movie 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' was originally released.

2009: New Shows and Attractions Added

In 2009, Dollywood presented two new shows, "Imaginé" by Le Grand Cirque and "Sha-Kon-O-Hey! Land of Blue Smoke", which featured music written by Dolly Parton and told the story of the last family living in the Smoky Mountains. SkyZip also opened.

November 16, 2010: Dollywood Earns Liseberg Applause Award

On November 16, 2010, Dollywood earned the Liseberg Applause Award, which Dolly Parton accepted at the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 in Orlando.

2010: Dolly Parton's Reason for Involvement

In 2010, Dolly Parton explained that she became involved with the operation because she wanted to create jobs in her home area.

2010: Parton's Vision for Dollywood Expansion

In 2010, Dolly Parton expressed her desire to expand Dollywood with new attractions each year, including a resort, and potentially establishing Dollywood parks in other regions to reflect the local culture.

2010: Dollywood Receives Applause Award

In 2010, Dollywood was awarded the Applause Award by Liseberg amusement park in Gothenburg, Sweden, recognizing the park's management, operations, and creative accomplishments.

2010: Adventure Mountain Opens

In 2010, the Adventure Mountain attraction opened. Also for the 2010 season, Dollywood brought back "Sha-Kon-O-Hey! Land of Blue Smoke" and changed its logo for the 25th anniversary.

2011: Owens Farm and Barnstormer Replace Dreamland Forest

In 2011, a new area called Owens Farm with the Barnstormer giant swing replaced Dreamland Forest. Christmas on Ice also premiered.

March 24, 2012: Wild Eagle Opens

On March 24, 2012, Wild Eagle opened and was the first Bolliger & Mabillard Wing Coaster in the United States. It was also the biggest investment in Dollywood history.

August 21, 2013: Announcement of Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa

On August 21, 2013, Dolly Parton announced the development of Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa.

2013: Dollywood's 2013 Season

In 2013, Dollywood focused on encouraging families to spend time together. New shows such as Cirque Shanghai, Mystic India, and One World Party were introduced as part of the Festival of Nations, accompanied by over 50 new international food items. The park launched "Great American Summer", replacing KidsFest, featuring the Great American Country Show, Gazillion Bubbles, The Little Engine Playhouse, and Salute to America. Dollywood extended its operating hours and added a nightly fireworks show. Smoky Mountain Christmas incorporated Dolly Parton's version of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The slogan for the year was "Make Time for Happy!" Additionally, Imagination Cinema was rebranded as Dreamsong Theater and showcased Dolly's My People, a show centered on Dolly's family.

2014: FireChaser Express and New Slogan

In 2014, Dollywood introduced FireChaser Express, a dual-launch family coaster, which replaced Adventure Mountain in the Wilderness Pass area. The park's slogan was changed to "Love Every Moment", and the Smoky Mountain Christmas event included a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer meet-and-greet called Holly Jolly Junction.

July 27, 2015: Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa Opening

On July 27, 2015, Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa officially opened its doors.

2015: Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa Opening and 30th Anniversary

In 2015, Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa opened next to Dollywood's Splash Country. For the park's 30th anniversary, the entrance was redesigned for resort guests, and two new shows, "Rhythm of the Dance" and "Timber", were added to the Festival of Nations. Cas Walker's was demolished for a new attraction, six new shows were added to "Great American Summer", and the Showcase of Stars concert series was revived. Rock the Smokies, a Christian music festival, was also new, and Rudolph and friends returned to the Smoky Mountain Christmas festival.

2015: Opening of Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa

In 2015, Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa opened, offering family-oriented amenities and direct access to the theme park.

June 13, 2016: Opening of Lightning Rod

On June 13, 2016, Lightning Rod, a Rocky Mountain Construction wooden coaster, opened at Dollywood. It was the world's first launched wooden coaster and the fastest wooden coaster.

October 2017: Construction Begins on Wildwood Grove

In October 2017, construction began on "Wildwood Grove", an addition to the park that would eventually add eleven new experiences.

2017: Drop Line and Whistle Punk Chaser Opening

In 2017, Dollywood opened Drop Line, a 200-foot freefall ride replacing Timber Tower, and Whistle Punk Chaser, a junior roller coaster. Two new seasonal events debuted, and Dollywood's Splash Country added the TailSpin Racer mat racer slide complex. Sideshow Spin and River Battle were removed.

2017: Dollywood Wins Golden Ticket Awards

In 2017, Dollywood received Golden Ticket awards from Amusement Today for Friendliest Park, Best Christmas Event, Best Food, and Best Show.

2018: Season of Showstoppers and Entertainment Investments

In 2018, Dollywood invested heavily in entertainment for the "Season of Showstoppers." The former River Battle site was transformed into the Plaza at Wilderness Pass. The Festival of Nations featured Flamenco Kings starring Los Vivancos, the National Dance Company of Siberia, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The Summer Celebration included DRUMLine Live!, a show highlighting the musical styles of marching bands from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, incorporating video screens and special effects. Renovations were made to Aunt Granny's, and two shops were rebranded and renamed.

2018: USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

In 2018, Dollywood was ranked sixth in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for Best Amusement Park in the U.S. Additionally, Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa and Aunt Granny's Restaurant were ranked first in their respective categories.

2018: Golden Ticket Awards for 2018

In 2018, Dollywood won Golden Ticket awards for Best Kids' Area, Best Guest Experience, and Best Christmas Event.

2018: Dollywood Receives Multiple Golden Ticket Awards

In 2018, Dollywood won a Golden Ticket award for Best Food, its fourth in seven years, along with awards for Best Shows, Friendliest Park, and Best Christmas Event. It was also ranked the third best park in the world.

May 10, 2019: Wildwood Grove Opening

On May 10, 2019, Dollywood opened Wildwood Grove, a $37 million, 5-acre development featuring eleven new experiences, including the Dragonflier suspended family coaster, Till & Harvest restaurant, Hidden Hollow indoor play area, Wildwood Creek splash pad, The Great Tree Swing, and The Wildwood Tree. This marked a significant milestone in a $300 million, 6-year expansion project.

October 2019: Announcement of Dollywood's Flower & Food Festival

In October 2019, Dollywood announced the creation of its first new festival in 14 years, the Dollywood's Flower & Food Festival, planned to feature large topiaries, photo opportunities, a rainbow sky over Showstreet, and various food offerings.

October 2019: Plans Filed for New Resort

In October 2019, plans were filed for a new Dollywood resort near Splash Country and DreamMore Resort, featuring a 310-room hotel, a 325-seat restaurant, and a conference space, estimated to create 100 jobs.

2019: Lightning Rod Named Roller Coaster of the Decade

In 2019, Coaster101.com recognized Lightning Rod as the "Wooden Roller Coaster of the Decade".

2019: SkyZip Closes

In 2019, Dollywood closed the SkyZip attraction.

2019: Dollywood Wins Golden Ticket Awards

In 2019, Dollywood secured Golden Ticket awards for Best Kids' Area, Best Guest Experience, and Best Christmas Event of 2018.

2019: Wildwood Grove Opening

In 2019, Wildwood Grove opened with attractions including Dragonflier, Big Bear Mountain, The Mad Mockingbird, The Wildwood Tree, and Till & Harvest Food Hall.

June 14, 2020: Original Planned End Date for Dollywood's Flower & Food Festival

June 14, 2020, was the originally planned end date for Dollywood's Flower & Food Festival. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the festival was deferred to May 7 to June 13, 2021.

June 13, 2021: New End Date for Dollywood's Flower & Food Festival

June 13, 2021, marked the new end date for Dollywood's Flower & Food Festival.

June 2021: Announcement of $500 Million Expansion

In June 2021, Dollywood announced a $500 million expansion, including details about the planned hotel complex, named HeartSong Lodge & Resort, which will have 302 rooms, five floors of suites, a four-story atrium, and multiple shopping and culinary experiences.

2021: Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas Wins Golden Ticket Award

In 2021, Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas won the Golden Ticket Award for Best Christmas Event for the 13th consecutive year.

August 5, 2022: Announcement of Big Bear Mountain Roller Coaster

On August 5, 2022, Dollywood announced the construction of a new roller coaster named Big Bear Mountain, set to open on May 12, 2023, and become the longest in the park's history.

2022: Park Improvements and Renovations

During the 2022 off-season, Dollywood made improvements to enhance space and efficiency, including the removal of the Silver Dollar Mine tunnel, renovations to the parking complex to improve traffic flow, updates to Iron Horse Pizza (formerly Victoria's Pizza) for increased capacity, and a makeover for The Emporium. The Eagle Shop and the Christmas Cottage were also removed to widen walkways.

2022: Dollywood Named Top Theme Park in the U.S.

In June of 2022, Tripadvisor recognized Dollywood as the number one theme park in the U.S.

May 12, 2023: Big Bear Mountain Roller Coaster Opening

On May 12, 2023, the Big Bear Mountain roller coaster opened to the public, becoming the longest roller coaster in Dollywood's history.

2023: Addition of Big Bear Mountain

In 2023, Big Bear Mountain, a launching steel family roller coaster, was added to Dollywood.

2023: HeartSong Lodge & Resort Scheduled to Open

In 2023, the HeartSong Lodge & Resort is scheduled to open, along with campgrounds, three additional resorts, and a "record-breaking" attraction for the theme park.

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