History of Dollywood in Timeline

Dollywood is a theme park co-owned by Herschend and Dolly Parton, through Dolly Parton Productions. Situated in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, near the Great Smoky Mountains, it attracts nearly 3 million visitors annually, making it Tennessee's largest ticketed tourist destination. The park operates from mid-March through the Christmas holidays and has garnered multiple international awards for its attractions and guest experience.

June 10, 1961: Park Opened as Rebel Railroad

On June 10, 1961, the park initially opened as "Rebel Railroad", a tourist attraction owned by the Robbins brothers. It featured a steam train, general store, blacksmith shop, and saloon, themed around the Civil War. The train ride included staged attacks by Union soldiers, train robbers, and Native Americans, defended by Confederates.

May 24, 1964: Announcement of Name Change to Goldrush Junction

On May 24, 1964, the Knoxville News Sentinel announced that the park would be renamed "Goldrush Junction" for the 1964 season. Along with the name change, the park adopted a Wild West theme similar to Tweetsie Railroad.

1970: Art Modell Buys Goldrush Junction

In 1970, Art Modell, also owner of the Cleveland Browns football team, purchased Goldrush Junction. The park maintained the railroad and introduced an outdoor theater along with the Robert F. Thomas Chapel.

1975: Park Name Change to Goldrush

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

1976: Herschends Buy Goldrush

In April of 1976, Jack and Pete Herschend, owners of Silver Dollar City, acquired Goldrush. The park continued operations as Goldrush throughout the 1976 season.

1977: Name Change to Silver Dollar City Tennessee

In 1977, the Herschends rebranded Goldrush as "Silver Dollar City Tennessee", aligning it as a sister park to their original Silver Dollar City. They invested approximately $1 million in park upgrades. Also in 1977, the train ride was enhanced with two new steam locomotives, the #70 and #71, as well as engine #72 for spare parts, sourced from the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad.

May 3, 1986: Silver Dollar City Tennessee Reopens as Dollywood

On May 3, 1986, Silver Dollar City Tennessee reopened as Dollywood. The new Rivertown Junction area featured 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 was also new. Attendance doubled.

1986: Dollywood Becomes Largest Employer

By 1986, Dollywood employed approximately 4,000 individuals, establishing itself as the largest employer in the community.

1986: Dolly Parton Buys Interest in Silver Dollar City

In 1986, Dolly Parton acquired an interest in Silver Dollar City, and the park was renamed "Dollywood" for the 1986 season.

1987: Daydream Ridge Area Opens

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

1988: Celebrity Theater Constructed

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

1989: Thunder Express Built

In 1989, Thunder Express, a steel mine train coaster, was built. 1989 marked the final season 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. The 600-seat Gaslight Theater also opened. The Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival premiered in November.

1991: Eagle Mountain Sanctuary Added

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

1992: Showstreet Area Added

In 1992, the Showstreet area was added, featuring 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. Dollywood's annual attendance topped 2 million for the first time.

1993: Fun Country Renovated to The Country Fair

In 1993, the Fun Country area was renovated to become The Country Fair with three new rides: The Wonder Wheel, Twist and Shout, and Tennessee Twister. Also new was "Sunset Musicfest".

1994: Gaslight Theater Becomes Heartsong Theater

In 1994, the Gaslight Theater was renamed Heartsong Theater, featuring a multi-media musical about Dolly Parton's life.

1995: Jukebox Junction Area Added

In 1995, the Jukebox Junction area was added, featuring Rockin' Roadway, The Pines Theater, Red's Diner, and Cas Walker's Music Store.

1996: Dollywood Boulevard Area Added

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

1997: "U Pick Nick" Children's Show Debuts

In 1997, the "U Pick Nick" children's show, focused on themes from the Nickelodeon television network, was played in Celebrity Theater. The Flooded Mine dark-ride was closed and demolished in October, and Silver Screen Cafe became DJ Platters in the Dollywood Boulevard area.

1998: Daredevil Falls Opens

In 1998, Daredevil Falls opened in the area formerly occupied by the Flooded Mine. Thunder Express was closed in September and sold to Magic Springs Theme Park. The antique carousel was removed at the end of the season and replaced with a new carousel.

1999: Tennessee Tornado Opens

In 1999, the Tennessee Tornado, a steel looping coaster, opened. The Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame also opened, and the Balloon Race ride was removed.

2000: Daydream Ridge Renovated to Dreamland Forest

In 2000, the Daydream Ridge area was renovated and became Dreamland Forest, a children's mountain-themed interactive play area.

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 to Adventures in Imagination

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

2003: KidsFest Premieres

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

2004: Thunderhead Gap Opens with Thunderhead Coaster

In 2004, the Thunderhead Gap area opened with the Thunderhead wooden roller coaster. Country Fair Falls was demolished in November.

2005: New Rides Added to Country Fair

In 2005, several new rides were added to Country Fair, including 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 also began.

2006: Timber Tower Area Opens

In 2006, the Timber Tower ride, Lil' Loggers Landing, Beaver Creek, Beaver Creek Boat Float, and Lumberjack Lifts opened. The Barbeque & Bluegrass festival also premiered.

2007: Mystery Mine Added

In 2007, Mystery Mine, a Gerstlauer Eurofighter coaster, was added, featuring vertical lifts and dark ride elements.

2008: River Battle Opens in Wilderness Pass

In 2008, River Battle, an interactive water raft ride, was built in the new Wilderness Pass area. "Thunder Road" returned to the motion theater and replaced Smoky Mountain Wilderness Adventure. The Polar Express 4-D Experience was shown during Smoky Mountain Christmas.

2008: Journey to the Center of the Earth: 4-D Adventure

In 2009, Dollywood presented two new shows, "Imaginé" by Le Grand Cirque and "Sha-Kon-O-Hey! Land of Blue Smoke". In 2009, an upcharge zipline attraction called SkyZip opened. In 2008, the film 'Journey to the Center of the Earth: 4-D Adventure', based on the 2008 film, was presented.

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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. "Thunder Road" was renamed "White Lightning" and then changed to a new attraction, Journey to the Center of the Earth: 4-D Adventure. An upcharge zipline attraction called SkyZip also opened at Dollywood.

November 16, 2010: Dollywood Earns Liseberg Applause Award

On November 16, 2010, Dollywood received the Liseberg Applause Award, a prestigious honor in the industry, which Dolly Parton accepted at the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 in Orlando.

2010: Adventure Mountain Opens

In 2010, Adventure Mountain opened, including three adventure courses: Geyser Gorge, Black Bear Cliff, and Rocky Top. Also in 2010, Dollywood brought back "Sha-Kon-O-Hey! Land of Blue Smoke" and changed its logo for the 25th anniversary.

2010: Parton's Reason for Involvement with Dollywood

In 2010, Dolly Parton explained that she became involved with Dollywood to create jobs and opportunities in her home region.

2010: Parton announces Dollywood expansion plans

In 2010, Dolly Parton stated she would like to open more Dollywood parks in the future. She also said, "We definitely want to expand with new things every year, eventually with a resort," and "We may eventually have Dollywoods in other parts of the country, where we can kind of be true to whatever's going on in that part of the world."

2011: Owens Farm Replaces Dreamland Forest

In 2011, Owens Farm replaced Dreamland Forest, featuring a giant swing called Barnstormer.

March 24, 2012: Wild Eagle Opens

On March 24, 2012, Wild Eagle opened as the first Bolliger & Mabillard Wing Coaster in the United States, marking a significant investment for Dollywood.

August 21, 2013: DreamMore Resort and Spa Announcement

On August 21, 2013, Dolly Parton announced Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa, which opened on July 27, 2015.

2013: Dollywood's 2013 Season

In 2013, Dollywood dedicated the year to encouraging families to spend time together. New shows such as Cirque Shanghai, Mystic India, and One World Party were introduced as part of Festival of Nations, along with more than 50 new international food items. The park also introduced "Great American Summer", replacing KidsFest, featuring the Great American Country Show, Gazillion Bubbles, The Little Engine Playhouse, and Salute to America. Dollywood extended its hours, added a nightly fireworks show, and presented Dolly Parton's version of A Christmas Carol during Smoky Mountain Christmas. Imagination Cinema became Dreamsong Theater and played Dolly's My People, a show about Dolly's family. The slogan for the year was "Make Time for Happy!".

2014: FireChaser Express and New Slogan in 2014

In 2014, FireChaser Express, a dual-launch family coaster, replaced Adventure Mountain in the Wilderness Pass area. Dollywood's slogan was changed to "Love Every Moment", and Smoky Mountain Christmas added 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.

2015: Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa Opens

In 2015, Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa opened adjacent to Dollywood's Splash Country. To celebrate 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 Festival of Nations. Cas Walker's was demolished for a new attraction, and six new shows were added to "Great American Summer", along with the revival of the Showcase of Stars concert series. Also new was Rock the Smokies, a Christian music festival, and Rudolph and friends returned to the Smoky Mountain Christmas festival.

June 13, 2016: Lightning Rod Opens

On June 13, 2016, Lightning Rod, a Rocky Mountain Construction wooden coaster, opened as the world's first launched wooden coaster and the fastest wooden coaster in the world.

October 2017: Wildwood Grove Construction Begins

In October 2017, work began on "Wildwood Grove", adding eleven new experiences to the park, including Dragonflier, Till & Harvest, Hidden Hollow, Wildwood Creek, The Great Tree Swing, and The Wildwood Tree.

2017: Dollywood Wins Golden Ticket Awards in 2017

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

2017: Drop Line and Other Additions in 2017

In 2017, a 200-foot freefall ride called Drop Line, which replaced Timber Tower, opened along with a junior roller coaster called Whistle Punk Chaser. 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.

2018: Golden Ticket Awards in 2018

In 2018, Dollywood received a Golden Ticket award from Amusement Today in the Best Food category, marking the park's fourth win in seven years. The park also received Golden Tickets for Best Shows, Friendliest Park, and Best Christmas Event and was ranked the third best park in the world.

2018: 2018 Season of Showstoppers

In 2018, the former River Battle site was transformed into the Plaza at Wilderness Pass, a new open space with covered seating. The 2018 "Season of Showstoppers" marked the park's largest investment in entertainment in Dollywood's history, debuting with the Spring Mix three-week music series. The 2018 Festival of Nations included Flamenco Kings starring Los Vivancos, National Dance Company of Siberia, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The first Summer Celebration event included DRUMLine Live!, using technology to enhance various music types. Renovations included upgrades to Aunt Granny's and re-branding and renaming of two shops.

2018: Dollywood Wins Golden Ticket Awards in 2019

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

2018: USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards in 2018

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

May 10, 2019: Wildwood Grove Opening

On May 10, 2019, Wildwood Grove, a $37 million 5-acre development described as "a land built from Dolly Parton's dreams", opened featuring eleven new experiences. It was part of a $300 million 6-year expansion project.

October 2019: Plans Filed for New Resort

In October 2019, Dollywood filed plans for a new resort adjacent to Splash Country and DreamMore Resort. The plans included a 310-room hotel, a 325-seat restaurant, and a conference space, expected to create 100 jobs.

October 2019: Dollywood's Flower & Food Festival Announcement

In October 2019, it was announced that the park would add its first new festival in 14 years. Dollywood's Flower & Food Festival will feature 10 to 15 feet tall topiaries based on Dolly's songs like "Coat of Many Colors", photo opportunities, a rainbow sky over Showstreet, and food.

2019: Lightning Rod Named "Wooden Roller Coaster of the Decade"

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

2019: SkyZip Closes

In 2019, Dollywood closed the SkyZip attraction after settling a lawsuit and taking over its operations.

2019: Dollywood Wins Golden Ticket Awards in 2019

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

2019: New attractions at Wildwood Grove in 2019

In 2019, Wildwood Grove opened, featuring attractions including Dragonflier, a suspended family coaster; Big Bear Mountain, a family launched coaster; The Mad Mockingbird, a flying scooter ride; The Wildwood Tree, and Till & Harvest Food Hall.

June 14, 2020: Original End Date for Flower and Food Festival

June 14, 2020 was the original planned end date for the Flower and Food Festival, however it was deferred to May 7 to June 13, 2021 due to outside circumstances.

June 13, 2021: Flower and Food Festival Postponed Date

June 13, 2021 was the ending date for the postponed Flower and Food Festival.

June 2021: Dollywood Announces $500 Million Expansion and New Resort Details

In June 2021, Dollywood announced plans for a $500 million expansion, including more details about the planned hotel complex announced in 2019. The new resort, named HeartSong Lodge & Resort, will have 302 rooms, five floors of suites, a four-story atrium, and multiple shopping and culinary experiences.

2021: Golden Ticket Award for Best Christmas Event

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

August 5, 2022: Big Bear Mountain Roller Coaster Announcement

On August 5, 2022, it was announced that a new roller coaster named Big Bear Mountain was under construction and scheduled to open on May 12, 2023. It is also the longest in the park's history.

2022: Park Improvements and Renovations in 2022

During the 2022 off-season, Dollywood removed the Silver Dollar Mine tunnel to create a more open space, renovated the parking complex to improve efficiency, added parking toll booths, renovated Iron Horse Pizza, and gave The Emporium a complete makeover. Additionally, two buildings, the former Eagle Shop and the former Christmas Cottage, were removed to widen walkways.

2022: Dollywood Named Number One Theme Park in the U.S.

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

2023: Big Bear Mountain Added

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

2023: HeartSong Lodge & Resort Scheduled to Open

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