Dreaming of Dollywood

Since 1986, visitors from around the world have become well acquainted with the Dollywood name and experience. Natural beauty is the trademark of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood’s home, and families and folks from around the world have been coming to the Smokies for generations to share in the serenity and beauty they provide. In this part of the world, no one is a bigger star than mother nature herself!

When Dollywood was first planned, the natural beauty of the mountain landscape was considered a key attraction. Some areas of Dollywood are still untouched, left just as they have been for centuries, while other areas have been carefully cultivated and developed into a fragrant and beautiful celebration of the land. And Dollywood's “nature-al” attractions change with the park’s operating season. Four planting transitions take place - from March’s grand opening to summer’s warm days to the fall harvest to the winter holidays - so that each season blooms with new accents to delight the senses and complement the incredible natural scenery provided by the encircling Smoky Mountains. A preview of the beauty inside Dollywood is seen even before entering the park. Flower beds of impatiens, Mexican heather, and geraniums decorate the park’s entrance, offering a warm “welcome” to guests.

While the beauty and serenity of Dollywood is hard to miss, what truly completes the experience and makes it one of the top vacation destinations around is the whole package. With its funnel of entertainment, assortment of dining options and abundance of southern hospitality, Dollywood is a must on your summer bucket list.

Winner of the 2010 Applause Award, Dollywood consistently is recognized as one of the world’s best theme parks. Spanning 150 acres in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood offers more than fifty rides and attractions, including Lightning Rod, both the world’s first wood launch coaster and the world’s fastest wood coaster. Other Dollywood favorites include the Thunderhead wood coaster, the steel thriller Mystery Mine, the forward and backward launch FireChaser Express and Wild Eagle, the country’s first wing coaster. Dollywood’s entertainment is recognized worldwide, having received more trophies than any other theme park for its live entertainment which showcases country, bluegrass, southern gospel, classic rock ‘n’ roll and Appalachian music. In 2019, Dollywood won three of Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards for Best Guest Experience, Best Kids Area and Best Christmas Event. Daily demonstrations by more than a dozen master craftsmen offer a glimpse into the authentic artistry of the area’s rich heritage. In addition to mouth-watering, Southern-style food offered throughout the park, Dollywood hosts several of the south’s largest festivals with special performing groups and concerts.

Adjacent to Dollywood theme park, Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Adventure Park, is situated on thirty-five acres in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Named America’s Must-See Waterpark, Dollywood’s Splash Country features a variety of water slides and attractions—from mild to wild. The park’s newest attraction is TailSpin Racer, a six-lane, mat-racer style slide. In 2013, RiverRush, Tennessee's first and only water coaster, marked the park's biggest expansion since opening in 2001. The popular attraction also claimed Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket for Best New Waterpark Ride for 2013. Dollywood's Splash Country features other attractions, such as The CascadesTM, an 8,000-sq.-ft. lagoon-style leisure pool, Fire Tower FallsTM, the state’s tallest twin speed slides; Bear Mountain Fire TowerTM, a multi-level interactive water adventure; Mountain Waves, a 25,000-sq.-ft. wave pool; Slick Rock Racer, a multi-mat slide; the Downbound Float Trip, a relaxing lazy river as well as interactive children’s play areas. Available for rental, Riverside and Waterside Retreats offer privacy and luxury.