Celebrating 40 Years of America’s Favorite Theme Park in 2025
On a crisp March morning in 2025, as sunlight turns the Great Smoky Mountains gold, it’s easy to understand why TripAdvisor named Dollywood America’s #1 theme park for the third time in four years. What started as a small mountain attraction in 1961 has grown into a nationally beloved destination, yet it remains rooted in the authenticity and warmth Dolly Parton envisioned when she partnered with the Herschend family in 1986.
Dollywood’s story is one of transformation, community, innovation, and heart. As the park celebrates its 40th anniversary, its legacy has never been stronger.
Dollywood’s Key Milestones
1961 – Rebel Railroad opens with frontier-themed train robberies
1977 – Property becomes Silver Dollar City Tennessee
1978 – Blazing Fury indoor coaster opens
1982 – Grist mill and Robert F. Thomas Chapel constructed
1986 (May 3) – Dolly Parton becomes co-owner; park is renamed Dollywood
1989 – Thunder Express coaster opens
1995 – Dolly launches Imagination Library
1999 – Tennessee Tornado opens, marking the park’s first major coaster era
2001 – Dollywood’s Splash Country water park debuts
2004 – Thunderhead wooden coaster opens
2007 – Mystery Mine premiered as America’s first Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter
2012 – Wild Eagle becomes the first wing coaster in the U.S.
2014 – FireChaser Express opens
2015 – DreamMore Resort welcomes its first guests
2016 – Lightning Rod opens as the world’s fastest wooden coaster
2019 – Dragonflier and the first phase of Wildwood Grove open
2023 – Big Bear Mountain opens; HeartSong Lodge & Resort debuts
2024 – Dolly Parton Experience opens; park wins 6 Golden Ticket Awards
2025 – 40th Anniversary Celebration begins; Splash Country marks 25 years
2026 – Hidden Hollow Aviation attraction set to open
From a Regional Park to a National Powerhouse
Dollywood’s 160 acres in the heart of Pigeon Forge tell a uniquely American success story. What began as a small Smoky Mountain attraction now generates:
- 19,285 regional jobs
- Over $221 million annually in state and local taxes
- More than 3 million visitors every year
Yet the soul of the park remains unchanged. Walk through its 11 themed areas and you’ll find craftsmen forging horseshoes, the Robert F. Thomas Chapel hosting occasional services, and Dollywood’s iconic grist mill producing the ingredients for more than 8,000 loaves of cinnamon bread a day.
Recent accolades reflect the park’s unwavering commitment to guest experience:
- Best Guest Experience — five consecutive years
- Newsweek’s Best Customer Service among American theme parks
- National Amusement Park Historical Association’s Favorite Theme Park — three years running
Innovations That Redefine Theme Park Entertainment
Dollywood’s attractions blend storytelling, thrills, and family-friendly adventure in ways unmatched by other theme parks.
Big Bear Mountain (2023)
A $25 million Vekoma family coaster featuring onboard audio, headlights, and three launches. At nearly 4,000 feet long, it’s Dollywood’s longest coaster with a low 39-inch height requirement.
Lightning Rod
Now using a high-speed chain lift, the world’s fastest wood coaster still delivers record-breaking thrills at 73 mph.
Wild Eagle
America’s first wing coaster, lifting riders 210 feet above the Smokies.
The Dolly Parton Experience (2024)
A multi-building immersive experience featuring:
- Behind the Seams – Iconic outfits
- Songteller – Dolly narrating her songwriting journey
- Tennessee Mountain Home – A lovingly detailed recreation of her childhood cabin
Looking Ahead: NightFlight Expedition (2026)
And the excitement doesn’t stop there! Dollywood has already announced its next big addition: NightFlight Expedition, set to take off in Spring 2026. Be sure to check out our blog, “Dollywood Unveils Thrilling New Ride: NightFlight Expedition Coming Spring 2026,” for a first look at what’s coming.
Lands Inspired by Appalachian Culture
Dollywood’s themed areas stand apart from other parks because they’re deeply connected to authentic Smoky Mountain history.
- Craftsman’s Valley – Dozens of master artisans work daily
- Jukebox Junction – A nostalgic recreation of 1950s Sevierville
- The Village – Home to the coal-powered Dollywood Express
- Wildwood Grove – A whimsical land inspired by Smoky Mountain wildlife
The park’s grist mill wasn’t simply designed to look historic. It is historic, built using traditional methods, steam-powered sawmills, and hand-forged hardware created onsite.
Award-Winning Southern Dining
Dollywood is widely recognized for offering the best theme park food in America. Fan favorites include:
- Cinnamon Bread – Fresh, warm, and legendary
- Aunt Granny’s Restaurant – Ranked among the top 10 theme park restaurants in the U.S.
- Lodge Cast Iron menu items
- Miss Lillian’s Smokehouse – Home of the beloved Chicken Lady
Seasonal festivals also elevate the park’s culinary offerings from international bites at the Flower & Food Festival to cozy Christmas treats during Smoky Mountain Christmas.
Ticket Value That Outshines the Competition
Dollywood continues to pride itself on delivering exceptional value:
- Single-day tickets (2025):
- $92 adults / $82 children & seniors
- Kids 3 and under free
- “Buy 1 Day, Get the 2nd Day Free” regularly doubles value
- Season Passes:
- Gold Pass: $309 — includes free parking, 15% off food/merchandise, early TimeSaver access
- Volunteer Summer Pass: $139 for East Tennessee residents
- TimeSaver passes: $60–$99, far simpler than Disney or Universal systems
Festivals That Bring Dollywood to Life Year-Round
- I Will Always Love You Music Festival (March–April)
- Flower & Food Festival (April–June)
- Summer Celebration (June–August)
- Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin LumiNights (Sept–Oct)
- Smoky Mountain Christmas (Nov–Jan)
Together, these festivals feature stunning displays, world-class entertainment, extended hours, and award-winning seasonal food.
Dolly’s Lasting Impact on the Community
Dolly’s leadership continues to shape not only the park but the lives of millions:
- Imagination Library: Over 270 million books distributed
- Grow U Program: 100% tuition coverage for employees
- $1 million donation following Hurricane Helene
- $15,000 annual scholarships for Sevier County high school seniors
Her March 14, 2025 appearance at Dollywood’s 40th anniversary (her first major event after the passing of her husband, Carl Dean) was a poignant reminder of how deeply she cares for the community.
Planning Your Visit: Insider Tips
- Plan at least two days to enjoy both Dollywood and Splash Country during the summer
- Visit weekdays for lower crowds
- Arrive 30 minutes before opening
- Start your day by heading left (crowds naturally move right)
- Use the official app for wait times, maps, and mobile food ordering
Bonus Tip – Parking & Transit
Parking at Dollywood costs $25 per car, but there’s a smart (and cheaper!) alternative. Park for free at Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge and hop on the Pigeon Forge Mass Transit Trolley. It’s just $3 per person for an all-day pass, and it drops you off right at the Dollywood entrance.
Not only will you avoid the long walk or tram ride from the outer lots…
you’ll also have a little extra cash for a couple of loaves of that famous cinnamon bread.
(And honestly, that feels like the real win.)
Why Dollywood Feels Like Home
For 40 years, Dollywood has proven that a theme park can be more than coasters and crowds. It can celebrate regional culture, uplift communities, support families, and create memories that last decades.
Dollywood’s secret isn’t the size of its rides. It’s the size of its heart.
As Dolly herself says, “We want families to return time and time again to make memories they’ll always treasure.”
In 2025, that mission shines brighter than ever. From your first bite of warm cinnamon bread to your final ride on Wild Eagle at sunset, Dollywood delivers a perfect blend of thrills, tradition, and Southern hospitality.
It’s no wonder millions return year after year. Because at Dollywood, every visit feels like coming home.
