DOLLYWOOD ONCE AGAIN NAMED FAVORITE THEME PARK BY NATIONAL AMUSEMENT PARK HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

Courtesy of: Dollywood Parks and Resorts

Written By: Christopher L. Antie

Dollywood: A Smoky Mountain Story Built on Heart, Heritage, and America’s Favorite Theme Park Experience

Long before Dollywood became one of America’s most beloved theme parks, the land it sits on held a quieter kind of magic. In 1961, nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, a small attraction called Rebel Railroad opened its gates. It wasn’t flashy or sprawling; it was a simple steam‑train experience created by the Robbins brothers, complete with frontier storytelling, a general store, and a blacksmith shop. What it lacked in size, it made up for in spirit, capturing the rugged charm and Appalachian grit that defined the region. That early spark would become the foundation for something far bigger than anyone imagined.

By 1964, the park had evolved into Goldrush Junction, shifting from Civil War themes to a Wild West frontier town. Families wandered through sawmills, log cabins, and craft shops, watching artisans work by hand in ways that echoed the mountain traditions of the surrounding communities. The park changed hands again in 1977 when the Herschend family—already known for Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri—took over and reimagined the Tennessee property as Silver Dollar City, Tennessee. They expanded the crafts, the entertainment, and the storytelling, shaping the park into a destination that celebrated Appalachian culture rather than simply entertaining tourists.

But everything changed in 1986 when Dolly Parton came home.

For Dolly, partnering with the Herschend family wasn’t just a business move; it was a promise. She had grown up just a few miles away in Sevier County, dreaming big dreams from a one‑room cabin. When she returned to lend her name, vision, and heart to the park, she did it with a mission: to bring jobs, opportunity, and pride to the people of the Smokies. On May 3, 1986, Silver Dollar City officially became Dollywood, and the park instantly transformed into something uniquely Southern, deeply personal, and unmistakably Dolly.

From the beginning, Dollywood wasn’t just about rides. It was about preserving the music, crafts, food, and stories of the mountains. It was about honoring the generations who carved out a life in the hills long before tourism arrived. And it was about giving families—local and visiting—a place where joy felt simple, warm, and familiar. Over the years, the park expanded into a 168‑acre destination filled with roller coasters, theaters, artisan workshops, and seasonal festivals that draw millions of visitors each year. Yet even with its growth, Dollywood has never lost the authenticity that sets it apart.

Today, Dollywood stands as Tennessee’s most‑visited ticketed attraction and a cornerstone of a larger resort empire that includes Splash Country, the DreamMore Resort & Spa, and Dolly Parton’s Stampede. But at its core, the park remains a love letter to the Smoky Mountains and the people who call them home. It is a place where Dolly’s childhood memories meet her global stardom, where Appalachian heritage is preserved with pride, and where every guest—no matter where they come from—feels a little closer to the heart of the mountains.

With summer just around the corner, families across the country are gearing up for summer travel, and those searching for the nation’s best theme park experience need look no further than Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Dollywood Parks & Resorts has once again been named the top theme park in the United States by the National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA), according to the results of its 40th annual Amusement Park and Attractions Survey. The recognition carries weight: NAPHA is the oldest organization of its kind, and its members are seasoned theme park enthusiasts who have collectively visited thousands of parks worldwide. The average member has stepped foot in more than 110 parks, and in 2025 alone, they visited an average of 12. Dollywood has held the title of NAPHA Favorite Theme Park since 2022, placing it ahead of iconic destinations like Disneyland in Anaheim and Knoebels Amusement Resort in Pennsylvania.

Dollywood’s rise as an industry leader has accelerated over the past decade, with the park consistently earning top honors from both guests and professionals. Visitors routinely praise the park’s exceptional value, the warmth and friendliness of its hosts, and the immaculate cleanliness that sets it apart. Tripadvisor named Dollywood the #1 U.S. theme park in 2025, 2024, and 2022—an achievement few parks can claim. In 2025, Dollywood earned three Golden Ticket Awards, including Best Guest Experience, Best Kids’ Area, and Best Family Coaster. The Best Guest Experience award, in particular, highlights the heart of Dollywood’s success: genuine hospitality and a commitment to delivering more than what guests pay for. Forbes echoed that sentiment late last year, naming Dollywood the theme park with the Top Customer Service in the United States. And 2026 is already shaping up to be another standout year, with Dollywood earning spots on Newsweek’s lists of Greatest Workplaces for Women and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Entry-Level Employees, along with seven honors in the 2026 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence & Industry Awards.

For us personally, Dollywood has become more than a destination—it has become a tradition. Will and I have been covering Dollywood for several years, returning to open new attractions, explore seasonal festivals, and experience projects involving Dolly Parton herself. Each visit brings something new, and each one leaves us with the same feeling: this place is special. Coming from the famous theme parks of central Florida, we’ve seen our share of world‑class attractions, but Dollywood has become its own kind of magic kingdom in the mountains. The park blends family‑friendly thrills with entertainment that consistently leaves guests in awe. Music fills the air—mountain melodies, Tennessee rhythms, and touches of Dolly’s unmistakable sound—creating an atmosphere that feels warm, familiar, and welcoming. Everyone is embraced here, no matter who they are or where they come from. The love Dolly pours into this place is felt in every corner, in every smile from a host, and in every detail of the experience. It’s a trip worth taking every single year.

Since its founding in 1978, the National Amusement Park Historical Association has been dedicated to preserving and celebrating the heritage of amusement parks around the world. Its membership spans the United States, Europe, and Asia, and includes not only enthusiasts but also parks, manufacturers, and industry professionals. Their recognition of Dollywood underscores what millions of guests already know: this Smoky Mountain treasure is more than a theme park. It’s a place built on heart, history, and the enduring promise of Dolly Parton—a promise that continues to shine brighter with every passing season.

Source: ChrisWill Media

About the Authors: Christopher L. Antie and William Antie are podcast journalists who cover a wide range of topics across multiple industries. To learn more about Chris and Will, tune in to their podcast What About Our Life? on iHeartRadio, and visit chrisandwill.com.