More than two and a half million people a year make the trip to Tennessee to say Hello Dolly, and enjoy homespun country fun in the fresh mountain air. Situated at Pigeon Forge, a short drive from Knoxville in the Smoky Mountains, the park was first opened in 1961 as a small tourist attraction called Rebel Railroad.
Built just a few miles from the Locust Ridge cabin where Dolly spent her childhood, the historical theme park became known as Silver Dollar City in the seventies. In 1986 Dolly Parton became a co-owner, changed its name to Dollywood, and put her Tennessee birthplace on the international tourist map.
Chasing Rainbows and Dolly Parton Memorabilia
Dolly has brought more than just her name to the park, she has opened her closet and emptied her attic. In the Chasing Rainbows attraction, a highlight of the day for any Dolly fan, an entire building has been filled with Dolly’s costumes, photos, gold records, and memorabilia, including the inspiration for one of her classic songs, the Coat Of Many Colours, which sits proudly in a small glass case.
As Dolly herself puts it, "I'm flashier than a drag queen's Christmas tree" and Chasing Rainbows celebrates that fact with a range of interactive features.
People can see what they would look like in a variety of Dolly's wigs thanks to animated wig stations, and can “Ask Dolly” a series of questions, such as “How long does it take to do your hair?” Answer: “I don't know – I'm never there. I've got more important things to do.” While those who fancy themselves a bit of a warbler can share a virtual stage with Dolly and sing a duet.
From Dolly Parton Costumes to Dollywood Rollercoasters
Of course, Dollywood is more than a Dolly Parton museum. It boasts a range of theme park rides, from traditional rollercoasters such as the Tennessee Twister to water rides including the Smoky Mountain River Rampage and Daredevil Falls.
There are rides for thrill seekers, children, and the whole family, who can get all aboard the Dollywood Express, one of the few steam trains still operating in America, and chuff around a nearby mountain. Every Christmas, Dollywood is turned into a winter wonderland, with Christmas parades and musicals for the fans.
It Takes a Lot of Money to Look This Cheap - Dolly Parton the Entrepreneur
Dolly has said over the years that she’s not offended by dumb blonde jokes “Because I know that I'm not dumb. I also know I'm not blonde.”
Her business empire has become so successful that she has been named one of the Wall Street Journal’s Top 50 Women to Watch.
As well as making a success of Dollywood, Dolly has expanded the business to include the nearby water adventure theme park, Dollywood Splash County and Dolly’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Theatre.
Working 9 to 5 at Dollywood
She may be one of the Queens of Country Music, but Dolly still finds time to make personal appearances at Dollywood throughout the year.
Dolly can be found at various concerts and musical events at the park, but even when Dolly herself cannot be there, the park is filled with music. From bluegrass to rock and roll, live music spills out of a dozen theatres across the park.
Admission to Dollywood costs $53.50 for an adult one day ticket, or $87 for a season pass. Children visit for $42.35 a day or $74 a season.
Those who would like the ultimate Dollywood experience, and to be sure they are there at the same time as Dolly, should get in touch with Dollywood before making the pilgrimage to Pigeon Forge. But with or without Dolly herself, a trip to Dollywood is something most people are unlikely to ever forget.
Related Articles
Dolly Parton’s 25th Anniversary Parade: Dolly takes her place in the 25th annual Dolly Parton Parade, joined by more than 100 other floats and thousands of spectators.
Dolly Helps Nashville Flood Victims: Dolly donates the weekend's takings from Dollywood and her other tourist attractions to help victims of the Nashville floods.
Nutbush City Limits On a Tennessee Vacation: For Tina Turner fans, and anyone who jumps up to dance the Nutbush at a party, the tiny Tennessee town of Nutbush is a great addition to any Deep South road trip.
Plan a Road Trip in Deep South Music Country: Drive the Tennessee Music Highway from Memphis to Nashville and explore its rich music history.
Amanda Woods - Amanda Woods is a journalist and producer with more than 15 years experience in radio, television and print. She now enjoys sharing her ...
Join the Conversation