DOLLYWOOD & DOLLYWOOD SPLASH COUNTRY

In 1986, the famous country singer Dolly Parton joined forces with The Herschends family, who already owned a flourishing amusement park in Pigeon Fort (a neighboring town to her birthplace). The park changed its name following this merger, becoming the famous Dollywood and gaining in popularity.

There are plenty of amusement parks in the area, but this one clearly has something extra, apart from its affiliation with one of America's favorite singers.

Located in the forest, it already offers a very pleasant natural setting in which to spend the day. The attractions also sometimes give way to an immersive setting, from the pop world of the 80s with its colorful diners and retro garages to the Craftsman's Valley village with its traditional wooden buildings, church, waterwheels and demonstrations of ironwork and other local crafts. But what really sets Dollywood apart are the many indoor and outdoor stages featuring live bands. Folk, country, bluegrass and even musicals... you come to Dollywood to delight your ears as much as to defy the laws of gravity a few minutes later aboard the Wild Eagle, the Tennessee Tornado or the Mystery Mine.

But if you're not a thrill-seeker, or if you're going with the little ones, this intergenerational family park has a real kid-friendly feel to it, with attractions for all ages. For families, opt for the steam train that circles the park, leaving you to miss the Country Fair section and all its fairground attractions. And don't miss Rockin' Roadway, where you can take a ride in a vintage mini-car in a world that's 100% retro and pop. To make sure you see as many shows as possible, check out the program of the theaters on Showstreet and the outdoor stages scattered around the park. And if you're wondering where Dolly is, she's waiting for you with an introductory show in the kiosk opposite the station.

Since 2001, the original park (Dollywood) has been expanded with the creation of a water park: Dollywood Splash, which can be accessed at extra cost. But believe us, a day in Dollywood will seem like a very short time! Autumn, with its beautiful colors, pumpkins and Halloween decorations, and winter, with its magical illuminations, are particularly magical times!