Rebel Railroad was created by two brothers, and it opened for business in 1961. Little did they know, the railroad would eventually turn into the most popular Pigeon Forge attraction.
At the time, Rebel Railroad only consisted of a train ride and a general store. The Herschend family, current co-owners of Dollywood, bought the attraction in 1977. They decided to change the name to Silver Dollar City. Then, Dolly Parton partnered with the Herschend family in 1986. She lent her name to the project and the theme park has been called Dollywood ever since. Since the first excited guests entered, on May 3, 1986, the Dollywood theme park has been one of the most popular family vacation destinations in Pigeon Forge. The Pigeon Forge attraction has added more than $110 million in expansions in the last few decades. There are several new shows, attractions and rides for a day of fun for any family.
Dollywood has been the biggest ticketed tourist attraction in Tennessee for over 10 years. Dolly Parton attributes its success to the location near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The theme park operates from early spring until late winter. It features five festivals each year with fantastic entertainment. Along with the great festivals and concerts, Dollywood is a great place for a variety of thrill rides!
Since the year the park became Dollywood, it has more than doubled in size and added many new attractions. The combination of exciting rides, performances and traditional Appalachian crafts has made it an ideal vacation destination for people from around the globe. Dollywood unveiled the first Wing Rider roller coaster in the United States, in 2012, called Wild Eagle.
After spending a day at this Pigeon Forge attraction, you will be pleased to relax in a Pigeon Forge cabin. At Timber Tops Luxury Cabin Rentals, we provide fully-equipped cabins with all of the amenities to make your stay memorable. Contact us at (800) 266-1066 to speak with one of our helpful staff members. We look forward to help you plan your vacation to the Smokies!
