Dollywood Theme Park

Dollywood is the theme park at the heart of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee — a celebration of Appalachian culture, Southern cooking, and big rides, all carrying the spirit of its namesake, Dolly Parton. Since 1986 it has grown into a full-day destination with roller coasters, live shows, craftsmen at work, and festivals that change the look of the park from spring through the holidays.

Here's what to know before you go, and how to get Dollywood tickets included with your cabin. To learn more about the woman behind the park, read our tribute, Remembering Dolly Parton.

Where is Dollywood?

Dollywood is in Pigeon Forge, just off the Parkway, and Dollywood's Splash Country water park is right next door. From Gatlinburg, plan on about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on Parkway traffic. Our guide to where Dollywood is has directions from every direction.

Dollywood tickets with every paid night

The Stay & Play Pass includes Dollywood. When you book a cabin directly with Colonial Properties, each paid night earns your reservation one free ticket to each attraction on the list, Dollywood included, good for that day. See how the Stay & Play Pass works.

Tickets are per reservation, not per guest, so larger groups will want to plan for additional Dollywood tickets. Want to stay close to the park? Browse our cabins near Dollywood.

NightFlight Expedition, Dollywood's newest ride

NightFlight Expedition opened in Wildwood Grove in 2026. It's an indoor adventure that combines a family coaster and a whitewater raft ride in one all-weather attraction, with soaring climbs, a shimmering lake, and plenty of surprises in the dark. The height requirement is 39 inches, so most of the family can ride together.

Lines are long on busy days. Head to Wildwood Grove first thing in the morning, or ride late in the evening when crowds thin out. Get the full story in our NightFlight Expedition guide.

Dollywood rides

Thrill coasters

Lightning Rod is a launched wooden coaster with high speeds and big drops. Thunderhead is a classic wooden coaster in Timber Canyon. Wild Eagle seats riders on wings beside the track, with open views of the Smokies. Tennessee Tornado loops through the trees, and Mystery Mine takes riders through a dark, themed coal mine.

Family coasters

Big Bear Mountain, Dragonflier, and FireChaser Express are great first coasters for kids who are ready to step up, and Blazing Fury is an indoor classic. Our guide to Dollywood roller coasters covers each one.

Classic and water rides

Ride the Dollywood Express, a coal-fired steam train that circles the park, or cool off on Smoky Mountain River Rampage. Country Fair has classic midway rides and games.

For younger kids

Wildwood Grove has the most rides for little ones, plus an indoor play area that's perfect for a rest in the shade. See our list of kid-friendly rides at Dollywood. Not a ride person? Check out things to do at Dollywood if you don't like rides.

Dollywood's themed areas

Dollywood is divided into areas that each reflect a piece of East Tennessee history and culture. Showstreet is the entrance, with theaters, shops, and the bakery. Craftsman's Valley is where you'll find blacksmiths, woodworkers, and the working grist mill. Timber Canyon is home to Thunderhead. Wildwood Grove, the park's newest area, is built for families and home to NightFlight Expedition. Use our Dollywood park map guide to plan your route, and keep an eye out for the park's hidden secrets along the way.

Live shows

Live entertainment is a big part of a Dollywood day, with performances across several stages and theaters. Longtime favorites include Southern gospel from the Kingdom Heirs and the Wings of America birds of prey show, and the Chasing Rainbows Museum tells the story of Dolly's life and career. Show schedules change by day and season, so check the Dollywood app or dollywood.com before you go.

Dollywood festivals by season

Spring: The Flower & Food Festival fills the park with gardens, seasonal dishes, and live music.

Summer: The Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration brings longer hours and nighttime shows.

Fall: The Harvest Festival celebrates the season with crafts and music, and Great Pumpkin LumiNights lights the park with glowing pumpkins after dark. Fall is a busy time to visit, so book your fall cabin early.

Holidays: Smoky Mountain Christmas runs from November into early January, with millions of lights, holiday shows, and seasonal treats. Read our guide to Christmas at Dollywood, and make it a full holiday trip with one of our cabins decorated for Christmas.

Festival dates change each year, so check the Dollywood calendar and operating schedule before you plan.

Food at Dollywood

Food is a big part of the Dollywood experience. Don't miss the cinnamon bread from the Grist Mill in Craftsman's Valley. It's a guest favorite, and the line gets long by mid-morning. Aunt Granny's serves a Southern buffet of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and all the classics, and you'll find barbecue, fried pies, funnel cakes, and seasonal festival treats throughout the park. See our full list of places to eat at Dollywood.

Dollywood's Splash Country

Dollywood's Splash Country is a separate water park next to Dollywood, with lazy rivers, a wave pool, and slides for every age. It requires its own ticket and is open seasonally in the summer. See our Splash Country guide for tips. After a day of water slides, unwind at a cabin with a private pool or pool access.

Tickets, parking, and add-ons

Dollywood prices tickets by date, so buying ahead for your visit date can save money. Child and senior discounts are available, and season passes are a good value if you'll visit more than once. Our Dollywood ticket guide explains your options.

TimeSaver: Dollywood's paid front-of-line pass for major rides. It's most useful on busy weekends and during festivals.

Parking: Parking is paid, though some season passes include it. Trams carry guests from the lots to the entrance. See our Dollywood parking tips.

Doggywood: Pets aren't allowed inside the park, but Dollywood offers on-site dog boarding during your visit. Traveling with a dog? Browse our pet-friendly cabins.

Dollywood hours and season

Dollywood typically opens in mid-March and runs through early January, and the park is closed in January and February. Hours change by day and season, with later nights during summer and the holiday festival. Always check dollywood.com before your visit.

Tips for a great day at Dollywood

Arrive early: Head straight to Wildwood Grove for NightFlight Expedition and Big Bear Mountain before the back of the park fills up.

Plan around the shows: Schedule a show or two during the hottest part of the day.

Visit on a weekday: Festival weekends, especially in the fall and at Christmas, are the busiest days of the year. Our tips for avoiding long lines at Dollywood help on any day.

Pack smart: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle go a long way. See our Dollywood packing list.

Near Dollywood

Pair your park day with The Island in Pigeon Forge, with free admission, shops, restaurants, and the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. Browse our full list of Pigeon Forge attractions, or spend a day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get Dollywood tickets with my cabin?

Yes. When you book directly with Colonial Properties, the Stay & Play Pass gives your reservation one free Dollywood ticket for each paid night, good for that day. Tickets are per reservation, not per guest. Learn more.

Where is Dollywood located?

At 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd. in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, just off the Parkway. It's about 20 to 30 minutes from Gatlinburg by car.

When is Dollywood open?

Dollywood typically runs from mid-March through early January, and the park is closed in January and February. Check dollywood.com for current dates and hours.

What is NightFlight Expedition?

An indoor family coaster and whitewater raft ride in Wildwood Grove. It opened in 2026 and has a 39-inch height requirement.

Do I need a separate ticket for Splash Country?

Yes. Dollywood's Splash Country requires its own ticket, and it's open seasonally in the summer.

Where do I park at Dollywood?

Dollywood has its own paid parking lots, with trams to the entrance. Some season passes include parking. Arrive early on festival weekends.

Are pets allowed at Dollywood?

Pets aren't allowed inside the park, but Doggywood offers on-site dog boarding during your visit.