Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Changed By Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton forever changed Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, with her 1986 decision to purchase co-ownership of Tennessee’s Silver Dollar City (another still operates in Branson, Missouri). Changing the park’s name to Dollywood, Dolly used her fame and fan base to promote the park; today, nearly 2.5 million visitors make Dollywood their family vacation destination. The park is organized into nine theme-based areas with names such as Showstreet, where theaters offer live entertainment, and Craftmen’s Valley, where one can watch molten glass being transformed into beautiful dishware, blacksmiths working with iron, and quilters stitch intricate designs into their piecework. While the rustic, mountain-themed park features great food, live entertainment, master craftsmen, and a museum – most come for the rides!
Spanning 125 acres, Dollywood boasts over 40 rides with new multi-million dollar attractions being added each year. For 2007, the addition was Dollywood’s “most ambitious, expensive attraction to date—the $17.5 million Mystery Mine….” The Mystery Mine is a steel roller coaster with a footprint of just over an acre. With its tallest drop reaching 85 feet with a 95 degree fall, the ride is certainly not for the faint of heart. The 2008 addition is the $5 million River Battle water ride upon which riders attempt to soak one another, non-riders, and stationary targets with water cannons as they navigate a river by raft.
A signature feature is the 110-ton coal-fired steam engine that takes passengers on a five-mile journey through the mountains, a particularly beautiful ride when the leaves are changing. Another favorite is the River Rampage which offers passengers a taste if white water rafting and a guaranteed soaking. Additional rides are just as thrilling as these, with alternatives that fit every age group to please the entire family.
A number of special events and festivals are worthy of mention. The Festival of Nations lasts five weeks and features entertainers from all over the world. KidFest offers six weeks of kid-centered activities, with special guests, the Kratt brothers from PBS’ Zoboomafoo. And the Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival features nearly a month of award winning food and over 500 live, free concerts. Dollywood’s Christmas events, including Santa’s Workshop, Santa’s parade, a spectacularly lit walk through the park, and a variety of live Christmas performances, are perfectly staged and a great addition to family traditions.
As the state’s top tourist attraction, Dollywood is certainly important to Tennessee’s economy. Additional contributions are made East Tennessee citizens through Dolly’s philanthropic efforts. Winning the Tennessean of the Year award in 2006, Dolly was recognized for her creation of Imagination Library, among other accomplishments.
