After that, it was just a matter of upgrading key elements in the park to make them all her own. She partnered with the Herschend brothers right out the gate, allowing her to change the name to Dollywood. In 1986, Dolly got the chance to live out her dream. The Herschend brothers were listening when Dolly shared that desire with Barbara Walters, kicking off a truly rewarding partnership for all involved. The Dolly Parton DifferenceĪs Dolly Parton made her media rounds through the years, she’d openly dream of the day when she could open up her very own theme park. The theme park followed the Silver Dollar City formula for around a decade, paving the way for Dolly Parton to swoop in and make it all her own. They’re even the ones responsible for building the popular grist mill, which assists in making Dolly’s famous cinnamon bread to this day. Just one year later, the park turned into Silver Dollar City Tennessee and then got over $1 million in upgrades. The Goldrush name came back in vogue in 1976 when Pete and Jack Herschend bought the park from Modell. Thomas Church landed onsite as well, starting the tradition of the weekly church service in the park. During that time, the log flume ride and outdoor theater joined the fun. Goldrush JunctionĪbout 10 years later, Art Modell threw out a not-so-modest sum to own the park, renaming it the Goldrush Junction. Visitors were plunged into Civil War times at each visit, allowing them to watch in awe as battles raged on all around them. Then, they set a steam train in motion around the park. The Robbins brothers started Rebel Railroad by putting down a saloon, blacksmith shop, and general store. In fact, the park got its humble start as Rebel Railroad in the early 1960s, starting its evolution toward greatness.
Humble BeginningsĪlthough Dollywood adventures have become a time-honored tradition, the theme park wasn’t always a Dolly Parton production. Ready to dive into this amazing tale? Here’s a glimpse into the history of Dollywood. To understand just how much has gone into creating the park of your dreams, all you have to do is gaze back into its rich history. A true Pigeon Forge favorite, this theme park has grown and changed through the years, adding to the magic by leaps and bounds. Read our review of the park here.For over 35 years, Dollywood has proudly served as a great spot to create lasting memories with your friends, family, and community. The charm of Dollywood continues to bring guests back year after year and there is no doubting why it has had the success it has. Today, this world-class park is home to eight roller coasters, numerous family and thrill rides, and some of the best food and shows one can experience at a theme park. Over the next 30 years, Dollywood would more than double in size and become Tennessee’s most visited attraction. The park saw a huge increase in attendance during the opening year, at 1.3 million visitors. It included a new restaurant, theater and Dolly’s Tennessee Mountain Home. For the park’s first year as Dollywood, the area known as Rivertown Junction was added. With the partnership came the final name change and Dollywood was born. In 1986, fellow Sevier County native and popular singer Dolly Parton joined together with the Herschend family to even further develop the Silver Dollar City, Tennessee property. One ride that the family added that is still popular today is Blazing Fury, an indoor dark ride/roller coaster combination (a personal favorite of mine). They had another successful park on their hands. They put over a million dollars into the park over the next ten years, adding rides, craftmen’s booths and shows. In wanting to preserve the Smoky Mountains traditions and heritage, the Herschend family put all of their efforts into creating a park with a small town feel and putting forth the trades that were common for the area. Goldrush was now known as Silver Dollar City, Tennessee. So it was not a surprise when they passed the well known name onto its new property.
As you may know, the Herschend family already owned a theme park, the popular Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. The very next year, in 1977, the park again changed owners and the Herschend family bought the park. Silver Dollar City, Tennessee (1977-1985)
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