Your Guide to the Dolly Parton Experience at Dollywood

Dolly Parton Experience
February 21, 2025

Do you love country music, the Smokies, and Dolly Parton? If so, you need to visit Dollywood and check out the Dolly Parton Experience, one of 2024’s new attractions in Pigeon Forge! This museum showcases Dolly’s humble beginnings growing up in the Smoky Mountain area along with her highly successful country music career. Read on for a complete guide to The Dolly Parton Experience at Dollywood:

Who is Dolly Parton?

The Dollywood sign and a butterfly flower display.

Dolly Rebecca Parton is our Smoky Mountain hometown hero! She grew up in Sevierville TN before pursuing her country music career. Her first album was released in 1967 and was called “Hello I’m Dolly.” Between 1967 and 2022, she released a whopping total of 65 albums! This number broke the record for most albums released by a female country singer. She also went on many headlining tours in the United States and Europe, but Parton’s accomplishments extend far beyond music. Besides founding Dollywood, one of the most popular theme park attractions in Pigeon Forge, she has also written several novels as well as children's picture books. Her passion for reading led her to establish the Imagination Library, an organization that gifts books to children from birth to 5 years old. All in all, Dolly is a pretty amazing lady!

What is the Dolly Parton Experience?

You can learn much more about Dolly at the brand-new Dolly Parton Experience at Dollywood. It’s 3 times the size of the former Chasing Rainbows Museum! One of the highlights is the Songteller exhibit, which features a timeline of Dolly’s life that you can walk through. You’ll be able to watch her life and career blossom right before your eyes! Another exhibit you won’t want to miss is the “Behind The Seams” exhibit. Parton’s team creates around 300 outfits a year for Dolly to wear. See some of them up close and get the inside scoop on her signature style. The museum also has a gift shop where you can stock up on all things Dolly! They make great souvenirs for yourself or gifts for loved ones back home.

To find out the best times to visit Dollywood and check out the Dolly Parton Experience, take a look at our Dollywood Crowd Calendar!

What is there to do at Dollywood?

The Dollywood Express steam engine.

In addition to the Dolly Parton Experience, there are many other great things to do at Dollywood. For example, you can go on all kinds of rides. There are action-packed rollercoasters, such as the Tennessee Tornado and Wild Eagle. If you want something more laid back, take a relaxing old-fashioned train ride through the Smokies on the Dollywood Express or watch one of the entertaining shows. Listen to an acapella group sing without instruments or lively bluegrass music on the fiddle. There is even a show that features a cast of high-flying creatures. If you get hungry, there is no shortage of delicious food to eat. Get a bowl of pulled pork mac and cheese from the Jukebox Junction Food Truck for your main dish. For dessert, head over to the Spotlight Bakery for a cinnamon roll or butterfly cookie!

Ways to Save at Dollywood

Now you know everything about the Dolly Parton Experience at Dollywood. Want more information about how to make the most of your trip? We can help you save money during your visit. Check out our Dollywood discounts and coupon guide!