Discover Tennessee's Top Attraction: Dollywood in Pigeon Forge

If I asked you to name some of your favorite attractions in Tennessee, you could probably rattle off 10 of them pretty easily. There are a bunch of great things to see and do throughout the Volunteer State, including manmade attractions for just about any interest, and attractions that put Mother Nature front and center.

So, naming some of the best Tennessee attractions isn't too tough, but what if I asked you to the BEST - could you narrow it down to just one? I saw a recent "less than scientific" study that lists the best attractions in each state, and I'm not sure I agree with the result for Tennessee.

Matt Shirley, aka @mattsurelee asked his more than 420,000 Instagram followers (I told you it wasn't scientific) to name the best attraction in their state - a tough task for Tennesseeans. I thought for sure it would be Great Smoky Mountain National Park. I was wrong, although my choice was close - geographically. According to this particular poll, DOLLYWOOD is Tennessee's best attraction. Do you agree?

Getty Images for ABA

The Birth of Dollywood

The area in Pigeon Forge, TN where Dollywood is located was formerly home to a few other parks back in the 1960s and 70s - first it was Rebel Railroad, then Goldrush Junction, and then finally Silver Dollar City. In 1982, the owners of Silver Dollar City heard that Dolly Parton wanted to open a theme park in her hometown. They didn't want to compete with the Tennessee legend, so they reached out and suggested a partnership. Dolly accepted and by 1986, Dollywood was open to the public. Since then it has become Tennessee's most popular ticketed attraction.

Get our free mobile app

instagram.com/mattsurelee/

Dollywood is located in beautiful Pigeon Forge, TN, and is open just about every day from now through the end of the year. New in 2024 is the Dolly Parton Experience, which sounds pretty amazing for any Dolly fan...

The Dolly Parton Experience is slated to open this spring with a number of interactive elements to make guests feel as if they were alongside Dolly as she journeyed from Locust Ridge to stages around the world. Housed in multiple buildings, the multi-faceted Dolly Parton Experience includes exhibits which span her iconic career, the inspiration and results of her biggest dreams, the importance of her family, and even a curated exhibit that highlights Dolly’s signature style through the years. The Dolly Parton Experience provides guests more Dolly than ever, as it is three times the size of the former Chasing Rainbows Museum.

Could This $50 Million Nashville Estate Be the Most Expensive Home in Tennessee History?

Owned by the richest person in Tennessee, Tom Frist Jr, this Belle Meade estate in Nashville is on the market for a cool $50 million. Richie Rich would be jealous...AND in need of a golf cart just for trips to the bathroom, of which there are TEN, all tolled, of varying sizes. This magnificent spread also features five bedrooms. (Also...I'm getting serious "Clue" vibes from this place.)

Gallery Credit: Dave Spencer

A Unique Tennessee Getaway, The Smoky Mountain Pirate Ship

Located on Douglas Lake in Tennessee, sits a rather unconventional houseboat. What makes this houseboat unconventional is it's been modeled to look like a pirate ship, complete with masts, skeletons, portholes, and more! If you're wanting a Smoky Mountain getaway like no other, this is certainly a good option. See the full VRBO listing, here.

Gallery Credit: Melissa Awesome

Source: A Recent Poll Named This Attraction the Best in Tennessee – Do You Agree?