Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a bustling tourist destination today, but it wasn’t always the vibrant hub of activity it is now. A quiet rural community nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge’s story of transformation is closely intertwined with one iconic name—Dolly Parton—and her vision for Dollywood.

A Quiet Beginning

In the early days, Pigeon Forge was an unassuming rural town, established in 1841 with a small population reliant on logging, farming, and other local businesses like blacksmithing and milling. By the early 1900s, the landscape was dominated by rolling farmland and towering mountain views. The town, while close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, lacked the booming tourism industry that we associate with it today. The park itself, established in 1934, led to some tourism, but most visitors preferred to stay in nearby Gatlinburg, where amenities and attractions were more developed.

Though Pigeon Forge made small strides in the tourism sector with attractions like Hillbilly Village and the Smoky Mountain Car Museum in the 1950s, tourism still played a minor role in the local economy. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that Pigeon Forge’s fate began to change.

The Birth of Dollywood

Before Dollywood, the area had seen some growth with the opening of attractions like Rebel Railroad in 1961, which would later evolve into Goldrush Junction and Silver Dollar City in the 1970s. However, it was Dolly Parton’s ambitious idea to open a theme park that would radically alter the town’s trajectory.

In September 1983, Dolly Parton announced plans to open a theme park in Sevier County. The park, later named Dollywood, would introduce an entirely new way of experiencing the Smoky Mountains—blending the beauty of the mountains with Dolly’s own vision of entertainment, music, and family fun. A fantasy mountain park, Dollywood was intended to open in three to five years.

Parton’s partnership with Silver Dollar City set the stage for Dollywood’s creation. By 1985, the vision was becoming a reality. Dollywood was not just a park—it was the catalyst for massive change in the region. The city of Pigeon Forge, realizing the opportunity, worked closely with Parton’s team to build infrastructure, improve roads, and develop utilities to support the incoming theme park. These improvements were backed by a $600,000 investment from the city.

The Transformation Begins

When Dollywood opened in 1986, it marked the beginning of a new era for Pigeon Forge. The theme park’s debut was a massive success, attracting over a million visitors in its first year. No longer just a stopover for travelers heading to the national park, Pigeon Forge became a destination in its own right. The small town began to grow at an exponential rate, with accommodations, restaurants, and attractions cropping up to cater to the influx of visitors.

By 1990, just four years after Dollywood’s opening, Pigeon Forge’s population had nearly doubled, from 1,822 in 1980 to 3,027. The tourism industry was flourishing, and local businesses were thriving. In fact, the city saw a 46% increase in sales tax revenue and a 37% increase in lodging tax revenue in 1986 alone. Building projects also surged, with nearly $26 million in nonresidential developments occurring in 1987.

Pigeon Forge Today

Today, Pigeon Forge is home to a population of around 6,343, according to the 2020 census, but the community’s true identity is rooted in its vibrant tourism industry. Dollywood continues to be a key player, drawing millions of visitors each year. In 2023, Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country water park attracted approximately 3.5 million guests. The park now employs about 4,000 people during peak seasons, with the city’s economy heavily relying on the arts, entertainment, and hospitality sectors.

Pigeon Forge’s evolution into a thriving tourist destination is a testament to the power of one visionary’s dream. Dolly Parton’s decision to invest in her hometown and create a family-friendly destination has not only changed the landscape but also the livelihoods of thousands of people in the region. Thanks to Dollywood, what was once a quiet mountain town is now one of the most beloved vacation spots in the country.

The Legacy of Dollywood

As Dollywood celebrates its 40th anniversary, the impact of this iconic theme park on the town of Pigeon Forge is undeniable. It didn’t just bring jobs, tourism, and prosperity—it redefined the area and put it on the map as a must-visit destination. And for Dollywood itself, it stands as a lasting tribute to Dolly Parton’s love for her roots and her commitment to turning her hometown into a place where people can come together to create memories, enjoy good times, and celebrate the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.

Through Dollywood, Pigeon Forge has become more than just a tourist stop—it’s a symbol of how vision, collaboration, and community spirit can turn a small, quiet town into a bustling, thriving hub for millions.