Dollywood’s Splash Country opened in May 2001 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, as an expansion of the Dollywood resort co-owned by entertainer Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment. Built on 35 acres adjacent to the main Dollywood theme park, it was named Best New Water Park in America by the World Waterpark Association in its debut year and quickly became one of the most recognized outdoor water parks in the Southeast.
The park’s design draws directly from Dolly Parton’s own childhood memories of swimming in the rivers of the Great Smoky Mountains, giving it a distinctly Appalachian character that sets it apart from more generic resort water parks. From towering slide towers to a sprawling wave pool, the attractions are tucked into the natural scenery of the surrounding foothills, operating seasonally from May through September each year.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
- Opened: May 2001
- Size: 35 acres
- Owners: Dolly Parton & Herschend Family Entertainment
- Operating Season: May – September
- Signature Ride: RiverRush water coaster (opened 2013)
- Wave Pool: Mountain Waves, about 25,000 sq ft
- Awards: WWA Best New Water Park (2001); IAAPA Must-See Park (2007)
Rides and Attractions
Dollywood’s Splash Country features a wide range of water attractions across its 35 acres. The headline attraction is RiverRush, which opened in 2013 as Tennessee’s first water coaster, using ProSlide Technology’s hydromagnetic system to propel riders uphill as well as down. Other major slides include TailSpin Racer (opened 2017), Slick Rock Racer — a four-lane mat racing slide stretching about 300 feet, added in 2010 — and Fire Tower Falls, which launches riders from a roughly 70-foot platform. Families can also enjoy Raging River Rapids, Big Bear Plunge white-water rafting, and Little Creek Falls play area for younger guests.
The park’s Mountain Waves wave pool spans approximately 25,000 square feet and serves as a central gathering point. A lazy river winds through the grounds, while Riverside Retreats — private poolside cabanas introduced in 2004 — offer a more relaxed experience. The mountain setting provides natural shade that distinguishes Splash Country from many flatland counterparts.
History and Recognition
The park originally opened under the name Dolly’s Splash Country in May 2001, representing roughly a $20 million investment by the Dollywood Company. It was rebranded as Dollywood’s Splash Country in 2004. Recognition came quickly: the World Waterpark Association named it Best New Water Park in America in 2001, and the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions presented it with a Must-See Waterpark award in 2007.
The 2013 debut of RiverRush brought further national attention, earning Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Award for Best New Ride in a waterpark that year. The Travel Channel has also highlighted Splash Country among the top water parks in the United States, cementing its reputation as a must-visit summer destination in the Smoky Mountain region.
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Dollywood’s Splash Country FAQs
When did Dollywood’s Splash Country open?
Dollywood’s Splash Country opened in May 2001, originally under the name Dolly’s Splash Country. It was renamed Dollywood’s Splash Country in 2004.
What is RiverRush at Dollywood’s Splash Country?
RiverRush is a water coaster that opened in 2013 and was Tennessee’s first ride of its kind. It uses ProSlide Technology’s hydromagnetic system to push rafts uphill, as well as down conventional drops.
What time of year is Dollywood’s Splash Country open?
The park operates seasonally, typically from May through September each year. Exact opening and closing dates vary by season.
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