Can You Visit Dolly Parton’s Childhood Home?
Have you ever wanted to see Dolly Parton’s childhood home?
Do you know where it is? And once you find it, can you tour it?
Keep reading to find out about the house, where it is, and what you can do once you get there.
Let’s explore!
Who Is Dolly Parton?
Dolly Parton has a career spanning over six decades. Parton can do it all: sing, write, play instruments, and act. She is also a successful businesswoman and humanitarian.
Born in Sevierville, Tennessee, on January 19, 1946, Dolly is the fourth of 12 children. She married Carl Thomas Dean in 1966, and they’re still together.
Where Is Dolly Parton’s Childhood Home?
Dolly Parton’s childhood home is a 2-room house on Locust Ridge Road in Sevierville, Tennessee. The small mountain home is about 30 minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and about 60 minutes from Knoxville.
Pro Tip: Exploring Smoky Mountain National Park? We found the perfect Smoky Mountain Campgrounds For RV Owners.
Can You Tour Dolly Parton’s Childhood Home?
Although you can drive up the mountain along Locust Ridge Road, you won’t be able to find the house because a tall fence surrounds it. You can, however, visit a replica of Dolly’s Tennessee Mountain Home at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.
Walking through is like traveling back to the 40s and 50s in Sevier County.
Dolly’s brother designed the home, and her mother decorated the inside with many of the family’s original furnishings.
Does Dolly Parton Still Own Dollywood?
Before there was Dollywood, the area was home to a handful of attractions. The first one, started in 1961, was a small-scaled attraction with a steam train called “Rebel Railroad.”
After years of the amusement park expanding and changing hands, Dollywood was officially born in 1986. In that year, Dolly Parton became a part-owner of Dollywood alongside the Herschend brothers, Jack and Pete.
Things To Do Near Dolly Parton’s Childhood Home
Dollywood is in Pigeon Forge and just outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you’re looking for fun and recreation without the ticks, check out the Pigeon Forge Riverwalk and Island in Pigeon Forge.
Pigeon Forge Riverwalk
The Pigeon Forge Riverwalk is a paved out-and-back trail that runs along the West Prong Little Pigeon River. It’s anywhere from 2.7 miles to 6 miles, depending on who you ask.
The Riverwalk is a great trail for walking, running, biking, and birding. Lamp posts light up the path at night, and benches allow walkers to rest along the way.
You can access the trail at three different points: Patriot Park, LeConte Convention Center, and Butler Street at Ashley Avenue. If you follow the path to Island Drive, you’ll find yourself at The Island in Pigeon Forge.
The Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island in Pigeon Forge is an all-ages amusement park on an island along the West Prong Little Pigeon River. In addition to rides and recreation, The Island has plenty of shopping and restaurants to satisfy the entire family.
The park is approximately 11 minutes east of Dollywood, with free admission and parking. Rides, arcades, and other games do require a fee, though.
The island is famous for its Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot-high Ferris wheel with jaw-dropping views of the Smokies.
The Island Show Fountain, which shoots water 60 feet into the air choreographed to light and music, is also a popular stop.
Best Camping Near Dollywood
Extend your stay to discover everything that Pigeon Forge has to offer. Camp out less than 15 minutes from Dollywood at The Ridge Outdoor Resort and Duvall in the Smokies RV Campground.
The Ridge Outdoor Resort
Located 10 minutes away from Dollywood, The Ridge Outdoor Resort opened in 2019. The park includes over 150 campsites, with more to come.
All sites are paved and have full hookups. The resort also has signature sites with outdoor wood-burning fireplaces and individual hot tubs!
Location: 1250 Middle Creek Road, Sevierville, TN 37862
Duvall in the Smokies RV Campground
This waterfront campground is located 12 minutes from Dollywood. Duvall in the Smokies RV Campground has 29 paved campsites with full hookups.
The campground is western-themed and offers campers a free hour of kayak rentals. A pool will be available in the future, so check back with the owners for a status update.
Location: 1518 Dolly Parton Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862
Pro Tip: On a budget, but still want to explore Tennessee? Try out one of these 5 Best Free Camping Spots in Tennessee.
Is a Trip to Dolly Parton’s Childhood Home Worth It?
Yes! Not only can you tour the replica of Dolly Parton’s childhood home, but you can spend a fun day at Dollywood. After that, take a relaxing walk along the Pigeon Forge Riverwalk.
If you didn’t get your fill at Dollywood, don’t forget The Island for rides, food, and shopping.
Plenty to do for the day or several days, you decide.
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