We visited Dollywood and fell in love with the park. Between thrilling rides, incredible food, and fun vibes, there’s a lot to do across the Dollywood resort!

While the rides, shows, and food are super fun, there’s one major draw of Dollywood that you’re probably overlooking on your next trip. Dollywood has so many fun extras, from playgrounds to entertainment, games, and walk-through exhibits, that MADE our trip. You can’t miss out on these 13 Dollywood experiences!

Walk-Through Exhibits

The most iconic extra is the Dolly Parton Experience. This is a full-length museum dedicated to country icon Dolly Parton, and it’s included with the price of your ticket. The giant pink butterfly is a Dollywood icon, and snapping a picture is a MUST!

You’ll get to walk through Dolly’s whole life from when she was little, to when she joined the Porter Wagner show, to when she kickstarted her solo career. The museum is interactive, with photo ops, immersive screens, memorabilia displays, and a live tracker showing how many books Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Foundation has donated to kids.

Right across from the Dolly Parton Experience, you’ll find another museum. Behind the Seams showcases Dolly’s many styles over the years, and you can see some of her most iconic looks in person!

You can also visit Dolly’s Home on Wheels, Dolly Parton’s personal tour bus that she used to travel from show to show.

The Robert F. Thomas Chapel is a working historical church with Sunday services. If you’ll be at Dollywood in 2027 and beyond, the courtyard is getting a Dolly Parton memorial in May 2027 to mark her favorite spot in the theme park.

While you’re in Craftsman’s Valley, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Calico Falls Schoolhouse to see what a classic Tennessee school would’ve looked like back in the 1890s.

Over in Rivertown Junction, you have to check out Dolly’s Tennessee Mountain Home. While this isn’t Dolly Parton’s actual mountain home, it’s an exact replica to show you where Dolly used to live while she was growing up.

Entertainment

You can’t miss the icon of Wildwood Grove, the Wildwood Tree! If you’re visiting Dollywood after dark, the Wildwood Tree comes to life multiple times throughout the evening with glowing and dancing butterflies, music, and a story from Dolly Parton herself.

Play Areas

Wildwood Grove has two play areas for kids. Hidden Hollow is an indoor playground where your littles can roam, climb, and burn as much steam as their little hearts desire, while parents can sit in the air-conditioning and take a much-needed breather.

At Wildwood Creek Splash Pad, they can keep playing and cool down with some fun in the sun right beside the Wildwood Tree.

Owens Farm is hiding a great spot for little kids. Your littles can explore Granny’s Garden and Lil’ Pilots Playground to get out some energy.

In Wilderness Pass, younger kiddos can play in the Firehouse Fun Yard playground while they wait for the bigger kiddos to finish riding Wild Eagle and Fire Chaser Express.

Carnival Games

You can play carnival games around the park in Country Fair, Craftsman’s Valley, and Wilderness Pass. While they cost extra, you can compete to win prizes, and it’s a super fun experience if you’re not on a strict budget.

We won this little bear holding a Dollywood Cinnamon Bread!

These 13 extras are a must-do at Dollywood, so make sure to check these out on your next Dollywood visit! Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more theme park guides.

Full 2-Day Dollywood Itinerary: Best Snacks, Rides, and Hotels

Which Dollywood extra made your must-do list? Comment below!