Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s beloved Smoky Mountain theme park, will mark 40 years of magical memories and family fun next year. But this week, thousands of visitors were met with an unexpected update — one of the Tennessee theme park’s most iconic attractions has been suddenly closed for maintenance.
The attraction in question is the Dollywood Express, a 110-ton coal-fired steam train that has been a staple since the park’s earliest days. Originally part of the Silver Dollar City park (formerly Rebel Railroad), acquired and renamed by Dolly Parton in 1986, the train offers a scenic 20-minute, five-mile journey through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s not just a ride — it’s a rolling piece of local history, evoking a bygone era when steam trains were essential to the region.
On May 21, Dollywood posted an immediate notice on its Instagram story, informing guests that the decades-old steam train is currently closed for maintenance: “PARK UPDATE: The Dollywood Express currently is closed for maintenance. Thank you for your understanding–we look forward to having it back on track soon! We hope you’ll enjoy our other award-winning attractions and entertainment offerings.”
The Pigeon Forge theme park’s official website cautions visitors that the Dollywood Express schedule can be unpredictable due to sudden maintenance needs or weather conditions. “Special Attraction Information: The Dollywood Express schedule is subject to change and closures may also occur due to maintenance or inclement weather conditions, including lightning,” the site reads.
At this point, no reopening date has been announced for the steam train. Those planning visits are advised to monitor the Tennessee theme park’s official channels for updates on the maintenance status and any additional attraction news.
Does the Dollywood Express closure impact your visit to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee? Disney Fanatic would love to hear from you in the comments!
