Dollywood is certainly known for its incredible lineup of thrill rides, award-winning shows, and unique restaurants, but the theme park is also home to several hidden gems you might not even know about it! Even if you have been to the park several times in the past, there are a few things you may have overlooked you should definitely see on your next visit! Here are the top 6 hidden gems you should check out at Dollywood theme park:

1. Chasing Rainbows

Follow Dolly Parton’s path from the mountains of eastern Tennessee to her phenomenal career as a performer in the Chasing Rainbows museum! This state-of-the-art museum features an incredible collection of stories and memorabilia from Dolly’s life and career, including her costumes from films such as 9 to 5 and Straight Talk. You can also view an entire case that contains Dolly’s many awards, as well as plaques that commemorate her gold and platinum records!

2. Calico Falls Schoolhouse

One of the hidden gems at Dollywood theme park is the Calico Falls Schoolhouse, a one-room schoolhouse that provides a glimpse into how many schools appeared in East Tennessee during the 1890s! The schoolhouse transports you back to a simpler time in history when there were slate boards rather than pen and paper. As you look inside of the building, you can just imagine the students learning about the history of the beautiful Smoky Mountains!

3. Tennessee Mountain Home

Get a true feeling of what Dolly means when she speaks of her home by visiting her Tennessee Mountain Home! This is a two-room replica of Dolly Parton’s childhood home in Locust Ridge where she grew up without electricity and running water. However, the one thing this tiny little mountain house didn’t lack was love among Dolly and her family members!

4. Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

Another hidden gem at Dollywood theme park is the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, a 30,000-square-foot aviary that contains the largest presentation of non-releasable bald eagles in the USA! This is a rare chance to see these impressive birds of prey among a spectacular mountain setting. You will also get to see members of the American Eagle Foundation interact with these beautiful birds!

5. Robert F. Thomas Chapel

Dollywood is even home to its very own chapel, which is named in honor of the doctor who delivered Dolly Parton! The Robert F. Thomas Chapel is a one room country church with simple wooden pews and hardwood floors. The chapel offers services at 11:30 am on Sundays during the regular season and at 5:30 pm on Sundays during the Smoky Mountain Christmas event.

6. Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame

You may be surprised to know that the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame is located at Dollywood theme park! While browsing through this amazing facility, you can learn about the pioneers who took Southern gospel music to audiences around the world! This is a fascinating opportunity to see how Southern gospel music legends paved the way for modern artists who are dedicated to preserving the legacy of this wonderful genre.

You don’t want to miss any of these hidden gems in Dollywood! Now you just need a place to stay! Check out all of the rooms at our hotel in Pigeon Forge TN today to enjoy a fantastic vacation!