Dollywood Once Again Voted Best in the U.S. For Fourth Year in a Row

For the fourth consecutive year in a row, Dolly Parton's iconic Southern theme park Dollywood has taken home the grand prize for the best theme park in the country, as revealed in the 40th annual survey by the National Amusement Park Historical Association.

The news arrives via an official press release shared by Dollywood with us over email. Per the NAPHA Amusement Park and Attractions Survey's results, 2026 marks the fourth time in a row that the beloved theme park has been named the top park in the nation.

While most people might readily know either Walt Disney World in Florida or California's Disneyland as the most famous theme park in the world, Dollywood has maintained a distinguished place at the forefront of the park industry, as evidenced by its numerous awards and high year-round attendance rates.

Previously, the Tennessee-based park came out on top as the nation's favorite theme park in the annual NAPHA survey, sharing the top spot with notable competitors Disneyland and Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Virginia back in 2021.

In the years since, Dollywood has regularly come out as the crown winner in the NAPHA survey, leaving its fan-favorite reputation among visitors beyond scrutiny.

Since opening in 1986 as the rebranded Dollywood, Parton's theme park has grown to encompass over 50 rides and attractions, including 10 roller coasters, two water slides and dozens of worthwhile eateries and restaurants, several of which are modeled after the park's legendary founder, Dolly Parton.

In more recent years, Dollywood has accrued a steady amount of awards for its various theme park offerings, with Tripadvisor naming it the #1 theme park in the U.S. for 2025, 2024 and 2022.

Along with being named the country's best theme park by the NAPHA last year, it also won three Golden Ticket Awards for Best Guest Experience, Best Kids' Area and Best Family Coaster.

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 12:01 PM.