Once you arrive at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN, it is hard not to get excited about all the fun rides and attractions that are available. There are certainly plenty of exciting rides for the thrill seeker in you to enjoy. However, if you like things at a slower pace, or you enjoy pieces of history, Dollywood has that, too. One of the rides that I truly enjoy when I visit Dollywood is the Dollywood Express. The Dollywood Express is an authentic steam engine train that takes guests on a 20-minute tour of the scenery in and around the theme park grounds.
All Aboard The Dollywood Express
The Dollywood Express is also a living piece of history. The locomotive that powers the train is a 1943 steam engine built for the U.S. military for service during World War II. It was during that time that it was deemed necessary to help upgrade America’s railway system, especially in Alaska. Therefore the War Department, now known as the Department of Defense, commissioned the building of these steam locomotives to help repair and supply the railway that once served the Klondike gold rush of the late 1800s. One of them was steam engine number 192, which served the U.S. Army until 1946, then served the White Pass and Youkon Railway until 1957, according to Wikipedia. It was there that she earned the name “Klondike Katie”, a name she is still known by today. She was sold to the theme park that would eventually become known as Dollywood in 1960.
Klondike Katie has a 2-8-2 wheel configuration. That is, it has 2 small wheels in the front, followed by 8 big wheels in the middle and 2 small wheels in the rear. She burns about two tons of coal a day. She takes riders on a 20 minute tour to the outskirts of Dollywood’s property and into the mountains that the theme park borders. There you can see not only a great amount of the park’s attractions, but also some of the most scenic views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park available from the property. There are also cabins and, ah-em, outhouses set up on the tour to show visitors just what life was like back in the early settler’s days.
So, let’s review. You get a scenic tour of the Great Smoky Mountains area and the theme park that is Dollywood, you get a relaxing 20-minute journey that is full of history and tradition, and you get to see what is essentially a museum dedicated to the history of the Great Smoky Mountains, all in one ride! Oh, and did I mention that there is an outstanding chance of catching a glimpse of some of the native wildlife in the area? You could see squirrels, raccoons, deer and maybe even a bear along the way. Yes, take a few moments break from the excitement and fast-paced thrill rides that are abundant at Dollywood and hop aboard the Dollywood Express. Trust me, it is a ride that you will cherish for years to come. And it will make memories for your children that they cherish as well.
See the rest of our pictures of the Dollywood Express as well as our pictures of Dolly Parton, herself, on Flickr.
Okay, brb. Gotta go visit that theme park. lol
We have been there many times and it’s definitely worth it. We have a different and fun experience every time we go.
My best friend just took her family to Dollywood and they had a blast. It’s definitely one of those places I need to take the family!
I have never heard of the Dollywood Express, but would love to go on it. We went to Dollywood about 15 years ago and loved it. The area that Dollywood is located is stunning. The smokies are so beautiful. Seeing more of the Smokies would be so fun.
My husband and son were able to go there last summer ad they had so much fun. My girls and I were so jealous. We need to get there
Wow this takes me back to childhood. I am from TN and it has been decades since I thought about Dollywood! Nice to see it is still fun!
My dad was a huge country fan, and my sweetheart is a country singer (we have been together for more decades than I want to admit), so I’ve been watching Dolly since before there even was a Dollywood. It’s always been one of those trips that start with, “Someday…” but this post makes it look like such a great trip that now my interest is peaked again.
Dolly also makes a lot of personal appearances there, too. I have seen her there on several occasions myself. 😀
Never knew about Dollywood! This looks like a nice weekend getaway! It looks really interesting.
Thanks for the info!
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I’ve never been to Dollywood but everyone that I know that has gone loved it.
That looks like such a fun place to visit. I have never been in that area, but I will certainly check it out if we are ever down that way!
I’ve always wanted to visit Dollywood. It looks like the perfect place to enjoy some amusement park fun with the family.
I have heard nothing but amazing things about Pigeon Forge and Dollywood. We were just talking to my SIL about a possible trip here!
Visiting Dollywood is def on my bucket list. It truly sounds like a fun and lovely place to visit with the family or friends. Looks like you had a blast, too!
We did! We have been several times and always have a great time. I hope that you are able to make it there soon.
This would be a great place to take a history class or the whole family. Looks like a fun but informative trip