As Dollywood wraps up its Smoky Mountain Christmas event and prepares for its annual winter break, one of the park’s most iconic features is departing for good. Engine 107, a historic steam locomotive that has graced Dollywood’s entrance for decades, has been donated to a new home—marking a significant but heartfelt farewell.
Dollywood’s Enduring Legacy
Located in the picturesque town of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood is a theme park that blends high-octane thrills with deep cultural ties to the Appalachian region. Co-owned by Herschend Family Entertainment and country music icon Dolly Parton, the park has been a regional favorite since it officially became Dollywood in 1986.
Over the years, Dollywood has evolved to become more than just a theme park. It’s a place where visitors can celebrate Appalachian music, arts, and traditions. Highlights include Dolly’s Tennessee Mountain Home, a faithful replica of Parton’s childhood cabin, and the Dolly Parton Experience, a museum that opened in 2024, showcasing her incredible life and career.
While the park’s attractions include thrilling roller coasters like Lightning Rod and Wild Eagle, its charm lies in its ability to provide something for everyone, from family-friendly entertainment to cultural immersion.
Seasonal Closure and a Heartfelt Goodbye
Dollywood is currently on its annual winter hiatus, with gates closing after the final day of its Smoky Mountain Christmas event on January 5, 2025. The seasonal closure is standard for the park, allowing time for maintenance and preparation for the spring reopening. Dollywood is scheduled to reopen to guests on March 15, 2025, with an exclusive Passholder Preview Day set for March 14.
In the meantime, Dollywood’s Splash Country water park will remain closed until May 10, 2025, when warmer temperatures return to the Smoky Mountains.
However, this winter break brought more than just the usual downtime. Dollywood has said goodbye to one of its most prized possessions: Engine 107, a historic steam locomotive that has long been part of the park’s identity.
Engine 107: Leaving Dollywood, Leaving a Legacy
In a touching move, Dollywood has transferred Engine 107 to the Knoxville & Holston River Railroad, ensuring its preservation for years to come. But this wasn’t a typical sale. Instead, Dollywood requested that the railroad make a donation to the Mountain Ways Foundation, an organization assisting East Tennessee residents affected by Hurricane Helene.
Wes Ramey, Dollywood’s spokesperson, explained the decision to local media. “We agreed to provide Engine 107, but we did not sell it to them. In exchange, we asked them to make a donation to support the Mountain Ways Foundation and its direct assistance of those affected by Hurricane Helene,” Ramey shared.
Built in 1887, Engine 107 boasts a long history, having retired from service in 1954. It was first displayed at Rebel Railroad in 1961 before becoming a centerpiece of Dollywood’s entrance. The Knoxville & Holston River Railroad will now evaluate the locomotive to determine its next chapter, ensuring it remains preserved for future generations.
You can watch the train being removed below:
Impact on Dollywood Operations
For visitors wondering how this change affects their Dollywood experience, rest assured the park’s beloved 20-minute train ride remains unaffected. The park relies on Engine 192, a 110-ton coal-fired steam locomotive, to power this popular attraction.
Engine 107’s departure may tug at the heartstrings of longtime fans, but it doesn’t impact Dollywood’s day-to-day operations.
A Difficult Year for Dollywood
The removal of Engine 107 comes at the end of a challenging year for the park. Despite earning the title of the No. 1 theme park in the United States in Tripadvisor’s 2024 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards, Dollywood faced several hurdles last year.
A water mains leak in the summer caused an unexpected park closure, and just weeks later, flash flooding left one guest injured and many others wading through water to access their cars. September brought additional disruptions when Hurricane Helene’s aftermath affected operations. In December, freezing temperatures led to an early closure during the busy holiday season.
Even on its final day of the 2024 season, January 5, Dollywood had to adjust its hours due to impending bad weather.
Looking to the Future
Despite these challenges, Dollywood continues to be a beacon of Appalachian culture and family fun. The departure of Engine 107 is bittersweet, but the locomotive’s new role will carry forward Dollywood’s values of generosity and community support.
As the park prepares to reopen in spring, visitors can expect a renewed focus on delivering memorable experiences and celebrating the traditions that make Dollywood one of the most beloved destinations in the United States.
While Engine 107 will no longer greet guests at Dollywood’s entrance, its story is far from over—and its legacy of helping those in need will resonate for years to come.
