5 Things You Forgot Happened in the Smoky Mountains in 2024
As the year approaches its end, we thought it would be a good time to look back on some of the fun and exciting things that have happened in the Smoky Mountains in 2024. With all of the new things that have come to the area, it can be hard to keep track of it all! From updates to beloved attractions, to new things to do, and more, let’s go ahead and dive in to some of the top things you may have forgotten happened in the Smoky Mountains in 2024:
1. Lots of Fun Updates at Dollywood
The first of the things that happened in the Smoky Mountains in 2024 is that Dollywood had several fun updates take place! Not only did they open the brand-new Dolly Parton Experience, which takes visitors through her rise to fame and has lots of special features, they also expanded the “I Will Always Love You” Music Festival. Plus, they updated their calendar to include more operating days, and made improvements to the Lightning Rod roller coaster! If you have not been to Dollywood since these updates took place, you will want to make sure to plan a visit in 2025!
2. Gatlinburg SkyPark Announces New Expansion
Fans of the Gatlinburg SkyPark were excited to hear about the new expansion coming to the attraction, including two new restaurants for guests to enjoy. Smoky Mountain Smash and Smoky Mountain Sips provide burgers and beer, taking your time at the Gatlinburg SkyPark to the next level!
3. Dig’n Zone Theme Park Opens in Sevierville
One of the most unique attractions in Sevierville opened in the Smoky Mountains in 2024 — the Dig’n Zone! This theme park features over 20 attractions that allow visitors to operate various types of construction equipment in a fun and safe environment. This attraction opened its doors to guests in March of 2024 and has been a big hit with visitors in the months since!
4. Renovations Completed at Elkmont
After 15 years, the National Park Service has officially finished its renovations of many homes and cabins in the Elkmont Historic District! These renovations will help to preserve the history of the area while continuing to allow visitors to explore this fascinating section of Smoky Mountain history. Over the course of the project, 19 homes were restored, and it was completed in late 2024.
5. Anakeesta Debuts New Festival
If you are a fan of food, drinks, and live music (and who isn’t?!) then you will love the brand-new festival that Anakeesta debuted in the Smoky Mountains in 2024! United Tastes of America is a summer event that invites visitors to explore the culinary styles of various regions of the country, plus there are plenty of chances to listen to live music and see unique decorations at this event!
When you plan a visit to the area, you will be able to check out all of these fun things that happened in the Smoky Mountains in 2024, plus all of the existing attractions and things to do that make the area such a popular and special place. On top of all of this, there are plenty more things that are coming to the Smoky Mountains in 2025 that you can find out about right here! We look forward to welcoming everyone for yet another year of adventures here in the Smokies next year.
