Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, was named the No. 1 amusement park in the U.S. by Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards.
Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, secured the No. 3 spot in the same ranking.
Hersheypark and Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort, also in Pennsylvania, were included in the top 20.
Dollywood has been named America’s favorite theme park for the third year in a row by the National Amusement Park Historical Association.
Why this matters: These rankings highlight the ongoing popularity and quality of amusement parks in Pennsylvania and Tennessee, attracting tourists and boosting local economies. The recognition reflects the parks' commitment to providing memorable experiences for visitors.
Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards consider the volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Dollywood, co-founded by Dolly Parton, stands out for its Appalachian-themed experience, featuring rides, a water park, and a museum showcasing Parton’s memorabilia. Knoebels Amusement Resort, the largest free-admission park in the country, is celebrated for its roller coasters and family-friendly attractions.
Other Pennsylvania parks, such as Hersheypark and Splash Lagoon, also received high marks. Hersheypark, originally created for Hershey Chocolate Company employees, continues to offer thrilling rides and treats. Splash Lagoon provides a warm, Polynesian-themed water park experience, even in winter.
These parks consistently invest in new attractions and maintain high standards of service, contributing to their positive reputations and repeat visitors. The awards reflect the dedication of park employees to ensuring guest satisfaction.
Q: What makes Dollywood the top-ranked amusement park?
Dollywood offers a unique Appalachian-themed experience, a variety of rides and attractions, and consistently receives high ratings from visitors.
Q: Why is Knoebels Amusement Resort so popular?
Knoebels is the largest free-admission amusement park in the U.S., known for its classic roller coasters and family-friendly atmosphere.
Q: How are these amusement parks ranked?
Tripadvisor’s rankings are based on the volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from its community over a 12-month period. Other organizations, like the National Amusement Park Historical Association, conduct surveys to determine their rankings.
Pennsylvania and Tennessee are home to some of the best amusement parks in the United States.
Dollywood and Knoebels Amusement Resort are consistently recognized for their high-quality experiences.
These parks offer a variety of attractions, from thrilling rides to family-friendly activities.
Visitor reviews and opinions play a significant role in determining these rankings.
What are your favorite amusement parks in the U.S.? Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below!
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