Dollywood Adds 14 EV Chargers Near Smokies

Dollywood theme park just made a quiet but meaningful statement about the future of travel in rural America.

The Tennessee amusement park installed 14 new electric vehicle charging stations and 10 solar-powered charging umbrellas for visitors. Dollywood sits just 11 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which welcomes over 12 million visitors each year, making it the most visited national park in the United States.

The location matters more than the numbers. Dollywood sits in rural Tennessee, far from coastal cities where EV charging stations cluster most densely. For electric vehicle owners planning family vacations or road trips through the Smokies, this charging hub removes a major barrier.

Seven States Power Company partnered with the park to install the chargers. "Dollywood is a treasured landmark for families and visitors from across the country," said Betsey Kirk McCall, President and CEO of Seven States. "We are honored to deliver technology that adds convenience for guests while enhancing innovation in the region."

The Ripple Effect

This installation represents a growing trend across middle America. Walmart recently announced hundreds of new fast chargers across 19 states, and Kroger stores are adding thousands more at locations nationwide.

Each new charging station makes electric vehicles more practical for more people. When charging deserts disappear, range anxiety fades with them. Families can now confidently plan trips to the Smokies knowing they can charge up while enjoying Dollywood's attractions.

The solar umbrellas add another layer of innovation. They provide shade for visitors while generating clean energy to power the charging stations. Millions of Dollywood guests each year will see this technology in action, normalizing sustainable transportation options.

Rural America is quietly embracing electric vehicle infrastructure, one parking lot at a time. Dollywood's investment shows that clean transportation isn't just for big cities anymore.

Small steps in unexpected places often create the biggest changes.