Awards & Recognition

Our biggest reward is seeing genuine smiles on the faces of our guests. Our greatest achievement is hearing we've made someone's day. So when we're honored for our efforts, the recognition belongs to our guests. They inspire us daily, keep us going and remind us why we're here.

Excellence in Entertainment and Tourism

• International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions designates Dollywood's Splash Country a "Must-See Waterpark" - 2009
• International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions names Dollywood's Sha-Kon-O-Hey! "Big E Heartbeat" Award Winner - 2009
• International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions names Silver Dollar City's Headin' West! "Big E Best Overall Production" Award Winner - 2009
• International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions recognizes Silver Dollar City, Dollywood and Adventure Aquarium with Brass Ring Awards - 2009
• Amusement Today magazine's Golden Ticket Awards honor Dollywood, "Best Shows" and "Best Christmas Event" - 2009
• Amusement Today magazine's Golden Ticket Awards honor Silver Dollar City, "Friendliest Park" - 2009
• The Travel Channel labels Silver Dollar City "The Most Illuminated Amusement Park On Earth" - 2008
• Amusement Today magazine awards Dollywood, "Best Christmas Event" - 2008
• International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions recognizes Newport Aquarium with two "Brass Ring Awards" - 2008
• Amusement Today magazine awards Dollywood, "Park of the Year" - 2007
• ThemeParkInsider.com names Mystery Mine at Dollywood, "Best New Attraction" - 2007
• International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions names Dollywood's Christmas in the Smokies show, "Big E Heartbeat" Award Winner - 2007
• Amusement Today magazine names Thunderhead at Dollywood, "Best Wooden Coaster" - 2005 and 2006 (ranked #2 in 2007)
• International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions names Dollywood's Dreamland Drive-In show, "Big E Heartbeat" Award Winner - 2006 and 2008
• International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions "Hall of Fame" to Jack and Peter Herschend - 2004
• Themed Entertainment Association, "THEA Award - Outstanding Achievement", presented to Stone Mountain Park for the Great Barn attraction - 2003
• Themed Entertainment Association, "THEA Classic Award" presented to Silver Dollar City, recognizing worldwide excellence and outstanding achievement in themed entertainment - 2001
• Amusement Business magazine presents international "Applause Award" to Silver Dollar City for excellence in the amusement and theme park industry- 1998

Distinction for Protecting the Environment

• American Eagle Foundation names Herschend Family Entertainment an "Eagle Hero" for contributions with the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary at Dollywood - 2008
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, "Conservation Award" to American Eagle Foundation at Dollywood for their recovery, protection and preservations efforts of the bald eagle and its habitat - 2007
• Arbor Day Foundation, "Lawrence Enersen Award" given to Herschend Family Entertainment for Gift of Green, a six decade family legacy of tree conservation with a goal of planting 1,000,000 trees - 1999
• Audubon International awarded three of Herschend Family Entertainment properties as "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries." Silver Dollar City, Showboat Branson Belle and White Water hold this certification for demonstrated environmental contributions - 1999

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  Silver Dollar City

  Friendliest Park - 2009

  Awarded by: Amusement Today

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  Dollywood

  Best Shows and Best Christmas Event - 2009

  Awarded by: Amusement Today

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  Adventure Aquarium

  Brass Ring Award Winner - 2009

  Awarded by: IAAPA