Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain theme park, Dollywood, has announced a major change to its oldest attraction. Here’s what visitors to the Tennessee vacation destination need to know.After 40 Years, Dollywood Makes a ChangeCredit: DollywoodOn February 24, Dollywood announced that its iconic steam train ride, the Dollywood Express, is being converted from a coal-burning to an oil-burning engine. The Smoky Mountain theme park said the switch will help lower maintenance needs, reduce pollution, and improve operations, particularly in less-than-favorable weather conditions.WGN News reporter Marcus Leshock shared the news on X (formerly known as Twitter) after park officials made a public announcement about the change:JUST IN: @Dollywood’s trains are being converted from coal burning to oil burning, per multiple reports from media day today.That means no more cinders flying at you while riding, and the park says it will help with operation.Will you miss that signature burning coal smell? JUST IN: @Dollywood’s trains are being converted from coal burning to oil burning, per multiple reports from media day today. That means no more cinders flying at you while riding, and the park says it will help with operation.Will you miss that signature burning coal smell? pic.twitter.com/mjgVaOeTl6— Marcus Leshock (@marcusleshock) February 24, 2026The Dollywood Express has undergone several lengthy maintenance closures in recent years. However, not many theme park guests know that the steam train actually predates Dolly Parton’s ownership of the Pigeon Forge theme park.A 64-Year-Long HistoryCredit: DollywoodIn 1961, Rebel Railroad opened in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, with an authentic coal-powered steam train as its star attraction. The theme park underwent several ownership and name changes, becoming Gold Rush Junction in 1966 and Silver Dollar City Tennessee in 1976, before Dolly Parton became a majority owner of the property.The country music icon kept the coal-powered steam train, renaming it the Dollywood Express, and it’s remained in operation ever since. In 2004, the park decided to remove the cosmetic balloon stacks that had been retrofitted to the locomotive to give it a more Western look.Credit: Kristopher Harris, FlickrDollywood is currently closed and will reopen next month, kicking off its next season with the “I Will Always Love You” Music Festival.What is your favorite attraction at Dollywood? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!The post After 40 Years, Dollywood Announces End of Current Operations appeared first on Inside the Magic.