Category: WATE News
by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: Jun 27, 2025 / 05:53 PM EDT Updated: Jun 27, 2025 / 06:16 PM EDT PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tennessee tourism broke their revenue record for the fourth year in a row, according to the latest report from Tourism Economics and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. The report, highlighting the economic […]
by: Matt Hollingsworth Posted: Jul 22, 2025 / 12:30 PM EDT Updated: Jul 22, 2025 / 06:20 PM EDT SMOKY MOUNTAINS, Tenn. (WATE) — Who are the people driving around the Smokies with a large net strapped to the roof of their car? A local nonprofit is trying a creative, low-tech method to track insect populations. The new […]
Following a year of record attendance in 2024, Dollywood Parks and Resorts are preparing for another season and visitors can expect some major developments when they open this March.
The XPERIA: Ocean Journey is an up-close, hyper-real experience in Sevierville, Tennessee and combines innovative digital technologies and immersive storytelling to take participants on a journey to explore fascinating areas of the ocean and interact with some of the most amazing sea creatures, without having to go to the ocean.
Wilderness at the Smokies has expanded and renovated its indoor Wild WaterDome waterpark! Guests can experience new attractions like a three-story water coaster called the Ridge Runner.
Dolly Parton is continuing to add to her theme park, known as Dollywood. The biggest additions for their 39th season is what will be known as the Dolly Parton Experience, which is expected to be complete by May 24
The Great Smoky Mountains Association has opened a new visitor center called the Great Smokies Welcome Center. Located in Townsend, at 7929 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, this new center is a starting point for visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The center provides information about the park and sells souvenirs, parking tags, and other park-related items.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council has taken a “significant step forward” to renaming Clingmans Dome, according to a statement released by the tribe. The Tribal Council voted unanimously on a resolution to approve the submittal of an application to change the name of Clingmans Dome to “Kuwohi” on January 4.
Santa has taken off and he’s on his way to deliver presents just in time for Christmas Day. While he has a long way to go to make it to every home in the world, NORAD keeps track of him all the way. Have you ever wondered how NORAD tracks Santa? Well, NORAD has it down to a science, according to Major General Greg Day with NORAD.
The American Eagle Foundation opened it’s new Project Eagle facility on Thursday, bringing to life an education center that has been in the works since 2019.