Barnstormer

The Barnstormer is a swing ride at Dollywood featuring two giant mechanical arms that lift passengers 81 feet high while rotating them through large arcs at high speed. Each arm contains eight rows of seating for two guests each, secured by lap bars during the spinning motion.

This ride opened in 2011 as Dollywood's first major investment in a swing-type attraction, created by manufacturer S&S Worldwide. The concept drew inspiration from vintage aerial entertainment traditions that had become popular in American parks.

The ride's design draws from early aviation history, recalling a time when daring pilots traveled to small towns across America to perform aerial demonstrations for rural audiences.

This ride has a minimum height requirement of 48 inches and can accommodate about 32 passengers at once, making it accessible to older children and adults. Visiting during quieter park hours helps minimize wait times so you can enjoy multiple rides.

Many visitors don't realize that the ride creates true flight-like sensations while offering views that extend far beyond the park itself. This expanded perspective makes the experience feel much more thrilling than what appears from ground level.

Official opening: March 28, 2011

GPS coordinates: 35.79418,-83.53380

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:04