Dollywood Operator Purchasing Kennywood

Family-owned Georgia company also buying Sandcastle, Idlewild, other parks

By Staff Reports
The Tube City Almanac
March 18, 2025
Posted in: State & Region

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and will be updated.

Entrance to Kennywood in West Mifflin. (File photo from 2005 by Ski2007, via Wikimedia Commons)

One of the Mon Valley’s most beloved attractions is getting a new owner — and returning to family ownership.

Herschend Family Entertainment — which operates Dollywood near Pigeon Forge, Tenn. — announced Tuesday that it has reached a definitive agreement to purchase Kennywood Park in West Mifflin and its sister parks, Idlewild near Ligonier and Sandcastle in West Homestead.

Herschend, based in the Atlanta area, is acquiring the three amusement parks from Madrid, Spain-based Parques Reunidos, which purchased them in 2007 from the founding McSwigan and Henninger families, ending more than 100 years of local ownership.

The deal was confirmed by Parques Reunidos’ U.S. subsidiary, Palace Entertainment.

“Today’s announcement marks a natural expansion and continuation of that vision,” Andrew Wexler, CEO of Herschend. “By growing wisely and staying true to our purpose, we are building a future where we can continue creating memories worth repeating for generations to come.”

“This year, we’re celebrating 75 years of bringing families closer together—and looking ahead to the next 75,” he said.

Herschend was founded in 1950 by Mary Herschend and her sons, Jack and Pete, on a road trip to Branson, Missouri, when they leased a cave attraction in the Ozark Mountains.

In addition to Dollywood, owned 50 percent by Dolly Parton and 50 percent by Herschend, Herschend also operates Kentucky Kingdom near Louisville, Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo., and Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Ga. The Herschend company is completely owned by the descendants of the founders.

The deal also includes Palace Entertainment’s other U.S. amusement parks, such as Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster County as well as parks in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Iowa and California; and nearly 20 other attractions, including waterparks, aquariums and resort hotels.

Herschend’s mission statement is “Create Memories Worth Repeating.” As a privately held corporation, Herschend does not make details of its sales or revenues public.

In a prepared release, Herschend said the company is “committed to ensuring a smooth transition for employees, guests and communities” and that no immediate changes are planned for daily operations.

A Herschend spokesperson said the company will prioritize supporting its new employees with training and resources; maintaining continuity for visitors; and proactively communicating with employees, customers and local communities.

With the sale of its Palace Entertainment assets to Herschend, Parques Reunidos will exit the U.S. market. The company is privately owned by investment firms in Sweden and the U.S.

“We look forward to building upon the strong foundation that Palace Entertainment has created and welcoming these properties and hosts into the Herschend family of brands,” Wexler said in the statement. “The teams at these parks have done an incredible job building beloved destinations in their communities, and we look forward to learning from them, growing together and building on their success.

“This is an exciting opportunity for all of us to continue creating exceptional experiences for guests and meaningful opportunities for our teams,” he said.

The transaction is subject to “customary closing conditions” and is expected to be completed soon, a spokesperson said.

Located on Route 837 near Duquesne, Kennywood opened in 1898 and was originally an attraction designed to encourage Pittsburgh residents to ride the trolley cars, or street cars, owned by the Mellon family. It is one of the last of the so-called “trolley parks” to remain in operation in the United States.

The park was purchased in 1906 by F.W. Henninger and Andrew McSwigan and remained in family ownership until 2007. It is one of only two amusement parks in the United States designated as National Historic Landmarks.

Although the park does not release public revenue or sales figures, in 2005, Kennywood released a study that estimated the park’s annual economic impact on the state was more than $136 million, and said that it supported 2,200 jobs in the region.

Sandcastle was created by Kennywood in 1989 on what was formerly a railroad yard owned by U.S. Steel. The park contains 16 water slides and other attractions.

Idlewild, located on Route 30 about 50 miles from Pittsburgh, was founded in 1878 and is the third-oldest amusement park in the United States. It was purchased by Kennywood in 1983.

Originally published March 18, 2025.

In other news:
"Reader’s Viewpoint: L…" || "W.O. Jeweler Bids Far…"