SkyLand Ranch opening near Pigeon Forge with skylift, coaster and 'spectacular outdoor venue'

Silas Sloan, Knoxville News Sentinel
·3 min read

Mark and Lisa Williford grew up in East Tennessee and each have fond memories of going to theme parks in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg as children with their families.

Now the married couple is building a new attraction in Sevierville to bring that joy to a new generation families. It's called SkyLand Ranch and will open this summer, although no hard date has been set.

"When you were growing up, you thought about where y'all went," Mark told Knox News. "That's a big reason why were (building this)."

SkyLand Ranch is a $40 million project on a property that used to be a farm owned by the family of business partner and property developer David Ogle.

A map of SkyLand Ranch, coming to Sevierville in summer 2022.
A map of SkyLand Ranch, coming to Sevierville in summer 2022.

The Willifords said they have been wanting to build the park for more than a decade, but the plan really came together when Ogle began talking with them utilizing 9 acres of the 100-acre tract for phase one of development. They have plans to expand beyond that, too.

And after staying inside during the pandemic, the developers knew everyone wanted to get outside and it seemed like the perfect time to start building.

Farm on top of the world

A rendering of the entrance of SkyLand Ranch. Visitors will but tickets, then be carried to the top of the hill by a chairlift or take a ride on the mile-long mountain coaster.
A rendering of the entrance of SkyLand Ranch. Visitors will but tickets, then be carried to the top of the hill by a chairlift or take a ride on the mile-long mountain coaster.

Starting at the base of a hill next to Five Oaks Farm Kitchen, visitors will be able to buy tickets for a chairlift ride to the top of the hill or a ride on the mile-long mountain coaster that goes around the entire property.

At the top of the hill, visitors will be greeted by a pasture with miniature farm animals to pet, as well as horses and trails for horseback rides. The Willifords are hoping to have school field trips come to the park and have kids interact and learn about farm animals.

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Further down the property, a retail shop and a dining hall will be joined together by a covered courtyard. Visitors can expect a boutique, candy shop, gourmet bakery and more.

A rendering of the shopping and food barns. Visitors can expect a boutique, bakery and more.
A rendering of the shopping and food barns. Visitors can expect a boutique, bakery and more.

At the edge of the property, a 50-foot-tall observation deck and connecting bridge will give visitors full 360-degree view of the surrounding Smoky Mountains and some of the iconic structures in Pigeon Forge like the Titanic Museum.

"This'll be a real calming sort of place," Ogle said. "You can sit there and look at the mountains like you can at the ocean."

There will be shops and food trailers, too.

A rendering of SkyLand's bridge. The 40-foot-tall structure will give a view of the Smokies and the mountain coaster will run through it.
A rendering of SkyLand's bridge. The 40-foot-tall structure will give a view of the Smokies and the mountain coaster will run through it.

Sounds with the sights

SkyLand Ranch will be more than just a place to sit and watch the mountains. The Willifords want it to be a place to watch a live show.

A 1,000-seat amphitheater overlooking the Smokies will be at the south edge of the park. Mark and Lisa said they are very excited about the event possibilities it will bring.

The Willifords plan on hosting concerts and demonstrations for field trips. Lisa said they have some big-name country stars lined up, but wanted to keep the lineup a surprise.

"Think about sitting in that amphitheater, looking out over that (view)," Ogle said. "You're not gonna find that anywhere. It's really gonna be a spectacular outdoor venue."

Family is key

On the surface, SkyLand is all about relaxation. But deep down, it's about family.

A rendering of SkyLand's bridge. The 40-foot-tall structure will give a view of the Smokies.
A rendering of SkyLand's bridge. The 40-foot-tall structure will give a view of the Smokies.

With the farm being owned by Ogle's family for 100 years, the Willifords are making sure that guests know the property's history. Plaques and photos will be found throughout the park to commemorate the 100 year history.

The hope is to tell a story of what life on the farm would look like — just with an amusement park twist.

But most of all, Mark and Lisa just want families to have the memories they did as children.

"It's important to bring families back together," Lisa said. "Here we want to gather people around some fire pits and special seating. Just gather the family, and just enjoy that time together and make those memories."

Silas Sloan: Covering growth and development in East Tennessee
Twitter: @silasloan| Email: silas.sloan@knoxnews.com
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: SkyLand Ranch opening near Pigeon Forge with 'spectacular' music venue

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