Herschend, the privately-owned drive behind Dollywood, has acquired greater than 20 regional U.S. sights, the corporate shared in a press launch with Journey + Leisure.

The deal consists of household leisure facilities, resorts, campgrounds, water parks, and historic amusement parks, like Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; Kennywood in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania; and Lake Compounce in Bristol and Southington, Connecticut, which is most famously referred to as “America’s First Amusement Park.” These newly added venues span throughout 10 U.S. states.

“This yr, we’re celebrating 75 years of bringing households nearer collectively—and looking forward to the following 75,” Andrew Wexler, CEO of Herschend, mentioned in a press release. “At the moment’s announcement marks a pure growth and continuation of that imaginative and prescient. By rising correctly and staying true to our objective, we’re constructing a future the place we will proceed creating reminiscences price repeating for generations to come back.”

The deal solidifies Herschend’s place as the biggest family-helmed themed sights firm on the earth. “The group welcomes over 20 million visitors every year at its assorted portfolio of manufacturers which incorporates theme parks, aquariums, resorts, and immersive sights,” the discharge shared. 

Whereas no instant operational adjustments will influence the visitor expertise, the corporate mentioned it’s going to “search to make sure consistency in customer experiences” and supply sources for its new workers, together with coaching and “alternatives that replicate the corporate’s people-first strategy.” 

Herschend’s world-class portfolio consists of its two iconic flagship properties: Dollywood and Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts. It additionally operates Kentucky Kingdom, which not too long ago revealed a brand new $11 million family-friendly land, set to open in Could.