Wait, What?! Celebrity Reveals Plans to Build Theme Parks Around the U.S.

Could Nashville, Tennessee, be getting a new theme park soon? You won’t believe who is behind this plan.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 05: Nate Bargatze poses in the press room during the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/WireImage)

Comedian Nate Bargatze has made a career out of finding humor in everyday life, but now he’s turning his attention to something much bigger: building theme parks. Bargatze recently revealed his ambitious plan to launch “Nateland,” a series of family-friendly parks across the United States.

The flagship location is set to break ground in Nashville, Tennessee, his hometown, and will sit on about 80 to 100 acres of land. From there, he hopes to expand by creating “mini-parks” in other states, making this project more than just a one-time experiment.

Unlike most modern theme parks, which lean heavily on blockbuster movie franchises, Nateland will take a different approach. Bargatze has shared that the first attractions will be standalone rides, not tied to any existing media properties. Down the line, there’s a chance attractions could be themed to his own film or television projects, but the goal is to start fresh with original, creative experiences. It’s a bold move in an era where branded intellectual property usually dominates the industry, and it reflects Bargatze’s signature clean and quirky style.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 08: EDITORIAL USE ONLY: Nate Bargatze attends the 2023 CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on November 08, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Nateland is also part of a bigger vision. Since launching Nateland Entertainment in 2023, Bargatze has been building out his creative empire with comedy specials, podcasts, and even film projects. The Nashville property is expected to include both a working studio and the theme park itself, echoing Walt Disney’s early dream of combining storytelling and entertainment into one hub. “When Walt did Disney, it wasn’t like it was all Star Wars,” he says. Bargatze has even been in early discussions with governors and private investors to help expand the concept to other states, suggesting this could become a long-term venture rather than a passing idea.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 26: Nate Bargatze speaks onstage for “A Country Thing Happened On The Way To Cure Parkinson’s” benefitting The Michael J. Fox Foundation, at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on April 26, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for The Michael J. Fox Foundation)

For fans of comedy, theme parks, or simply new and unexpected attractions, Nateland is one to keep an eye on. While it’s still in the early stages of development, the project promises to deliver a unique kind of fun that blends family-friendly entertainment with Bargatze’s offbeat humor. And who knows, one day visitors might be lining up for rides like the “Dad Joke Coaster” or the “Southern Comfort Carousel.”

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 26: Nate Bargatze speaks onstage for “A Country Thing Happened On The Way To Cure Parkinson’s” benefitting The Michael J. Fox Foundation, at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on April 26, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for The Michael J. Fox Foundation)

Of course, Nate Bargatze isn’t the first Tennessee star to dream big with theme parks. Dolly Parton’s Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, has been a beloved destination since it opened in 1986, blending down-home charm with thrilling rides, live entertainment, and plenty of Dolly’s signature heart. Much like Dollywood, Nateland could become a cultural landmark that reflects its founder’s personality and roots. If Dolly can turn her music and story into a thriving theme-park empire, it’s not hard to imagine Bargatze doing something similar with his comedy, giving Tennessee yet another reason to shine on the amusement map.

Dollywood

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