Nate Bargatze theme park ‘Nateland’ officially in development for Nashville
A Nate Bargatze theme park called Nateland is in early stages of development for Nashville, Tenn., as Bargatze partners with Storyland Studios.
The news was revealed at IAAPA Expo on Nov. 18, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. Details about rides, theming, or an opening date for the 100+-acre Nateland remain under wraps. For now, Bargatze and Storyland’s focus is to “explore the concept and feasibility” of the park and a potential hotel, and to attract investors. The feasibility study is expected to be complete in the first quarter of 2026.
The park will be developed by Nateland Experiences, a department of Bargatze’s broader Nateland company (other divisions include realms such as podcasting and movies), and Storyland Studios, a strategy and design firm whose portfolio includes projects for Knott’s Berry Farm, Legoland, and California’s Great America, among others.
“Nate and Nateland are committed to good, clean, family-friendly entertainment,” said Felix Verdigets, CEO of Nateland Entertainment. “We live in middle Tennessee and recognize the need for a major attraction for people of all ages in the Nashville area. We’re excited to see what our partnership with Storyland Studios will bring.”
Image courtesy of NBC
“This project has been a long time coming, and we’re thrilled to officially announce that we have embarked on this journey with Nate, Felix, and the entire Nateland team,” said Mel McGowan, founder & chief creative officer of Storyland. “Our goal is to create a truly premium themed entertainment experience right in Music City that reflects the unique humor and heart of Nateland, while also delivering a world-class destination for families.”
In September 2025, The Hollywood Reporter first broke that a potential Nate Bargatze theme park was being planned for Nashville, with other future locations to follow.
The Hollywood Reporter said the Nashville park would be the first of several theme parks in the portfolio and the flagship location, planned for 80-100 acres (pending a feasibility study) and also including a studio and “standalone rides” not themed to existing franchises.
In 2026, Norwegian Cruise Line will host a Nateland sailing.
Image courtesy of NBC
Bargatze follows in the footsteps of other entertainers breaking into the themed entertainment industry after becoming famous in a different industry: Dolly Parton (Dollywood), Jimmy Buffett (Margaritaville), and, of course, Walt Disney, to name a few.
Stand-up Nate Bargatze’s 2024 comedy tour ranked as the highest-grossing in the world in 2024, according to Billboard. Bargatze’s first movie, “The Breadwinner,” which he stars in and wrote, releases in theaters in 2026. Bargatze has hosted “Saturday Night Live” twice, both times performing as President George Washington in some of the show’s most viral sketches in recent years. (We were there that night and saw the sketch live.)
Would you visit a Nate Bargatze theme park? Where would you want one of the parks to be located?
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I can’t wait. Looking forward to planning a Nashville trip to hit Zanies and the future Nateland!