After a career-defining year, Nate Bargatze is doubling down on his biggest passion project: Nateland, a 100-acre amusement park planned for the Nashville area.
Nateland, his entertainment company, has partnered with Storyland Studios — the firm behind numerous Disney and Universal park attractions as well as a surprising amount of church campus designs — to explore a 100-acre family amusement park in Middle Tennessee.
The partnership was announced this week at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo, where Nateland and Storyland confirmed they’re already reviewing potential sites in and around Nashville. Early plans include rides, retail, dining and possibly a hotel. A full feasibility study is expected by early 2026.
Felix Verdigets, CEO of Nateland Entertainment, said the team wants to bring “good, clean, family-friendly entertainment” to the region — a space Nashville doesn’t currently have at scale. And Storyland’s involvement is more strategic than it may appear on the surface: the company has spent years building immersive environments not only for commercial theme parks but for churches and faith-based organizations, giving them an unusually strong read on what family-centered audiences respond to.
“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 and chief creative officer of Storyland Studios. “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.”
For Bargatze, the move tracks with the momentum of the last year. He led 2024’s highest-grossing comedy tour, hosted the Emmys and is preparing to release his Sony film The Breadwinner in March. Nateland is also launching a comedy cruise next February.
