When it comes to attractions in the Smoky Mountain area, one of the highlights is the museums. Visitors love them because they can have fun while learning new things. With that being said, you should definitely check them out if you’re on the hunt for more vacation activities. Let us tell you more! Here is a list of 4 interesting museums in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg:
1. WonderWorks
The WonderWorks Museum is known for its unique combination of education and entertainment. The main attractions are the 6 Wonder Zones. These are themed areas with their own interactive activities. In the Space Discovery Zone, visitors can ride a gyroscope and see what it’s like to be in the uneven forces of space. The Extreme Weather Zone is home to the Hurricane Shack, where you can feel 74 miles per hour winds whip through your hair. If you love the Wonder Zones, you’ll be happy to know that there is much more fun to be had. WonderWorks is also home to the world's largest indoor ropes course as well as a laser tag arena and 4D Motion Theater. It’s safe to say that there will never be a dull moment!
2. The Alcatraz East Crime Museum
The Alcatraz East Crime Museum is another one of the interesting Pigeon Forge museums. It is named after the once-famous military base and prison in San Francisco CA. The exhibits teach visitors about different aspects of the history of crime in the United States, such as how it is solved and prevented. Some things to check out include the full-scale model police station and the murder investigation simulation. There is also an Artifacts Center with belongings from infamous American criminals.
3. Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Gatlinburg's Hollywood Star Cars Museum houses cars that have been featured on the big and small screens. The museum’s expansive collection includes the BMW Z3 from the 1995 James Bond film, as well as the Batmobile from the 1966 Original Batman film. You can also see several of the sleek sports cars driven in The Fast & the Furious Series. Additionally, there are cars once driven by Hollywood royalty. See Dolly Parton’s 1997 Cadillac D’Elegance, Elvis Presley’s 1975 Lincoln Continental Mark IV, Michael Jackson’s Mercedes-Benz 500, and more!
4. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium
Ripley’s Odditorium Museum is another great museum in Gatlinburg. It does not center around one thing, as there is a collection of unique items. For instance, you can see a Hogwarts sculpture made out of 600,000 matchsticks. More interactive exhibits include the Floating Kugel Ball Fountain. You can move it around to read facts about the Smoky Mountain area. Don’t leave without exploring the collection of shrunken heads. It dates back to the early 1920s when Robert Ripley acquired the first one from a trader in Panama City. Today, the collection includes over 100 authentic shrunken heads. Ripley’s Believe It or Not also has many other popular culture exhibits. Every visitor will find something to enjoy!
We hope you visit some of these museums in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! Looking for even more activities in the area? Check out our other list of the most popular things to do in Pigeon Forge!
