When you come to the Smokies, there are several area attractions you won’t want to miss out on. They are popular for a good reason! The whole family will enjoy these fun things to do in the area. Here are the top 8 Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg attractions you have to visit:
1. Dollywood
You can’t come to Pigeon Forge without visiting Dollywood! This famous theme park is named after Dolly Parton and has everything you could want: thrill rides, kiddie rides, and so much more. Watch some of the amazing concerts and shows or browse through the shops. You also can’t go wrong trying all of the food and snacks!
2. Crave Golf Club
If you love mini golf, then one of the must-see Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg attractions you have to check out is Crave Golf Club. This spot is home to two 19-hole mini-golf courses! Play inside and weave through a dreamland of cliffs made of cocoa and ice cream canyons, or head outside to the rooftop to putt through gumball trees, giant lollipops, and larger-than-life props! After your mini-golf adventure, satisfy your sweet tooth at their candy shop, test your skills at mini bowling, or see if you have what it takes to make it out of an escape room!
3. The Island
Want to visit an affordable attraction while you're in Pigeon Forge? Head to The Island! Both parking and admission are free of charge, and you can find affordable things to do too. We recommend relaxing around the Island Show Fountain and enjoying an incredible performance of water dance and light, taking a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, or experiencing a one-of-a-kind adventure on SkyFly. There are plenty of shops and other fun-filled experiences to enjoy while you're here too!
4. Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud
Another exciting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg attraction you won’t want to skip is Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Supper Show. This is an exciting show where you watch two lumberjack families compete in axe throwing, log cutting, and much more. Eat like a lumberjack with a campfire style supper that includes BBQ pulled pork and all the fixin's.
5. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a must-do when you’re in town. People of all ages love walking through the exhibits and seeing all kinds of amazing creatures. Go under Shark Lagoon and see these animals from a new angle or check out the penguins in their playhouse! You’ll have an amazing time at the aquarium!
6. Gatlinburg SkyPark
If seeing mountain views is something you want to do, then you need to visit Gatlinburg SkyPark. Ride to the top of the mountain on the famous chairlift, and then step onto the observation deck. You won’t find these mountain views anywhere else in downtown Gatlinburg. There are a ton of places to relax, grab a drink, and enjoy spending time with family and friends. Don’t forget to brave the SkyBridge!
7. Anakeesta
Anakeesta is another one of the many Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg attractions you can’t skip. You can ride to the top on a chairlift or on a Ridge Rambler vehicle. Walk around Firefly Village and find all kinds of souvenirs to bring home. There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, and your kids will love the wooden bridges going through the trees, the observation tower, and the tree house playground.
8. Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski resort in Tennessee, but that doesn’t mean you only have to visit in winter! Yes, you can ski, snowboard, and snow tube all through the winter months. When it starts to get warmer, check out the rock climbing wall, alpine coaster, hill tubing, and many other fun activities!
Since you have an idea of what you want to do, you just need a place to eat! Here are some of the best restaurants in Gatlinburg that you should try!
You won’t want to miss out on these Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg attractions. Ready to start planning your next vacation? Look through our Perks Pass to see what kinds of free tickets and discounts you’ll get on local attractions!
