While the outdoor wonder of the Smoky Mountains alone is enough to occupy the time of visitors to the area, the region also offers a host of other “man-made” indoor activities throughout the Smokies. Many of these activities take place in and around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

A couple decades ago Gatlinburg was a quaint little village. Today it is a full-ledged first-class resort offering a multitude of activities, attractions and events to be enjoyed. Gatlinburg has managed to maintain its quaint European village feel while adding a wide variety of exciting attractions. Likewise Pigeon Forge has added an impressive array of recreational attractions for Tennessee visitors to enjoy. Live theatres and several theme parks make the Pigeon Forge of today a top destination in its own right.

Whether your Smoky Mountain vacation takes you to a theme-park such as Dollywood (named after the famous country singer with the same first name), or you check out the numerous art and photography galleries that play host to world famous artists native to this area, or you take a trip to the “Ripley’s Believe it or Not” museum to be wowed by famous feats, there is plenty to fill any tourist schedule.

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge TN Attractions:

Dollywood
1020 Dollywood Lane
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Dollywood is billed as the Entertainment Capital of the Smokies and is named for Dolly Parton, the well-known star of country music, films, and television. There are about 45 musical performances per day featuring everything from contemporary to country, gospel to bluegrass. There is a humorous magic show that will delight everyone.

Dollywood has a 110-ton coal-fired steam train that will take you on a 5-mile ride through the mountains. A museum displays the "rags to riches" story of Dolly Parton complete with childhood and personal mementos. Dollywood has an authentic hand-carved Dentzel Carousel for you to enjoy. There are about 20 craft shops open every day, staffed by expert craftsmen.

There are several water rides at Dollywood including the "Smoky Mountain Rampage." Riders sit in a large inner tube shaped "boat" that floats and spins its way down the rapids. You will get wet. A log flume ride is also nearby that is sure to splash those in the front seats. Dollywood has established an eagle sanctuary called Eagle Mountain. It contains 1.5 million cubic feet of natural terrain for non-releasable eagles to enjoy and be viewed by visitors. As the seasons change, the park changes in decor and in musical taste. The Christmas season brings the addition of millions of lights, decorations, and musical shows that will make you reminisce about your childhood Christmas days.

Guinness World Records Exhibition Center
Baskin Square Mall
Gatlinburg, TN
865-436-9100

See the Guinness Book of World Records come to life. Hundreds of astounding exhibits. Ten galleries of adventure, fascination and fun. Eight shows; open all year. Group rates and bus parking available.

Ripley's Believe-it-or-Not Museum
Parkway (downtown Gatlinburg)
Gatlinburg, TN
865-436-5096

A place where the odd and the unusual are emphasized. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon or couple of hours. Your curiosity and imagination will be tickled by the bizarre and interesting exhibits.

The Dinosaur Walk Museum
Parkway
106 Showplace Blvd
Pigeon Forge, TN
865-428-4003

At the Dinosau Walk Museum in Pigeon Forge you can behold the world’s largest collection of life-sized dinosaurs- over 60 in all. Also on display are more than 20 reptile exhibits with the world's most venomous snakes. All museum exhibits are accompanied by information that tells the ancient story of these impressive creatures.


Ripley's Haunted Adventure
908 Parkway, Traffic Light #8
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

If you're idea of fun includes being scared out of your wits- all in good fun, then the Ripley's Haunted Adventure is a Smoky Mountain attraction you'll defintely appreciate. Here they boast that they can "make your worst nightmares come true!"

Camp Thunder
542 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Indoor adventure with an electrifying movie simulator. 18-hole miniature golf course themed after the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg's only indoor go-kart slick track.

Mysterious Mansion
424 River Road
Gatlinburg, TN
436-7007
Experience the terror and horror of a turn of the century truly haunted house at Mysterious Mansion. Walk into a chilling haunted house withsecret passageways, a dar dungeon, spooks, creaps, creaks, and plenty of things that go bump in the night.

Boyds Bear Country
Parkway
149 Cates Lane
Pigeon Forge, TN
888-654-6215

Boyd’s Bear Country is the world's largest teddy bear store; boasting over 70,000 cuddly bears and other dolls on display in decorative settings. In the Super DUPER Bear Factory kids can even make their own bears; or adopt one that's already there. Boyd's Bear Country pays homage to the beautiful black bears of the Smoky Mountains region.

The Old Mill
Parkway
164 Old Mill Avenue
Pigeon Forge, TN
865-429-3463

Come visit the Old Mill and gift store which is reminiscent of the early beginnings of Pigeon Forge and the greater Smoky Mountains region. The Old Mill has great knickknacks for you to take home with you.


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