Attractions and theme parks in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

A one-of-a-kind kind of family-friendly nature theme park, you start out by riding the Crystal Express gondola from downtown Gatlinburg up the hill. If you prefer more thrilling experiences, you have both their dueling zip lines and mountain coaster. But where they shine is for the more laid-back attractions, focused on letting you enjoy the forest and the views, including the Vista Gardens and the Tree Canopy Trail. For the little ones, there’s a children’s treehouse and playground, gem mining. There are also some good shopping and eating opportunities.

Ober Gatlinburg on top of Ski Mountain has been around since the ’60s, and apart from the skiing, they keep adding attractions to keep visitors coming back all throughout the year. This includes all-year ice skating, the scenic chairlift, the Tennessee Flyer mountain coaster, an Alpine Slide, summer tubing, archery, disc golf and ziplines, and opportunities to see the wildlife of the Smokies, as well as restaurants and shopping. In the winter you also have snow tubing and skiing.

You get there either via the aerial tramway from downtown Gatlinburg – an experience in itself, but which can be somewhat pricey – or you can drive up and park (parking is around $15 per car, and in high season, make sure you get there early, as parking is limited).

Nice people and a great collection… of salt and pepper shakers. They do have a gift shop (and you can guess what they sell in it). Definitely worth a visit if you like quirky museums.

If you’re a fan of beans or an industrial history buff, stop by the Bush’s Visitor Center to learn more about the history of canned beans. Entrance is free and well worth your time. If it’s on the menu when you visit, try the pinto bean pie!

A favorite with kids (and many adults too), WonderWorks focuses on discovery via interactive exhibits – experience an earthquake, lie on a bed of nails, make giant soap bubbles, and many more.

If you’ve never visited a Ripley’s – or if you know that you will enjoy it – do pay it a visit. Quite pricey and with similar exhibits to their outlets in other locations.

A combination of a reproduction of the Titanic and a museum, it’s an interesting visit, especially for adults and older kids.

You can book tickets in advance on their website.

Gatlin’s Escape Rooms have five challenges for you to try. We particularly recommend the Legend of Atlantis, the Haunting of Hyde House, and the Masters of Magic. The Curse of Kraken’s Eye is challenging, but is not quite as well-designed. For a more unique experience with local flavor, try the more comic Moonshine Hill Hootenanny.

If you’ve already done Gatlin’s Escape Rooms or you’re over in Pigeon Forge, try the Escape Game – they have five different challenges you can choose between.

Book on their website.

This is a truly unique mini-golf experience, built back in the 70s, that we recommend everyone visiting Gatlinburg to try. You start by going up 300 ft on a lift up the mountainside before making your way down on the course. Beautiful wooded surroundings and a well-maintained course.

They have two very decent outdoor courses and a more unique indoor blacklight under-the-ocean-themed course. As they also have a ropes course and laser tag, they sell multi-activity passes that are a pretty good value.

Two outdoor courses – both very amusing, but not the best-maintained courses in town.

A highly themed indoor course down on the strip with blacklight and amusing decor.

Among the many activities in Pigeon Forge, this one stands out for anyone into roleplaying games – a live-action magic quest. One of the better value activities in Pigeon Forge – with the bundled activities you can spend the better part of a day there.

Combo passes with pirate mini golf, a mirror maze and an arcade are available on their website.