If you're staying with us for the first time, you need to take a short drive into the city and experience all the popular things to do. Need some recommendations? We've got you covered. Explore our list of 3 popular attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
1. Dollywood
Dollywood is a popular attraction in the Smoky Mountain area year-round. The park has lots of activities to choose from, so everyone will find something they love to do. There are thrilling roller coasters, such as the Wild Eagle. It is a “wing” coaster that is perched 21 stories above the park. Sit under an eagle’s wings and reach maximum speeds of 61 miles per hour. As for the track, it has a 135-foot drop and 4 inversions. If roller coasters aren’t your thing, take a relaxing old-fashioned train ride through the Smokies on the Dollywood Express. There is also a nostalgic carousel! Be sure to check out one of the park’s entertaining shows. There are many to choose from! See great music and dancing! One of the shows even includes some high-flying cast members. If you get hungry, satisfy your appetite with delicious Southern comfort foods and other treats. Browse around the many gift shops to find fun souvenirs as well.
2. Titanic Museum
The Titanic Museum is another popular thing to do in Pigeon Forge! You will be amazed before you even walk in the door, as the museum building itself is a replica of the RMS Titanic that includes the infamous iceberg. At the beginning of your visit, you are given a boarding pass of an actual Titanic passenger. Keep it with you as you go through the museum. The exhibits teach visitors about what it was like to be a passenger on the ship and the infamous sinking. For example, you can walk up a $1 million model of the Grand Staircase and view models of the upper and lower-class living areas. To learn about the ship’s demise, see if you can maintain your balance on a sinking stern, send an SOS signal, and more! Before leaving, discover the fate of the passenger on your boarding pass in the Memorial Room.
3. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a popular activity in Downtown Gatlinburg. It was voted “Best Aquarium in North America” by USA Today. If you love the ocean and the animals who call it home, see and learn more about them by experiencing all the activities. For example, ride the Glass Bottom Boat and watch as 75 different species of fish and 12-foot sharks swim beneath your feet. Go to the Penguin Playhouse and crawl in the tunnels to watch the funny birds play. There are special events here where visitors can get a picture next to a live penguin and watch them create works of art as they waddle on the paper. Additionally, touch the smooth back of a ray as it glides in the water of Touch a Ray Bay. Whatever you choose to do, there is never a dull moment here!
We hope you can experience some of these popular attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Want to know about more things to do in the area? Check out our other list of unique activities in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
