Are you planning a family vacation, girls’ getaway, or group outing and looking for things to do in Pigeon Forge? From fun attractions, museums, mini golf, and lively dinner shows to the outdoor adventure of roller coasters (both on the ground and up a mountain), nature preserves, and one of the most popular national parks in the country (that would be Great Smoky Mountain, just to clarify), Pigeon Forge offers a wide array of fun and adventure for families, groups and couples.
There’s also an amazing variety of restaurants and country cookin’ to satisfy your tastebuds and expand your waistline. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Located in East Tennessee, Pigeon Forge, nearby Gatlinburg, and Sevierville (hometown to country queen and local philanthropist, conservationist, literary benefactor, and all-around do-gooder Dolly Parton), are popular destinations for fun-seekers around the country. Speaking of Dolly (which I do quite a bit), you’ll likely see cardboard cut-outs of the musical icon in hotels and attractions around the region.
With so many activities and attraction, it can be hard to nail down the right ones for your crew. Just drive down the main Pigeon Forge Parkway, and you’ll see why it’s been called Hillbilly Vegas – out of love, of course!
Luckily, we’ve been there and done that — including the aforementioned mountain coaster and waist-expanding dining options. Keep reading to pick up some fun, thrilling, and kitschy but cool authentic Pigeon Forge attractions for your group. Don’t miss a selfie with cardboard Dolly.
Enjoy a helicopter tour of the French Broad River, featuring beautiful views of the river and surrounding mountains. Take in stunning views of the river from above or select a longer flight to see even more including Douglas Lake and distant peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Join your certified tour guide for a 3-hour tour. See the Great Smoky Mountains from a vantage point nearly 1-mile high at Newfound Gap. Learn about Smoky Mountain history, geology, plants and animals. The tour will end with a 4x4 off-road adventure.
Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour From Pigeon Forge offers a wonderful way to spend your day. You will get to enjoy complimentary tastings and a free gift from local wineries, at multiple moonshine distilleries and wineries in the area. You'll also get insider tips from your guide about how these distilleries got started, what goes into making moonshine or wine, and more. Your tour also includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Pigeon Forge.
TL;DR
- Most significant landmark – Dollywood
- Best park – Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Best free activity – Old Mill Square
- Best activity for kids – Soaky Mountain Waterpark
- Best activity for adults – Smith Creek Distillery
- Best food – Homemade biscuits and gravy
- Best nightlife – Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud
- Best place to stay – Blue Mountain Mist Country Inn
Fun & Best Things to Do in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
1. Old Mill Square
Address: Old Mill St, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
If you’ve ever wanted to taste down-home goodies like fudge, candy, or moonshine, Old Mill Square is the place to be. One of the most popular attractions in Pigeon Forge, the historic Old Mill is a working gristmill that has been in operation since the early 1800s. Visitors can watch as flour and cornmeal are ground the old-fashioned way.
The mill is home to several shops and restaurants, including the Old Mill Creamery, the Old Mill Candy Kitchen, and even the Old Mill Distillery. The Old Mill Restaurant is the perfect choice for a midday snack break in between sightseeing.
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2. The Island
Address: The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Home to more than 80 shops, restaurants, and attractions, The Island is an entertainment complex that offers something for the whole family.
Popular stores, attractions, and fun things to do include Savannah Bee Company, Island Tiki General Store, a Parrot Mountain store, a mirror maze, an arcade, laser tag, a ropes course, and much more. Take a spin on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot tall Ferris wheel with panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains.
The Island has a wide array of dining options, making it a terrific choice for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a sweet treat. Check out popular dining options such as Margaritaville, Byrd’s Famous Cookies, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen (family style and lots of butter, just like Paula likes it), The Fudgery, and Yee-Haw Brewing Company, among others.
3. Sawyer’s Farmhouse
Address: 2831 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
If there’s one thing you’ll find plenty of in Pigeon Forge, it’s breakfast joints. Sawyer’s Farmhouse is one of the best places to go for a leisurely breakfast with family, friends, and travel companions.
Locally owned, this delicious breakfast eatery opened its doors in 2014 and has been serving up crepes, Belgian waffles, omelets, and homemade buttermilk biscuits ever since. The farmhouse is most famous for its delicious pancakes, which come in a variety of flavors like blueberry, chocolate chip, and even pumpkin spice. They also offer a variety of lunch options, including sandwiches, salads, burgers, and soups.
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4. Dollywood
Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
One of the best things to do in Pigeon Forge, Dollywood is a top destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. The mountain-themed amusement park was designed and built in 1986 (though there were previous parks on site since 1961).
Dolly wanted a way to give back to the community by bringing jobs and commerce to the region. And this amusement park has done just that and more.
The theme park gives visitors a peek into the life, music, and times of Dolly Parton. You can visit recreated buildings like a one-room schoolhouse, her Tennessee mountain home, and her country church. Dolly herself has been known to make an appearance at the park from time to time, so be on the lookout.
With more than 40 rides and attractions, the Dollywood theme park is home to many world-class roller coasters, including the Wild Eagle, Lightning Rod, Thunderhead, and Tennessee Tornado. Families can enjoy the park’s rescued animals, musical shows, and live entertainment like big-name concerts and the Dollywood Symphony Orchestra.
Check out traditional arts and crafts from skilled artisans as well as delicious food like cinnamon rolls, country ham, funnel cakes, and hickory smoked BBQ at this Pigeon Forge staple.
When you’re done with Dollywood, you can head over to the neighboring Dollywood’s Splash Country, which offers awesome slides including the Big Bear Plunge and Fire Tower Falls.
For an extended stay, consider spending a night at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort. This beautiful AAA Four-Diamond resort is located just steps away from the park entrance and offers a variety of amenities to make your stay even more enjoyable.
Guests can enjoy an indoor pool, spa, fitness center, game room, and much more. The resort also offers a shuttle service to and from Dollywood, so you can leave your car at the hotel and avoid the hassle of searching for parking.
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5. The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
Address: 867 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
The longest downhill track in the US, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is easily one of the best things to do in Pigeon Forge for thrill seekers.
Situated atop a mountain, this thrilling coaster takes riders on a downhill journey of about a mile. The coaster reaches speeds of up to 27 miles per hour and offers stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. The track is also lit up at night, making for a truly unique experience for the whole family (or the brave ones, anyway).
The track takes you through sharp turns and over small bridges, but don’t worry, you’re in good hands. Each cart on this mountain coaster is equipped with its own braking system. Just be sure to hold on tight.
Other mountain coasters in the area include the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster, the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster, and the Goat Coaster at Goats on the Roof. Rowdy Bear Mountain has a suspended mountain coaster that dips and swings as you soar above the area.
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6. Forbidden Caverns
Address: 455 Blowing Cave Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876, USA
Looking for unique things to do in Pigeon Forge? Forbidden Caverns is the place to be. Located in neighboring Sevierville, Forbidden Caverns is one of the most popular caves in Tennessee for family fun. This remarkable cave features several stalactites and stalagmites as well as an underground river.
From the early 1920s until the mid-1940s, the cave was used to make moonshine. Its natural water supply and isolated location made it the perfect place to make the stuff without being caught by the authorities.
Today, visitors can take a 55-minute guided tour of the cave and learn all about its history and geological formations, which includes a boat ride down the river. Sorry, no moonshine.
Keep the cameras out to snap pics of caverns, natural chimneys, grottos, mini caves, and even a crystal clear stream. The cave is also home to bats, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.
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7. Little Pigeon River
The Little Pigeon River is one of the most popular things to do in Pigeon Forge for outdoor and nature enthusiasts. The river is located just outside of town and is a terrific spot for fly fishing, tubing, and picnicking.
River lovers can take a scenic float down the river on a raft or tube. The float trip takes about two hours and is the perfect way to relax and take in the stunning scenery of the Smoky Mountains. Several companies offer tubing trips.
The Little Pigeon River is also a great spot for hiking and bird-watching. It’s home to a variety of wildlife, including osprey, heron, and bald eagles.
Several hiking trails follow along the river. The trails range in difficulty, so there’s something for every skill level. Or float level, whichever you prefer (sign me up for the float, please).
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8. Hollywood Wax Museum
Address: 106 Showplace Blvd Unit A, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Never thought you’d see your favorite celebrities up close and personal? Well, they’re all here in Pigeon Forge. In wax form, of course.
The Hollywood Wax Museum is one of the most popular things to do in Pigeon Forge. It features more than 200 wax figures of pop culture icons, celebrities, athletes, musicians, and more.
Some waxy celebrities you may encounter include Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, and Jennifer Aniston. Visitors can take photos with their favorite stars, learn fun facts about them, get a behind-the-scenes look at how the wax figures are made, and even get up close and personal with some of Hollywood’s most infamous monsters.
The museum offers interactive exhibits such as a green screen experience and a chance to star in your own movie trailer. The Maze of Mirrors attraction is popular, as it features more than 100 mirrors and optical illusions. The Castle of Chaos 5D experience and the Outbreak Zombie Escape adventure are also must-dos the entire family can take part in.
A great hotel option near the Hollywood Wax Museum is the Blue Mountain Mist Country Inn. This hotel is just a short drive from the wax museum and features beautiful mountain views, cozy accommodations, and a delicious breakfast each morning.
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9. Incredible Christmas Place
Address: 2470 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868, USA
Who says it can’t be Christmastime all year round? Whether you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gift or just want to get into the holiday spirit (in July), be sure to check out the Incredible Christmas Place.
The Incredible Christmas Place is one of the most unique things to do in Pigeon Forge and is a must-visit for anyone who loves Christmas. The store features more than 50,000 square feet of Christmas decorations, trees, lights, ornaments, and more.
Visitors will find a wide variety of gifts and souvenirs at the store, including Christmas sweaters, snow globes, and even gingerbread houses. You can find nativity scenes, dollhouses, fudge, and so much more.
Holiday-themed photo ops include a life-size gingerbread house, a giant Santa Claus, and a Christmas train display.
Take part in interactive experiences like a visit with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, decorating your own gingerbread house, and an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt. The store has a holiday-themed café where you can enjoy seasonal snacks and drinks like eggnog and hot cocoa.
Christmas Place even has its own on-site hotel, the Inn at Christmas Place, which features holiday-themed rooms and suites. The hotel is decorated with over a hundred lights and also has an on-site spa, fitness center, and pool. You’ll get a keepsake ornament when you stay at the hotel.
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10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Address: 107 Park Headquarters Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
No trip to Pigeon Forge is complete without a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is the most visited in the United States and features more than 800 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Park activities include camping, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and picnicking. There are also several historic sites (such as barns, churches, gristmills, and schoolhouses) and museums located throughout the park. Check out the Cades Cove Visitor Center, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, and the Mountain Farm Museum.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, elk, deer, and wild turkeys. Whether you choose to explore the park yourself or take a guided Jeep tour, it’s a beautiful place to and is sure to create lasting memories during your trip to Pigeon Forge.
Visitors can spend the day here or even make it an overnight trip by booking a cozy cabin in the woods or camping under the stars.
For those who want to stay near the park but aren’t interested in roughing it, the Margaritaville Island Hotel is a great option. The Jimmy Buffet-themed hotel is just minutes from the park and offers several amenities, including an outdoor pool, a bar and grill, and live entertainment.
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11. Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud
Address: 119 Music Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
The longest-running feud in history comes to life at the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud in Pigeon Forge. This fun and lively dinner show is based on the true story of the centuries-old feud between the Hatfield and McCoy families of Kentucky and neighboring West Virginia.
The feud was said to have been started in 1863 over a pig (as feuds often do). It quickly escalated into a full-blown war between the two families. The dinner show features country music, comedy, dancing, and a traditional Appalachian-style meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cornbread, and more.
Expect to see gunfights, jaw-dropping stunts, and plenty of comedy. Audience members might even get involved in the show.
Other dinner shows in Pigeon Forge include Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show & Adventure Park, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, the Pirates Voyage Dinner Show, and Moonshine Murders Dinner Show.
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12. Titanic Museum
Address: 2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Whether you’re a movie fan or a history buff (or just like entering ship-shaped buildings), the Titanic Museum is a must-visit. It’s built to half-scale of the real ship and has 400 artifacts in 20 galleries. Visitors can explore the museum at their own pace and learn about the history of the Titanic and the lives of those who were on board through artifacts and exhibits.
The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits, including a lifeboat simulator and a replica of the ship’s grand staircase. Visitors can also see a piece of the ship’s hull and explore the first-class and third-class cabins.
On a side note, the Titanic Museum is just down the road from the Hard Rock Café. I have to say, I had the best ribs I’ve ever tasted there.
Plus, the walls hold lots of country music memorabilia, apparel, and instruments to enjoy while waiting for your meal. Check out Glen Campbell’s guitar and Dolly’s dress as well as Les Paul’s 1968 modified Gibson guitar, electronic equipment, and stage outfit.
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13. WonderWorks
Address: 100 Music Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
If you like entering upside-down buildings, WonderWorks is for you. The 42,000-square-foot indoor amusement park features more than 100 interactive exhibits. This Pigeon Forge attraction is perfect for a rainy day, as there is plenty to do indoors.
Other exhibits at WonderWorks include space discovery, the energy zone, extreme weather, natural disasters, light and sound, an imagination lab, and the Wonder Art Gallery. Additionally, you can participate in a ropes course, a 4D simulator ride, and laser tag experiences.
You’ll find several unique shops and restaurants, including the Wonder Café and Edison’s Lab Gift Shop. The Wonder Café offers several food options, while Edison’s Lab sells a wide array of science-themed items.
14. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Looking for a peaceful Sunday drive (on a Tuesday or Wednesday)? Located within the Smoky Mountains, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is one of the best outdoor things to do in Pigeon Forge. The 5.5-mile long loop road features many scenic pull-offs, overlooks, and hiking trails where you can take in mountain and valley views.
The trail is a great way to experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, as it winds its way through hardwood forests and past cascading waterfalls. It’s a popular place for wildlife watching, as the area is home to a variety of animals, including black bears, deer, and birds.
Rainbow Falls is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Smokies. Visitors here can explore the trail on their own or opt for a guided tour of the park. Other waterfalls include Grotto Falls and Place of a Thousand Drips (which isn’t exactly a waterfall, per se, but a series of rocks and boulders with a trail of water dripping and tumbling downhill).
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15. Country Tonite Theatre
Address: 129 Showplace Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
The Country Tonite Theatre is one of the best places in Pigeon Forge for live entertainment. With a variety of different shows and attractions, anyone can enjoy a show a this iconic theater (especially fans of country music).
The 1,500-seat theatre is equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems and features top-notch live entertainment like country music concerts, comedy shows, and more. Since opening in 2000, the theater has hosted many famous performers, including Willie Nelson, Reba McEntire, and (of course) Dolly Parton.
The theatre is also home to several other attractions, including the Country Tonite Music Hall of Fame and the Country Tonite Gospel Choir. You’ll find shows like the annual Christmas Show, the Country Tonite Clogging Championship, and more. A Country Tonite show admission ticket will give you access to all of the theater’s attractions.
16. Soaky Mountain Waterpark
Address: 175 Gists Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876
Get ready to get soaked in the Smokies. Located in nearby Sevierville, Soaky Mountain Waterpark is a great place to cool off in the summer months. The waterpark features a variety of different attractions, including a lazy river, slides, and a wave pool as well as mini golf, go-karts, and arcade games.
Some of the most popular rides include a surf simulator, a drop slide, dueling water coasters, and the Splash & Furious, a head-first 4-lane mat racer waterslide. There are plenty of fun water-based activities and play zones for the kids.
Grab a bite to eat or drink at a number of restaurants, including a pizzeria, a burger joint, an ice cream shop, a tiki bar, and a poolside bar.
17. Goats on the Roof
Address: 1341 Wears Valley Road, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
For a bizarre but fun attraction in Pigeon Forge, head to Valley Road and check out Goats on the Roof. Yes, the title is accurate.
This unique attraction features several live goats that climb around on the roof of the building. Visitors can watch the goats as they play and explore their surroundings. This attraction also features a shop where you can purchase goat-themed souvenirs.
In addition to the cute goats, Goats on the Roof offers other attractions like the Goat Coaster, a mini roller coaster for kids and adults, and the Goat Pen Jump, a trampoline area where kids can burn off some energy.
After you’ve had all the goat fun you can handle, check out the different shops – such as a candy shop, a toy store, and a general store – or mine for rare gems like rubies, sapphires, and emeralds at the gem mine.
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18. The Big Rock Dude Ranch
Address: 909 Little Cove Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa is one of Tennessee’s best outdoor adventure destinations. This dude ranch offers city slickers the unique chance to experience the Old West on a 3.5-mile horseback ride through the mountains.
In addition to horseback riding, the ranch features a variety of activities like hayrides and live entertainment. Visitors can enjoy a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant, which features a menu of hearty cowboy cuisine.
The ranch is located near many hiking trails and fishing spots. Travelers can explore beautiful mountain scenery and try their hand at catch-and-release fishing. The ranch also has a petting zoo, a gem mining station, a general store, a heritage museum golf club, and ATV rides.
19. Alcatraz East Crime Museum
Address: 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Calling all true crime fans. Alcatraz East Crime Museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone guilty of binging anything and everything true crime. This two-story 19th Century prison-themed museum features several different exhibits that explore different aspects of the American criminal justice system.
Exhibits include topics such as famous crimes, serial killers, law enforcement history, and more. Ted Bundy, Al Capone, OJ Simpson, and Al Pacino are just some of the notorious names featured at the museum. You’ll also be able to peruse weapons and other evidence from FBI cases.
Visitors can try their hand at solving a crime in the CSI lab, explore a virtual recreation of Alcatraz prison, investigate a simulated crime scene, experience a (virtual) high-speed police chase, or use a lie detector test on a friend.
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20. Mountain Valley Winery
Address: 2174 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Looking for fun things to do for the over-21 crew? Mountain Valley Winery is one of the best places to go for a taste of Tennessee-grown grapes. Visitors can take a tour of the family-owned winery to learn about the wine-making process or simply relax with a glass of wine in the beautiful tasting room. The winery also features a gift shop, where visitors can purchase wine bottles, glasses, and other souvenirs.
In addition to wine tastings, Mountain Valley Winery offers some different events throughout the year. Enjoy live music on the patio, participate in grape stomping competitions, or attend one of the many wine education seminars.
There’s also an onsite beer garden that offers up a variety of local and craft beers. No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always something fun happening at Mountain Valley Winery.
21. Outdoor Gravity Park
Address: 203 Sugar Hollow Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Looking for a thrilling Pigeon Forge activity? Then you won’t want to miss out on a visit to Outdoor Gravity Park This one-of-a-kind attraction features a giant inflatable tube that sends adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers careening down a hill (at speeds of up to 35 mph).
Originally invented in New Zealand (leave it to the kiwis to come up with such an activity), this dizzying sport is known as zorbing. Outdoor Gravity Park is the only zorbing park of its kind in the U.S.
In addition to the giant inflatable tube, the park features several other activities. Visitors can test their balance on the slackline, walk across monkey bars, complete challenges on a ropes course, or leap to their heart’s content on a trampoline.
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22. Legacy Mountain Ziplines
Address: 800 Legacy Vista Dr., Sevierville, TN 37862
If you’re looking for a physical challenge combined with a scenic Pigeon Forge activity, then you’ll want to check out Legacy Mountain Ziplines for the thrilling experience from a whole new perspective.
This local zipline company offers a variety of different tours and fun things to do. All tours feature stunning views of the Smoky Mountains, so you really can’t go wrong with any of them. Visitors can choose from many different tour options, ranging in length from 2 hours to an entire day.
You’ll learn about the local wildlife and history from your experienced guides at Legacy Mountain and get plenty of opportunities to zip through the treetop. You can also opt for a photo package to capture your experience on camera (and prove to your friends that you really did this).
23. Smith Creek Distillery
Address: 1645 Parkway, Suite 1090, Sevierville, TN 37862
You can’t go to the mountains of East Tennessee without a sample session of the local brew. Smith Creek Distillery is your one-stop shop for all things moonshine. This local distillery offers a variety of moonshine flavors as well as a tasting room where visitors can sample the different varieties.
They offer a variety of unique handcrafted flavors including, peach, apple pie, sweet tea, coffee, butter cake, and more. In addition to moonshine, Smith Creek Distillery offers spirits that include vodka, rum, and whiskey. No matter what your taste, you’re sure to find a spirit that you’ll enjoy.
After you’ve sampled the different spirits, be sure to grab a souvenir bottle or two to take home with you. The distillery offers a variety of different sizes and flavors, so you can find the perfect bottle (or bottles) to take home with you. You can even have your bottles engraved with a special message.
For a more in-depth moonshine experience, consider taking a Moonshine tour from Pigeon Forge! These tours take you behind the scenes of moonshine production, and you’ll even get to sample some of the finished products. Tours typically last around 90 minutes. They’re the perfect way to learn more about this unique mountain beverage.
Old Forge Distillery, Ole Smoky Moonshine, Sugarlands Distilling Co., and Tennessee Shine Company are just a couple of the other excellent places to visit in Pigeon Forge.
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24. Pigeon Forge Snow
Address: 2533 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
There are more than 15 amusement parks in the Pigeon Forge area. Most unique of all (apart from Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country) is Pigeon Forge Snow.
This indoor snow park is the only indoor snow park in the area (or anywhere nearby, from my research). You can go tubing, build snow people, and play in forts in the heat of July if you so choose. How cool (pun intended) is that?
25. Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride
Address: 2806 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Remember when we mentioned kitschy attractions earlier? Well, here you go. The Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride is an indoor attraction (your typical theme park “dark ride”) that transports riders through a 700,000-square-foot arena filled with animatronic dinosaurs.
No, this is not likely to scare anyone (young or old-er), but it’s a fun throwback to those carnival rides of yesteryear. In fact, some of these dinosaurs look like they’ve seen (much) better days. We think it just adds to the appeal.
26. Parrot Mountain and Garden of Eden
Address: 1471 McCarter Hollow Road, Pigeon Forge, TN 37862
Aptly nicknamed the Garden of Eden, the 4-acre Parrot Mountain is a tropical paradise in the middle of the mountains. The venue features a setting of lush tropical gardens, stone pathways, water features, and cute parrot cottages with slate, clay tile, and cedar shake roofing.
The birds (not just parrots) in question include a colorful array of toucans, magpies, silvery-cheeked hornbills, cockatoos, sun conures, kookaburras, lorikeets, and macaws. You’ll have the chance to see, touch, and feed some of these beautiful birds.
If you happen to be visiting Pigeon Forge in the fall, the hardwood trees put a stunning display of orange, red, and yellow fall foliage.
27. Dolly Parton Statue
Address: 125 Court Avenue, Sevierville, TN 37862
If you’re as big of a Dolly fan as I am, you can’t leave Pigeon Forge without a stop at the Dolly Parton statue. I mean, the lady built this town! Sculpted out of bronze by local artist Jim Gray in 1987, it’s at the Sevierville Courthouse.
It can get crowded (everyone loves Dolly), but I lucked out and was the only one there during my. Perfect for a solo selfie with the queen.
The Jim Gray Gallery is located in nearby Gatlinburg if you’d like to check out more of the artist’s sculptures, oils, sketches, and watercolors.
Getting around in Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is a small town with an amazing variety of things to see and do. Getting around town is fairly easy. Most of the major attractions are along the Parkway, so it’s not too difficult to find things.
You can get around Pigeon Forge on foot, but you probably won’t want to. The main road, the Pigeon Forge Parkway, is a highly traveled road, and I personally wouldn’t feel safe simply walking down the roadside (due to car traffic, not crime). I highly recommend that you consider renting a car. You may be able to walk to some attractions from a hotel, but if you’re planning on doing some serious shopping, or if you want to explore more of the surrounding area, then a car is your best bet.
Another great way to get around Pigeon Forge is by trolley. The Pigeon Forge Trolley system offers a convenient and affordable way to get around town. The trolleys run throughout the day and make stops at all of the major attractions, hotels, restaurants, and shops. You can purchase a day pass or a multi-day pass, depending on how long you’ll be in town. Ticket prices for the trolley range from fifty cents to $2.50, depending on how far you’re going.
There are several scenic helicopter tours you can embark on from Pigeon Forge, including tours that will show off the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Wears Valley, and the French Broad River.
FAQ
What are the most popular things to do in Pigeon Forge?
Some of the most popular attractions include Dollywood, the Titanic Museum, and the Great Smoky Mountains Park.
What is the best time of year to visit Pigeon Forge?
The best time of year to visit Pigeon Forge is in the spring or fall. The weather is moderate and there are fewer crowds than in the summer. However, if you’re looking for the best deals on lodging and attractions, then you should visit during the off-season (January-February), which is nice if you’re into skiing and snowboarding.
What are the best things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids?
Some of the most popular attractions for families with kids include Dollywood, Speedzone Fun Park, WonderWorks, the Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride, and any number of mini golf courses and escape room experiences.
What can I do in Pigeon Forge when it’s raining?
Even though the Smoky Mountains are known for their beautiful weather, it does rain occasionally (you just can’t second guess Mother Nature). If you find yourself in Pigeon Forge on a rainy day, check out indoor activities like the Titanic Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, or WonderWorks.
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