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Things To Do In Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge takes its name from a forge built along the Little Pigeon River. It was originally a hunting ground for the Cherokee. This town is now a holiday resort known for its many attractions. Getting over 10 million in visitors every year, Pigeon Forge boasts many things to do, among them are visiting nature, theaters and arcades, as well as amusement parks and restaurants.
An outgoing holiday location, come here for rowdy fun as opposed to solitude and serenity. Read more below to find out about the best things to do while you are in Pigeon Forge.
1.Great Smoky Mountain National Park
This national park is home to some of the highest mountain peaks in the United States. A part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park lies on the border of North Caroline and Tennessee. A major attraction while you’re at Pigeon Forge, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a very accessible location.
Take hikes here and get lost among the countless trails in the park. Be sure to visit the Alum Cave Bluffs for the great views. When you’re done with this, go to the Sugarlands Visitors’ Center and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center for exhibits and souvenirs. Among other areas to visit are Roaring Fork, Cataloochee, Elkmont and Cades Cove.
2.Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
Visit the island entertainment district for the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. It is known for the wonderful views it provides of the mountains around. A major attraction is a ride in the glass gondola. One of the tallest attractions in the entire area, it is the main attraction to the Island at Pigeon Forge.
3.Dollywood
If you are a fan of country music then you must take a trip to Dollywood. The owner of the amusement park is none other than famous musician Dolly Parton. The park is filled with rides which are mountain themed as well as other attractions such as the bald eagle sanctuary and the Calico Falls Schoolhouse. The roller coaster here is an attraction on its own.
A place for celebrating country music, the Southern Gospel Music Hall is a must visit while you’re here. Another major attraction of Dollywood is a giant water slide. The water park is really great. There are over 20 different rides and slides you can use to splash into the cool waters.
4.Hollywood Wax Museum
The Hollywood Wax Museum is a great place to spend time while you’re at Pigeon Forge. A great place for pictures, there are many props here you can use to capture pictures and selfies.
There is a giant wax King Kong that hangs from the out-building. There are a number of wax figures, ranging from real celebrities to even imaginary figures. Be sure to pose with Elvis when you’re here.
5.Outdoor Gravity Park Pigeon Forge
The Outdoor Gravity Park at Pigeon Forge is known for what is called zorbing. For those of you who remain unaware, zorbing involves putting yourself into a big plastic ball and rolling down the hill a thousand feet below.
You can do this alone or even have another person in the ball with you. Another option to choose is if you want to end up with a splash in water.
6.Indoor Skydiving
If you want to experience the thrill of skydiving but jumping out of a plane is just too big of a thing, then come to Flyaway at Pigeon Forge. This is an indoor wind tunnel that lets you fly.
Sign up for the jump and experience three minutes of flying after receiving instructions regarding the body suit and other safety gear.
7.Go Karting
The Go-Kart track at Pigeon Forge is different from most tracks. Instead of being a level track with some twists and turns, the track at Pigeon Forge has lots of ups and downs and even a jump.
Be sure to spend time at the arcade where along with games, you can do an indoor bungee jump from 65 feet. There are also bumper cars for you.
8.Big Top Arcade
The best way to enjoy Pigeon Forge with your family, the Big Top Arcade features many games for you. You can find this arcade at the Parkway. It is filled with classic games such as Whack-a-Mole and Skee-ball.
A great indoor location to spend your time if you aren’t able to visit the outdoors for some reason. (The weather in the mountains can be a bit temperamental). Great for kids, you’d always find this Pigeon Forge attraction filled to the brim with the laughs of children running around.
9.Firefly Village
Located at the top of the mountain, this quaint little treehouse themed village is a must on your list of things to do when in Pigeon Forge. Locals sell handmade items and you can shop while enjoying the scenic views the mountaintop has to offer.
Special attractions are available here for children, such as mining for gems. The panoramic views available here are truly a delight. A visit to the Firefly Village is great when coupled with Anakeesta, the next thing to do on our list.
10.Anakeesta
Anakeesta is a mountain amusement area in Gatlinburg. The itinerary here includes getting from Downtown Gatlinburg to the top of the mountain using the Chondona’s quad chairlift.
Once to the top, you can visit and spend time at the firefly village and even climb in the tree canopy walk. There is a zip line here which you can race down with against one of your friends.
11.Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
This unique museum is home to the world’s largest collection of salt and pepper shakers. A great and fun place to visit, take a gander at over 20000 pieces of salt and pepper shakers.
The building is mountain themed, like most places in Pigeon Forge. The timings are Mon-Sat 10 AM – 4PM and Sunday 10AM – 2PM. There is a $3 admission fee per adult with children under 12 receiving entry for free.
12.Stampede
This unique attraction was called Dixie Stampede until recently. The premise of the show is to have guests seated around a circular arena where a rodeo themed performance takes place.
Enjoy barbecue dinner in this place which is Pigeon Forge through and through. This dinner theater comedy attraction is something that some people might not enjoy as much as others but for those that do, it is a great night to spend.
13.Forbidden Caverns
I was a little conflicted to put this attraction on the list. I felt like it must be there because this is one of, if not the most popular attraction in Tennessee. However, due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the place is closed until further notice.
When open, the attraction provides tours and informative exhibits as part of its itinerary. The cave system is quite complex and while modern lighting paves the way, it is still immersed in natural beauty. Please be sure to visit this place when you’re at Pigeon Forge, as it is an experience of a lifetime.
14.Iron Mountain
While you’re at Pigeon Forge, it will be worthwhile to sign up for a class on metal forging up at Iron Mountain Metal Craft. The area has been historically marked by its forges and metalwork. Whether you choose to take a class or not, visiting Iron Mountain is an attraction on its own.
Witness the experts hard at work at their craft and learn from them the secrets of metal working. There are souvenirs for you to take away along with an absolute educational experience.
15.Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show
Dinner theater comedy is a staple in Pigeon Forge. A visit to this tourist attraction is incomplete if you do not find time to visit one of these dinner theatres. The Hatfield & McCoy dinner show is about two feuding families. Enjoy their performance complete with stunts and live music to accompany it.
If you find yourself here in December then you must find time for the Christmas themed dinner. The food here is amazing, featuring awesome Southern delicacies along with vegetarian and gluten free options for the more conscious eaters.
Please also read about best things to do in Tennessee.
