15 Unique Things To Do in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
Located about five miles apart from each other and only a 3.5 hour drive from Nashville, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are ideal for planning the perfect dual-destination Smoky Mountain getaway. And because we want you to have the best, wackiest, most memorable time possible, we’ve created this guide to the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
The Smoky Mountains are an outdoor adventurer’s dream– think hiking, mountain biking, and some of the best views in the country. They’re also (and we say this with love)... quirky.
Sure, you’ll find artisan boutique shopping, lovely restaurants, romantic skywalk tours, and the aforementioned array of outdoor sports… But you’ll also find roofs full of goats, mermaid breakfasts, the Batmobile, and something called zorbing that is not for the faint of heart. Oh, and lest we forget… DOLLYWOOD.
In a nutshell: you’ll make the kind of memories in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that will become immortalized in family stories for decades to come. In order to move between the two towns at your leisure, book easily accessible accommodations– we recommend our 100 Collection partner, Mountain Laurel Chalets.
Unique Things To Do In Gatlinburg, TN
1. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community
668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
There’s no better way to find souvenirs than by shopping local! The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is a large collective of independent artisans.
In addition to hosting events such as hands-on classes and craft exhibitions, you can browse handmade ceramics, stuffed animals, textiles, wood carvings, metalwork pieces, paintings, and more.
Don't forget to check out upcoming events on their website!
2. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Great for families. Kids from 9 to 90 will love to see unique sea creatures, take a glass-bottomed boat tour, or even book Breakfast with a Mermaid! At Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, you’ll discover an underwater world full of wonder. From hands-on touch pools to the moving glidepath through Shark Lagoon, the aquarium offers an immersive way to experience marine life up close. It’s a must-visit attraction that combines education, entertainment, and awe for visitors of all ages.
Tickets are around $15 for children and $40 for adults single attraction tickets, but there are also bundles for all Ripley's attractions in the area.
3. Hollywood Star Cars Museum
914 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
If you’ve ever wanted to see the Batmobile in person, you’re in luck.
The Hollywood Star Cars Museum displays iconic movie and TV cars, along with other notable vehicles like the Beach Boys’ Thunderbird. Step into the spotlight at Hollywood Star Cars Museum, where iconic vehicles from movies and TV shows are on display. This attraction is a dream stop for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.
Tickets are around $11 for children and $20 for adults. Children under 5 are free!
4. Ober Mountain
1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Ideal for the athletes in your group, Ober Mountain provides seasonal outdoor activities. In the summer, enjoy whitewater rafting, zip lining, and mountain biking. And in the winter, get ready to ski and snowboard.
To make planning your outdoor adventure easier, buy wristband passes that cover multiple activities.
Ticket bundles are around $49-$130, but children 4 and under are free with a paying adult!
5. Anakeesta
576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Anakeesta is a mountaintop theme park. Take a “chondola” tour (hybrid between chairlift and gondola) and catch a bird’s eye view of Tennessee from the treetop skywalk. Then, stop by one of the park’s restaurants for dinner and craft beers.
Tickets are free for ages 3 and under, and then range from $23-35.
6. Hillbilly Mini-Golf
340 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Hillbilly Golf is a Pigeon Forge classic that puts a quirky spin on miniature golf. Ride the incline cart up the hillside, then play your way down through two 18-hole courses filled with Appalachian-themed obstacles.
It’s a lighthearted way to spend an afternoon, blending mountain charm with a bit of friendly competition.
Tickets are free for 3 and under, and cost around $13-15 for a round. You can also add on another game for only around $7.
7. Ripley's Mountain Coaster
386 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
For thrill-seekers, Ripley’s Mountain Coaster is a must-try in Gatlinburg. Buckle in and control your own speed as you wind down the mountainside on a gravity-powered alpine track.
Whether you race full throttle or take a leisurely glide, the ride pairs adrenaline with stunning Smoky Mountain views.
Tickets are around $10-17 for the individual ride, and more if you decide to package it with another attraction like the Aquarium or the Believe It Or Not Exhibit.
Unique Things To Do In Pigeon Forge, TN
8. Dollywood
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Take a break from working 9 to 5 and head over to Dollywood!
Its namesake country icon slash philanthropist needs no introduction, so just get your family ready for a fun day full of music, shows, rides, crafts, water park activities, and great food.
Tickets vary at different times of the year. Be sure to checkout the Dollywood tickets site for the most up-to-date pricing.
9. Goats On The Roof
1341 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
In case it wasn’t clear enough from the name, the main draw to this roadside attraction is a sod roof full of fuzzy, four-legged friends.
In addition to being able to feed and take pictures with the goats, you can ride the self-paced Goat Coaster, play a round of dino-themed mini-golf, or purchase snacks and souvenirs.
Golf varies around $12-20 with kids under 4 being free. The goat coaster is $12-15, but you have to be minimum 3 years old to ride and 16 to drive someone else.
10. Zorbing
203 Sugar Hollow Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
The Outdoor Gravity Park located in Pigeon Forge is the only place in the United States where you can freely zorb to your heart’s content. “What the heck is zorbing,” you say?
Envision a giant plastic orb filled with several gallons of water that you can roll around in like a human-sized hamster wheel. (We suggest stocking up on ginger candy and stashing away a couple of motion sickness wristbands so that the limits of your human body will not interrupt your zorbing extravaganza).
Tickets at the zorbing park range from $27-30 and the maximum weight limit is 275 pounds. The minimum age is 5.
11. Foxfire Adventure Park
3757 Thomas Ln, Sevierville, TN 37876
Foxfire Adventure Park is about 20 minutes outside of Pigeon Forge, but is definitely worth the drive.
Burn off some energy on the climbing wall or a hiking trail. And if you love the exhilarating feeling of being high up, you can zipline or cross the swinging bridge. Settle down with a cool cider afterwards at the steampunk-themed cidery.
Tickets here range from $10-100 and there are several things to do like ziplining, hiking, the swinging bridge, rock climbing, or rope challenges.
12. The Island
131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
The Island is a 23-acre family entertainment complex (accessible by bridge) located in the middle of the Little Pigeon River.
Admission is free, which is great because you’ll want to spend all your pocket money at its array of restaurants, treat shops, boutiques, novelty stores, museums, and arcades.
13. Alcatraz East Crime Museum
2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Alcatraz East Crime Museum brings history and intrigue to life right in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Step inside to explore five captivating galleries featuring everything from infamous artifacts to interactive forensics labs.
You can see real crime memorabilia, try your hand at solving mysteries, and dive into the stories behind America’s most notorious cases. It’s an experience that’s as educational as it is unforgettable.
Tickets are around $20-45 depending on which tour that you choose and age of the individual.
14. Llamas at Trillium Gap Trail
One of the Smokies’ most unique sights can be found along the Trillium Gap Trail. Several days a week, llamas trek the path to carry supplies up to LeConte Lodge, delighting hikers who happen to cross their route.
The gentle animals make the journey even more memorable, turning a challenging hike into a one-of-a-kind story to share.
15. Smoky Mountain Cat House
3327 Old Mill St, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Tucked away in Pigeon Forge, the Smoky Mountain Cat House is a cozy stop for feline lovers. Part boutique, part gathering spot, it’s filled with cat-themed gifts, home décor, and plenty of charm.
Whether you’re shopping for a unique souvenir or just looking to meet fellow cat enthusiasts, it’s a purr-fect little detour on your Smoky Mountain adventure.
Best Places To Stay In Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, TN
Keep your Smoky Mountain adventure rustic by day and refined by night– book your Gatlinburg Cabin Rental with Mountain Laurel Chalets.
Conveniently located in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, Mountain Laurel Chalets is family-owned and allows you to choose from a variety of different home sizes.
For small groups, consider a cozy two-bedroom. And if you’re planning a group retreat or larger family gathering, reserve a spacious, wood-paneled lodge. Each property offers tasteful decor, luxe textiles, plenty of natural lighting, chef-ready kitchens, and gorgeous views.
Amenities vary by property and can include high-end bedding and linens, game rooms, clubhouse and community pool access, outdoor lounge spaces, hot tubs… and a free Dollywood ticket per booking!
