From interactive museums to breathtaking mountain parks, this bustling town delivers experiences for every travel style just steps from the national park entrance.
Top Mountaintop Adventures
Anakeesta
Ride the scenic Chondola to this immersive mountaintop adventure park. Navigate treetop canopy walks, race side-by-side on exhilarating dueling ziplines, or brave the Astra Lumina enchanted night walk after dark.
Gatlinburg SkyPark
Home to the iconic SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Walk across the 680-foot span, peer through the glass-bottom panels for a 150-foot view of the valley below, and relax at the SkyCenter with panoramic mountain vistas.
Ober Mountain
Accessible via a massive Aerial Tramway, this year-round destination is a hub for active families. Enjoy winter skiing and snow tubing, or visit in the summer for the Tennessee Flyer mountain coaster, alpine slides, and indoor ice skating.
Live Shows & Theater
Impossibilities at the Iris Theater
Located beneath the Gatlinburg Space Needle, Master Illusionist Terry Evanswood delivers an intimate, highly interactive performance featuring sleight-of-hand tricks, mentalism, and crowd participation.
Nearby Pigeon Forge Spectaculars
A short drive north opens up world-class dinner theaters. Watch 32 magnificent horses at Dolly Parton’s Stampede, laugh through the high-diving antics of the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, or witness acrobatic lagoon battles at the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show.
Downtown Amusements
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Glide through a 340-foot underwater shark tunnel on a moving glidepath. Get up close with playful penguins, gently touch stingrays in the interactive lagoon, and marvel at the massive jellyfish exhibits.
Gatlinburg Space Needle
Ride the glass elevator 400 feet to the observation deck for an unobstructed 360-degree view of the downtown strip and the towering peaks of Mount LeConte.
Hollywood Star Cars Museum
View iconic vehicles from blockbuster movies and television shows, including the original Batmobile, the DeLorean from Back to the Future, and cars from the Fast & Furious franchise.
Gatlinburg Pinball Museum
Step back in time with an all-you-can-play admission pass to a massive collection of meticulously restored retro pinball machines and classic arcade games.
Insider Tips for Gatlinburg Entertainment
- Buy Combo Tickets: Many downtown attractions, particularly the Ripley’s family of museums and the aquarium, offer bundled passes that significantly reduce the cost per attraction.
- Ride the Trolley: Skip the downtown parking fees and heavy traffic by utilizing the free Gatlinburg Trolley system, which services all major attraction routes.
- Time Your Visits: Beat the peak crowds at major outdoor parks like Anakeesta or the SkyPark by taking the first lift of the morning, or visit after dinner to watch the sunset over the mountains.
- Book Shows in Advance: Popular dinner theaters and magic shows frequently sell out days in advance, especially during the peak summer and fall foliage seasons.