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26 Best Things To Do In Pigeon Forge (Tennessee) For Unforgettable Memories

What’s up folks! It’s Adam.

Okay, I’ll be honest, when a local suggested I try Pigeon Forge’s Southern fried chicken, I was a bit skeptical. Like, how much better can fried chicken get? I can get it anywhere in the world. It didn’t feel local enough to get my attention.

So, I ignored him and asked another local. Guess what they recommended? The same Southern fried chicken. I asked him why everyone kept recommending it. What’s so unique about it?

“You have to eat it to understand.”

He recommended two local spots; Mama’s Farmhouse and Huck Finn’s Catfish. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t eager to try this chicken. I only tried it 2 days before I left Pigeon Forge. 

I visited Mama’s Farmhouse and was served a giant portion of the Southern fried chicken! My first bite into it and I knew I had made a mistake. The mistake of not trying it earlier. It’s the most delicious Southern fried chicken I’ve ever eaten. I still dream about it.

I’ll be going back to Pigeon Forge just to eat it. It should be your meal of choice as you explore the city.

Pigeon Forge is a town in Tennessee, the small mountain town has many lovely attractions.

Once you explore them, it’ll be easy to see why this town receives over 10 million visitors every year.

One of the town’s most famous attractions is Dollywood, a popular amusement park owned by renowned Country Music artist Dolly Parton.

She was actually born in Sevier County, where Pigeon Forge is located.

Wondering where you can stay during your visit? Why not check out the best Pigeon Forge resorts!

The town’s popularity is also due to the Great Smoky National Park, which is the most visited park in the United States, for its distinctive beauty and an endless list of thrilling activities.

Although the park is located in Gatlinburg, many visitors prefer staying in Pigeon Forge, which is only 10 miles away.

We going to share with you 26 things to do in Pigeon Forge that are suitable for visitors of all ages:

This small town will amaze you with its adventurous attractions and make your vacation memorable.

Table of Contents

Things To Do In Pigeon Forge:

1. Dollywood

Pigeon Forge Tennessee TN Old Mill.  Kevin Ruck | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.6★ 

Entry tickets: Adults (10-61): $84:1-day pass, $104: 2-day pass, $114: 3-day pass

Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It is an amusement park
  • It was opened in 1961

Why you should go: Visited by approximately 3 million visitors every year, Dollywood is a renowned theme park owned by musician Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment.

As one of the top things to do in Pigeon Forge, the park has a long list of things and places to explore.

Some of the attractions are a water park with splash pads, pools, slides, a steam train, a luxury resort, and roller coasters.

It is packed with fun-filled activities that are ideal for visitors of all ages.

Additionally, the attraction is an entertainment venue that hosts music and other entertainment shows.

For example, the park hosts Dolly Parton for live performances, together with her family and other entertainers from the local region and other parts of the country.

Things to do: Since the park has a lot to offer, you are recommended to purchase a two-day ticket.

It has over 50 attractions and rides that will keep your entire family entertained.

Some of the most famous ones are the Dragonflier, Wide Eagle, and Barnstorm.

Moreover, the park has a luxury resort that you can book for your stay in Pigeon Forge.

The resort overlooks the Great Smoky Mountains giving visitors some of the best views of the Smokies.

  • It is 52 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

2. TITANIC Museum

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA – May 15, 2017: The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge bills itself as the largest Titanic exhibit in the world. ehrlif | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.6★ 

Entry tickets: Adults: $28, Children (5-12): $15

Address: 2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It was opened in 2010
  • It takes about 2 hours to explore

Why you should go: Pigeon Forge continues to take visitors on a trip back to the past to experience how it felt being inside the famous RMS Titanic.

It does this through the Titanic Museum.

This museum was built to pay tribute to the ship, its crew, and all passengers who were on board on that fateful day in 1912.

Apart from experiencing how it was like to walk through the staterooms, the parlor, and the ship’s hallways, visitors are welcomed to see over 400 artifacts collected from the ship’s wreckage.

To offer a wholesome experience, the museum is built in the likeness of the original Titanic ship, including its exterior and interior.

Things to do: Come and explore the two-story museum and take a trip back in time to the early 20th century.

Explore the collection of artifacts, distributed around 20 galleries, some of which belonged to the passengers.

You will get a boarding ticket with the name of either a passenger or crew who was on the ship on that fateful day.

Inside, you will take a self-guided tour, and at the end, you will see the names of all passengers and crew of the RMS Titanic.

The Titanic Museum is one of the two titanic museums in the country and remains one of the best things to do in Pigeon Forge.

  • It is 45 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

3. Dollywood’s Splash Country

@Dollywood | Facebook

Rating: 4.5★ 

Entry tickets: Adults: $49.95:1-day pass, $69.95: 2-day pass, $79.95: 3-day pass

Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge

  • It sits on 35 acres of land
  • It opens from May to September

Why you should go: Dollywood’s Splash Country is adjacent to the Dollywood park.

It is under the same management as Dollywood Park and is also owned by Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment.

The water park features splashes and water slides designed to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages; adults and children will have fun in equal measure.

Moreover, if you love nature, you will have a great time at the water park as it overlooks the Great Smokies.

It also boasts a beautiful surrounding landscape of lush green trees.

Additionally, the water park is designed carefully to blend well with the surrounding natural landscape.

You will notice that it causes very minimal alteration to the park’s original landscape.

Things to do: Dollywood’s Splash Country has a wide range of attractions for both adults and children to enjoy.

Some of them are the Big Bear Plunge, Mountain Scream, River Rush, Wild River Falls, Mountain Waves, and Litle Creek Falls.

Some of the attractions have height requirements to ensure the safety of children.

Ensure that you check the requirements of each water ride before you allow your children to get inside.

However, well-trained lifeguards are always nearby to keep an eye on and ensure your safety as you have fun.

If you planned to extend your vacation in Tennessee, we do recommend you to check our list of things to do in Nashville & fun things to do in Chattanooga!

  • It is 50 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

4. Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a dinner and show attraction on the strip in Branson Missouri. Ted PAGEL | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.6★ 

Entry tickets: Adults: $59.99, Children: $29.95

Address: 3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It is located in Parkway
  • It was founded in 1988

Why you should go: One of the most famous family-friendly attractions in Pigeon Forge is Dolly Patron’s Stampede.

This is a dinner theater located at the entrance of Dollywood park.

It offers visitors a mouth-watering four-course feast as they watch thrilling competitions of horses performing stunts and entertaining musical productions.

The thrill starts at the Carriage Room with a performance by Mountain Ruckus, a live band that performs Bluegrass and Country Music.

The show then moves to the arena, where the real magic takes place.

It is also here that you enjoy the delicious four-course meal prepared by expert chefs.

The dish features a Whole Rotisserie Chicken, a Hickory Smoked Barbecue Pork Loin, and Stampede’s Original Creamy Vegetable Soup, among other things.

Vegetarian foods are also available upon request.

Things to do: Put on your cowboy or cowgirl outfit and make your way to Dolly Parton’s Stampede to enjoy the thrilling Mid West show.

It is a great place to meet and hang out with like-minded people and those who appreciate the same interests as you do.

And even if not for the show, visit the attraction for the delicious food.

You will love it!

  • It is 50 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

5. The Island in Pigeon Forge

Ehrlif | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.7★ 

Entry tickets: Unlimited Rides Pass: $35, Unlimited Rides and Ropes Course Pass: $45

Address: 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It is home to a collection of attractions

  • It is a family-friendly attraction

Why you should go: Let’s get this out of the way; The island in Pigeon Forge is not an island surrounded by water.

Instead, it is dubbed an island because of its design, which makes it look as if it is isolated from the rest of the city.

Here you will find amusement parks, entertainment venues, dining spots, shopping stores, and accommodation hotels, among other attractions.

There is something for everyone to do irrespective of age.

Notably, the venue’s biggest attraction is the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, standing at 200 feet, that gives visitors sweeping views of the city and the breathtaking surrounding landscape.

Things to do: Many visitors say that The Island in Pigeon Forge looks like a little Vegas in the Smokies because of how it is set up.

You could easily book your stay in one of the hotels and spend the rest of your vacation here without visiting any other part of the city, especially if you want a slow and lazy vacation.

Some of the activities you will enjoy here include thrilling rides, shopping, dining, and leisure walking.

  • It is 48 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

6. The Old Mill Restaurant

The historic Old Mill in Pigeon Forge was built in 1830 and remains the premier attraction in this town in the Smoky Mountains. Aceshot1 | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.7★ 

Entry tickets: Free entry

Address: 164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It is a National Historic Place
  • It was opened in 1993

Why you should go: The Old Mill Restaurant one of the most famous restaurants in Pigeon Forge, owing to its rich history.

It is located at the site of what was once a forge by Mordecai Lewis in the early 1700s. Isaac Love, his son-in-law, later built the first gristmill in 1836.

Moreover, this was also the site for the first post office in Pigeon Forge.

Today, the place is known as the Old Mill Square and is the site for the old mill and the Old Mill Restaurant.

This restaurant was established to serve visitors of the Great Smoky Mountains by providing them with delicious meals and freshly-baked bread that’s made using flour milled by the onsite old mill.

Things to do: Visit the Old Mill Restaurant to enjoy the best of Pigeon Forge’s cuisine and learn the history of the Old Square.

You can also get a tour of the historic old mill to see how it grinds grains into flour and the process of making spirits from grains.

If you like, you can buy the flour too.

Apart from fresh food and bread, the restaurant also makes fresh ice cream, jellies, jams, and other hand-made confectionaries.

There is also a pottery shop near the mill where you can see and purchase items made of clay.

  • It is 49 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

7. Alcatraz East Crime Museum

Rating: 4.5★ 

Entry tickets: Adults (13-60): $24.95, Seniors (61+): $18.95, Children (8-12): $14.95, Children (7 and below): Free

Address: 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It takes 2 to 3 hours to explore the museum
  • It was opened in 2016

Why you should go: If you are looking for fascinating things to do in Pigeon Forge, you should definitely check out the Alcatraz East Crime Museum.

The museum was established by John Morgan, an attorney and businessman, to give visitors a deeper dive into crime history in the United States.

Consequently, the museum showcases over 500 artifacts distributed across its five galleries, namely Crime Fighting, Pop Culture, History of Crime, Crime Scene Investigation, and The Consequence of Crime.

Inspired by the Alcatraz island prison, the museum is designed as a 19th-century jail.

Things to do: Explore over 20 exhibits to see artifacts that include evidence pieces from famous cases and items belonging to some of the most notorious crime convicts in American history.

For example, you will see Al Capone’s rosary, the Ford Bronco from O. J. Simpsons case, and John Dillinger’s car.

Apart from this, you will also find police and FBI reports and transcriptions from famous crime cases.

If you are interested in reading first-hand reports on how some of these criminals were caught, then you should check out Alcatraz East Crime Museum.

  • It is 47 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

8. WonderWorks

Exterior of the Wonderworks Museum in Pigeon. Ehrlif | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.3★ 

Entry tickets: Adults (13-59): $32.99, Children (4-12): $24.99, Seniors (60+): $24.99

All prices are exclusive of tax

Address: 100 Music Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It is an amusement park
  • It has over 100 exhibits

Why you should go: Dubbed an amusement park of the mind, WonderWorks is one of the most fascinating attractions in Pigeon Forge.

It will blow your mind!

Before you even enter the building, the exterior will captivate you with its design that seems to defy the law of gravity.

The story is told of how a top-secret laboratory in Bermuda Triangle conducted an experiment that went wrong.

The result?

The laboratory was peculiarly transported to Pigeon Forge to become the upside-down building that hosts WonderWorks.

Things to do: You will explore over 100 hands-on exhibits distributed across six wonder zones, namely the imagination lab, extreme weather, light and sound, space discovery, wonder art gallery, and physical challenge.

Some of the activities that visitors can indulge in are the laser tag arena, the hurricane shack, and the glow-in-the-dark ropes course.

WonderWorks is praised as one of the best attractions for children and is a popular spot for many school trips.

  • It is 45 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

9. Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show

Aneese | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.6★ 

Entry tickets: Adults: $59.99, Children (3-9): $32.99

Address: 119 Music Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • The show lasts about 2 hours

Why you should go: The Hatfield–McCoy feud is a historical war between two American families.

It took place in the 19th century between 1863 and 1891.

Years after it ended, the feud’s spirit still lives on in Pigeon through the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show.

The show starts with an all-you-can-feast dinner of traditional food which includes fried chicken, corn, coleslaw, rolls, and mashed potatoes.

Vegetarian and vegan food is also available as long as guests communicate early.

As you eat, the show commences.

Buckle up as you are in for a hilarious and wild ride!

Things to do: If you are looking for fun things to do in Pigeon Forge that you can add to your evening plan list, the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show should definitely cut it.

The group stages a live performance like you have never seen before.

The play incorporates comedy, acrobatics, and musicals in the performance to give you a well-packaged show that is fun and memorable.

The fact that dinner is also served here is more reason why you should book a ticket.

  • It is 45 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

10. Sawyer’s Farmhouse

Rating: 4.4★ 

Entry tickets: Free

Address: 2831 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It is a daytime restaurant
  • It is named after Mark Twain’s character, Tom Sawyer

Why you should go: While in Pigeon Forge, you will need a nice place to have a good breakfast and lunch.

One of the most recommended eateries by locals and visitors is sawyer restaurant, which serves breakfast and lunch only.

Located in Parkway, the restaurant serves classic southern foods that will give you all the energy you need to explore the different attractions in the area or hike the Great Smoky Mountains 

Apart from the food, you will also be impressed by the restaurant’s rustic farmhouse interior decor.

Things to do: They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

And based on all the activities you have lined up for the day, you definitely need to have a healthy breakfast that will keep you energized before you get an opportunity to have lunch.

This is why you should visit Sawyer’s Farmhouse restaurant, as it is a top traveler’s choice of restaurants in the Great Smokies region.

  • It is 47 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

11. Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster

@Smoky Mountain Alpine | Facebook

Rating: 4.8★ 

Entry tickets: Adults: $15, Children (7-12): $12

Address: 867 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It was opened in 2013
  • It is an amusement park

Why you should go: For starters, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster was the first mountain coaster to be set up in the Great Smoky Mountains.

And we know that the originals are more often than not the best.

This coaster is no exception, as it is one of the best things to do in Pigeon Forge.

However, what really makes the coaster popular and a most sought-after attraction is the fact that it is the longest downhill track in the United States.

The track is over 1 mile long and takes about 7 to 8 minutes to complete while riding at 43km/h.

Things to do: Make memories with friends or family by taking the ride, which winds through the beautiful Smokies, lush greenery, and overall breathtaking landscape.

Notably, riders can control the coaster’s speed on their own.

You should visit the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster ready to have a thrilling and memorable experience.

  • It is 47 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

12. Forbidden Caverns

Rating: 4.7★ 

Entry tickets: Adults (13+): $20, Children (5-12): $12, Seniors: $15

Address: 455 Blowing Cave Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876

  • It is an amusement center
  • It is located in Sevierville

Why you should go: With over 8,350 caves within its boundaries, Tennessee is home to the biggest number of caves in the United States.

And Sevierville is home to these caves, dubbed Forbidden Caverns, which are one of the most breathtaking caverns in the United States.

It is one of the most fascinating tours where you will descend a few hundred feet below the ground’s surface.

In the caverns, you will find a wall of rare carbon minerals formations like stalagmites and stalactites, a river, chimneys, and grottos.

Things to do: Take a guided tour of the caverns that is as entertaining as it is educative.

You will learn all about the Eastern Woodlands Indians who lived in the region and used flint found here to make knives, scrapers, and arrowheads.

The paths and space are well lit to ensure you see everything.

And in case you are worried about the temperature, you will be glad to know that the caverns maintain a constant 60 degrees irrespective of the temperature outside.

The Forbidden Caverns might not be located in Pigeon Forge, but they remain one of the best things to do near Pigeon Forge.

  • It is 57 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

13. Hollywood Wax Museum

meunierd | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.5★ 

Entry tickets: Adults: Adults: (12+): $39.99, Children (4-12): $19.99, Children (3 and below): Free

Address: 106 Showplace Blvd Unit A, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It takes about 3 hours to tour it
  • It houses wax figures

Why you should go: There are about four Hollywood Wax Museums in the United States, and the one in Pigeon Forge is the largest of them all.

The museum was established as a tribute to the film industry to honor Hollywood artists who, over the years, have worked hard to entertain us and keep us glued to our screens.

The Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge was opened in 2012 and boasts two floors of wax figures.

Some notable celebrities whose wax figures are found here are Marilyn Monroe, Johnny Depp, Elvis Presley, Charlie Chaplin, and Julia Roberts.

Things to do: If you are a film fanatic or simply enjoy art, you will have an amazing time exploring the unique museum.

You will feel like you are in Hollywood rubbing shoulders with the who’s who of the film and entertainment industry.

Say ‘hello’ to your favorite celebrities and pose for a photo with them while at it; your friends will probably never tell that it was a wax figure.

Later you can indulge in a zombie escape adventure inside a hall of mirrors located in the museum.

  • It is 46 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

14. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

CrackerClips Stock Media | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.9★ 

Entry tickets: Free

Address: 107 Park Headquarters Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738-4102

  • It was established in 1934
  • It is the most visited national park in the United States

Why you should go: You cannot visit Pigeon Forge and not make your way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

It is the most visited national park in the country.

To begin with, it is one of the most worthwhile things to do in Pigeon Forge.

But what makes it one of the top destinations is that it is one of the most breathtaking places to visit. 

In addition to this, it is packed with thrilling and memorable activities and attractions.

It is located in Gatlinburg, a small mountain town that is considered the gate to the Smoky Mountains.

Gatlinburg is about 10 miles from Pigeon Forge.

Planning to stay in Gatlinburg? Don’t miss out on the top-rated Gatlinburg resorts.

Things to do: With sweeping landscapes comprising valleys and rolling mountains with blue smoke hovering over them, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains one of the most beautiful places in the United States.

This beauty and more activities than you can imagine are what await you in the Smokies.

Apart from soaking up the scenery and the fresh air, you can enjoy exciting activities like hiking, fishing, cycling, camping, and horseback riding.

You will love every minute of your visit here.

  • It is 31 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

15. The Incredible Christmas Place

@Christmas Place | Facebook

Rating: 4.7★ 

Address: 2470 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868

  • It is located in Bell Tower Square
  • It is your one-stop Christmas shop

Why you should go: If you are crazy about Christmas, all the decor, and festivity that goes into it, then The Incredible Christmas Place should be one of your top stops in Pigeon Forge.

And it doesn’t matter whether it is the Christmas season or not, the shop is a perfect attraction throughout the year.

Since it is open all year round, it is rated the biggest permanent Christmas shop in the American South and one of the largest in the country.

Things to do: Name anything that’s required to bring the Christmas spirit alive, and Incredible Christmas has it.

It is a family-friendly attraction that you can visit with your children.

And whether you are buying or not, the shop is a spectacular sight and will just make you happy, like a stress reliever.

Our advice is that if you buy the items during your visit since the prices might go higher as Christmas approaches.

  • It is 46 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

16. Pigeon Forge Snow

Rating: 4.4★ 

Entry tickets: Tubing + Snowing: $36.99 for 1 hour

Address: 2533 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It is a snow park
  • It is open all year-round

Why you should go: As the only indoor snow park in town and the first of its kind in the United States, Pigeon Forge Snow deserves a spot on our list of things to do near Pigeon Forge.

The park was established to give visitors a snow experience since Tennessee experiences little to no snow owing to its moderate climate.

If you are traveling to Pigeon Forge with your children, this is an attraction worth checking out.

It offers a wide variety of snow activities designed for enjoyment by the whole family.

Things to do: Make your way to Pigeon Forge Snow to indulge in fun snow activities like snow tubing, where you race down the slopes like you were on an actual mountain.

You can also enjoy building snowmen and snow forts!

The attraction has great reviews from visitors of all ages; from 3 years to 93 years.

It is indeed entertainment for the whole family.

Tip: After hiking the Great Smokies or a day of exploring Pigeon Forge under the scorching sun, you can come here to cool off.

  • It is 47 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

17. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Ehrlif | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.5★ – Trip Advisor

Entry tickets: Free, Parking fee is charged

Address: Roaring Fork, Tennessee 37738

  • It is 6 miles long
  • It is located in Gatlinburg

Why you should go: This scenic loop with an elevation of 3,000 feet will make one of your most memorable experiences in Pigeon Forge.

Although located in downtown Gatlinburg, it is still close to Pigeon Forge, and you would be making a mistake to visit the town and not check it out.

It offers visitors some of the most beautiful views of streams, historical buildings, mills, and mountains.

The highlight of the attraction site is Rainbow Falls, which you have to hike for a while to get to, but a sight that is worth every minute spent hiking the rough trail.

Things to do: You can either drive or hike the trail; the choice is yours.

For those who choose to drive, access to the trail is free, however, you will be charged a small parking fee.

It is important to note that the trail is quite narrow and can only accommodate trucks and trailers.

RVs, unfortunately, cannot fit on the road.

Hikers who don’t need to park their cars will have access to the trail for free.

While at it, you can also take the trail to Baskins Creek Falls.

Either way, this is a scenic attraction where you will be rewarded with beautiful views and equipped with historical knowledge.

Fascinated by Tennessee and want to tour more of it? Here are the top places to visit in Knoxville!

  • It is 1 hour 31 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

18. Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains

@North Butler Schools | Facebook

Rating: 4.7★ 

Entry tickets: $10 per person

Address: 1341 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It is located on Wears Valley Road
  • It is an amusement center

Why you should go: Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains is a bizarre yet interesting attraction in Pigeon Forge.

And as the name suggests, the attraction site has goats roaming on the roof!

Visitors are invited to buy goat feed in the gift shop and then hop on a coaster/goat cycle with the goat chow and deliver it straight to the goats on the roof.

Be ready to capture the spectacle the goats create as they devour the can of goat chow.

Things to do: Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains is free to visit.

It won’t hurt your pocket to experience this bizarre attraction.

Apart from seeing the goats and feeding them, visitors can also enjoy other activities like gem mining, buying souvenirs from the onsite gift shop, or riding the coaster.

The coaster has a maximum speed of 30 miles an hour and lasts for 7 minutes.

  • It is 48 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

19. Big Rock Dude Ranch

@Big Rock Dude Ranch | Facebook

Rating: 4.4★ 

Entry tickets: Free

Address: 909 Little Cove Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It is a horseback riding center
  • It has over 80 horses

Why you should go: Imagine horseback riding in Pigeon Forge surrounded by the breathtaking scenery that is the Great Smoky Mountains.

This is an experience you don’t want to miss!

Big Rock Dude Ranch welcomes visitors who love nature and horseback riding to feed and pet their horses and then ride along beautiful trails surrounded by lush greenery and a scenic landscape.

It is a great place to visit with family and friends and create amazing memories together.

Things to do: Take the scenic trails on a horse to enjoy the beauty of nature and just get lost in the beautiful landscape.

Horseback riding is an amazing way to unwind and just appreciate the present moment.

Apart from horseback riding, visitors are welcome to explore the ranch and visit the lovely petting zoo to see some of the animals.

You can also participate in gem mining, an activity that allows you to keep all the treasures that you will find!

If you love adventure, you can hop onto an ATV and explore the mountains!

Other activities at the Big Rock Dude Ranch are fishing and exploring the onsite museum.

  • It is 52 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

20. Mountain Valley Winery

@Mountain Valley Winery | Facebook

Rating: 4.6★ 

Entry tickets: Free Tasting

Address: 2174 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It is an award-winning winery
  • It serves both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Why you should go: Established in 1991, Mountain Valley Winery is one of the oldest wineries in the region.

It has worked its way up to remain one of the best wineries in the area.

The winery has produced over 200 unique and exclusive wines in the United States and won over 1000 medals while at it.

If you love wine and find pleasure in attending wine-tasting parties, Mountain Valley welcomes you for a free wine tasting session.

Its specialty is sweet fruit wines made from fruits such as Red Velvet and Rhubarb.

Don’t be surprised if the wine tastes like a delicious slice of cake!

Things to do: Visit Mountain Valley Winery to taste their wine and rate it and also get a tour of their vineyards.

You will also get a guided tour of the winery to see where and how the magic happens.

Do not forget to get yourself a bottle of whatever wine that will taste like heaven in your mouth.

Visiting the attraction is also a great opportunity to make friends and connect with people in the wine production industry as well as those who take pleasure in indulging in wine-tasting events.

  • It is 45 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

21. Country Tonite Theatre

@City of Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism | Facebook

Rating: 4.7★ 

Entry tickets: Adults: $36.50, Teenagers: $31.50, Children (12 and below): Free

Address: 129 Showplace Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It is an entertainment center
  • It seats over 1,500 people

Why you should go: If you are looking for entertainment venues, Country Tonite Theater is one of the top entertaining things to do in Pigeon Forge.

The theater stages live Country Music performances and dances with comedic acts and other thrilling performances in between the show.

And you don’t have to be a fan of country music to enjoy the show, it is the kind of feel-good show that keeps everyone happy and entertained.

The performers, dressed in lovely outfits that reflect the show’s theme, put up a show that is suitable for adults and children.

Things to do: Put on your cowboy or cowgirl outfit and visit Country Tonite Theater for a night of entertainment and unwinding.

You need it after a long day exploring various attractions in Pigeon Forge.

The performers look happy and seem to enjoy their performances too, and they transmit the same energy to you.

Music ranges from old school Country to gospel Country, all presented engagingly and delightfully.

If you are looking for an evening plan in Pigeon Forge that you can tag your kids along to, Country Tonite Theater is the perfect spot for you.

  • It is 46 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

22. Outdoor Gravity Park

Rating: 4.6★ 

Entry tickets: 1 Roll: $24, 3 Rolls: $57, 5 Rolls: $90, 10 Rolls: $170, 20 Rolls: $340

Address: 203 Sugar Hollow Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It is an amusement park
  • It is the only zorbing park in the United States

Why you should go: If a place has an attraction that is the only one of its kind in the country, then it would be a huge mistake not to visit it when you are vacationing there.

And Pigeon Forge has a few of those attractions that cannot be found anywhere else.

One such attraction is the Outdoor Gravity Park, the only zorbing park in the country.

For families with kids, this is the ideal location to have fun together as a family.

It features giant inflatable balls into which you will climb and free roll downhill across varied terrain, thanks to the strong gravitational pull.

As expected, the speed increases as you near the end, making the roll more thrilling!

Things to do: To increase the thrill there are three different experiences, designed to offer you a unique experience with each roll.

The first experience involves the giant ball zigzagging down the slopes, with less emphasis on speed.

For the second experience, visitors are subjected to a straight slope with an emphasis on speed.

You will feel the effect of gravity most in the second experience.

Lastly, the third experience combines elements of zigzagging and speed; you zigzag, and at the same time, your speed increases as you roll down the slope.

It might seem a little pricey, but it is inarguably one of the best experiences you will have in Pigeon Forge.

  • It is 47 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

23. Top Jump

By Monica Mosley | Facebook

Rating: 4.4★ 

Entry tickets: 1 Hour: $15.99

Address: 3735 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It is a family-friendly attraction
  • It is a trampoline park

Why you should go: Located in Parkway, Top Jump is the first trampoline park in Sevier County that offers more than just trampoline activities.

It is the ideal attraction for parents who are in Pigeon Forge with their children, as the park has a wide array of activities for them to enjoy.

Parents can relax and watch their children engage in activities like cliffhanger climbing challenges, Fire & Ice Ninja Course, and Boneyard Stunt Tower.

Things to do: Children will have a great time engaging in all the activities that the attraction has to offer and competing with other kids.

One of the biggest draws to the park is the sky-high climbing adventure which is the first of its kind in the United States.

Other activities are basketball, dodgeball, and open jump.

While your children are having fun at the park, you can relax in the comfortable lounge area as you watch them and interact with other parents.

Alternatively, you can opt to work on your laptop since there is free Wi-Fi.

The lounge area also features a TV set for parents to watch as they wait for their children.

  • It is 49 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

24. Old Forge Distillery

Attractions Famous in pigeon forge near Smoky Mountains National. eakkarat rangram | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.7★ 

Entry tickets: Free

Address: 170 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It is located near the Old Mill
  • It is an award-winning distillery

Why you should go: The Old Forge Distillery prides itself as a family-friendly attraction that invites its visitors to explore the process of making moonshines, bourbon whiskey, gin, and cream liqueurs, among other distilled spirits.

It is one of the oldest distilleries in Pigeon Forge, having been established over 200 years ago.

The distillery makes some of its flavors and spirits with a twist of old recipes that were used back when it started, to give guests a taste of the past.

Visiting the distillery will give you an idea of how people from the 19th century liked their whiskey.

Things to do: The beauty of the Old Forge Distillery lies in its history.

You will not only be tasting its flavors but will also be learning its history from the time of its inception to date.

During the guided tour, visitors are treated to stories of the distillery’s ownership and how it came to be.

Its history, as you will learn, is an integral part of what Pigeon Forge is today.

This is why it is also an ideal attraction site for visitors who don’t take alcohol.

  • It is 49 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

25. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen

Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen at The Island in Pigeon Forge. JennLShoots | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.2★ 

Address: 131 The Island Dr Suite 8101, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It is located at The Island in Pigeon Forge
  • It was opened in 2015

Why you should go: One of the most famous eateries at The Island in Pigeon Forge is Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen.

It is owned by famous American chef Paula Ann Hiers Deen, who owns a chain of restaurants around the country.

The family-style restaurant serves delicious meals for dinner and lunch, prepared using special recipes by Paula Deen herself.

Things to do: After a long day exploring The Island in Pigeon Forge, step inside the famous restaurant to cool off and enjoy a cold drink or a plate of any of the mouth-watering flavors served here.

The restaurant has an upstairs seating space that accommodates 300 diners.

Apart from the delicious food, you will be treated to breathtaking views of The Island Show Fountains which are soothing and quite a sight to behold.

After your lunch or dinner, you can pop into the Paula Deen Store and buy some branded items that are exclusive to Paula.

When it comes to restaurants, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is one of the top things to do in Pigeon Forge.

  • It is 49 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

26. Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

The exterior of Pirate’s Voyage dinner show is seen from outside. Sharkshock | Shutterstock

Rating: 4.6★ 

Entry tickets: Adults: $59.99, Children: $29.99

Address: 2713 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

  • It is a family-friendly attraction
  • It is located on Parkway

Why you should go: The Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show should be on your list of fun things to do in Pigeon Forge.

As the only pirate show in town, it makes for a great evening plan where you will get both entertainment and food.

Visitors are treated to a thrilling performance by Blackbeard and his quartermaster Calico Jack as they lead an intense battle on land, in the sea, and on the ship.

Apart from the pirate show, you will also be treated to a four-course meal.

Things to do: Book your ticket to enjoy a night of entertainment and feasting at the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show.

To make the night fun and memorable, you can dress up in a pirate’s costume!

Furthermore, the evening show is quite engaging as the cast allows the audience to compete and participate during the show.

This will indeed be a night to remember.

  • It is 47 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport

Which activity are you looking forward to in Pigeon Forge? Talk to me below.