Smoky Mountain Area Attractions

There are so many attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains that to visit one per day could literally take you several months. Not surprisingly then, there’s usually more to do here than most families could ever dream of squeezing into a weekend of vacation, much less a short weekend getaway. So here’s a brief overview of what’s available in the Smokies, courtesy of Heartland Cabin Rentals, to help families laugh and play together.

Gatlinburg Attractions

One of the town’s biggest fun-time destinations is Ober Gatlinburg. Just take the aerial tramway to the top of the mountain for snow skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating and more. Back down in town, you can also enjoy the views from the Scenic Chairlift or from the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle. 

Just for fun, you can explore mind-bending museums like Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum or the Guinness World Records Museum. Check out the hot wheels at Hollywood Star Cars Museum or pay homage to the wheels on the General Lee at Cooter’s Place, a tribute to The Dukes of Hazzard.

For laughs, stop in for a hilarious live show at Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre, the oldest theater in the Smokies, and of course, no trip to Gatlinburg would be complete with a tour of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. During the winter months enjoy Gatlinburg Winterfest.

Pigeon Forge Attractions

Pigeon Forge alone has more than a dozen music theaters, offering every kind of live entertainment from country, gospel and bluegrass music to magic, comedy, feats of horsemanship and lumberjack competitions. Many shows offer dinner as part of the package, making your experience an all-in-one winner.

Unique museums are part of the attraction in Pigeon Forge too, especially when you visit WonderWorks, billed as a “museum for the mind.” And the Titanic Museum Attraction is a half-scale replica of the famous ship, offering an entertaining, interactive journey into its legendary past.

There are all kinds of things to do keep you moving as well. Roll downhill inside a giant inflatable ball at Zorb, take a spin around a go-cart track or take a leap of faith and go bungee jumping. Of course, you’ll do lots of walking when you spend a day at Dollywood or Dollywood’s Splash Country. These world-class amusement parks are full of roller coasters, rides, slides and live shows, all adding up to a total entertainment package.

Sevierville Attractions

There’s a little bit of everything for everyone in Sevierville. Catch the Cirque de Chine acrobatics show at Smoky Mountain Palace Theatre or discover the animal attraction of Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo, also at Governor’s Crossing. Even more critters are in store (some of which you can ride) at Deer Farm Petting Zoo and Riding Stables.


Do a little underground exploring at Forbidden Caverns, or take your sense of adventure up into the clouds at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation. And in summer, end your day by sitting back and enjoying America’s pastime by watching the minor league Tennessee Smokies in action.

Other Gatlinburg Area Attractions