5 Pigeon Forge Attractions You’ll Never See Again
The Pigeon Forge area sure has changed throughout the years! Before you decided to visit, you probably spend a good amount of time planning and deciding which Pigeon Forge attractions to add to your list of things to do. For years, Pigeon Forge has been the travel destination for families, friends, couples and groups looking to have a great time and experience fun attractions. So, we put together a list of Pigeon Forge attractions from years past!
1. Silver Dollar City
Then
Most regular visitors to Pigeon Forge have heard of Silver Dollar City. After Dolly Parton became a partner in the enterprise, Silver Dollar City lost its name to the extremely popular attraction, Dollywood. So, even though you can’t make a stop at Silver Dollar City, you can definitely spend a day at Dollywood, reminiscing of old times and experiencing all of the new, exciting things happening at the Pigeon Forge attraction.
Now
Today, Dollywood is filled with hundreds of things to do and is one of the most popular Pigeon Forge attractions. With everything from thrilling roller coaster rides and amusement park classics to shows and shopping, there’s really something for everyone to enjoy! If you plan to visit Dollywood, take a look at these 15 Dollywood Tips and Tricks for Saving Money at the Amusement Park.
2. Ogle’s Water Park
Then
The water park was a popular destination for summer fun, located on Highway 441 in Pigeon Forge. At the time, Ogle’s Water Park was the largest water park complex. Whether you wanted to take a ride on one of the 6 giant slides, experience the giant wave pool or stop for a snack at the ice cream parlor, Ogle’s Water Park was the best place to spend your summer vacation.
A few of the most popular attractions at Ogle’s Water Park were the RipTide Water Slide, Lil Tyke Lagoon and the Twin Twister slide.
Now
Today, if you’re looking to spend time at the old site of Ogle’s Water Park, you’ll need to head on over to Lumberjack Square, a family-friendly shopping center with retail shops and dining and Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud and Adventure Park.
3. Mountain Ocean Wave Pool
Then
Even though it may seem like an ocean didn’t belong in Pigeon Forge, for a few years, the Mountain Ocean Wave Pool fit in just fine. When visitors wanted to take a swim in the ocean while spending time in the mountains, this was the perfect place to be. The attraction also offered an ice cream parlor, fast foods, a candy kitchen, arcade and gift shop.
Now
Today, if you’re looking to experience water rides, Dollywood’s Splash Country has become the most popular water park in Pigeon Forge, and one of the most popular Pigeon Forge attractions, welcoming millions of visitors each season. When you’re looking for fun in the sun, spend a day at Dollywood’s Splash Country and take a ride on more than 23 water adventure rides or spend a day relaxing under a canopy or lounging in the lazy river.
4. Porpoise Island
Then
Do you remember Porpoise Island in Pigeon Forge? Although the attraction seemed a bit out of place –Hawaiian culture in the heart of Pigeon Forge–, it was a welcome addition for the short time it was in the area. If you remember the commercials, you’ll remember their catchphrase, “The porpoises are calling you!” The central part of the attraction was a porpoise and seal water show. But in addition to the show, families enjoyed the high-jumping dolphins, trained parrots and hula dancers.
Now
Since its closing, Porpoise Island has become another of the most popular Pigeon Forge attractions, The Island in Pigeon Forge. You won’t find the porpoise shows and hula dancers from years past, but you will see the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, celebrity restaurants and many shops and attractions that have taken its place.
5. Jolly Golf
Then
Jolly Golf was the first attraction near Pigeon Forge to present giant statues of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. Admission for a round of golf was only fifty cents, and families came from all around to visit — just to take pictures of the dinosaur statues! One of the most memorable parts of Jolly Golf was the Smokey Bear replica statue that stood tall and waved to passing visitors.
Now
Today, the closest thing you’ll find to Jolly Golf is Adventure Golf in Pigeon Forge. At Adventure Golf, you’ll find dinosaur and aquatic creature statues designed by James Sidwell who did the statues at Jolly Golf. So, although the experience won’t be exactly the same, you’ll be able to step back in time and take a few pictures with the dinosaurs!
Ready to learn more about things you can do now in the Smoky Mountains? Take a look at the best attractions in the area.
Comments are closed.
Gary Mustain
Rebel Railroad!
June 26, 2015 at 5:07 am
Emily Arnwine
We love Rebel Railroad, too! Thanks for commenting!
July 11, 2015 at 12:31 pm
alan
Magic World
July 13, 2015 at 12:52 am
Nick Wargo
How about the water skiers that used to be on the left as you entered Pigeon Forge? Or the numerous concrete water slides that covered the hills in Pigeon Forge? Or the sky diving adventure, which is still going strong in Pigeon Forge after nearly 40 years?
July 13, 2015 at 8:17 pm
Brad Lenderman
Tommy Bartlett Water Circus! !
October 10, 2015 at 12:52 pm
Nick Wargo
Is that what it was called? I just remember it being on the left side of the road as you were entering Pigeon Forge from what used to be the ” farm ” community of Sevierville………lol
November 7, 2015 at 9:33 pm
Mitzi Soward
You can see more of these in the book “Lost Attractions Of Sevier County” available in local bookstores and also on Amazon.
October 8, 2015 at 11:37 am
Mike Kirby
the forge has been ruined by shops
June 26, 2016 at 6:14 am
Janet Jordan
Thank you so much for documenting Mountain Ocean Wave Pool!! I remember going to this, but could never find anyone else who remembered it!
April 9, 2017 at 2:02 pm
Pinknightstand L
Anyone else remember Wonderland Motor Lodge in Pigeon Forge? We stayed there in July 1976. I remember this motel had ramps instead of stairs to reach the 2nd floor.Back then nothing was on the other side of the parkway. When we drove down the parkway in 1993 it was gone. I remember a restaurant next door and next to that was Hillbilly Village.Great memories of that 1976 trip and sad that motel is gone. At least I have pictures. I just can never find another reference to that motel anywhere.
May 13, 2017 at 12:09 am
rlbisme
Porpoise Island and Tommy Bartlett’s Water Circus were the 2 best, most unique attractions in The Smokies! I have such wonderfuI memories of family vacations there when I was growing up. I especially remember how much my late father loved the water circus. Now, everything is the same…shops and dinner theaters…nothing nearly as interesting as those two shows. So sad they no longer exist.
February 4, 2018 at 1:56 am