8 Fun Facts About The Island in Pigeon Forge You’ll Want to Know
Even if you’ve never been to Pigeon Forge before, we bet you’ve heard about the popular entertainment complex, The Island. The Island in Pigeon Forge is home to shops, entertainment, dining, and more! It’s definitely a must-see during your Smoky Mountain vacation. To help you learn more about this attraction, we’ve put together a list of 8 fun facts about The Island in Pigeon Forge.
1. Variety of Retail and Specialty Shops
You can shop until you drop at The Island in Pigeon Forge! This attraction has so many retail and specialty shops for you to browse. Whether you’re looking for the perfect Smoky Mountain souvenir or a toy for your kids, you can find it all at one of these shops. Stop by Doc’s Magic Shop for everything you need to make your kid a magician, or visit Emery’s 5 & 10, the oldest family-owned five and ten store in the country. You can also find apparel, jewelry, candy, stuffed animals, puzzles, Christmas decorations, and so much more.
2. Home to a 200-foot-tall Observation Wheel
The star of this attraction is the 200-foot-tall observation wheel. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel offers stunning views of Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains. You’ll ride in an all-glass gondola that seats up to 8 guests, which means everyone in your group can enjoy the experience together! Ride during the day to take in the gorgeous Smoky Mountain scenery, then come back at night to see the city all lit up.
3. Free Parking
One of the best parts about visiting The Island in Pigeon Forge is that it’s completely free to park! There is a parking lot between Timberwood Grill and Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen that you can park in if spots are available. Most people park in the LeConte Center Parking Lot. You can walk to The Island from there, or you can take a complimentary tram right next to the entrance of The Island!
4. Watch a Fountain Performance
Another must-see when you visit The Island is The Island Show Fountain. The fountain puts on an incredible presentation of water dance and light, which is all choreographed to 14 pieces of music. There are more than 89 vertical nozzles, 6 motion-based nozzles, and a geyser nozzle that shoots water 60 feet into the air. Together, the nozzles create a stunning scene of water dance and light. It’s even more beautiful at night when the colors come alive!
5. Plenty of Delicious Places to Eat
The Island is also home to plenty of delicious places to eat. Head to Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen for an all-you-can-eat Southern meal served family-style. As you dine, you’ll be able to see The Island Show Fountain! You can also grab a bite to eat at the Margaritaville restaurant or Timberwood Grill. Both have mouth-watering options to satisfy your appetite. For a tasty snack, visit Poynor’s Pommes Frites, Kapop!, or Cinnabon! You’ll have endless options for food at The Island.
6. Free Live Music Daily
Another fun fact about The Island is that you can hear live music daily — for free! On the outdoor stage in front of Ole Smoky Moonshine, a live band plays bluegrass music for all visitors to enjoy. You can take a seat and listen, or just enjoy the music as you’re browsing through Ole Smoky!
7. Voted a Top 10 Amusement Park by TripAdvisor
Did you know that The Island was voted a top amusement park in the world by TripAdvisor? This attraction came in spot number 6 on TripAdvisor’s list of top amusement parks in the country, and spot number 9 in their top amusement parks in the world! That means you definitely don’t want to miss the opportunity to visit this attraction when you’re in Pigeon Forge.
8. Full of Affordable Family Fun
With all the amazing things The Island in Pigeon Forge has to offer, you might be surprised to hear that it can easily fit in your vacation budget. The truth is, The Island is full of affordable fun for the whole family! Everyone from adults to kids will love the rides, shops, and eateries at this attraction. From kid-friendly rides, to an escape game, to an arcade, there is so much to enjoy without breaking the bank. This is the place to be for an affordable and fun afternoon in Pigeon Forge.
Plan Your Visit to The Island in Pigeon Forge
Now that you know all these fun facts about The Island, we bet you can’t wait to visit! We even offer a $2 discount on tickets for the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel! Click here to take advantage of this awesome discount and learn more about The Island.
