6 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Pigeon Forge on Your Vacation
Pigeon Forge is full of fun for everyone, from amusement parks, to shows, to restaurants. At Visit My Smokies, we want to help make sure that you don’t miss out on any of the exciting things to do in the area. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the things you have to do while you’re here! Check out these 6 can’t-miss things to do in Pigeon Forge on your vacation:
1. The Island in Pigeon Forge
If you’ve never been to The Island in Pigeon Forge, you should definitely put this at the top of your list. This entertainment complex is full of shopping, dining and entertainment that provides hours of fun for people of all ages. It was even named the 6th best amusement park in the country by TripAdvisor! While you’re there, two of the best things to do are ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel and watch The Island Show Fountain. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is a 200-foot-tall observation wheel that offers breathtaking views of Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains. The Island Show Fountain puts on a mesmerizing performance of water dance and light, perfectly choreographed to 14 pieces of music. This dazzling show is completely free to enjoy!
While you’re at The Island, visit The Escape Game Pigeon Forge! See if you have what it takes to beat the clock and complete a mission before 60 minutes is up. The Escape Game has 5 different themed rooms, each offering a custom-designed setting, a set of puzzles for you to solve and tasks to complete in order to escape. For more information about The Escape Game Pigeon Forge, read our blog, “5 Things You’ll Love About The Escape Game Pigeon Forge.”
2. Dollywood
Of course you’ll want to pay a visit to Dollywood while you’re in Pigeon Forge. This world-class theme park is full of shopping, food, and fun, from family-friendly rides to thrilling coasters. It’s a must-visit attraction in Pigeon Forge. Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, you might even have the opportunity to attend one of their popular festivals, like the Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival, the Harvest Festival in the fall and Smoky Mountain Christmas. Keep an eye on the Dollywood calendar to see when you should visit!
3. Titanic Museum
If you are interested in the Titanic, you have to visit the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge! This one-of-a-kind attraction lets you experience what it was like to be a passenger on the ship. You can touch a real iceberg, walk the Grand Staircase, reach your hand into 28-degree water, try to stand on the sloping decks, and see first-hand what the passengers experienced. When you first enter the ship, you’ll receive a boarding pass of an actual Titanic passenger or crew member. You can discover your passenger or crew member’s fate in the Titanic Memorial Room, where 2,208 names line the wall. This interactive museum is a great way for you to learn about the Titanic.
4. The Old Mill Square & Restaurant
If you have never visited The Old Mill Square, you’re missing out. The Old Mill is known for its dining, shopping, family events and friendly atmosphere. You can tour the Historic Old Mill, which was built in the early 1800s to produce the meals and flours for the Smokies’ early settlers and furnished electricity for the town until 1935. One of The Old Mill’s most distinctive features is the giant water wheel that harnesses the flow of the Little Pigeon River and makes for a picture-perfect sight. While you’re in the area, stop and dine at The Old Mill Restaurant for a true taste of Southern hospitality. You can enjoy old-fashioned, classic Southern food in a dining room that overlooks the Little Pigeon River. To see what you should order at the restaurant, read our blog, “The Most Popular Menu Items at The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge.”
5. Ride Go Karts
If you’ve got a need for speed, you’re in luck. Pigeon Forge is the best place around for a go-kart adventure! SpeedZone Fun Park is one of the top choices to race because there are 4 different custom-built race tracks for you to choose from. Test your speed on the Slick Track, or let the little ones have a turn on the Kids Track! Other popular places for go-kart racing include The Track, where you can also enjoy rides, mini golf and an arcade, and Xtreme Racing Center, which is known to have the fastest karts in Pigeon Forge!
6. Parrot Mountain & Gardens
One attraction off the beaten path that’s worth a visit is Parrot Mountain & Gardens. This Pigeon Forge attraction is nestled on 4 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens and is home to hundreds of tropical birds and thousands of gorgeous flowers and trees. Throughout Parrot Mountain & Gardens, you will be able to feed birds right from your hand, have pictures made with them, or just admire them from afar. During your adventure, take some time to relax on the butterfly, dragonfly or peacock benches as you listen to the soothing sound of the waterfall. Bird-lover or not, you will love this attraction.
These are just some of the many amazing things to do in Pigeon Forge. If you want to know what NOT to do while you’re here, read our blog, “4 Things NOT to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.”
Now it’s time to make your trip official! Take a look at all the best deals on Pigeon Forge cabin rentals, and book the perfect cabin for your vacation.
