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North America United States Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg, Tennessee Do & See Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Overview

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

The guide was updated: 2022-08-01

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies houses 10,000 sea creatures spanning over 350 species. Among the attractions in store are the tropical rainforest, shark lagoon, gallery of the seas, penguin playhouse, coral reef, touch-a-ray bay, ocean realm, stingray bay, systems control, and the discovery center. Underwater tunnels give visitors the feeling of truly being in the water with the fascinating creatures, and dive and feeding shows are equally as interactive.

Useful Information

Address: 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 09.00-21.00; Fri-Sun 09.00-22.00
Website: www.ripleyaquariums.com/gatlinburg
Phone: +1 888 240 1358
Email: aquariumofthesmokies@ripleys.com

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country - and with good reason. The forest ridges run along the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, providing a home to myriads of animals and plants. As a wildflower preserve, the park has over 1,500 flowering plants that can be found all year, more than any other national park in North America. An array of activities may be had: camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, bicycling, horseback riding, and auto touring.

Cades Cove

Cades Cove

Located inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited sites in the park and country: Cades Cove. The small site sits in the middle of a wide valley floor and is a center for wildlife to come graze and play. Look for black bears in the trees and deer, elk and other wildlife in the fields. Several original mountain homes, as well as a grist mill, churches, and barns dating back to the 1700s are all located along the drive through Cades Cove. The area is rich in history and served as a Cherokee hunting ground for generations before being partially settled by mountaineers. Take a picnic lunch with you and enjoy it by the stream that still operates the mill every day.

Dollywood

Dollywood

Dollywood is Pigeon Forge’s grand theme park - and one of the nation's most visited - imagined and created by legendaries Dolly Parton and the Herschend family. Along the foothills of the Smokies, the 150-acre park has over 40 rides and attractions, all of which having given Dollywood worldwide recognition. There is live entertainment featuring music, dancers, and demonstrations from craftsmen. Rides include the likes of Wild Eagle and Mystery Mine. Make sure to visit Dollywood Splash Country, too!

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies houses 10,000 sea creatures spanning over 350 species. Among the attractions in store are the tropical rainforest, shark lagoon, gallery of the seas, penguin playhouse, coral reef, touch-a-ray bay, ocean realm, stingray bay, systems control, and the discovery center. Underwater tunnels give visitors the feeling of truly being in the water with the fascinating creatures, and dive and feeding shows are equally as interactive.

The Comedy Barn Theater

The Comedy Barn Theater

The Comedy Barn Theater makes sure that you have a great laugh! Make sure you book your tickets in time and have a great evening out with your loved ones to share a laugh. Check out the website for the actual shows and select the one you like the most!

Smoky Mountain Opry

Smoky Mountain Opry

The Smoky Mountain Opry is a renowned musical variety show featuring the bright talents of comedians, dancers, singers, and musicians. There are high-flying musicians, awesome special effects, pyrotechnics, and laser lights, all wrapped in a package of musical delight. All genres are covered, from country to disco to Motown.

Fly Scenic Helicopter Tours

Fly Scenic Helicopter Tours

It is impossible to fully experience the majesty of the Smoky Mountains on foot. Fly Scenic takes to the air to give breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via helicopter tours. In operation since 1972, Fly Scenic is well-seasoned and possesses an all-encompassing knowledge of the area. Any budget, time, and sightseeing desire is obliged, making Fly Scenic the ultimate attraction and best way to see the park. The helicopters can hold three to four passengers and has a per seat weight limit of 300 pounds. They are handicap-friendly.

Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede

Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede

If you're a lover of horses, excellent food, and a fun, interactive dinner show, Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede is the place for you. Some of the best trick riders you'll ever see show their stuff while you dine on classic Southern fare like vegetable soup, barbecued chicken, and basted pork loin, but don't expect silverware! Everything is perfect for eating your with your hands and truly "finger-lickin' good." The show itself divides the diners for a rehashing of the Civil War, which is determined by horse races, pig races, and audience members. Dixie Stampede is perfect for people of all ages! Tickets can be purchased before or at the time of any show. Make sure to arrive early for a souvenir photo and to enjoy the country band at the Dixie Belle Saloon.

Apple Barn Winery

Apple Barn Winery

Featuring locally made wines from fresh apples, grapes, and other fruits, Apple Barn Winery is a great place to sample unique wines. Their prices are very reasonable, and they are more than happy to let you sample all of their wines. Make sure to pick up some wine glasses while you're visiting.

Roaring Fork

Roaring Fork

Named for its roaring mountain streams, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 6-mile, one-way looped road. Old grist mills, preserved log cabins and a wealth of historic buildings line the trail, allowing for a drive through the scenic past. Mountain streams, the heavenly Rainbow Falls and a plush growth of wildflowers are merely highlights of the memorable Roaring Forks.

Ripley's Haunted Adventure

Ripley's Haunted Adventure

Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is the area’s top haunted house. Live actors and world-class frights are all in store. It doesn’t have to be Halloween to experience state-of-the-art fun and scares, so bring family, friends, and yourself to Ripley’s Haunted Adventure! Children under six are not permitted.

Gatlinburg Sky Lift

Gatlinburg Sky Lift

The Gatlinburg Sky Lift reaches 1,800 feet into the air to give spectacular views of Gatlinburg from the top of Crockett Mountain. Forest and Smoky Mountain views can be enjoyed, especially since the national park surrounds the area. The nighttime views are far more magnificent, as downtown Gatlinburg comes alight with nightlife. A gift shop is available for souvenirs, along with snacks, ice cream, and frozen drinks.

WonderWorks

WonderWorks

World-renowned magician Terry Evanswood awes audiences in Pigeon Forge as one of the area’s main attractions. Millions of people each year come to see the magic variety show—which captivates the crowd for 75 minutes of “wonders.” Evanswood incorporates magic, comedy, illusions, music, impersonations, sleight of hand and Houdini-inspired escapes into the Wonders of Magic. Within the Hall of Magic guests are welcomed to explore the timeline and history of magic in this free museum. Terry Evanswood himself provides the Hall’s tour, spanning costumes, props, artifacts, autographs, memorabilia, and more.

Parrot Mountain & Gardens

Parrot Mountain & Gardens

The effervescent Parrot Mountain and Gardens is located just outside Pigeon Forge and is a must for families, friends, locals, and visitors. The four acres harbor hundreds of tropical birds and thousands of trees, plants, and flowers. Guests are given the opportunity to interact directly with the beautifully plumed birds, petting and feeding them in the designated area. There is even a nursery where guests are welcome to hold the baby birds. Overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains is the deck, where lunch from the deli may be enjoyed while the birds serenade. A secret garden is lush with birds flying freely and pathways that display all of the gorgeous flowers.

Pigeon Forge Gem Mine

Pigeon Forge Gem Mine

Only two miles from Dollywood and minutes from Gatlinburg is the Pigeon Forge Gem Mine. You can mine for your own gems here, and also have them cut, polished, and mounted into jewelry. Afterwards, step into the free Rock and Fossil Museum.

Soul Of Motown: The Early Years

Soul Of Motown: The Early Years

Among the collection of distinctive Grand Majestic entertainment is the Soul of Motown. Emanating the vibrant energy of a live concert, Soul of Motown takes a trip down memory lane for all music lovers. Reviewers and guests alike rave about the show’s harmony, exquisite vocal talent, chart-topping hits, and great dancing moves. The Motown tribute emulates worldwide favorites, such as the Temptations, the Commodores, Smokey Robinson, the Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Aretha Franklin, and many more.

Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf

Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf

Archaeological adventures await Pigeon Forge travelers at Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf. The miniature golf course takes players through waterfalls, around ill-fated airplanes and within caverns. It's the perfect way to wind down at night after a fun day.

Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud

Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud

Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud serves guests a show with their meals. A comedic action show features two “feuding lumberjack families” as guests take their pick from dishes like apple wood slow roasted pork loin with gravy, herb roasted chicken breast, and scrumptious applejack fritters. It's a great show and meal for families.

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