Is Pigeon Forge Worth Visiting?

Is Pigeon Forge Worth Visiting? Yes!

Pigeon Forge, TN, is worth visiting! This Tennessee mountain town, just across the border of North Carolina, is full of musical theaters, unique attractions, and yummy restaurants. I’ve been visiting this town since I was a kid, and it is still as much fun now as it was then, just with a lot more unique activities to do.

In fact, Pigeon Forge is between Gatlinburg and Sevierville. Pigeon Forge is less than 5 miles from Gatlinburg and adjacent (5 miles from the city center to the city center) to Sevierville.

Check out my blog post on Gatlinburg and Sevierville for exciting things to do while you are visiting.

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What is Pigeon Forge known for?

Gatlinburg is known for its family-friendly activities, like Dollywood, and for being close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Pigeon Forge also has over 200 factory outlets and specialty stores, and when you are ready for something other than shopping, check out the dinner theaters and adrenaline-producing activities like the roller coasters at Dollywood, mountain coasters scattered throughout the area, the wheel at the Island, and many more listed below in the things to do section.

Is a day trip to Pigeon Forge worth it?

Yes, as a kid, we went several times just for the day. There are plenty of fun things to do in less than an hour or two, and the list below will help you discover what is right for you. Of course, if you can stay a few days, you can experience more and even visit the neighboring towns of Gatlinburg and Sevierville.

29 Things to Do When Visiting Pigeon Forge, TN

Whether you enjoy thrilling rides, amazing scenery, or just good food, you will find something you like in Pigeon Forge, TN. The list below includes many unique ideas for you to check out.

The list of things to do in Pigeon Forge is organized by activity, shopping, and dining options.

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Activities

Dollywood

The number one and most famous attraction in Pigeon Forge is Dollywood! This theme park is owned and operated by none other than Dolly Parton, who can be seen in the amusement park occasionally.

Dollywood is a 160-acre amusement park with more than 50 rides and attractions. There are activities for people of all ages. The park is beautiful with gardens and an authentic 110-ton coal-fired steam engine train ride.

Dollywood’s Splash Country

You can spend a fun, refreshing summer day at Dollywood’s Splash Country water park. This 35-acre water park is next to the Dollywood theme park. You can enjoy multiple slides, splash parks, and lazy rivers.

The Island

The Island in Pigeon Forge is full of fun day and night. 32 acres of shops, restaurants, amusements, and entertainment make the Island a great afternoon, evening, or even an all-day excursion. Admission and parking are free.

Eateries at The Island include Mellow Mushroom, Sweet, The Fudgery, Kapop! Gourmet Popcorn, Margaritaville restaurant, Margaritaville Coffee, The Bakesale, Yee-Haw Brewing Company, Yea Haw Snack Shack, Timberwood Grill, and the Island Creamery.

Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen

One of the specialty restaurants at The Island is Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. Here, your group can experience classic Southern Deen Family recipes served family style. View menus here.

Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

Many exciting rides are available at The Island. One of my favorites is the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. This wheel will take you 200 feet in the air for spectacular views of Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains!

Shop

With plenty of shops to explore, you are sure to find the right gift or the perfect something to take home for yourself. Shops include The Island Trading Post, Tervis, The Sneaky Squirrel, Sweet, Tennessee Sock Company, The Toychest Company, Southern Sportz, RideMakerz, Sparkles Jewelry, Parrot Mountain, Margaritaville Store, Master’s Edition, Natural Comfort Footwear, Ole Smokey Moonshine, Puzzled, Build a Bear, Paula Deen’s Retail Store, Pepper Place, and more.

SkyFly: Soar America

Skyfly: Soar American is a flying theater where you, as the guest, will fly over some of the most recognizable places in the United States. This experience is fun for the whole family!

Margaritaville

Margaritaville includes two great places to stay. These include Margaritaville Island Hotel and Margaritaville Island Inn. Check here for the unique amenities offered in each of these hotels.

Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud & Show

At Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud and Show, there are two attractions to choose from: an adventure park and a lumberjack show. The lumberjack show features athletes competing in traditional lumberjack activities (like log rolling, sawing, and chopping contests). The adventure park includes the world’s first zipline roller coaster, ropes course, log rolling, and axe throwing.

Country Tonight

Celebrating their 25th Anniversary, this is sure to be a show you want to attend. The Country Tonight show features a high-energy variety show and a celebrity lineup each Friday night. And in November and December a special Christmas edition. Check here for a full schedule of what shows are when.

Civil War Theater

If you love history, you do not want to miss the Civil War Theater. It has been ranked in the top 10% worldwide for attractions by Tripadvisor. The story is from the year 1864 and relays the life of a die-hard Tennessee Unionist when he comes across his Confederate relatives.

NOTE: Since moving to a new location, this is no longer a dinner theater.

The Comedy Barn Theater

Considered the most successful and most attended clean comedy theater in the world, the Comedy Barn Theater is the place to go to get your laugh on. Shows are nightly at 8:00 pm, and a matinee is available on Saturdays (and daily during peak season) at 5:00 pm. Also, a special holiday show is available at Christmas time.

Redneck Comedy Bus

With the motto “Laugh your way through the Smokies”, the Redneck Comedy Bus is the tour to take for laughter and fun. Featured stops are the Ole Smoky Moonshine “The Holler” – Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

WonderWorks

The upside-down WonderWorks building is one of the most recognizable buildings on the Pigeon Forge Strip. If you are not familiar with this indoor amusement park with over 42,000 square feet, it is full of rides, education, and entertainment. With more than 100 hands-on exhibits, it will challenge the smartest in your party.

Once you have enjoyed the exhibits, head down to the basement to climb through the glow-in-the-dark Indoor Ropes Course, compete in laser tag, and experience the 4D XD Motion Theater.

The Titanic Museum

Head to the Titanic Museum to learn the true story of the Titanic tragedy. You take on the identity of one of the passengers as you walk through the museum. There are artifacts from the ship as well as life-size exhibits like a lifeboat you can sit in.

Alcatraz East

Every time we went by the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, there was a line. I have not had the opportunity to visit, but based on the lines, I would say this is a very popular attraction. Included here is the notorious history of American crime, including exhibits on crime fighting and crime scene investigation.

Parrot Mountain and Garden of Eden

Where can you see hundreds of tropical birds in Pigeon Forge? Parrot Mountain and Garden of Eden, of course! You will be able to see and touch many different types of parrots! This park is open from early March through December (weather permitting).

Beyond the Lens

Beyond the Lens is an interactive adventure full of fun for all ages. Here you can experience virtual reality, photo ops, a ball pit, Bigfoot, a pet scavenger hunt, an escape challenge, and the Flyride! Get advanced tickets here.

Top Jump

What could be more fun than a trampoline and extreme arena where you can jump, climb, and test your Ninja skills? The TopJump Arena will help you and your kids expend their energy in a healthy, fun way.

MagiQuest

MagiQuest includes 4 magical attractions and a concessions area. You will enjoy a quest where you use a magic wand to complete challenges in an interactive role-playing game. And try your hand at Pirate Golf, the Adventure Arcade, and Odyssey (a mirror maze adventure).

Toy Box Mini Golf

The Toy Box Mini Golf course is full of bigger-than-life toys. Great photo ops on this 18-hole course for kids of all ages.

Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa

Spend the day at Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa, riding horses, fishing, gem mining, exploring the Heritage Museum, and enjoying the animals at the petting zoo.

Hollywood Wax Museum

The Hollywood Wax Museum features A-List stars with fun props and costumes to make fabulous photos. You will also learn more about the stars as you make your way through the exhibits.

Shopping & Eating

Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud

Enjoy the fun and food at the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud in Pigeon Forge. At this all you can eat southern style served dinner extravaganza, you will leave full and entertained. Food includes fried chicken, pulled barbeque, southern-style creamy soup, mashed taters, corn on the cob, homemade bread, coleslaw, and dessert.

Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Dolly guarantees her Stampede dinner attraction is the most fun place to eat. Dinner includes a four-course feast of vegetable soup, rotisserie chicken, hickory-smoked barbeque pork loin, corn on the cob, potatoes, homemade biscuits, dessert, and unlimited Coca-Cola, tea, or coffee.

The show includes horses, steers, riding stunts, and spectacular special effects.

Pirate Voyage Dinner & Show

If Pirates or Mermaids (yes, I said mermaids) are your thing, then this is the dinner show for you. The Pirate Voyage Dinner & Show includes a great adventure with Blackbeard and his quartermaster, Calico Jack, as they battle on land and sea. The show includes mermaids, tropical birds, and a delicious feast!

The feast includes fried chicken, sugar-cured ham, vegetable soup, biscuits, corn on the cob, herb-basted potato, peach turnover, and unlimited Coca-Cola, tea, or coffee.

Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine Testing

The Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine has a location at the Barn in Pigeon Forge. You can sip moonshine and whisky when you visit.

Hard Rock Cafe Pigeon Forge

If you are looking for a vacation destination restaurant, head to Hard Rock Cafe. The food is good, and you can pick up your souvenir t-shirt or beer glass. Also, if the crowds are large and you are having trouble getting in, you can pick up this deal for Hard Rock Cafe that will give you preferred seating, one meal per person, and a beverage of your choice.

Local Goat

The Local Goat has 2 locations in Tennessee: Pigeon Forge and Ooltewah. This popular restaurant features made-from-scratch and locally sourced American food, including wings, salads, steaks, chops, ribs, and desserts.

Transportation in Pigeon Forge, TN

Pigeon Forge is not walkable, and traffic can be quite heavy. An alternative to walking is the Pigeon Forge Trolley. Check out the trolley map to see the routes. The Pigeon Forge Trolley is $1.00-$2.50 per ride, or you can buy a day pass for $3 and ride all day!

The Wrap-Up: Is Pigeon Forge Worth Visiting?

Is Pigeon Forge worth visiting? Yes! With all the family-friendly activities, including shopping, food, theaters, and theme parks, you will have an exciting time and maybe even try something new during your visit.

Other posts that you may find helpful!

• Is Sevierville, TN worth visiting?
• Is Gatlinburg, TN worth visiting?
• Is the Great Smoky Mountain National Park worth visiting?
• Where to Stay in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park: Best Areas, Towns, and Hotels
• 24 Best Things to Do in Cades Cove