Categories: Travel Tips

5 Must See Spots In Pigeon Forge

There is no place quite like Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It is a family friendly, affordable destination with the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains as its backdrop. You’ll quickly see why families return for their vacations year after year.

While the city continues to grow and bring in new attractions, restaurants, retail and entertainment options for its visitors, there are a few places that remain year after year and are loved by all that visit them. Here are 5 must see spots in Pigeon Forge to add to your vacation to-do list.

1. Dollywood

Named the #1 Theme Park in the U.S. by TripAdvisor in 2022, Dollywood is home to one-of-a-kind rides, award-winning entertainment and some of the South’s largest festivals. Unique stops within the park include the Dollywood Express steam engine that takes passengers for a 2-minute ride within the park, Eagle Mountain sanctuary, which houses America’s largest presentation of non-releasable bald eagles and Dollywood’s largest park expansion, Wildwood Grove, which allows families to explore, imagine and play together.

Wildwood Grove is getting even bigger with the addition of Big Bear Mountain, which is the park’s longest coaster. The coaster takes guests through three separate launches, multiple airtime hills, high-speed carousel turns and tunnels for nearly two minutes.

In addition to year-round entertainment and delectable food, Dollywood hosts four of the South’s largest festivals including the Flower & Food Festival, Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin Luminights and Smoky Mountain Christmas.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Not everyone can say there’s a national park in their backyard, but we can! With the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park only six miles from our city’s center, you’re never too far from the majesty of the mountains or the fun of the Pigeon Forge Parkway.

Cades Cove is one of the most visited areas within the park and a great spot to learn about the history of the Smoky Mountains. Park visitors can view cabins, barns, gristmills, stores and other buildings constructed by early settlers before the area became a national park. The cove is a special place to see via car, on foot or by bicycle.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to miles of hiking trails, incredible waterfall hikes and an abundance of wildlife. There are also a number of scenic overlooks throughout the park that offer countless photo opportunities.

3. The Mountain Mile & Tower Shops

The Mountain Mile offers over 170-acres of restaurant, retail and entertainment space in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Grab a bite to eat or drink at Junction 35 Spirits, Tennessee’s first distillery that features a full-service restaurant or hang out with friends at Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown. Indulge in some retail therapy at The Tower Shops at Mountain Mile. From the latest clothing styles to themed souvenirs to home décor and more, you’ll find great prices to fill your cart at boutique and outlet shops.

The Lawn at The Tower Shops is the perfect spot to sit and relax while taking in the beautiful mountain views or try your hand at a game of jumbo chess. For the adventure seekers in the family, check out Mountain Monster, which features three exciting thrill rides including Monster Fall, Monster Dive and Monster Launch.

4. The Island in Pigeon Forge

Photo credit: The Island in Pigeon Forge Facebook

Shop, eat, play and stay at The Island in Pigeon Forge. This retail, dining and entertainment destination is home to the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel that towers 200-feet in the air and offers spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains. When it’s time for a break, grab a seat in front of The Island Fountains and watch the amazing water show while listening to live music.

The Island features a multitude of full and quick-service restaurants, retail shops and entertainment for all ages. Bring home a piece of your vacation when you shop for bargains, works of art, fashion, home décor and so much more. The Island also features lots of great rides the whole family will love. Make sure to check out the five new rides that just arrived including a family friendly thrill ride with four arms rotating in intermeshing orbits, a giant pendulum that swings and spins and a 65-foot-tall drop tower.

5. Old Mill Historic District

Dating back to 1830, the Old Mill is one of the oldest continually operating gristmills in the country and the heart of the Old Mill Historic District. Built on the Little Pigeon River, visitors to the Old Mill can sit down for a home-cooked Southern meal, sample spirits distilled on site, watch authentic crafts people at work and the almost 200-hundred-year-old mill in action.

Browse a variety of shops featuring handmade goods such as pottery, spices, candies and more. You’re sure to leave with a gift for everyone on your list while spoiling yourself a little, too. The Old Mill also provides a beautiful backdrop for family photos (and selfies).

These are just a sampling of the many fun things to do in Pigeon Forge. The city offers an incredible array of attractions and activities that cater to visitors of all ages and interests.