Do you want to have a memorable vacation in a place where there is everything from stunning scenery to rich history and culture? Whether you are someone who loves traveling solo or with their families and friends, Pigeon Forge is just the place for a getaway you are looking for.
Pigeon Forge got its name from two places in the area; the first part is from the Little Pigeon River, where many passenger pigeons settled on the banks of the river seasonally, and the second part of the river is from an iron forge built in 1817 near the Old Mill. These two places are amongst the most visited places in Pigeon Forge today because of their scenic beauty and historical significance.
With so many great attractions like Dollywood, the Smoky Mountains, and the Titanic Museum, Pigeon Forge continues to be one of the many popular vacation spots in the Southeast, with tourist traffic increasing every year.
Pigeon Forge offers you no less than 70 tourist spots to explore. All 70 vacation spots might not be able to fit in your travel itinerary, so here we bring you the list of the must-go-to destinations in Pigeon Forge.
- Dollywood
Who doesn’t love the Queen of Country Dolly Patron? Any country fan is bound to have heard her greatest hits. One fun fact about her life is that she grew up swimming in the rivers of the Great Smoky Mountains, and hence this area was turned into a 35-acre water park called the Dollywood Splash Country, adjacent to the Dollywood theme park. Dollywood is spread over 150-acres and continues to update its displays and modes of amusement for the tourists.
Among the many things to do in Pigeon Forge, Dollywood stands out due to its great popularity. Just a day in Dollywood can give you a taste of life in Pigeon Forge. Dollywood is open from May to September for tourists. Adventure fanatics can try the Firechaser Express or the Wild Eagle, among other rides, to have the greatest adrenaline rush of their lives. The Dolly Express is a steam locomotive that takes you around the territory in a 2.5-mile loop to see the beauty around. The Dollywood Splash Country will give you the feeling of a 70-foot drop from a waterfall through its daring Firetower. The Cascades and Mellow water are also available for those people who want to just sit back and relax. Either way, be prepared to get soaked.
Some amazing options to sate your appetite in Dollywood are the Spotlight Bakery, Crossroads Funnel Cakes, and the BeaverTails, among other places. They are specifically popular in the area for their amazing confectionary items.
- Old Mill Square
The Old Mill was built in 1830 to grind grain and produce flour via hydropower. While it is still operational in the region, it is highly popular for its rich history and standing in the area. It is also listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places due to its great historical value.
Every year, it attracts millions of people and is the best place to experience traditional Southern hospitality. The atmosphere is very friendly and cooperative, and you can see many pottery makers in the area.
- The Titanic Museum
Pigeon Forge is famous for having one of the two Titanic museums in the United States. Anyone who wants to experience the ship’s luxury and travel back in time to see its beautifully lit galleries and experience the 28-degree water must visit this place. You also get to sit in an actual life-size boat and see the actual pictures of the ship on display.
If anything, the Titanic Museum is the finest tribute to the best-known cruise ship and the worst nautical disaster in the history of traveling. You can get in on the ship with its symbolic tickets that also act as the boarding passes that declare you a ship passenger.
- The Island
If you go to Pigeon Forge and don’t go to the Island, then you’ve just missed one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. The Island is a burst of colors and activity. It houses 60 small shops that have edibles, places to have fun and enjoy the culture of Pigeon Forge.
The carnival is the best place to have fun and experience the famous ‘Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.’ It rises approximately 200 feet high, and you can witness the spectacular view of the Town and the Smoky Mountains.
- WonderWorks
WonderWorks will strike you with awe the moment you lay your eyes on it. It might even scare some people. It is a huge colonial-style building turned upside down, making people look at it with awe and disbelief. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the area and is an interactive and imaginative place where you can experience applied science.
Some exhibits are even physically active, such as the Physical Challenge Zone. You can go and enjoy the Hurricane Shack, where you experience strong artificial winds, or the Bubble Lab, where you can make large enough bubbles to encase you.
- Alcatraz East Crime Museum
If you are someone who finds murder mysteries and crime and forensic shows, Alcatraz East Crime Museum is your dream destination. It has a castle-like design that is similar to the Tennessee State Prison. Speakers are invited all year round to hold sessions where they discuss their experiences as someone working in the crime-related field like journalists and forensic people and how it has shaped their lives.
Bottom Line
While these aren’t even half of all the amazing places you can go to in Pigeon Forge, they still are one of the most exciting attractions. Pigeon Forge is a one-of-a-kind place that should be on your travel list. Its amazing landscape and attractions will enchant you with their beauty. While you cannot visit all the places in a short time, it is better to follow a vacation guide to make your experience all the more memorable and sweeter.
