The little mountain town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee is known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But it has hundreds of restaurants, shops, and attractions people come from all over the world to experience. This town has a wealth of family-friendly activities, and we want to share some of the best ones with you. Check out these top 8 Gatlinburg attractions.
1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
2. Gatlinburg SkyLift
The Gatlinburg SkyLift enables guests to get a bird’s eye view over the spectacular terrain. From Gatlinburg, the lift makes the gradual 1,800-foot ascent toward the peak of Crocket Mountain. After arriving at the summit, visitors can enjoy exploring the mountain. Get a close-up look of the surroundings through one of the viewers, then make your way across one of the most popular Gatlinburg attractions: the SkyBridge. Or, you can go for a stroll along the SkyTrail and climb to the top of the Tulip Tower for even better views! Browse through the gift shop and indulge in some ice cream before taking the ride back down to Gatlinburg.
3. Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
4. Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Whether you are an automotive enthusiast or a nostalgia buff, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum is sure to entertain. Over the years, the facility compiled a collection of more than 40 vehicles, which were featured in memorable Hollywood movies or popular TV shows. Some once belonged to famous celebrities. The museum owners continually add to the collection, so the exhibits are always changing. Some of the many attractions include:
• General Lee from ”The Dukes of Hazard”
• Batmobile from ”Batman Returns”
• Herbie from ”The Love Bug”
• Delorean from ”Back to the Future”
5. Ole Smoky Moonshine
6. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium
Robert Ripley spent his life finding some of the strangest and most unique exhibits on the planet. The tradition continues at the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium. The facility is perfect for a rainy day activity and is sure to amaze, intrigue and intellectually stimulate all who enter. See mind-boggling illusions, hear shocking stories and witness nature’s oddities. More than 600 exhibits are on display to entertain guests of all ages. Memorable exhibits include a rope spanning more than 6,000 feet in length and made entirely of bubble gum wrappers. See a replica of the space shuttle created using jelly beans. Be amazed at the portrait of Jesus Christ made from scripture passages.
7. Roaring Fork Motor Trail
8. Hillbilly Golf
Two 18-hole miniature golf courses are the ideal way to spend some time having whimsical but challenging fun. The Gatlinburg attractions make a gradual descent down the mountainside. Each hole features a unique backwoods theme nestled within the picturesque forested terrain. Play around and through covered wagons, moonshine stills, outhouses and tractors along with hillbilly mountain folk and other obstacles. Getting to the location simply requires a scenic tram ride up the side of the mountain.
Where to Stay Near Gatlinburg Attractions
Now you know about some of the top Gatlinburg attractions you won’t want to miss on your next vacation. Have you started planning your trip? The first step is deciding on a place to stay! Our downtown Gatlinburg hotel has comfortable guest rooms with private balconies overlooking a mountain stream. Even though you’ll get to enjoy a peaceful stay, you’ll be just footsteps away from all the action. Take a look at all our downtown Gatlinburg hotel rooms now to find the perfect one for your stay!