Did you know that Gatlinburg is the 131st most populated city in Tennessee?
In fact, with a population of around only 4,000, it’s really more of a town than a city. However, this mountain town is full of charm and is a must-visit for anyone traveling through Tennessee.
If you’re heading towards eastern Tennessee, you might be planning on making your own trip to Gatlinburg. However, what are the best attractions to check out while you’re in town?
We’re here to fill you in! Keep reading below for nine of the best fun activities in Gatlinburg, Tennessee!
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies combines all the quirkiness of the Ripley’s franchise with the magic and whimsy of aquariums. There are live shows and touch tanks, making it a great travel destination for families.
The aquarium features two levels, where you can check out their resident penguins as well as a tropical rainforest experience! Looking for an up-close and personal experience with some sea critters? Well, each admission ticket gives you access to their glass-bottom boat, which gives you a unique view of their shark lagoon.
- Breakout Escape Room
Looking for an unforgettable experience with your friends and family? Breakout Escape Room Gatlinburg is the perfect destination. Escape rooms are great for business trips too—the experience is an excellent way to promote team-building and unwind with your staff.
At Breakout, you solve puzzles and search for clues in a private escape room. In fact, they even offer virtual tours if you don’t want to leave the comfort of your hotel room during your trip! It’s an awesome way to escape from the crowds while traveling, and it makes for a fun bonding activity.
- Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen
Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen is a must-see in Gatlinburg for anyone with a sweet tooth. It’s the city’s oldest candy store, and it features a collection of old-fashioned treats, from fudge to peanut brittle to pecan logs.
However, their claim to fame is their taffy. You can watch the taffy being pulled in real-time from behind a window. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to snag a sample!
- The Village
The Village is a collection of shops in Gatlinburg featuring all types of treats, oddities, and souvenirs for visitors. The Village is made up of 27 shops, and you’ll find everything from boutiques to casual eateries.
The shopping center gets its name as its appearance is based on old-world European-style villages. Our recommendation? Check out the freshly-made donuts from The Donut Friar!
- Hillbilly Golf
There aren’t many places where you can play minigolf in the middle of a forest. Hillybilly Golf is one of the best outdoor games in Gatlinburg because it does just that!
At Hillbilly Golf you ride up a 300-ft incline into the mountains overlooking Gatlinburg. From covered wagons to old-fashioned plows, there is no shortage of quirky mountaineer-inspired props decorating this mini-golf course.
You can even play late into the evening under the Tennessee sky! There are two 18-hole courses available, and they’re open from 9:00 AM-10:00 PM every day of the week.
- Space Needle
The Gatlinburg Space Needle takes you 400 ft off the ground to get a bird’s eye view of the town below and the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains that border it. At the top of the observation deck, you can use their viewfinders to get a closer look at the stunning views.
Looking for a midnight adventure? Well, the Space Needle is open until midnight Sunday-Thursday and until 1 AM on Friday and Saturday. There’s even an arcade on-site if you’re eager for more fun activities after you enjoy the panoramic views above.
- Sugarlands Distilling Company
Moonshine is a big deal in Gatlinburg. There are several distilleries that specialize in it, and Sugarlands is one of the best.
Free tours are offered of the still house, and you can enjoy tastings starting at $5 in their modernized barn house location. If you’re looking for hands-on activities, Sugarlands even offers workshops hosted by their expert staff and distillers.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Visiting the resident national park is one of the best outdoor activities you’ll find in Gatlinburg. Great Smoky Mountains National Park aims to preserve much of the Southern Appalachian history, and you’ll even find historic buildings scattered around the park grounds.
There are activities available throughout the entire year. Observe the local wildlife from their hiking trails, enjoy a picnic, or spend time a few days camping. If the weather is too chilly, you can even enjoy an auto-tour through the park.
- Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is the place to be if you want to connect with Gatlinburg’s local artists. It consists of a series of galleries and shops, adding up to 100+ stops located on an 8-mile loop of road.
Many of the local artists take inspiration from the breathtaking mountains that line the town, creating nature-inspired art for purchase. It’s the perfect place to pick up a unique Gatlinburg souvenir and support local businesses at the same time.
Exploring the Fun Activities Gatlinburg Has to Offer
There are countless exciting adventures to be had in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Whether you want to explore the great outdoors or spend a relaxing day shopping for local goods, there’s something for everyone in this charming town. If you’re planning your own Gatlinburg trip, the list of fun activities above will keep you entertained for days!
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