Gatlinburg Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Gatlinburg, Tennessee - TN, USA)

Gatlinburg has a wide variety of tourist attractions for all ages to complement the hordes of tourists that descend on Gatlinburg from all over the United States and abroad.

Most people come to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and nearby Pigeon Forge's Dollywood theme park, but the Gatlinburg area has so much to offer that many visitors stay longer than they planned.

First-time visitors to Gatlinburg should immediately head for the 342-foot / 104-meter Space Needle for some spectacular views to help orient themselves.

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Address: 88 River Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee TN, 37738-3261, USA
Tel: +1 865 430 8808
One of the most popular attractions in Gatlinburg, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies contains an enormous collection of aquatic creatures and marine life. Highlights here include a tropical rain forest, a coral reef area, a shark lagoon, a discovery center, a restaurant, a gift shop, and the world's longest underwater aquarium tunnel.
Open hours: Sunday to Thursday - 09:00 to 21:00, Friday and Saturday - 09:00 to 23:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and groups

Gatlinburg Gem Mine

Address: Reagan Terrace Mall, 716 Parkway, Gatlinburg, Tennessee TN, 37738, USA
Tel: +1 865 436 2326
A unique attraction and great fun for the whole family, the hands-on Gatlinburg Gem Mine allows visitors to grab a bag of rocks and soil, and try their hand at gemstone hunting. Although each bag only holds around 15 gems, you never know how many or what quality or size you might end up with. Rubies, fossils and other surprises are all waiting to be unearthed.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 24:00
Admission: charge

Dollywood

Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Boulevard, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee TN, 37863-4101, USA
Tel: +1 865 428 9488
Dollywood stands just 8 miles / 13 km from Gatlinburg and is one of the area's premier tourist attractions. This enormous theme park boasts many rollercoasters and fast rides, together with museums, diners, gift shops and regular appearances by Dolly Parton herself, who co-owns this park. Other popular attractions include the Dollywood Express steam train, which offers tours of the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Open hours: April to December, seasonal variations
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park

Address: 1001 Parkway, Gatlinburg, Tennessee TN, 37738, USA
Tel: +1 865 436 5423
Located on the site of the famous ski resort and reached by a scenic aerial tramway that connects the resort to downtown Gatlinburg, Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park has some thrilling rides with breathtaking views of the town and the Great Smoky Mountains. The amusement park contains an ice-skating rink, mini-golf range, water rides in the summer and a zoo that is complete with black bears. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park offers fun year-round attractions for the young and old alike.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 22:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00, seasonal variations apply
Admission: charge