20 Things to Do in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge buzzes with energy, nestled in the foothills of the majestic Great Smoky Mountains and drawing families year after year with its unique blend of entertainment and natural beauty. Known worldwide for Dollywood and its lively Parkway lined with attractions, the town offers far more than meets the eye, including scenic drives and riverside strolls among the many free things to do in Pigeon Forge. Whether you seek thrilling rides, captivating shows, or Appalachian charm, this mountain town delivers.
This guide steers you toward 20 distinct experiences that capture the fun-loving spirit of Pigeon Forge. From iconic theme parks and dinner theaters to go-kart tracks and quiet riverside paths, these suggestions cover the highlights and local favorites. Prepare to explore the heart of the Smokies’ most action-packed destination.
Iconic Attractions & Theme Parks
Dollywood: Spend a day at Dolly Parton’s famous theme park, enjoying thrilling roller coasters, craft demonstrations, live music shows, and seasonal festivals. It offers a fantastic mix of Appalachian culture and exciting amusement park fun.
Titanic Museum Attraction: Explore this large, interactive museum shaped like the famous ship, viewing artifacts and hearing passenger stories. Walking the Grand Staircase replica provides a poignant historical experience.
Alcatraz East Crime Museum: Discover the history of American crime through engaging galleries featuring infamous criminals, law enforcement efforts, and forensic science. It’s a fascinating stop for those interested in true crime stories.
WonderWorks: Enter the upside-down building for an “edu-tainment” experience filled with hands-on science exhibits, physical challenges, and optical illusions. This attraction offers interactive fun for kids and adults alike.
Hollywood Wax Museum: Pose for photos alongside life-like wax figures of your favorite movie stars and pop culture icons. It’s a lighthearted attraction perfect for capturing fun vacation snapshots.
Dinner Shows & Entertainment
Dolly Parton’s Stampede: Enjoy a four-course Southern feast while watching spectacular horse-riding stunts, musical productions, and friendly competitions. This popular dinner show provides high-energy family entertainment.
Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud: Laugh along with the hilarious antics of the famous feuding families in this all-you-can-eat dinner show featuring comedy, music, and stunts. It’s known for its hearty food and mountain humor.
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show: Watch pirates battle on full-sized ships in an indoor lagoon during this action-packed dinner show featuring acrobatics, animals, and a pirate feast. Expect swashbuckling adventure suitable for all ages.
Outdoor Beauty & Recreation
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance (Nearby): Drive just minutes to enter America’s most visited national park, offering stunning scenic drives like Cades Cove Loop Road and numerous hiking trails. Exploring the park provides breathtaking natural beauty accessible to everyone.
The Island in Pigeon Forge: Visit this entertainment complex featuring shops, restaurants, amusement rides, and the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel observation wheel. Watch the Island Show Fountain perform synchronized water and light shows throughout the day.
Pigeon Forge Riverwalk Greenway: Take a relaxing walk or bike ride along the paved path following the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. It offers a peaceful escape from the Parkway bustle right in town.
Wear Farm City Park: Enjoy this large public park offering playgrounds, walking trails, picnic areas, and sports fields. It’s a great free spot for families to relax and play outdoors.
Unique Fun & Thrills
Go-Kart Tracks: Race friends and family at one of the many multi-level go-kart tracks found along the Pigeon Forge Parkway. It’s a classic vacation activity providing fast-paced competitive fun.
Mini Golf Courses: Choose from numerous creatively themed miniature golf courses for a round of friendly competition. These courses offer imaginative settings and hours of entertainment for all skill levels.
Mountain Coasters: Ride an alpine coaster down the mountainside, controlling your own speed as you twist and turn through the trees. It’s a thrilling way to experience the scenic mountain landscape.
Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show & Adventure Park: Watch professional lumberjacks compete in thrilling events, then try your hand at log rolling or the ropes course at the adjacent adventure park. It offers unique outdoor entertainment and challenges.
Shopping & Local Flavor
The Old Mill Square: Explore this historic area centered around a working 1830s grist mill, featuring restaurants serving classic Southern dishes and shops selling crafts and pottery. It provides a charming glimpse into the area’s heritage and flavors.
Tanger Outlets Sevierville (Nearby): Drive a few miles north to find great deals on brand-name merchandise at this large outlet shopping center. It offers extensive options for savvy shoppers.
Explore Parkway Shops: Browse the hundreds of souvenir stores, themed shops, old-time photo studios, and candy kitchens lining the main Parkway. You’re sure to find unique vacation keepsakes and sweet treats.
Visit a Moonshine Distillery: Take a tour (for adults) to learn about the history of moonshine in the Smoky Mountains and sample various flavored spirits. Several distilleries along the Parkway offer tastings and Appalachian stories.
