An abbreviated list of our favorite local oddities
Pigeon Forge has a surplus of strange—and that's just how we like it. Whether you're here for a single night or a long weekend, you've got plenty of time to explore our off-the-wall ways of life. We recommend starting with a few of our favorite attractions below.
The Swim Club
Located right on site in the center of our hotel, The Swim Club where patrons can enjoy a taste of paradise. With a Vintage Airstream Bar that was restored and refurbished specifically to serve guests of The Swim Club, order up from lunch to night and grab a seat by the pool. Opt for a more private experience by booking one of the pool side cabanas to have a space to call your own. Soak up the sun, splash around, and unwind in style. This is a place where every day feels like a poolside party in the heart of the Smokies.
After 5pm, the Swim Club is reserved for those 21+
The Alcatraz East Crime Museum
Pigeon Forge is a little over 2,500 miles east of Alcatraz,* but that didn't stop us from building a museum with its namesake. Modeled after the actual Alcatraz and Tennessee's first state prison (and with a front door big enough to fit the infamous O.J. Simpson Bronco) this museum is a true-crime podcaster's dream. Head here to learn about some of the most notorious criminals, crimes, and car chases in American history. You can even take a lie detector test if you're looking to sow a little chaos.
*Now considering "2,500 Miles East of Alcatraz" for the title of our memoir.
Smoky Mountain Cat House
The #1 destination for folks whose home aesthetic is "cat person." Built by cat lovers, for cat lovers, this charming little home is dedicated to all things feline. Shop cat-themed merch for humans and stuff just for cats, like toys, beds, and that sweet, sweet herb: catnip. They've also got real cats roaming the premises if you need a quick kitty fix.
Goats on the Roof
Exactly what it sounds like. Goats. On a roof. See them, feed them, worship them in all their bearded glory. When you've had your fill, hop on the "Goat Coaster," a sled-type ride that carts you down the mountain as fast as 30 mph. Pull the handbrake to slow down and take in the sights, or barrel straight on through like a goat out of hell.Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud & Adventure Park
The only lumberjack-themed adventure park in the world. Probably. Watch professional athletes go head-to-head in lumberjack-themed events like log rolling, axe throwing, speed climbing and more. Try your own hand at loggersports, or brave the 80-foot free fall jump from Timber Towers. Expect to see lots of flannel here, folks.
Ripley's Believe it or Not Odditorium
The motherload of all things weird. With "over 500 wonders" from Robert Ripley's travels, this place is home to all sorts of strange stuff, including the world's largest collection of vampire killing kits. *Cue Buffy the Vampire Slayer theme song.*
Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
Home to 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from around the world. Admission is only $3, or approximately 0.0002 cents for every salt and pepper shaker set viewed.
Hollywood Wax Museum
Cozy up to waxy doppelgängers of your favorite celebrities. Pop into scenes from iconic movies, like The Fast and the Furious, Men in Black, Scream, Charlie's Angels, and more. You'll know you've found the place when you see a giant King Kong scaling the building.
Go Zorbing
A top attraction for the lucky few who've never experienced a moment of motion sickness in their lives. Instead of hiking *up* a mountain, roll down it in a giant inflatable ball. Ride solo or with up to three friends. As the only zorbing park in the United States, The Outdoor Gravity Park is a one-of-a-kind experience right here in Pigeon Forge.
Looking for more Pigeon Forge recommendations? Ask away. We've got the inside scoop on just about every spot in this town, and we're always eager to share the area's best-kept secrets with our guests.