23 Best & Fun Things To Do In Pigeon Forge (Tennessee)

Pigeon Forge has two faces.

On one hand, it’s a sleepy, old-fashioned kind of town with lots of country charm.

It’s nestled deep in the mountains of Tennessee, so it’s a place where you can escape the grind of city life and breathe fresh air as you relax and recharge.

On the other hand, Pigeon Forge is also a hopping tourist town filled with everything from weird museums to world-famous amusement parks.

It welcomes millions of visitors each year, and it makes sure that they have plenty to do.

Are you planning a trip to Pigeon Forge?

Do you want to build an itinerary that balances the fun, beautiful, crazy and strange?

Here are just a few interesting things to do in Pigeon Forge.

1. Old Mill Square

Pigeon Forge was founded in the late 1700s, so it’s brimming with history.

One of the best places to turn back the clock is Old Mill Square.

Centered around a big wooden gristmill, Old Mill Square is designed to look just like it did when 18th- and 19th-century settlers found their way to Tennessee.

Shops and restaurants line the square, but they don’t have any digital signs; instead, they’re housed in quaint colonial buildings with wraparound porches.

People are always coming and going, but the atmosphere is friendly.

Pottery makers will show you their crafts while kids enjoy ice cream scoops from the local creamery.

There are shaded patios everywhere to help you escape the Tennessee sun.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Pigeon Forge, consider Old Mill Square.

It has such historical value that it’s officially listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, and it’ll be a great way to start your vacation on the right foot.

Address: Old Mill St, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

2. The Island

When you’re done chewing on a cornstalk on the wooden patios of a historic village, get glamorous with a trip to the Island.

It’s one of the premiere tourist attractions of Pigeon Forge, and it will make you wonder if you’ve stepped into a new city entirely.

Colored lights put on dazzling displays at the central water fountain.

A gigantic Ferris wheel slowly rumbles over the skyline.

Stores, cafes, rides, restaurants and games can be found on every corner.

The Island isn’t a true island; you won’t have to take a boat anywhere.

It just stretches so far and wide that it’s basically a mini-complex inside of Pigeon Forge.

You could spend your entire vacation here without seeing all of the sights or hitting up all of the steakhouses.

The Island is impressive to behold, especially when you’re approaching it from the outside.

You can be forgiven for thinking that you’re going to Vegas rather than Pigeon Forge.

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in the city, however, the Island is the place to be!

Address: 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA 

3. Sawyer’s Farmhouse

You can’t visit Tennessee without stopping by a Tennessee restaurant.

They specialize in finger-licking foods that will stick to your ribs with a true pioneer spirit.

Sawyer’s Farmhouse isn’t the only restaurant in Pigeon Forge that dishes up classic southern food, but it’s one of the best.

Named for the Mark Twain character, it embraces its rustic roots with wooden benches, red country walls and plastic roosters overseeing its patrons.

The menu is equally awesome.

From gravy-topped biscuits to pancakes served with hand-churned butter, you’ll be able to fill your belly with some truly delightful meals.

As a bonus, their beloved breakfast dishes are served all day, so you don’t have to worry about missing any cutoff times.

Swing by Sawyer’s Farmhouse when you’ve worked up an appetite in Pigeon Forge.

It’s one of the tastiest places to visit when you’re ready to loosen your belt and let your gut hang free!

Address: 2831 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

4. Dollywood

If you’ve been researching Pigeon Forge, you’ve probably heard about Dollywood.

Created by the famous country singer Dolly Parton, it’s one of the largest tourist attractions in the entire state of Tennessee, and it should definitely be on your shortlist of things to do in Pigeon Forge.

Covering almost 300 acres, Dollywood rolls several different vacation experiences into one.

The amusement park has roller coasters and tilt-o-whirls; the water park is filled with pools, slides and splash pads.

The resort has luxury suites that overlook the mountains.

The shops, museums and music halls will provide nonstop entertainment.

There’s even a full-size steam train to funnel you from place to place!

Don’t let Jolene take your man.

Visit Dollywood to grab your vacation by the horns and truly enjoy what Pigeon Forge has to offer.

Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

5. Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster

A lot of stuff to do in Pigeon Forge centers around the Smoky Mountains.

Instead of listing the usual hikes and climbs, however, we’d like to draw your attention to something unique: the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster.

The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is a low-level coaster ride that will take you a mile down the mountains.

You control the speed, so you can make it a death-defying rush or a leisurely descent with the kids.

Not only will you get the wind blowing through your hair, but you’ll enjoy amazing views that aren’t accessible by foot.

If you’re looking for the top attractions of Pigeon Forge, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster should be high on your list.

Anyone can take a trip to Tennessee, but only some people can say that they went sightseeing like this.

Check details, prices and reviews here.

Address: 867 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

Planning a trip to Tennessee soon? Be sure to check out our lists of things to do in Chattanooga and things to do in Memphis!

6. TopJump Trampoline & Extreme Arena

Get your blood pumping when you plan a trip to the TopJump Trampoline and Extreme Arena.

While it’s technically classified as an indoor trampoline park, there’s even more fun to be had when you cartwheel off the rubber.

For example, TopJump also offers climbing walls, obstacle courses and VR games.

There are times set aside for basketball and dodgeball.

There’s even an arcade hall where you can race cars or slime aliens.

When you’ve tired yourself out, relax in an air-conditioned lounge that offers concessions, televisions and free WiFi.

You can recharge your batteries before you hit the equipment for round two.

TopJump Trampoline and Extreme Arena is one of the most fun things to do in Pigeon Forge, and it doesn’t even matter if you’re traveling with kids, friends or colleagues.

It will offer high-octane excitement for people from all walks of life!

Check details, prices and reviews here.

Address: 3735 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

7. Forbidden Caverns

Not many people realize this, but Tennessee is home to thousands of caves.

In fact, it has the largest number of caves of any U.S. state.

You can see them for yourself when you travel to the Forbidden Caverns.

Located beneath the Smoky Mountains, the Forbidden Caverns are a network of underground caves that visitors can explore with the help of a tour guide.

You’ll see everything from dripping stalagmites to glittering underground steams that move between the rocks.

Some of the caverns have even been decked out with lights and stereo sound to provide a spooky show.

Another benefit of the Forbidden Caverns is that they stay a cool 60° regardless of the weather outside.

If you’re trying to escape a heatwave on a hot summer day, the Forbidden Caverns will be just as refreshing as they are interesting.

The Forbidden Caverns aren’t actually located in Pigeon Forge; they’re a few miles north in a place called Sevierville.

If you have a free weekend, however, they’re worth the road trip.

They’ll let you take a journey underneath the earth to marvel at things that have to be seen to be believed.

Address: 455 Blowing Cave Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876, USA

8. Little Pigeon River

One of the lesser-known attractions of Pigeon Forge is the Little Pigeon River.

It’s a small waterway, but don’t let its size fool you: It has a lot to offer visitors to Tennessee.

Adrenaline junkies can rent a tube and splash down the river.

Nature lovers can go sightseeing or birdwatching along a two-mile trail called the Riverwalk Greenway.

Photographers can capture the churning force of the dam created by the gristmill of Old Mill Square.

Additionally, there are all kinds of events held near the Little Pigeon River.

From official festivals to locally-run yoga classes, you can always find something to do on the banks.

You might need to call or check their schedule before you set anything in stone, but that’s a good habit to have for any kind of vacation planning.

It might not offer the flashy thrills of a commercial theme park, but if you’re looking for cool, authentic Pigeon Forge attractions, the Little Pigeon River might be just what you seek.

Grab your camera and get moving!

9. Hollywood Wax Museum

Despite the name, you don’t have to travel to Hollywood to enjoy the Hollywood Wax Museum.

There’s one in Pigeon Forge that brings all of the glitz and glamor straight to Tennessee.

Two floors are filled with wax figures of famous celebrities.

If you’re from an older generation, you might be the most excited for Elvis Presley or Marilyn Monroe; if you’re a millennial, you might get a kick out of Johnny Depp, Julia Roberts and Robert Downey Jr.

When you’re done posing for pictures, venture into the museum’s “entertainment center” for even more fun.

There’s a hall of mirrors, a zombie escape adventure and several other attractions for visitors of all ages.

Get a little taste of Hollywood without having to leave Tennessee.

Check out the Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge for star-studded entertainment during your vacation!

Address: 106 Showplace Blvd Unit A, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

Traveling to other parts of Tennessee soon? Be sure to check out our lists of things to do in Gatlinburg and things to do in Nashville!

10. The Incredible Christmas Place

Santa never sleeps at the Incredible Christmas Place.

Open year-round, it’s a festive, holiday-themed village where you can enjoy fudge and eggnog even when it’s sweltering outside.

If you like sightseeing, take a stroll around the charming shopfronts and let yourself be dazzled by their lights and decorations.

If your money is burning a hole in your pocket, pick up some stockings, ornaments and customized collectibles.

The best time to visit the Incredible Christmas Place is during the real-life holidays.

They pull out all of the stops in the name of Christmas cheer, and a tangible buzz will be in the air from the bustling crowds.

If you can’t make it during December, however, the village is still amazing to visit at any time of year.

It might even be more memorable for you to visit in July!

You won’t find an attraction like the Incredible Christmas Place anywhere else in Tennessee.

It’s one of the unique landmarks of Pigeon Forge, so put on your bells and cross it off your bucket list.

Address: 2470 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868, USA

11. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Pigeon Forge is one of the most beautiful places in America, and you’ll know this to be true when you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

It’s a national treasure that offers lush, sweeping landscapes as far as the eye can see, and it also boasts plenty of fun activities for vacationers:

Do you like working up a sweat?

Go hiking, biking or jogging down one of its many nature trails.

Do you laugh in the face of danger?

Visit Clingsman Dome, the highest point of elevation along the Appalachian Trail and the very tip-top of Tennessee mountains.

Are you spending a whole weekend in Pigeon Forge?

Pitch a tent in one of the campgrounds, or rent an old-fashioned wood cabin that overlooks the cliffs.

There are so many things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that you’ll be dizzy with possibilities.

Another thing that might make you dizzy: The park has no entrance fee!

It’s entirely free, so the whole family can enjoy it without paying a dime.

Check out these tours & activities around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

12. Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show

The real feud between the Hatfields and McCoys might have ended in the 1890s, but it’s still alive in this rip-roaring show.

It starts with a traditional southern-style dinner of fried chicken, corn, coleslaw, rolls and mashed potatoes.

As you’re eating, the actors will go through their opening numbers.

You might choke on your food at some of their over-the-top routines, but the good news is that you’ll have plenty of sweet tea to wash it back down.

The best parts come later in the show.

The Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud is more than just people standing on a stage and reciting their lines.

They do everything that they can to provide an impressive night of theater.

From live musical numbers to jaw-dropping acrobatics, they weave together all kinds of entertainment into a single, high-energy show.

Book a ticket for the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud if you’re looking for fun things to do in Pigeon Forge.

It’s the kind of experience that you’ll be talking about long after the curtain closes!

Address: 119 Music Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

13. Pigeon Forge Snow

Tennessee has a moderate climate that doesn’t get a lot of snow.

The exception is when you venture high on the Smoky Mountains or when you travel to a place like Pigeon Forge Snow.

The only indoor snow park in the area, Pigeon Forge Snow is a man-made playground for wintertime fun.

Its biggest attraction is a series of slopes where you can go zooming down in a rented snow tube, but there’s also a free-play area where you can build snowmen or have snowball fights.

Since the powder is artificial, it never melts. It’s always available for a good time.

If you’re looking for family-friendly entertainment near Pigeon Forge, Pigeon Forge Snow is one of the best places to go.

It will offer a little something for everyone, and it won’t be dependent on the seasons.

You can enjoy it no matter when you’re traveling to Tennessee.

Address: 2533 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

14. Titanic Museum

Pigeon Forge attractions don’t get any bigger than the Titanic Museum.

It’s a half-scale replica of the entire ship, and its bow even rests in a water fountain to give you the same sights and smells as its original passengers.

Visitors to the Titanic Museum can take a tour of the vessel while looking at artifacts that range from telescopes to tattered life jackets.

The museum provides a fascinating look at the doomed 1912 voyage while still honoring the memory of those who couldn’t escape it.

If you’re wondering what to do in Pigeon Forge, stop by the Titanic Museum.

There are only two of them in the entire country, and the only one in Tennessee is found in Pigeon Forge.

Check details, prices and reviews here.

Address: 2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

15. WonderWorks Pigeon Forge

WonderWorks is the kind of place that can make you stop in your tracks.

It’s an upside-down building that defies the laws of gravity, and that isn’t even getting into the oddities and curiosities inside!

What is WonderWorks?

It’s a surprisingly complicated question.

There are educational displays about math and science, but it isn’t really a museum.

There are magic shows and laser tag games, but it isn’t really an activity center.

There are glow-in-the-dark rope courses, but it isn’t really an amusement park.

WonderWorks might just defy classification the same way that it defies gravity.

You can’t define it. You can only enjoy it.

One thing is for sure, however: If you’re looking for crazy things to do in Pigeon Forge, it doesn’t get any crazier than WonderWorks.

Call them today and ask about their latest events and activities!

Address: 100 Music Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

Visiting other parts of Tennessee? Why not check out some of the things to do in Knoxville, TN & some of the things to do in Johnson City. TN?

16. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Located a few miles south of Pigeon Forge, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a great attraction for people on a budget.

There’s no charge for driving along the trail or hiking to its various points of interest; you’ll only need to pay for parking.

This makes the trail a pretty cheap day trip, all things considered.

As for the sights, they’ll stun you silly.

The five-mile drive will take you through all kinds of trees, hills and streams, and you can stop at any time to venture further into the wilderness.

One of the most popular destinations is Rainbow Falls, a stunning waterfall that’s hidden deep within the mountains and only accessible after a long hike.

There’s also the Place of a Thousand Drips, a low-flow waterfall that glides over a jutting rock formation.

You don’t have to spend big bucks at Pigeon Forge to have an amazing vacation.

You just have to find cheap activities like the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to fill up your weekend!

17. Elvis Presley Museum

Tennessee held a special meaning for Elvis Presley.

He lived there for many years in the opulent mansion known as Graceland, and he was even laid to rest on the Graceland grounds.

The Elvis Presley Museum is located on the other side of the state, but it’s still a worthwhile tribute to the king of rock ‘n’ roll.

It showcases his clothes, costumes, props, photographs and personal memorabilia.

It teaches you about his life and his habits.

The audio tour is even narrated by old friends of Elvis who share fun, behind-the-scenes stories about him.

The Elvis Presley Museum is definitely one of the top things to do in Pigeon Forge.

Even if you aren’t the type to don a white jumpsuit and do some hip thrusts, you should be able to appreciate the legacy of one of the world’s most important musicians!

Address: 2530 Parkway, Suite 4, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863-7007, USA

18. Goats on the Roof

Do you know those roadside attractions that are so bizarre that you can’t help but love them?

Imagine their kitschy fun in a whole building. Welcome to Goats on the Roof.

Combining various parts of a bakery, gift shop and petting zoo, Goats on the Roof is one of the most unique points of interest in Pigeon Forge.

Feed the goats; buy some souvenirs; snack on homemade cookies and pastries.

You can even ride the “goat coaster” that will send you hurtling around for a low-level adrenaline rush.

Each level of Goats on the Roof has something new to experience.

The two indoor floors will let you shop ’til you drop, but the roof is where the real magic happens: It’s where the bleating will lead you to the goats.

You can feed them, pet them and take pictures of them for the weirdest scrapbook photos ever.

You can’t miss Goats on the Roof, and we mean that literally.

It’s the only attraction in Pigeon Forge that has live goats running around the premises.

Stop by for a silly but memorable time!

Address: 1341 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

19. Country Tonite Theatre

The Country Tonite Theatre is one of the largest performance venues in Pigeon Forge.

It hosts all kinds of concerts, theater productions, variety shows and celebrity guests, so there are always new activities on the schedule.

Whether you’re visiting Pigeon Forge in the heart of summer or the dead of winter, you’ll be able to find something happening here.

Another great thing about the Country Tonite Theatre is that it’s open to visitors of all ages.

You won’t have to leave the kids at the hotel.

They can come along with you and enjoy all of the singing, dancing, twirling, acting and yukking of local acts.

As one of the big tourist destinations of Tennessee, Pigeon Forge isn’t afraid to play up its country roots.

Visit the Country Tonite Theatre and get a taste of the south in theater form!

Address: 129 Showplace Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

20. Big Rock Dude Ranch

If you’re a nature or animal lover, the Big Rock Dude Ranch is one of the top places to visit near the Smoky Mountains.

You can take horseback rides along the trails; you can feed corn to the critters in the petting zoo.

You can also go fishing, picnicking, gem mining or ATV riding.

Are you short on funds? Don’t worry.

While the special activities will cost you, there’s no fee for general things like roaming the grounds or interacting with the animals at the petting zoo.

The Big Rock Dude Ranch is a cheap attraction in Pigeon Forge.

Check out the ranch if you’re looking for one of the top ways to spend an afternoon in Pigeon Forge.

It’ll provide hours of entertainment, and it won’t break the bank to do it!

Address: 909 Little Cove Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

Going on a road trip around Tennessee? Why not check out some of the fun things to do in Franklin?

21. Alcatraz East

Alcatraz East is another one of those Tennessee attractions that you can only find in Pigeon Forge.

Designed to look like a 19th-century prison, it’s a crime-and-punishment museum that will send morbid shivers down your spine as soon as you step through the bars.

What is there to see at Alcatraz East?

Aside from exhibits about the actual Alcatraz, there are also displays related to famous criminals like Al Capone, John Dillinger and O.J. Simpson.

Visitors can marvel at everything from their clothes to their cars, and they can read real briefings from juries or look at key pieces of evidence that put the bad guys away.

There’s also a hands-on CSI lab for science geeks and a simulated shooting range for thrill-seekers.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Pigeon Forge, Alcatraz East should be at the top of your list.

As a uniquely-designed museum filled with one-of-a-kind artifacts, it offers an experience that you simply can’t get anywhere else.

Address: 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

22. Mountain Valley Winery

While it’s true that Tennessee is more of a rustic location than a sparkling tourist trap, there are still some sophisticated places to visit in Pigeon Forge.

One of these high-class venues is the Mountain Valley Winery.

A creator and distributor of many different types of wine, the Mountain Valley Winery is one of the top destinations near the Smoky Mountains if you’re in the mood for a drink.

They offer tours, wine tastings, vineyard events and lots of souvenir shopping opportunities.

If you’re traveling to Pigeon Forge in the fall, you might even get to watch them crushing seasonal grapes.

The fun doesn’t have to stop during your vacation, either.

You can join a wine club that will keep you in the loop about their liquor even after you return home.

The Mountain Valley Winery understands that the best vacations are the ones that never have to end!

Indulge in the unconventional tastes of Pigeon Forge wine on this tour, which takes you to three local wineries.

Address: 2174 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

23. Outdoor Gravity Park

You can’t vacation in Pigeon Forge forever.

However, you can end your trip with an unforgettable experience at the Outdoor Gravity Park.

The Outdoor Gravity Park is one of the only places in Tennessee where you can go “zorbing.”

Also known as orbing, sphereing or globe-riding, it involves strapping yourself into a big transparent ball and rolling down a hill or water slide.

It’s just as crazy as it sounds, but that’s why it’s so much fun!

It isn’t your usual park, and it isn’t your usual park activity.

Say farewell to Pigeon Forge while you’re bouncing down the countryside in a gigantic ball.

If this story doesn’t get a laugh from your friends back home, nothing will.

Address: 203 Sugar Hollow Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

Start Planning Your Trip To Pigeon Forge

These are just a few of the coolest things to do in Pigeon Forge.

Tennessee is a wonderful place to visit, especially when you’re staying in a city like Pigeon Forge!