The Island in Pigeon Forge is one of the most popular places to visit in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains! Opened in 2013, The Island is a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex that is conveniently located right off of the Parkway. Home to over 80 businesses, The Island truly has something for everyone. To help you make the most of your next vacation, Timber Tops Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to eight of the best things to do at The Island in Pigeon Forge TN.
1. Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is The Island’s signature attraction. Standing at 200 ft. tall, this massive Ferris wheel is one of the four highest wheels in America. From atop this fantastic ride, guests will enjoy breathtaking views of Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains. The Ferris wheel’s all-glass gondolas are climate controlled and can accommodate up to 8 guests at one time. If you are planning a romantic outing with your sweetheart, we recommend riding the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at night, when the attraction is decorated with beautiful lights.
2. Arcade City
If you are vacationing with kids, your little ones will absolutely love Arcade City . This awesome arcade features all of the best games, including skee ball, claw machines, The Wizard of Oz, Pac-Man, and other classics. Instead of tokens and tickets, Arcade City uses a modern swipe card that keeps track of your money and digital points. Be sure to stop by Arcade City’s redemption center after you finish playing so you can pick out some great prizes!
3. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
When it comes to Southern cooking, no one is more famous than Paula Deen! When you visit Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen , you’ll have the chance to try all of the celebrity chef’s most-buzzed-about dishes, including her Georgia Fried Catfish, Beef Pot Roast, and Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. All of the meals at Paula Deen’s restaurant are served family style with heaping helpings of mouthwatering side dishes. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
4. The Escape Game
The Escape Game is a thrilling role-playing attraction where participants have 60 minutes to “break out” of a room. Guests will need to use their wits to solve puzzles, find clues, and untangle mysteries in these fun adventures. We recommend visiting The Escape Game with a big group because you’ll need all of the brainpower you can get!
5. Alcatraz East Crime Museum
Visiting the Alcatraz East Crime Museum is another one of the best things to do at The Island in Pigeon Forge TN. Devoted to the history of crime in America, this unique museum is filled with famous artifacts and interactive exhibits. Highlights of the museum include a heist laser maze, jail cell escape, Al Pacino’s machine gun from the movie Scarface, and O.J. Simpson’s Ford Bronco.
6. 7D Dark Ride Adventure
The 7D Dark Ride Adventure is a mix between a video game, movie, and virtual reality experience. Equipped with 3D glasses and a blaster gun, guests at this attraction shoot at robots and zombies on a big screen as their cinema-style seats move beneath them. This one-of-a-kind adventure is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before!
7. The Island Show Fountain
At the center of The Island in Pigeon Forge, visitors will find a delightful show fountain that syncs up with hit songs. Guests can kick back and relax in complimentary rocking chairs and watch the water “dance” to the music. The show fountain is particularly stunning at night when the water is lit up in a variety of colors.
8. Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery
The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery is a can’t-miss stop at The Island! Known as “The Barn”, this popular shop is famous for its live bluegrass music and awesome moonshine tastings. Samples cost $5 per person, but participants receive a $5 coupon that can be applied to any purchase made in the store.
Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge
When you stay with Timber Tops Cabin Rentals, you will be just a short drive from all of these amazing things to do at The Island in Pigeon Forge TN. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 15 bedroom cabins, we are sure to have the perfect property for your escape. To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of cabins in Pigeon Forge!