On the map, the West Prong of the Little River divides Sevierville from Pigeon Forge.
It’s the same as many of the imaginary borders we use to divide our world into sections, arbitrary and relatively meaningless except for man-made concepts like politics, regulations and taxes.
In the real world, unless you saw the sign, you’d have no reason to know that you’d crossed from Sevierville into Pigeon Forge or vice versa. Right there along the city boundaries, there’s very little practical difference between the two.
But it may surprise you to know that Sevier County’s seat is more than just the business end for its two more wild and free siblings, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Years ago, Sevierville siphoned off the best of the county’s shopping – particularly the outlet businesses that had helped make Pigeon Forge strong.
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Is Sevierville close to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?
Sevierville is closer to Pigeon Forge, near the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s right at the border of Pigeon Forge and about 30-40 minutes from Gatlinburg.
Sevierville siphoned off a major piece of Pigeon Forge’s bread and butter with its shopping outlet, but a funny thing happened to the rest of the city. Sevierville’s food scene became something of a natural balance to Pigeon Forge.
Now, another movement is well underway. In particular, Sevierville is THE place to go in the county for foodies.
It’s strange.
When I first moved to East Tennessee, Sevierville was nothing more than the town you had to drive through to get to Pigeon Forge. As the county seat, it had the courthouse and the jail but nothing that would draw people to town who didn’t have specific business there.
That’s not the case anymore.
Wild-eyed artists with little more than a spatula and a dream found a home in the burgeoning Sevierville food scene.
As of late, Sevierville is a good place to find great food.
So, if you’d like to get away from the culinary version of a classic rock station, drive up north of the West Prong and see what Sevierville has to offer.
Below, you will find my personal ranking of the best restaurants in Sevierville.
The chocolate chip pancakes at Flapjacks can be ordered with or without pecans (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
21. Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin
Look, we had all this build-up about cracking the eggshell that is Pigeon Forge culinary homogeny, but you still got to eat breakfast.
Breakfast items are the one area in which Sevierville restaurants lack options compared to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
Culinary artists, it seems, aren’t as jazzed at getting up at 4 am to make a bunch of hash brown skillets. Still, pancakes and waffles are big business in Sevier County and Flapjack’s is a great place to get ’em.
It’s comfort food for your breakfast-lovin’ soul.
A local chain, the Sevierville location can be found next door to Suntrust on Dolly Parton Parkway. The other is located in Morristown, TN about an hour away (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
20. Holston’s Kitchen
Next, we have Holston’s Kitchen. Holston’s Kitchen made the cut on our best Sevierville restaurants list for its variety of menu options and massive portion sizes.
At Holston’s, you can get anything from Greek salads to TexMex to Italian cuisine to steaks and everything in between.
Try the Fried Green Tomatoes while you’re there – a Southern staple.
Just be sure to come hungry as portion sizes are generous.
Big Daddy’s Pizzeria does not offer delivery, but you can order for takeout (photo by Alaina O’Neal/TheSmokies.com)
19. Big Daddy’s Pizza
Everything is fresh at Big Daddy’s Pizzeria, where their wood-fired flame creates unique handcrafted Italian works of art.
The pizza is delicious, but it’s not unique to Sevierville. They also have locations in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Of course, they are best known for their pizza but also offer sandwiches, salads and apps.
If you love TexMex – Fort Worth Texas Kitchen might become your new favorite place (photo by Alaina O’Neal/TheSmokies.com)
18. Fort Worth Texas Kitchen
Fort Worth Texas Kitchen is a newcomer on the Sevierville food scene.
Their dinner menu features a variety of TexMex style favorites at affordable prices.
The Diner in Sevierville leans into car culture (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
17. The Diner
One of the premier attractions to Sevier County over the decades has been the car culture.
In particular, from the Rod Runs to cruising up and down the strip, the 50s/60s American graffiti vibe is a big part of the social fabric of the area.
At The Diner, get a patty melt, some onion rings, french fries, green beans, a chicken tender basket and a big ole shake.
It’s not culinary artistry. Certainly, it’s not Picasso at the grill. But it’s one of the best places in the Smokies for a traditional diner experience.
It’s good and fun and classic and there’s a place in any good food culture for those things, too.
Roll On In is a bit more “grab and go”, but it offers high-quality build-your-own hibachi, bowls and burritos (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
16. Roll On In
Roll On In is a unique, casual concept but it delivers when you need quality food fast.
You can order from a selection of specialty bowls and burritos or completely customize your own creation.
It’s a bit like a Chipotle but for sushi and hibachi. And it’s genuinely great.
The Gatlinburg Brewing Company has two locations in the Smokies (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
15. Gatlinburg Brewing Company
Here, my friends, we may well have found genius.
Founded by a man who discovered his passion for brewing at an Outkast concert – I want to make an Outkast reference here to prove how hip I am but I’ll just say that if I were a professional baseball player my walk-up music would be “So Fresh, So Clean”.
With two locations, the Gatlinburg Brewing Co. offers craft beers, pub-style appetizers and truly delicious pizza.
Pizza varieties include Dirty Hippie, Hangover Helper, Betty White and Basic AF.
Applewood Farmhouse Grill – Sevierville’s oldest restaurant – is located on the Apple Barn Cider Mill and General Store property (photo by Alaina O’Neal/TheSmokies.com)
14. Applewood Farmhouse Grill
The Apple Barn is one of our favorite places to frequent and it happens to be home to another popular restaurant: Sevierville’s Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant.
Located right on the line with Pigeon Forge, the Farmhouse is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings. The fare is what you’d expect from a farmhouse restaurant – fried chicken and roast and meatloaf and such but with a few surprises as well.
It’s all amazing food that the whole family will enjoy.
And don’t leave until you’ve sampled the chicken pot pie, chicken and dumplings, pot roast and apple fritters for a sweet treat with a side of homemade apple butter and apple julep.
This Honduran restaurant is a local favorite (photo by Bill Burris/TheSmokies.com)
13. Comida Hondureña Yobanina
This one is a local favorite.
Comida Hondureña Yobanina is a Honduran restaurant located in a gas station near the Tanger outlets.
This is the perfect place to go when you want to add a little spice to your diet.
Graze Burgers is located in downtown Sevierville, TN and serves up some of the best burgers you will find anywhere in the Smokies (photo by Alaina O’Neal/TheSmokies.com)
12. Graze Burgers
Sometimes you just want a delicious burger. Graze is the place, featuring all grass-fed beef burgers with no hormones, antibiotics or steroids.
This is not your typical burger fare. For example, try the Local Farmer with aged cheddar, house bacon, a fried egg, local greens, onions, tomatoes and house pickles.
I’m gonna be honest. Any place that has its own pickles is gonna be alright in my book.
Hippie BBQ is a new delicious restaurant in town (photo by John Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
11. The Hippie BBQ and Grill
The Hippie BBQ is a new restaurant in the area. It’s a 1970s-themed sports bar that specializes in BBQ, burgers and wings.
It’s definitely a contender for some of the best BBQ in the area.
A perfectly prepared steak at Seasons 101 in downtown Sevierville (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
10. Seasons 101
For the record, this is not a freshman-level meteorology course. It is a self-described culinary experience.
Seasons 101 is located in the heart of downtown Sevierville, TN at the Historic Central Hotel. It is a comfortable, casual dining atmosphere, combined with upscale cuisine at moderate prices.
The season determines how the menu selections are curated. “An ever-changing selection of signature dishes and cocktails inspired by the current season is the heart of our dining philosophy.”
And whatever the season, the food is, in fact, always good.
Five Oaks Farm Kitchen is located across from Tanger Outlets in Sevierville (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
9. Five Oaks Farm Kitchen
For symmetry purposes, I should have ranked this fifth. But let’s move past that.
Five Oaks Farm Kitchen lives up to the name. Run by the family of Dr. John (not the Iko, Iko guy) and Blanche Ogle who originally owned and operated the family farm, Five Oaks is probably the best of the region’s farm-house style restaurants.
I’d recommend something from the smokehouse – but that may be my general preference for smoked meat talking. The fried okra is also a must.
El Primo offers authentic Tex-Mex (photo by Bill Burris/TheSmokies.com)
8. El Primo Products Hispanos
If you’re looking for the same-old Tex-Mex that gets slung in restaurants from here to the border this isn’t the place.
In fact, if the idea that the best Mexican food is served in the back of a Hispanic grocery store is a surprise to you, this might not be your place.
However, if you want to eat something with authentic flavor? This is your place. They have all the classics like quesadillas, tacos, fajitas and queso.
Trotter’s is a new BBQ restaurant in downtown Sevierville (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
7. Trotter’s Whole Hog BBQ
This BBQ restaurant is another new addition to the growing downtown Sevierville foodie scene.
The menu features appetizers like pimento cheese, pork rinds and burnt ends as well as meat plates and a variety of smoked sandwiches with banana pudding for dessert.
It’s conveniently located on Bruce Street.
Pinchy’s Lobster also recently opened in downtown (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
6. Pinchy’s Lobster
Pinchy’s Lobster is bringing New England seafood to the Smokies.
Freshly opened downtown, they offer fresh sushi, lobster, a raw bar, a beer garden and live music on select nights.
Bustin’ Butts BBQ serves meat on a paper plate the way God intended (photo by Bill Burris/TheSmokies.com)
5. Bustin’ Butts BBQ
Delicious BBQ made fresh daily. It’s served on paper plates with beans, potato salad, smoked mac and cheese or coleslaw.
There are also a few outdoor picnic tables if you want to eat on site, but you can call ahead and pick it up to go.
Aubrey’s has excellent food in Sevierville (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
3. Aubrey’s
Aubrey’s is an interesting case study. It’s part of a popular East Tennessee restaurant group that is professional, consistent and good if not great.
I’m a fan of the Pizza Rockefeller, the Hawaiian Ribeye and the Strawberry Pecan Salad.
The Chop House is located inside the Tanger Outlets shopping complex (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
2. The Chop House
This is an upset of sorts.
I love The Chop House which is run by East Tennessee restaurant royalty.
Everything is great. It’s done to perfection every time. It has been – in my opinion – the best place to eat in Sevierville for years. So why is it No. 2? Well…
The Appalachian in Sevierville serves up traditional Southern classics, fine dining style (photo by Alaina O’Neal/TheSmokies.com)
1. The Appalachian
Finally, if we’re honoring Sevier County’s burgeoning foodie community, we must recognize the new guard.
The Appalachian is one of Sevierville’s newest restaurants, serving up delicious food, fine dining style.
They specialize in bringing a modern approach to traditional Appalachian ingredients and dishes.
Dishes change with the season. For instance, the Wood Grilled Pork Chop has sea island red pea, long grain rice, smoked tomato broth and green onion.
At the time of this writing, prices range from $18 for the Appalachian Burger to about $90 for the 48 oz. Tomahawk Ribeye.
Certainly, The Appalachian represents an artfulness, a thoughtfulness to the culinary sciences that challenges the idea of what Appalachian cuisine can be.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in Sevierville? Let us know in the comments below!
I spent my formative roller coaster years as a child of the Midwest.
King’s Island. Six Flags. Cedar Point. These amusement parks were the roller coaster meccas of my youth. In fact, they were the best roller coasters in the world.
When I came to Pigeon Forge TN for the first time, I was a tourist, following the well-worn path from Indiana to the Smokies.
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The newly-christened Dollywood wasn’t even on my thrill-seeking radar.
“Dollywood is a theme park, John. Not an amusement park,” I was told.
Sure there is a good ride or two, but it’s more about the theme. Dollywood tickets meant bluegrass music, eating at Aunt Granny’s and scoring some kettle corn to take home. Not the kinds of roller coasters that draw visitors from three states over.
Friends, for us adrenaline-rush junkies, the theme is the periphery. It is a side item. The theme is the corn giblets at Thanksgiving. Nobody looks forward to Thanksgiving dreaming of corn giblets.
But the Dollywood theme park – which in my opinion is the best-run park in America – has cast its eyes forward since the moment they took down the Silver Dollar City signage.
Despite the limitations created by the park’s location – mountains are great for the theme, suboptimal for park expansion – Dollywood has turned itself into a credible roller coaster destination while maintaining all the charms of its theme.
By my count, the Pigeon Forge theme park currently offers nine coasters with one on the way.
Some are more successfully executed than others – looking at you Lightning Rod.
And some are less daring than others – looking at you Blazing Fury.
But some are on par with some of the best coasters in the country. Which ones? Read further to find out.
Blazing Fury is the oldest coaster in the park. It’s a dark ride with only a couple of drops (one scary) at the end and no inversions. A “splash landing” was removed from the ride several years ago. Guests today can ride while staying completely dry (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
10. Blazing Fury
This is the least roller-coast-y ride on the list, but Blazing Fury is great for many things.
It’s a classic ride. It’s a historic link to the park’s past as well as a link to Dollywood’s cousin-park Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo. It’s a dark ride taking you leisurely through a town set ablaze.
Reminiscent of the Pirates of the Caribbean, there are a number of amusing scenes, quirky historical references and one good drop.
But strictly as a roller coaster? Blazing Fury is pretty tame.
So should you ride Blazing Fury? For sure. It’s a unique ride experience for the entire family, and it’s the park’s only indoor roller coaster.
Located in Craftsman’s Valley, Blazing Fury has a 42-inch height requirement which I find confounding, but I assume it has to do with the drop.
Whistle Punk Chaser is chiefly a kids’ coaster (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
9. Whistle Punk Chaser
I struggled with where to rank the Whistle Punk Chaser, a kids’ coaster located in the literal shadow of larger coasters in Timber Canyon.
In fact, it seems unfair to rank a zippy little kids’ ride among the bigger coasters in the park. But compared to other kids’ coasters I’ve tried – like the Goofy Barnstormer in Disney – the Whistle Punk Chaser is decidedly tame and a little lame.
It’s good for small children to be exposed to the idea of roller coaster riding but it feels like something that could be replicated at a good state fair.
The Whistle Punk Chaser has a 36-inch height requirement and guests under 42 inches must be accompanied by those 16 or older.
Dragonflier is one of the smoothest coasters in the park with only one mild inversion (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
8. Dragonflier
Here we get a proper family-friendly roller coaster.
As one of the newest additions to the park, I’m very fond of this family suspended coaster that mimics the flight of a dragonfly. It’s well-designed, fun and fresh.
Located in the Wildwood Grove area of the park, it gives families a chance to feel the exhilaration of riding a “big” coaster that won’t terrify the timid.
The Dragonflier has a minimum height requirement of 39 inches and a maximum height requirement of 81 inches. Riders under 48 inches must be accompanied by someone 16 or older.
The FireChaser Express is a dual-launch family coaster that transports riders both forward and backward (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
7. FireChaser Express
Another family coaster that offers an amusing ride for all. The FireChaser is the nation’s first dual-launch family coaster, launching riders forward and backward.
The FireChaser isn’t going to blow anyone away, but the theming – which revolves around battling forest fires – is fun. At 34.5 mph, the ride, located in Wilderness Pass, is quick enough to be exhilarating but it’s not overpowering.
The FireChaser has a minimum height requirement of 39 inches and guests under 48 inches must be accompanied by someone 16 or older.
Tennessee Tornado was Dollywood’s first g-force roller coaster. It features multiple inversions and high speeds (media photo courtesy of Dollywood)
6. Tennessee Tornado
Dollywood’s first foray into real g-force roller coastering, the Tornado opened in 1999 to rave reviews. The swirling loops of the Tornado include a 128-foot drop through a mountain at speeds approaching 70 mph.
It has been surpassed over the years by newer editions, but it serves as a significant milestone in Dollywood history. Specifically, the turning point where Dollywood officials planted their flag in the sand signifying Dollywood was going to be more than a theme park. And it still packs a heckuva punch.
The minimum height for the Tennessee Tornado, located in Craftsman’s Valley, is 48 inches.
Thunderhead is a traditional wooden coaster with a 100-foot drop and a top speed of 55 mph (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
5. Thunderhead
I love the old-timey wooden roller coasters like the Blue Streak at Cedar Point or The Racer at King’s Island. These aren’t necessarily technological wonders; they just go fast up and down some hills and give the sensation of free-falling.
I like the idea of riding a coaster my grandparents could have taken my parents on. Thunderhead, located in Timber Canyon, is a modern take on that tradition. There are more twists and turns than on the classic coasters, but I think some of that is simply the demands of the terrain.
With a 100-foot vertical drop and a top speed of 55 mph, Thunderhead doesn’t need a lot of loops or inversions to give thrills.
The minimum height for Thunderhead is 48 inches.
The Wild Eagle has a unique side-seat design that makes riders feel like they are “flying” alongside the track (media photo courtesy of Dollywood)
4. Wild Eagle
Located in Wilderness Pass, the Wild Eagle is a majestic ride, befitting its namesake. A steel wing coaster, the Eagle was the first of its kind in the United States when it opened in 2012.
The coaster reaches a height of 210 feet and a top speed of 61 mph. With seats beside the track, the Wild Eagle’s riders have nothing above or below them as they soar through a series of loops and inversions 21 stories above the park below.
The ride is relatively smooth and offers some of the best views in the park when you can take the time to look. However, the unique restraints can be uncomfortable at times.
The minimum height for Wild Eagle is 50 inches and the maximum height is 78 inches – or 6-foot-5.
Mystery Mine is a Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter which basically means it’s a steel looping coaster with separate cars instead of connected multi-cart trains (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
3. Mystery Mine
Located in Timber Canyon, Mystery Mine is set inside a haunted mining operation from the 19th century. The combination of ride and theming is the best in the park.
The ride itself isn’t especially tall or fast, but it is thrilling. Top speeds reach 43 mph and height is 85.3 feet. The 1,811-foot track takes riders through the abandoned, haunted coal mine.
The ride changed significantly before the 2021 season when a vertical U-turn was removed. The ride features a pair of vertical lifts, a 95-degree drop and a turnover loop.
The minimum height for Mystery Mine is 48 inches.
A rendering of the new ride shows a steel coaster with a Jeep-like car, taking riders on an adventure to find Big Bear (photo by Daniel Munson/TheSmokies.com)
2. Big Bear Mountain
We’re speculating that this ride will be No. 2 worthy. It’s set to debut in the spring of 2023.
The coaster will riders on a journey to find Big Bear with Ned Oakley, who has suspected that Big Bear has been hiding around Wildwood Grove.
It’s a record-breaking coaster for the park, and it’s expected to be the park’s longest coaster and the first with on-board audio. The ride will have a top speed of 48 mph and will pass behind a waterfall and have three separate launches.
The minimum height requirement for Big Bear Mountain will be 39 inches tall, making it perfect for the whole family.
The infamous wooden/steel hyrbid Lightning Rod experiences a lot of downtime and technical issues. But those thrill-seekers who have been fortunate enough to ride usually agree that it’s one of the best coasters in the park (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
1. Lightning Rod
I was there the day the Lightning Rod was supposed to open. Dolly Parton was there on a make-shift stage ready to announce the park’s massive new attraction, the first coaster on the Jukebox Junction Country Fair side of the park.
Of the three of us there, Dolly, the ride and I, only two were working. The Lightning Rod’s opening was delayed due to problems with the launch system.
Initially marketed as a wooden roller coaster themed to the hot rod cars from the 1950s, the Lightning Rod was modified for the 2021 season with much of its wooden track replaced by steel. In addition to being the first wooden roller coaster to feature that type of launch mechanism, it was the fastest wooden coaster in the world, reaching 73 mph.
However, the ride has been plagued over the years by frequent issues that have resulted in periodic closures since that 2016 opening.
Why then, you might be asking, is this the top-ranked coaster at Dollywood? Because when it’s working, it’s a fantastic ride, rated the fifth-best coaster in the United State by USA Today in August of 2021 and the second-best wooden coaster in the United States by TripSavvy in November of 2020.
Honestly, it is amazing to think how far Dollywood has come in the nearly 40 years since Dolly put her name on it.
Today, the former Rebel Railroad, the former Goldrush Junction – both built on the back of a steam train that is still in operation – is a thriving theme park with great thrill rides, incredible roller coasters and fun for the entire family.
Maybe in a park full of the best rides in the country, the wildest ride has been the one from the 1960s to today.
What is your favorite roller coaster at Dollywood? Let us know in the comments!
Especially when it involves the hottest family-friendly destination in the Smokies.
Are you thinking about staying in a nearby cozy cabin or will the hotel be a bit more convenient? Have you made dining reservations for the more popular nights? Which attractions should you prioritize?
Finding the right balance of time and money and entertainment involves alchemy with a lot of pressure riding on the results.
Besides, most of us only plan one “big” vacation a year. And then, if we’re lucky, a smaller one.
If you mess up your vacation planning, it can be a long year before you get a chance to relax and enjoy the days you spend the other 50 or so weeks working so hard to earn.
So when you come to a place like Sevier County with so many entertainment options, how do you plan? The best way, for us, is to sectionalize and compartmentalize.
In Sevier County, that’s fairly easy. You can sectionalize geographically.
What are the things we want to do in Pigeon Forge? In Gatlinburg? Or in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
By breaking things down, tourist attractions become a little less overwhelming. Sevier County? Oh, that’s too much! Gatlinburg? OK. I’m properly whelmed.
Still, even when you compartmentalize, it’s a lot. That’s why we’re here to help with the absolute, definitive, unimpeachable insiders’ list of the absolute BEST things to do in Pigeon Forge. At least, in our opinion.
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A quick disclaimer about our rankings
This is the list of the things we like and the things we think you’ll like. But the world is a wide and wild place. Different folks will have different strokes and that’s totally cool.
First, we lay a few ground rules:
We’re not including eating establishments in this list. This is for things to do. Things to eat? That’s another list.
Finally, the city limits of Pigeon Forge are of a shape not made in nature. It is an amorphous blob covered in janky angles. From a certain point of view, it looks like the head and spine of Barney’s sidekick Baby Bop – but maybe that’s just me.
The point is, things may be included in this list while something cooler right next to it may not. This is a Pigeon Forge list. We’re going to try and stick to the rules.
This is why we’ve left out popular Gatlinburg-based attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium, Anakeesta and Cades Cove. And why we’ve left off popular Sevierville attractions like Forbidden Caverns and Soaky Mountain Waterpark.
Other than that? There are no rules. This is based on intuition and belief, if you’ve come here looking for logic and reason, you may well have chosen poorly.
So with no further ado, here we go. Here are some of the most fun things to do around Pigeon Forge, in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
38. Cheesy attractions
Listen, the Pigeon Forge area used to be full of things I could credibly make fun of. It’s a great place to enjoy cheesy.
There are a handful of decidedly low-rent attractions that are beloved by some but also easy targets for me.
Maybe I’ve gotten more forgiving as I’ve aged.
But I think the overall professionalism and quality of the attractions in Pigeon Forge have really grown. Anyway, I wanted to put something here to make fun of, but I couldn’t do it in good conscience.
There’s not much left in Pigeon Forge for me to make fun of. And what is left, I’m afraid I’d hurt their feelings.
MagiQuest is four attractions in one (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
36. MagiQuest
I do not feel like MagiQuest is a top 25 attraction, but I wanted to give it a shout-out.
Listen, I’m a nerd, a geek and a dad. Give me a place where I can crack a few Lord of the Rings jokes, make a couple of Harry Potter references, I’m a happy guy.
MagiQuest is four attractions in one, but don’t go here just for the arcade, mini golf or the mirror maze. For the life of me, I’ve never understood the appeal of mirror mazes. In fact, those things are ancillary to the main attraction.
MagiQuest is an enchanted realm where players use a magic wand to complete quests and adventures and I get to yell “You Shall Not Pass” at decibels that are probably imprudent for my vocal cords.
Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Mini Golf used to be the site of the Magic World theme park. Some of the old props have even been integrated into the course (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
35. Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf
Mini golf is one of the core staples of the Pigeon Forge economy. As a result, the competition for your mini golf dollar is high. I’m not enough of a fan to rate green speed and hole location difficulty.
Specifically, I like that this course is high up on a hill overlooking the rest of the strip. You can take in some sights while waiting for the group in front of you to challenge a volcano or whatever obstacle it is.
Also, a distant relative once got busted for breaking into the Coke machines there at night. It was his thing for a while. When I go back, I feel like it’s a bit of make-up.
The Hollywood Wax Museum is a fun and different way to spend an afternoon, with plenty of fun photo ops (photo by Dr. Candi Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
34. The Hollywood Wax Museum
Fun fact, Pigeon Forge almost got a much cooler Hollywood attraction.
The wonderful Debbie Reynolds – famous for Singin’ in the Rain and the dissolution of her marriage when her husband Eddie Fisher left for Elizabeth Taylor – had a massive Hollywood memorabilia collection. Her son Todd – brother of Carrie Fisher – had a deal to build a museum in Pigeon Forge to house the collection and do a whole lot more Hollywood-related stuff.
However, the deal fell through when the economy collapsed and they sold a lot of the collection. Debbie and Carrie passed away within a day of each other. It’s incredibly sad and what I think of when I go to the Hollywood Wax Museum, which is fun and good. Some of the wax figures are great, others look a little like rejects from better wax museums.
Where else can take photos with celebrities like Johnny Depp, Marilyn Monroe or Julie Roberts?
Axe-throwing is big business in Pigeon Forge (photo by Daniel Munson/TheSmokies.com)
33. The Axe House Tavern Pigeon Forge
Ah. We’re only a few rankings in and already I’m violating my rule.
Technically, I’m not sure the tavern should make the list because of their ethos of “Eat. Play. Throw.” leads with the food.
But the “newest” adventures in Pigeon Forge are hatchet tossing and escape rooms. It’s fun. It’s different. If you’re looking for something to do this vacation you haven’t done, try chucking hatchets.
The Beyond the Lens museum is themed around pop culture (photo by Daniel Munson/TheSmokies.com)
32. Beyond the Lens
Beyond the Lens invites guests to explore the best of pop culture with interactive games, photo ops and entertaining exhibits the whole family will enjoy.
It has a Search for Bigfoot, The Alien Egg Pit, A Human Kaleidoscope, augmented reality games and 4D VR motion rides.
Crave Mini Golf Club has an indoor and outdoor course (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
31. Crave Mini Golf and Toy Box Mini Golf
Crave Golf is a great mini-golf destination that offers a candy store and both indoor and outdoor courses.
The sister location, Toy Box Mini Golf, has life-sized toys throughout the course, which provide great photo opportunities. Plus, you can save a couple bucks when you use the promo code below.
If you’re considering going skydiving, try Flyaway Indoor Skydiving first (photo by Alaina O’Neal/TheSmokies.com)
30. Flyaway Indoor Skydiving
I’ve never jumped from a plane and at this point, if I ever do, something has gone incredibly wrong in my day.
I have, however, done indoor skydiving. It’s a blast.
In fact, if you’re athletic and adventurous, it might even be a good way to decide if you’d like to do the real thing.
The Great Escape Room is located next to McAlister’s Deli in Pigeon Forge (photo by Bill Burris/TheSmokies.com)
29. The Great Escape Room
Escape rooms are the new “it” thing. I get it. You don’t need a lot of space compared to mini-golf or a race track. Adults can play without feeling silly. They’re challenging mentally, but safe.
Escape rooms are popping up like mushrooms all over the place. Certainly, you couldn’t get away from them if you tried.
There are a variety of things to do at the LazerPort Fun Center in Pigeon Forge (photo by Bill Burris/TheSmokies.com)
28. LazerPort Fun Center
If you’re looking for several activities at once, this might be a better option.
The mini golf or go-karts aren’t the best of either category. But the arcade is great and they have two large laser tag arenas, perfect for working out any family aggression that built up on the drive to the mountains.
They also have axe throwing – which for the record is not a perfect place to work out aggression. Gotta be zen when you’re throwin’ that axe.
Big Rock Dude Ranch does not require reservations and has horseback riding that travels into the mountains (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
27. Big Rock Dude Ranch
Big Rock Dude Ranch is an outdoor adventure destination that’s a short drive from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
They do not require appointments, and weather permitting, they’re open seven days a week.
They offer horseback riding, picnic areas, a general store and a petting zoo. It’s a fun place to spend an afternoon in the mountains.
The Island in Pigeon Forge offers a variety of attractions, moonshine distilleries and shopping (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
26. The Island
Pigeon Forge, at one time, was the shopping mecca of the area.
But Sevierville got Tanger and other developments close to the interstate. So the best shopping isn’t necessarily in Pigeon Forge – or at least the best-centralized shopping. While you’re there, enjoy the Island fountain show.
While you’re at the Island, you can try an escape game, visit a gift shop or grab some ice cream. You might even catch live music at one of the breweries if you’re lucky.
However, the last thing you want to do while shopping in Pigeon Forge is to drive all over the place. In fact, you need somewhere with several interesting shops where you can stop and stay awhile. That place is The Island.
Shop, dine and catch a show at Lumberjack Square (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
24. The Shops at Lumberjack Square
Again, with the shopping. Some variety. Some unique shops.
I like this one better because it’s surrounded by better entertainment and some of the best restaurants in town. So it may be cheating.
It’s Christmas year-round at The Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
23. The Christmas Place
The Christmas Place is one of the premier Christmas shopping experiences in the nation. But it’s not for everyone.
In particular, it can be a little disorienting in the middle of August.
But if you love Christmas and try to keep the Christmas spirit year-round, this is the place to do it.
There are also plenty of pharmacies in the area. Ya know, just in case (photo bu QualityHD/shutterstock.com)
22. CVS
This is a long list. You’re gonna need some aspirin.
Rowdy Bear offers snow tubing in the colder months (photo by Alaina O’Neal/TheSmokies.com)
21. Rowdy Bear Amusement Park
Located next to the Local Goat, the Rowdy Bear Amusement Park offers a couple of coasters – including the laser gun coaster and the power coaster. It’s great for kids and big kids alike.
Rowdy Bear’s snow tubing is billed as the largest outdoor snow tube course in East Tennessee. Non-snow tubing is also available in the warmer months.
Xtreme Racing claims to have some of the fastest go-karts in the Smokies (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
20. Xtreme Racing Center of Pigeon Forge
If you come to Pigeon Forge, you’ve got to do a little go-kart racing. Xtreme Go Karts claim to have the fastest karts in town. Turn your inner Ricky Bobby loose and let’s go ride.
If you’ve ever wanted to climb into a large inflatable ball and roll downhill this is your chance (photo by Alaina O’Neal/TheSmokies.com)
18. Outdoor Gravity Park
If you’re looking for something new and different, this is it.
There aren’t many zorbing parks in the United States. When else will you be able to get in a giant ball and roll downhill? Plus, you can try it in any season.
Memories Theatre building was formerly Parkway Playhouse (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
17. Memories Theatre
The Memories Theatre is back in Pigeon Forge. The theatre originally opened in the 90s with tribute band shows, and up until recently, the theater was known as the Parkway Playhouse.
But now, Memories is back and offering tribute shows that feature the likes of Elvis, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton.
Country Tonite Theatre was voted “Best Show in the Smokies” by Reader’s Choice (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
16. Country Tonite Theatre
Country music lovers might enjoy the Country Tonite Theatre. Its shows feature live music, family-friendly comedy and dancing. And it’s repeatedly voted “Best Show in the Smokies” by Reader’s Choice.
So if you’re the kind of person who enjoys variety shows, country music and Reader’s Choice recommendations – add this one to the list.
You can also pose for a photo-op with a bird perched on your hand, shoulders or head (lunamarina/stock.adobe.com)
15. Parrot Mountain
Do you love a good petting zoo? Do you love tropical birds? This is your place.
Walk through the beautifully landscaped grounds, have your picture made with a parrot and feed baby birds. Note that this attraction closes seasonally.
There are many mountain coasters in the area (photo by Alaina O’Neal/TheSmokies.com)
13. Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
There are several alpine coasters in the area, many of them claiming to have the longest in town. Honestly, they’re all good and whichever one is closer to your hotel may be the best one for you.
Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is a 7-8 minute ride.
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is one of the top-rated coasters in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
12. Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
Another great mountain coaster in the region.
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster says the ride is 9 minutes long.
The second biggest attraction at Goats on the Roof is the mountain coaster (photo by Alaina O’Neal/TheSmokies.com)
11. Goats on the Roof
Shopping and a classic mountain coaster. And … goats on the roof. What more could you want?
I would recommend going to the main location on Wears Valley Road. To be sure, they must do a heck of a shopping business to warrant another location a mile or two down the road on the main strip.
But if you’re going to go see the goats, might as well go all out.
Attending a show at Dolly Parton’s Stampede is practically a rite of passage for East Tennessee youth (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
10. Dolly’s Stampede
In addition to being the original dinner show in Pigeon Forge, Dolly’s Stampede remains the classic. And it is the gold standard in the genre for many.
With animals, food and friendly competitions, it’s a show for the whole family.
The Old Mill Square has shops, restaurants and a working mill (photo by J K Laws/shutterstock.com)
9. Old Mill Square
The old mill was built in 1830 and still functions today. The area offers restaurants and shops, and it’s free to explore.
In fact, the restaurants around the square are some of the best in Pigeon Forge. For example, the Old Mill Restaurant often has lengthy wait times, but it will be worth it.
The giant Titanic replica is hard to miss along the Parkway (photo by Daniel Munson/TheSmokies.com)
8. The Titanic Museum
Why is there a giant Titanic replica museum in the middle of Pigeon Forge? I remain flummoxed.
But it’s one of the best attractions in town.
Is the Titanic Museum interesting? Does it offer diverting exhibits? I can’t lie. It does. Go for the “why wouldn’t Rose let Jack on the door” jokes. Walk down the grand staircase, see real artifacts and touch a real iceberg. Stay because the exhibits will pull you in.
Pirates Voyage is basically a pirate-themed Dolly Parton’s Stampede (photo by Alaina O’Neal/TheSmokies.com)
7. Pirates Voyage Dinner Show
For my money, this is the best of the top-tier dinner shows in Pigeon Forge, but your mileage may vary. Generally, people of all ages will enjoy the show.
It goes over the top for allowing me to talk like I’m in Master and Commander and tell my kids to look sharp and step lively. Quick’s the word, sharp’s the action, JP! Avast!
Take a break from all the kid-friendly Pigeon Forge attractions and visit the Mountain Valley Winery (photo by Bill Burris/TheSmokies.com)
5. Mountain Valley Winery
Here, get free tastings. I can’t be the only one who needs a drink.
We’re 2,000 words in at this point.
4. Gatlinburg Golf Course
Not all the golf in Pigeon Forge is mini.
The Gatlinburg Golf Course, located squarely in Pigeon Forge, is a well-maintained course with challenging tee box locations. Also, it is a great way to spend a few hours outside and enjoy your vacation with some physical activity and competition.
But be warned. This course is in the heart of the city, just off Dollywood Lane and a few of the fairways are tight.
I once caught a flier and launched a 9-iron over the green, over the sand trap, out of bounds and into traffic. The ball bounced in the intersection, over a van whose driver seemed more than a little surprised and harmlessly into a parking lot across the street.
Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud features an ax-wielding competition between lumberjacks (media photo provided by Lumberjack Feud)
3. Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud
If you’d prefer to just watch someone else do a little exercise and compete, The Lumberjack Feud is legitimately entertaining from a sporting point of view. It’s a great attraction.
They need to introduce betting. The competition seems genuine and it’s fun to watch. Truth is, I’d rather watch the feud than any of the dinner shows in town and then go eat at Calhoun’s next door.
An actor performs on stage at The Comedy Barn (photo by Marie Graichen/TheSmokies.com)
2. The Comedy Barn
The Comedy Barn isn’t for everyone. But for those who tend to enjoy shows that bill themselves as “side-splitting comedy”, The Comedy Barn tends to deliver just that.
Fans of the slapstick comedy genre report that it’s one of the best shows in the Smokies. People who don’t, fervently disagree.
Dollywood guests dance during the Sweet Summer Nights celebration at Dollywood (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
1. Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country
Could there be any doubt?
Dolly Parton reigns supreme. You want to experience everything Pigeon Forge has to offer? Most of it can be found at Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country water park.
With roller coasters for thrill seekers, cinnamon bread for foodies and live entertainment for all, not only is it one of the top attractions in Pigeon Forge. It’s one of the best in the state. Maybe even the United States.
There’s no shortage of mini golf or putt putt courses in the Great Smoky Mountains. Sometimes, it can be hard to know which one to choose.
Here, we take a look at some of the best mini golf courses in Pigeon Forge so you can select which one may be a fit for you and your family on your trip to the mountains.
Whether you’re looking for the best theme, best price or the best coupon, it’s hard to go wrong with any of the below options.
Remember, pricing and hours are subject to change. Combo packages are often offered, and always ask about discounts when you purchase a second round.
Without further ado, here are some of our favorite mini golf attractions in Pigeon Forge TN:
MagiQuest offers a pirate-themed, blacklight indoor mini golf course (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
7. MagiQuest
Located in a giant castle along the Parkway, it’s hard to miss MagiQuest.
Inside this castle, MagiQuest hosts four main attractions: A MagiQuest treasure hunt game, the Adventure Arcade, the Odyssey Mirror Maze, and last but not least, Pirate Golf.
MagiQuest hosts a blacklight mini golf and an 18-hole miniature golf course themed in a Caribbean pirate village. And, if you score a hole in one on the 18th hole, you might be serenaded by Blackbeard and friends.
Pirate Golf is an indoor course, making it perfect in any weather condition.
Pricing for golf is $12.99 per adult and $10.99 per child at the time of this writing. MagiQuest is located at 2491 Parkway in Pigeon Forge. To learn more, visit their website.
Old MacDonald’s Farm mini golf has a barnyard-themed outdoor course in Sevierville, just outside of Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
6. Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini Golf
I love a good Ripley’s attraction. In fact, the Smoky Mountains are home to the most Ripley’s attractions of anywhere in the world, making it a good opportunity to take advantage of their combo passes and visit even more attractions in Gatlinburg.
This course features 54 holes of the old days with “down on the farm” family fun. And it includes animated barnyard characters, water features and interactive elements.
At the time of this writing, mini golf for adults is $16.99 and $11.99 for children.
Remember, if you buy a combo pass from Ripley’s, you can save up to $35 per person and choose additional attractions, like Ripley’s Believe it or Not! or Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
This mini golf course is located at 1639 Parkway in Sevierville.
You can save $1 off admission if you visit Lost Hacker’s online before your visit (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
5. Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf
This outdoor mini golf destination offers two 18-hole courses themed around Professor Hacker, an explorer, archaeologist, anthropologist, paleontologist and part-time taxidermist.
Guests can search for ancient “gold and diamond mines” as they golf their way through the course. The family can take a mining train to the top of the mountain. From there, your expedition will visit a cave, waterfall, pirate ship, temple and a mock volcano to find the hidden treasure of gold and diamonds.
Pricing for adults is $15.50, children cost $13. Professor Hacker’s is located at 3010 Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
My personal favorite thing about Professor Hacker’s is knowing that it sits on top of what used to be Magic World. Some pieces of the old attraction have been integrated into the current mini golf course.
Pro tip: If you visit them online, you can usually get $1 off admission per person. To learn more, visit their website.
Fantasy Golf is an outdoor putt putt course with a magical theme that has two courses, each with 18 holes.
The courses feature dragons, castles, unicorns and dinosaurs. Prices start at $7.50 for children and $10 for adults, but note that prices are subject to change.
Fantasy Golf does not have an official website. They are located at 3263 Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
The Track offers mini golf, go-karts and an arcade (photo by Alaina O’Neal/TheSmokies.com)
3. The Track
The Track in Pigeon Forge is a multi-level family fun center that features arcade games, bumper cars and of course, mini golf.
Golfers of all ages can enjoy jungle tunnels, waterfalls and tunnels throughout the putt putt course.
The Track is a great option if the family is in the mood for additional family activities like arcade games or go-karts.
The Track is a chain with six locations across the Southeast. The only downside to The Track, in my opinion, is their point system.
Guests buy point cards to use as money. Currently, you can buy 55 points for $50. To play mini golf, adults cost 12 points, children cost 9 points.
The Track is located at 2575 Parkway in Pigeon Forge. To learn more, visit their website.
Toy Box Mini Golf is the world’s first toy-themed golf course (photo by Alaina O’Neal/TheSmokies.com)
2. Toy Box Mini Golf
Toy Box Mini Golf holds the title for the world’s first toy-themed mini golf. The outdoor course has 18 holes set in a giant toy wonderland. And of course, there is a toy store.
The course offers snacks, combo packages, a laser maze and fun photo ops for kids of every age. Pricing for children is $9.99 at the time of this writing. Adults are $14.99.
Toy Box Mini Golf is located at 112 Dollywood Lane in Pigeon Forge. It comes from the same family as Crave Golf Club, which brings us to our final course …
Crave Golf Club offers an indoor and outdoor course (photo by Alaina O’Neal/TheSmokies.com)
1. Crave Golf Club
This 18,500-sq ft mini golf destination and adventure center has both an indoor family golf course as well as an outdoor rooftop course.
Both courses at Crave Golf Club have 19-holes, which are candy-themed and fully handicap accessible. This location also offers mini bowling, escape rooms, ice cream and (of course) a candy store.
At the time of this writing, one course for adults is $14.99 and $9.99 for children.
