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World Exclusive Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, TN Opening Friday, June 14th for a limited time.

Relive one of the most iconic moments in James Cameron’s TITANIC Masterpiece and help set to rest the decades-old debate surrounding Jack & Rose carved wood panel.

30th Annual Mountain Quiltfest

June 3rd – 7th. 30th Annual Mountain Quiltfest. Titanic is thrilled to be a part of the 30th annual Quiltfest held at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN. See 3 stunning quilts made to honor Titanic and her passengers and crew on display.

What are guests saying about our Titanic Museum?

Outside is the Tip of the Iceberg!

Go Inside Titanic for the Big Picture. NEW Artifacts! NEW Displays!  NEW Interactive! Reservations Required as many days are sold out.

Children of the RMS Titanic

For the first time, guests will see shoes worn on the Titanic by Second Class Passenger Alden Caldwell, age ten months old.

The Titanic Museum Attractions believes in the 4Ocean Movement!

A 4ocean classic and must-have for all of our supporters, the 4Ocean Signature Blue Bracelet is the first product we ever launched. Wearing it is a symbol of your commitment to cleaner oceans and a signal to others that you’re part of the 4Ocean movement.

Titanic Museum New Expansion!

Your museum visit isn’t completed without a visit to our newest addition at the Titanic Museum. Hungry? Now Titanic offers: Sandwiches,Titanic Sundaes, Cones, Drinks & our popular Titanic Banana Split.

Titanic Pigeon Forge Combo Offers!

Save when visiting Pigeon Forge, TN with Titanic Museum Attraction and Ripley's Squarium, Dollywood, Anakeesta, Dolly Parton's Stampede, Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud, Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show, Comedy Barn Theater and Wonderwoks combo offers!

Reservations Required as Many Days are Sold Out

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In 1987, I embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. Two years earlier, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute had discovered  Titanic  and now I co-led a 6 million dollar dive expedition to the site of the sinking.

Our team’s mission was to explore the wreckage, retrieve artifacts and film the broken remains. Standing on the slippery deck of our salvage ship, it was thrilling to hover more than 2.5 miles above the legendary  Titanic .

Our team spent 44 days at sea and the expedition dove to the site 32 times in an amazing 20 million dollar submersible. We returned with hundreds of hours of haunting ghost-like images. They formed the framework of “Return to  Titanic …Live!” a two-hour television special that I co-produced with my partner Doug Lewelyn. This special became the second highest rated live TV documentary ever.

After 30 years Titanic remains my magnificent obsession. I’ve dedicated my career to her and the 2,208 passengers and crew aboard its tragic maiden voyage. It started with TV shows and became these permanent Titanic Museum Attractions in Branson, MO and Pigeon Forge, TN.

These giant museum attractions exhibit one of the largest permanent collections of  Titanic  artifacts and memorabilia. Inside, guests enter a unique world where they can climb an exact replica of the most famous staircase— Titanic’s  hand-crafted Grand Staircase.

I want to share as closely as possible with guests what  Titanic’s  actual passengers and crew experienced aboard ship. Visitors can touch finely carved wooden inlays, grasp the wheel on the captain’s bridge, tap out messages on the ship’s wireless, feel an iceberg’s chill, stroll decks and galleries and listen to stories told by real survivors. I think of it as “Living Theatre” with guests as part of the experience. Plus it offers a realistic, interactive educational experience for students of all ages.

John Joslyn - Founder of Titanic Museum Attractions

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Titanic Museum Attraction

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Titanic Museum Attraction - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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SELF GUIDED TOUR! MANY INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS! A FAMILY EXPERIENCE! Receive a Boarding Pass of an actual Titanic passenger/crew member View $4.5 million + of Titanic artifacts Walk the $1 Million exact replica of Titanic’s Grand Staircase Touch an iceberg and feel 28-degree water Shovel “coal” in Titanic’s Boiler Room Learn how to send an SOS distress signal Experience the Sloping Decks of the ship’s stern as she descended Sit in an actual size lifeboat and hear true passenger stories Visit Tot-Titanic – an interactive area for young guests 8 and under Discover your passenger’s fate in the Titanic Memorial Room

Titanic - Pigeon Forge

Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge is a celebration of the ship, passengers and crew!

It is said that the best way to respect and honor those who gave their lives is to simply tell their stories.

As the whole world remembers the world’s most famous luxury liner, Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn. will continue to open the door to the past in it’s one-of-a-kind way – letting “passengers” experience what it was like to walk the hallways, parlors, cabins and Grand Staircase of the Titanic while surrounded by more than 400 artifacts directly from the ship and its passengers. As visitors touch a real iceberg, walk the Grand Staircase and third class hallways, reach their hands into 28-degree water, and try to stand on the sloping decks, they learn what it was like on the RMS Titanic by experiencing it first-hand.

Each guest entering the ship will receive a boarding pass of an actual Titanic passenger or crew. Feel their spirit presence in the galleries where over 400 personal and private artifacts are on display. Many are on display for the first time in the world. This collection is valued at over four and a half million dollars. This is a self-guided tour.

Discover your passenger or crew’s fate in the Titanic Memorial Room where 2,208 names line this historic wall.

The heart of the ship is the Grand Staircase, constructed from the original Harland & Wolff plans with its oak carvings and cherub statue. Here, a magnificent glass dome reflects light off oak wall paneling and elaborate railings and iron scrollwork. Wide, sweeping steps and landings provide a spectacular area where the original guests of the RMS Titanic made their appearances. You’ll be surprised to learn what the floor was made of – something considered most expensive for 1912.

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Titanic Museum

Top choice in East Tennessee

On April 15, 1912, the steamship Titanic sank on her maiden voyage after colliding with an iceberg. The ship's history and the stories of many of her passengers are shared through artifacts, black-and-white photographs, personal histories and thoughtful interactive displays. Highlights include an actual deck chair from the ship, a replica of the grand staircase, and a haunting musical tribute to the ship's young musicians, who chose to stay onboard and play, possibly to keep passengers calm. All perished.

Every guest entering the museum is handed a boarding pass linked to a real-life passenger. Will you survive? Check the memorial wall at the end of the tour. If you're assigned to a 3rd-class male passenger, don't get your hopes up.

2134 Parkway

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Titanic Museum Attraction

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TITANIC MUSEUM ATTRACTION: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

You’ve Seen the Movie. Now Visit the Titanic Museum During Your Gatlinburg Trip!

If you’re passionate about American history, Gatlinburg is a great area to visit. Along with the historic buildings nestled among the Great Smoky Mountains and the world’s only salt and pepper shaker museum , Gatlinburg is also just a stone’s throw away from the Titanic Museum . 

If you’re looking for a glimpse into history, let’s talk about all you can experience when you check out the Titanic Museum in Gatlinburg !

RMS Titanic’s Imprint on History

The well-documented and widely known tragic tale of the RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage has captivated people worldwide since it first sank in 1912.

The “unsinkable” RMS Titanic was considered one of the most sophisticated technological advancements of its time, and the news of its sinking was met with shock and disbelief. The beauty of the ship and the magnitude of the lives lost left a deep impression on people – which is still felt today.

There are several attractions throughout the world that offer a glimpse into the RMS Titanic’s tragic tale, such as our Tennessee’s sister-museum in Branson, Missouri. However, few can rival the immersive and grand experience that our Titanic Museum in Gatlinburg offers, and none can give visitors the added bonus of the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.

The Titanic Museum in Historic Tennessee

Tennessee is a state full of natural beauty and grand history, and the Titanic Museum is no exception. While there are other Titanic Museum attractions in America, the Titanic Museum in Gatlinburg is the largest permanent one.

Tennessee’s Titanic Museum was opened in 2010 and delivers an authentic experience that allows you to feel like real passengers.

The experience begins even before you even walk through the door. It’s easy to spot the Titanic Museum from Parkway as you draw near – the Titanic Museum Attraction is a half-scale replica of the RMS Titanic!

Built in a pool, there’s an illusion that the Titanic is at sea. And as you approach, you’re transported back to 1912 for the RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage.

Features of the Titanic Museum

Educational and awe-inspiring, the Titanic Museum Attraction offers interactive exhibits, a view of authentic titanic artifacts, and special events to honor those who were aboard the RMS Titanic.

Feel the Real Passenger Experience

When entering the museum, you are greeted by museum workers who are dressed as crew members. Step back in time when you’re given a boarding pass and assigned the identity and passenger class of one of the 2,240 people who were aboard the ship in 1912.

Learn about their lives and what became of passengers in the Memorial Room, which gives each visitor the ability to form a personal connection to the history of the RMS Titanic as they move through the museum.

Interactive Exhibits

The Titanic Museum Attraction gives you the ability to explore first-class and third class cabins, send SOS signals, and even take the wheel at the Captain’s Bridge.

See an authentic iceberg, and feel the sensations passengers did by dipping your hands in 28-degree water – the same temperature of the ocean when the RMS Titanic sank. Sit in actual-sized lifeboats, and experience walking on sloping decks that recreate the feeling of the RMS Titanic sinking.

The interactive exhibits even go as far as playing the grand piano and hearing the music that passengers would have heard (you can even shovel “coal” in the boiler room!).

Grand Staircase Replica

One of the most awe-inspiring pieces of the museum is the replica of the Titanic’s grand staircase.

The grand staircase is a full-scale replica of the RMS Titanic’s own staircase built from the ship’s actual blueprints. Intricate oak carvings and the vaulted ceiling have even been recreated.

Over 400 Titanic Artifacts

The Titanic Museum in Tennessee isn’t just the largest permanent Titanic Museum Attraction in the United States – it also has the largest display of Titanic artifacts worldwide!

There are 20 galleries in the museum and over 400 pre-discovery artifacts from the RMS Titanic. The Titanic Museum has deckchairs from the maiden voyage, keys to passengers rooms, a surviving passenger’s lucky tooth, and a pocket watch that stopped exactly 15 minutes after the RMS Titanic sank.

You can even take a look at pictures taken from cameras that were recovered from the Titanic on its maiden voyage.

The total collection of Titanic artifacts at the Titanic Museum is valued at over $4.5 million, and many of the items are on display for the first time ever. This one-of-a-kind experience is a must-see for any history-lover, giving you an authentic glimpse back into 1912.

Self-Guided Audio Tour

While exploring inside the Titanic Museum, you have access to a self-guided tour. Set your own pace as you explore the replica rooms and interact with the exhibits, while learning about the history of the RMS Titanic.

Audio tours are available in  English, Spanish, German, and Mandarin.

First Class Experience for All Ages

There’s a special audio tour available to children who visit the Titanic Museum. Additionally, children are assigned a young passenger from the RMS Titanic that survived the sinking of the maiden voyage.

There’s also the interactive Tot-Titanic, designed for children who are 8 and under, and the world’s largest LEGO Titanic replica. It’s made of 56,000 bricks and built to scale.

Planning Your Titanic Museum Attraction Trip

For the best trip to the Titanic Museum, make sure to plan ahead! Here’s all the information that you need to make sure your RMS Titanic experience is a success.

Buying Your Ticket

The best way to buy your museum ticket is online at www.titanicpigeonforge.com . While it’s possible to buy your ticket at the Titanic Museum on the day-of, there’s a risk that the museum will be sold out.

General admission tickets are typically $35 for adults, $15 for children between 5 – 12, and free for children under the age of 4. There are also family passess available for 2 adults with up to 4 children for $115.

Group tickets and specials are available on the Titanic Museum’s website. Often the Titanic Museum Attraction partners with the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show and Dollywood to offer discounts for guests visiting both during their time in the Smokies.

The Titanic Museum’s Hours of Operation

The Titanic Museum is open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Hours during special events and holidays are subject to change – another reason it’s good to plan ahead. A trip to the Titanic Museum typically takes 2 to 3 hours.

The Best Time to Visit the Titanic Museum

The museum is busiest during its peak season in the summer. To have the smallest crowd present during your visit to the Titanic Museum, it’s best to go in the early morning right when they open, or after 6 p.m.

If you’re headed to Gatlinburg in the winter, this museum has an Edwardian Christmas experience, which makes for an unforgettable trip when combined with a Gatlinburg cabin and skiing trip !

The Titanic Museum’s Location

The Titanic Museum Attraction is an easy 10-minute drive from Gatlinburg in neighboring Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Titanic Museum is located on Parkway, a major road that connects the two cities.

The address is: 2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.

On the way from Gatlinburg to the museum, you’ll pass by other attractions like Ripley’s Mountain Coaster, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf, Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Super Show, and more.

Gatlinburg Is Waiting for You!

If you’re looking for history and beauty, Gatlinburg has what you need.

With the stretching, natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains, hiking trails, shopping and museums, Gatlinburg is the relaxing, inspiring vacation you’ve been looking for – no matter your budget!

If you’re looking for something to do after you visit the Titanic Museum attraction in Pigeon Forge, check out all of the info and insight we have to offer right here on Relax Gatlinburg ! What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to the jewel of the Smoky Mountains today.

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Inside Look: The Titanic Museum Pigeon Forge TN

Join us as we take an inside look at what to expect when you visit the Titanic Museum Pigeon Forge !

Meredith: Hi, I’m Meredith with Visit My Smokies and today we’re about to board the Titanic Museum right here in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Come along and let’s take an insider’s look.

Meredith: I am. I couldn’t help but to notice, coming in from outside, the ship is massive. Is this to scale?

Titanic’s “Unsinkable” Molly Brown: No, actually the exterior of the ship is half scale. Now, the rooms inside are full scale. We were able to use the original blueprints.

Meredith: So does everyone get a card or am I special?

Titanic’s “Unsinkable” Molly Brown: Oh you are special, but everyone does get a card.

Meredith: So this is a very interactive place.

Titanic’s “Unsinkable” Molly Brown: Very. The children love the Titanic.

Titanic’s “Unsinkable” Molly Brown: No, they’re actual Titanic artifacts. We have over 400 artifacts valued at $4 million.

Meredith: So they were on the Titanic?

Titanic’s “Unsinkable” Molly Brown: Everything was on the Titanic. Anything you see in glass or under cases are true Titanic artifacts. This is a beautiful cut out and all the different passengers and the grand staircase, first class dining. Of course, we did have pianos on board. We have five pianos, and then over here is the actual voyage, the actual route that the Titanic took during the maiden voyage.

Meredith: You have quite a few artifacts here. Where did you get these from?

Titanic’s “Unsinkable” Molly Brown: The artifacts – they were either found floating in the ocean, came off victim’s bodies or carried off by survivors. It’s amazing what was found in the trunks as they were floating.

Now, the grand staircase is to scale. The entire rotunda is just like you were on the ship and, of course, the most expensive part of the staircase is the floor and it was a brand new invention called “linoleum.”

Meredith: It’s absolutely beautiful.

Titanic’s “Unsinkable” Molly Brown: It’s gorgeous. It’s the heart of the ship.

Meredith: I understand that there’s a lot of interactive things as well as the artifacts. Can you tell me a little bit more about the interactive part?

Of course, we have the Captain’s Bridge. All the young boys like to come in here because they get to steer the ship. They also have the Tot-Titanic area where the little ones have a smaller version of the Captain’s Wheel. We have a puzzle, an electronic polar bear for everyone to talk to so just think of your favorite questions and Polar might be able to answer it.

Meredith: I love that when you’re in the museum you feel like you’re actually on the ship as if you were there with the running water that was happening over there as if you were in third class. You can feel the history in this place.

Titanic’s “Unsinkable” Molly Brown: Now we’re gonna head to the Memorial Room. This is where you’ll find out your fate. I will tell you that you are one of the lucky ones. You do survive and, of course, I’m the unsinkable Molly Brown so I also survived.

But you know, when we struck the iceberg and sank, time stopped. It stopped for the Titanic, just like this watch. It was found on a victim’s body. Stopped at 2:36 in the morning and every day that’s what I do. I stop time and I tell about the passengers that were on board. Not just the unsinkable Molly Brown, but all of them and that’s our way of honoring them every day.

Titanic’s “Unsinkable” Molly Brown: Oh, thank you!

For more information about all things to do in the great Smoky Mountains, please head over to VisitMySmokies.com , and if you have any ideas regarding attractions that you would like us to go and check out for you, just leave a comment below . Thank you so much for watching. Take care! Bye bye.

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It's not just the Smokies: Visiting the not so hidden gems of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge

As I drove down Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s main strip during a trip last month, I saw the kinds of attractions I’d expect from a family vacation destination: I passed by Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, the entrance to Anakeesta theme park, Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, and many others.

But within what felt like seconds, the museums, shops and restaurants faded in my rearview mirror, and I arrived at a tree-lined entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

“That's what does set Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg apart from destinations like Orlando that may have some more theme park attractions, but we can stay in a cabin in a mountain and see a bear,” said Allison Galyon, a travel agent with AAA.

While the national park – the most visited in the U.S. – and Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park are renowned vacation destinations for families, the surrounding area in Sevier County has plenty more to offer visitors.

‘Conservative Las Vegas’

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge occupy a prime place in Thomas Delp’s summer vacation rotation. The 34-year-old and his family alternate between going to the beach in North or South Carolina, visiting his parents in Philadelphia and heading to the mountains in East Tennessee each year.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

“We enjoy the nice family atmosphere,” said Delp, who has three kids under 10 with his wife, Tiffany. The Winston-Salem, North Carolina, family took a weeklong trip there over Memorial Day, and the couple visit the area at least twice a year on their own. The church where Delp is a pastor does an annual couples retreat, as well.

In Pigeon Forge, Delp and his family have been frequent patrons of the Comedy Barn Theater, and have visited other attractions like the Titanic Museum Attraction and the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud show.

“There's go-karts, mini golf,” he said. “I call it a conservative Las Vegas.”

The abundance of choices may contribute to the area being popular among repeat visitors. “You’ll run out of time before you run out of fun,” said Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

According to research from the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, 76% of travelers to that city alone will return within one year, while 32% will come back within six months.

Learn more: Dolly Parton leaves Dollywood’s thrill rides to guests. Here’s what she does instead.

How to plan a trip to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

If travelers are looking to try everything the area has to offer without feeling rushed, it could take them two weeks, according to Galyon. For a family, the travel agent said a week should be enough time to see the highlights, giving them a chance to hit various theme and water parks, explore walkable Gatlinburg and visit the national park, including Cades Cove , a valley with plenty of chances to spot wildlife like white-tailed deer.

◾ When to go: Galyon, who grew up in the area, especially likes fall and winter, when Winterfest takes place and the area is dressed up in twinkling lights. Visitors can see the displays on tours or explore on their own.

“When I was a kid (with) my parents, we’d just go on drives through Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to see the lights,” she said.

Spring – when the weather is nice and Dollywood opens for the season – and summer are popular times for visitors as well, Galyon said.

◾ How to get there: Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, said most visitors drive, primarily coming from nearby places in the Southeast like Atlanta, Georgia, or Charlotte, North Carolina.

“The other thing that works in our favor is that people see Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Seviervlle as one destination,” he said. While they may stay in one of the three, Downey said, “our research tells us they're visiting all three cities and spending money in all three cities.”

Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport – about a 45-minute drive from Sevierville and one hour and 15 minutes from Gatlinburg – is the closest major airport, according to Galyon.

But no matter how they get there, she said visitors will want to have a car during their trip to be able to easily get between cities and drive into the national park.

◾ Where to stay: The area offers a range of lodging, from campgrounds to upscale properties like Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa . Galyon said the best fit depends on the size of the group, but for the many multigenerational families the area hosts, she’d recommend booking a cabin.

“I think you kind of get more bang for your buck there,” she said. They often have full-size kitchens where guests can cook meals and game rooms, according to Galyon. A cabin also puts guests “more in the mountains."

‘These are my people’: How Dolly Parton stays true to her roots at Dollywood

Delp typically opts for Club Wyndham Smoky Mountains, though his family sometimes stays in Airbnbs.

They recently bought season passes to Dollywood, and will go back three or four more times this year to make the purchase worth it, giving them an excuse to spend more quality time in the Smokies. “We really value our time with family and we value our time together,” Delp said.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville, Tennessee. You can reach him at [email protected].

• 6 Delightful Towns to Visit in Tennessee

Tennessee is a delightful State with a variety of towns that excel at welcoming guests to enjoy their homegrown hospitality. Famous for the Great Smoky Mountains, a visit to Tennessee creates memories that last a lifetime with views that leave a lasting impression. Great people, food, entertainment, and awe-inspiring landscapes make Tennessee a perfect place to spend time with family and friends. The following is a list of six delightful towns to visit in Tennessee.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a delightful place to visit as it envelopes guests in marvelous natural splendor within The Great Smoky Mountains . There are so many things to see and do in Gatlinburg; the most difficult choice to make is where to begin! The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smoky Mountains provides incredible family fun with its variety of marine life exhibits, where sharks, sting rays, and penguins are just a few of the aquatic animals to be encountered. For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, try a stroll across the Sky Bridge at the top of Skylift, one of Gatlinburg’s main attractions. This 650-foot-long pedestrian cable bridge features 30 glass panels on its floor, giving the feeling of walking in thin air.

As the gateway to The Great Smoky Mountains, a visit to Gatlinburg would only be complete with a tour through the famous mountain range where an abundance of natural beauty surrounds you over rolling hills on 500,000 acres of forestlands. Book your stay at one of the region’s luxury cabins for a full mountain life experience with plenty of space for the whole family.

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee , is home to the famous Dollywood Theme Park as well as The Titanic Museum. Both destinations provide worlds of amusement and welcome you to enjoy all there is to see and do. Those who love amusement rides, good food, and live entertainment will be thrilled with all that Dollywood has to offer, while Titanic lovers will be in seventh heaven visiting The Titanic Museum, housed in a half-scale replica of the RMS Titanic. The museum enjoys a collection of over 400 authentic artifacts from the actual Titanic, and the staff and ship are fully uniformed in costumes and decorations to mimic life aboard this world-famous vessel.

Enjoy a visit to Patriot Park to pay respects to the war veterans from the region and enjoy a stroll along Little Pigeon River, a popular place where locals gather for community-based festivals and events. A variety of cabins, condos, and chalets provide comfy accommodations, such as the Riverstone Resort and Spa which offers full spa services.

Enjoying proximity to Burgess Falls, Cummins Falls, and Rock Island State Parks, Cookeville, Tennessee, is the place to visit to enjoy some time in the great outdoors. All three parks provide plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal, with waterfalls, wildlife, and forestlands in abundance. Good food is a big deal in Cookeville, offering wineries, coffee shops, and bakeries. Visitors can also grab a bite at HWY 70 BBQ or Moogies BBQ, two stops along the Tennessee Barbecue Trail. Antique shops and bookstores line the streets of Cookville, such as Jones Antiques, which has been in the business for over 35 years.

Cookville has a wide variety of lodgings and accommodations as well, ranging from luxe hotels to full-sized home rentals. There are also options to rent cabins, such as The Cozy Love Shack, which is complete with a rustic cabin that feels tucked away in a private, treed lot.

Davey Crockett’s boyhood home is found in Morristown, Tennessee, and guests are welcome to enjoy a glimpse of his youth during a visit to the Crockett Tavern Museum, with an on-site trading post and a variety of items for exhibit and for sale that highlights the life of the famous frontiersman. The Morristown Historic District is where visitors discover a variety of fabulous places to grab a bite to eat, as well as a farmer’s market and antique and specialty shops. For an experience not soon forgotten, test your fear factor at Frightmore Manor, a top-rated haunted attraction that offers genuinely ghostly experiences and will give you your money back if you can make it through all five of its haunted locations, that is, if you dare! Accommodations in Morristown include a selection of Inns and Campgrounds, including the fully- serviced Panther Creek State Park Campground.

The Civil War marks the era in which Arlington, Tennessee, took shape as a community, and today, visitors are offered a healthy selection of delicious meals at Vinegar Jim’s Restaurant, the oldest in town, with a menu designed to reflect the healthier diets of the 1800s. The Grapevine Tea Room also offers homemade goodies, soups, and meals prepared with fresh local ingredients and is located in Arlington’s historical Depot Square. Arlington is the location of several properties under the protection of the Preservation of the Tennessee Antiques including a blacksmith shop, post office, a log cabin which all reflect Civil-War-era history and welcomes history lovers to visit these locales for a glimpse into the town’s formative years. To burn off a little steam, visitors can play baseball and soccer or take a stroll along the walking trails at the Arlington Sports Complex.

Famous as the birthplace of country music, Bristol, Tennessee, is home to the Museum of the same name, and visitors delight in the historical celebration of the 1927 Bristol Sessions, which are the highlight of the museum, while it also focuses on bringing awareness to the region’s musical heritage through radio and music festivals. The Bristol Motor Speedway is a speed lover’s paradise, featuring a stadium prime for viewing pleasure. This venue hosts football games, races, and concerts and features luxuriously appointed man caves and other styles of accommodation for top-notch raceway experiences.

Historic Downtown Bristol, noted to have been a joyful and fun place to live for over 150 years, hosts public events and live music designed to bring the community together in a spirit of fun and progress. A stay at the gorgeous Bristol Hotel upholds a 1920s aesthetic and represents a local structural landmark within a boutique-style setting.

Explore the Charm of Tennessee's Small Towns

The Great Smoky Mountains provide the backdrop to the abundance of adventure and fun awaiting visitors to these small towns in Tennessee. A visit to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smoky Mountains is a must, where visitors enjoy encounters with sharks and stingrays. A visit to Cookeville provides not one but two opportunities to taste world-class barbecue while Morriston heralds back to the early frontier days at Davy Crockett’s boyhood home at the Crocket Tavern Museum. Tennessee is a delightful state that welcomes visitors to kick back and enjoy their stay.

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15+ Fun Things to Do in Tennessee with Kids

I f Tennessee isn’t on your radar as one of the best places for a family vacation, then add it to your list. Tennessee is packed with activities that are fun for everyone. There’s something for every age and every interest in Tennessee, and these fun locations around the Volunteer State are filled with adventures for you and your family to discover.

Outdoor excitement, world-class zoos and aquariums, theme parks, delicious food, all in a scenic setting full of history? Yes, Tennessee has all of those things and more.

Let this guide to things to do in Tennessee with kids inspire you to make some great family memories.

Things To Do In Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is one of the most family-friendly spots in Tennessee, and there’s a long list of things to do. The listed activities just scratch the surface of what’s available in Pigeon Forge.

1. Dollywood

Dollywood is the best theme park for family fun. It has rides for everyone, including the fastest wooden roller coaster in the United States, in a beautiful, tranquil garden-like setting with lots of Dolly stories and Dolly memorabilia to discover.

There’s also Dollywood Splash Country Water Park, which has a wave pool, water slides, a lazy river, and more. It’s easy to hop between Dollywood and Dollywood Splash Country.

Read More: Fun Things to do in Knoxville

2. Titanic Museum

Although the real Titanic  never sailed to Tennessee, an extensive museum will make you feel like you’re walking through the halls of the fated ship. You can even get your picture taken on the grand staircase replica.

The museum contains artifacts from  Titanic . Visitors can take part in interactive, hands-on stations, such as walking on a sloped floor that mimics the ship’s angle as it sank.

Where to Stay

There are places to stay at various prices in and around Pigeon Forge. If you plan to visit Dollywood, consider staying at Dollywood’s Dreammore Resort and Spa  or in one of Dollywood’s cabins. Both offer perks for park visitors, such as early admission and free transportation.

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Lodge is another excellent choice. It’s an obvious pick if you’re an RVer, but the lodge has comfortable rooms and many amenities. Their King Deluxe Family Room offers tons of space and privacy, plus a cute indoor tent for the kids.

Things To Do In Chattanooga

Located on the Tenneessee-Georgia border, Chattanooga is a charming small city with a walkable downtown (and free shuttle service if you don’t feel like walking) and loads of outdoor things to do that the whole family will enjoy.

There’s Civil War history throughout the southeast United States. Still, Chattanooga has a particularly interesting piece of Civil War and military history – the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a military member started in Chattanooga.

FYI: The Chattanooga Choo Choo isn’t a train but rather a building. Today, the Chattanooga Choo Choo is a fun shopping and dining experience. If you’re a train buff, you can also include a stop at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum . Chattanooga is big on museums and has several to choose from, including a great children’s museum .

3. Rock City

Rock City  is a nature center with rock gardens at Lookout Mountain’s top. You’ll find moderately easy walking paths and panoramic views across seven states. Rock City is actually in Georgia, but it’s only six miles from downtown and is considered one of the city’s most popular attractions.

SheBuysTravel Tip: A fun addition to your visit to Rock City is a ride on the incline railway . You’ll be able to hear the train when you’re exploring Rock City.

4. Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium in downtown Chattanooga is divided into two separate riverfront buildings, Ocean Adventure, and River Adventure. One admission will get you entry into both exhibits.

5. Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls  is a waterfall located deep inside Lookout Mountain. Guided tours inside the caverns (purchase tickets in advance) last about an hour. Ziplining is also available onsite if you want the treetop view of the gorgeous scenery.

The Read House  in the heart of downtown Chattanooga has an elegant vibe, but the rooms are comfortable, and the atmosphere is generally approachable for kids. There’s an indoor pool for year-round swimming, an onsite restaurant, and a Starbucks. The restaurant might initially seem unapproachable, but it’s very chill and kid-friendly.

Things To Do In Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park , a destination of its own (see below.)

6. Hillbilly Golf

There are a ton of places to play mini golf throughout Tennessee (both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have lots of fun places, too), but the most fun and unique place to play is Hillbilly Golf  in Gatlinburg. An incline train takes you up to the top of the hill, where you’ll choose between two courses and play your way back down.

7. Ripley’s Aquarium

Although landlocked Tennessee might be the last place you’d expect to find extensive information about life under the sea, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokys  is home to sharks, stingrays, penguins, and more. A fun add-on is the glass-bottomed boat ride which glides over Shark Lagoon.

Fun fact: Gatlinburg is home to the only in-state ski resort, so if you’re planning a vacation during the winter season, keep this in mind.

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg is an excellent spot to stay. Despite its name, the resort is super family-friendly, with a great pool/waterpark area and outdoor games.

Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

If you’re looking for outdoor things to do with kids in Tennessee, this popular national park is a don’t-miss. Great Smoky Mountains National Pak has 384 miles of mostly paved roads, making it a great national park to tour by car. The best and most scenic spots to drive are Cades Cove Loop Road, Newfound Gap Road, and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Tennessee and North Carolina

A portion of the park is in North Carolina, so consult the National Park Service’s website  to see what entry point works best for you. If you’re coming from Gatlinburg, the Sugarlands Visitor’s Center is how you’ll enter the park. Take some time to explore the visitor’s center. They’ve got some interactive exhibits, and you can check to see what ranger-led programs are available and grab a map.

8. Clingman’s Dome

Clingman’s Dome is the highest point in Tennessee and on the Appalachian Trail. There’s a half-mile paved trail leading up to the 54-foot observation tower. It’s a very steep climb, but the views from the top are worth the work.

If you’re interested in camping or other hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, check the park’s website for more information, and make sure you’re up to speed on bear safety.

If you don’t want to camp in the park, check out the ‘Where to Stay’ sections for Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. You can also look at lodging options in Sevierville . All of these locations are within an easy drive of the park.

Things to Do in Memphis

Many people flock to Memphis to take the self-guided tour of Graceland, and that wouldn’t be a bad way to experience the city, but there is so much more to do. Elvis Presley’s iconic home in Memphis is certainly a place to start but don’t leave it there.

9. Memphis Zoo

The Memphis Zoo  has various wildlife, including pandas, penguin habitats, and a Komodo dragon. The zoo’s website has an interactive tool that helps you plan your day based on arrival time and how long you plan to stay. You can do a self-guided tour, but if you don’t feel like walking? A guided tram tour will take you around the zoo, an excellent option for families with younger kids.

In addition to visiting with the animals, the Memphis Zoo has a farm train and children’s rides. Sensory-sensitive people can download the free Kulturecity app, which will provide a zoo preview and a map of where to find sensory-friendly activities. Check their website for special events.

10. Go Ape Zipline Park

Go Ape Zipline Park is the perfect outdoor activity for adventurous tweens and teens. Climb and zipline through the treetops at this adventure park, suitable for kids 10 and up.

11. Visit Graceland

Graceland has several tour options if you can’t leave Memphis without visiting Elvis’ iconic home. The Elvis Experience Tour is the best value for a look inside the mansion, plus access to Elvis’ custom jets, cars, and more. More extensive backstage access tours are available if you have more time and money.

The ultimate place to stay in Memphis is the famous Peabody Hotel . Yes, this is the iconic hotel where ducks regularly parade through the lobby. The accommodations fall firmly in the upscale category, but room prices  are surprisingly affordable.

Things to Do in Nashville

Music-loving families will enjoy a visit to Nashville (AKA Music City) with many fun things to do. The downtown Nashville area is a popular adult party spot with many bars and music clubs. Do what you will with that info, whether that avoids the downtown area or carve out an adults-only night on the town.

12. Country Music Hall of Fame

See artifacts and memorabilia from the genre’s biggest superstars over several decades. From country music pioneers to current favorites, there’s something for everyone here . And you don’t have to be a country music superfan to enjoy this. The exhibits are very well done, and there’s lots of outside space to move around.

13. The Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry is Nashville’s ultimate live music experience . Check their website for available experiences . From seeing a live show to grabbing souvenirs in the gift shop, there are many opportunities to make memories through epic family getaways.

14. Nashville Zoo

The Nashville Zoo has a bevy of interesting animals, such as the red panda, two-toed sloth, and many others. Carve out a full day to explore the zoo and petting zoo.

Check the website before your visit. Reservations and timed ticket pricing may be in effect. The Nashville  Zoo  has special programs like backstage tours and other enhanced experiences.

15. Frist Art Museum

The Frist Art Museum has a variety of art on display in its galleries. You’ll find static and rotating exhibits, so repeat visitors will always find something different. The Frist Art Museum is one of the most family-friendly museums in the country. Not only are there interactive exhibits kids love, but admission is always free for anyone under 18, which is a definite win for family travelers.

Other Things to Do in Nashville

Adventure Science Center has a ton of interactive things to do. And don’t forget to check out the Parthenon. This Nashville landmark stands proudly at Centennial Park, Nashville’s premier urban park.

There are many hotels in Nashville, but if you want a family-friendly splurge, check out the Gaylord Opryland and its upscale Sound Waves Water Park.

Read More: When it’s Time to Dine: 14 of the Best Clarksville TN Restaurants

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