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13 Best Things to Do in Pigeon Forge for First-Timers

ByPaige Watts

With so many exciting things to do in Pigeon Forge, planning your first trip can get overwhelming fast. If you’re looking for a well-rounded first Pigeon Forge trip that includes iconic attractions, Smoky Mountain scenery, local history, and genuinely fun activities, these are the things I recommend starting with.

I visited Pigeon Forge for a weekend getaway to see what was new. It had been a long time since my last visit as a kid, so this certainly felt like a first-time visit. My itinerary was full of classic attractions like Dollywood and mountain coasters, plus mountain views and local flavor.

If you’re planning a memorable getaway in the Smoky Mountains, these are the Pigeon Forge attractions I recommend building your trip around.

A special thanks to the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism for hosting my trip! As always, all opinions are my own.

The Island Pigeon Forge in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. a shopping and entertainment complex at dusk with a pond in front, colorful lit fountains, and two large dinosaur statues facing across the water. Glowing storefronts and pastel evening sky make the scene feel lively and family friendly.

Best Things to Do in Pigeon Forge

1. Spend a Day at Dollywood

Ornate cream and gold theater facade at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with a marquee reading "SHOWSTREET PALACE THEATER" rises above a colorful display for the "Dollywood Flower and Food Festival." Bright flower decorations and potted blooms in front make the entrance feel festive and welcoming.
Large wooden roller coaster at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee rises above dense green trees, with its steep curved drop and lattice frame standing out against a gray overcast sky. Leaves and white flowering shrubs in the foreground make the coaster feel tucked into the surrounding hillside.

Dollywood is Pigeon Forge’s iconic theme park owned by country singer Dolly Parton. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Tennessee, and for good reason — it has fun rides for all ages, it has good food, there’s tons of musical acts, and it’s way cleaner than most other amusement parks.

The park is huge, and if you want to see it all you’ll want to budget a full day. There are more than 50 rides and attractions, 30+ eateries, a packed schedule of daily entertainment, plenty of shopping, and even hands-on crafting experiences.

Here are some of my favorite attractions:

  • The Dolly Parton Experience: A museum of Dolly’s career.
  • Big Bear Mountain: The longest coaster at the park, a moderate thrill ride, and y’all know I love a good bear-theme!
  • Blazing Fury: The park’s classic kitschy coaster that’s all indoors (and mostly in the dark) and has a few fun, sudden drops.
  • Dollywood Express Train Depot: A 20-minute train ride around the park aboard the authentic steam locomotive.
  • Dragonflier: A quick, moderate thrill ride full of twists and turns.

Be sure to try plenty of the food while you’re in the park — it’s way better than your standard amusement park fare. Getting the Cinnamon Bread at The Grist Mill is a must (just know it’s a large loaf, so you’ll want to share it or take one home to-go).

Get your Dollywood tickets here.

Flower & Food Festival

Large bear topiary with two cubs sits in a curved bed of red, orange, and white flowers beneath tall green trees during the Flower & Food Festival at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Stone walls and winding paths around the display make the garden scene feel playful and carefully landscaped.
Hand holds a bright yellow iced drink with a blue straw and flower prints on the cup, with dark round fruit settled near the bottom during the Flower & Food Festival at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Blurred beds of red flowers and a tall floral topiary in the background make the drink feel like part of a cheerful festival day.

I visited during the spring Flower & Food Festival, which takes place annually from April to June. This is the perfect time to enjoy spring in the park.

The festival has larger-than-life flower sculptures, exclusive festival food, new art installations, and new shows.

The topiaries are scattered throughout the park, so you can see them as you explore the rides. My favorite was the Black Bear and Cubs!

To enjoy the food, you’ll want to get the Tasting Pass, which gets you 5 special festival treats. I tried the Sunflower Lemonade, the Mango Tea, the Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet, the Loaded Fried Potato Wedges (these were my favorite), and the Pesto Caprese Sandwich.

Get your Dollywood tickets here.

2. Take a Pink Jeep Newfound Gap Tour in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Paige in sunglasses poses beside the stone entrance sign for "Great Smoky Mountains National Park," standing on a wet sidewalk with dense green forest rising behind her. The photo stop was part of a Pink Jeep Tour of Newfound Gap in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The large park sign and lush wooded backdrop make the photo feel like a classic arrival shot at the national park.
Clear mountain stream runs over layered rocks and small cascades through a lush green forest filled with arching branches and dense shrubs along the Chimney Tops Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The gentle waterfall steps and bright spring leaves make the scene feel peaceful and tucked deep in the woods.
Paige in sunglasses and a purple plaid shirt poses beside a bright pink tour Jeep on a mountain road, gesturing toward the door logo for Pink Jeep Tours. The open sided vehicle and wooded overlook setting make the photo feel like the start of a scenic Smoky Mountains adventure of Newfound Gap near Pigeon Forge.
Paige in purple sunglasses and a blue plaid shirt takes a selfie at a mountain overlook with layered Smoky Mountain ridges stretching into the distance behind her. The mix of spring trees, hazy blue hills, and her happy expression makes the photo feel like a scenic roadside stop while on a Pink Jeep Tour of Newfound Gap in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

What better way to see Great Smoky Mountains National Park than riding around in a Pink Jeep Wrangler? (This especially fits if you want to keep a Dolly theme for your Pigeon Forge trip!)

If you’re usually the driver on your road trips, you’re going to love this Pink Jeep Newfound Gap Tour because you don’t have to worry about a thing, just sit back and enjoy the views.

This tour takes you to Newfound Gap, nearly 1 mile above sea level. There are plenty of photo stops along the way. We stopped at the National Park Sign, the Chimney Tops Trail for a short walk to some rapids and waterfalls, Ben Morton Overlook, and finally Newfound Gap where we stood in two states at once (North Carolina and Tennessee) and walked the entire width (!) of the Appalachian Trail.

Afterwards, we drove through Gatlinburg to an off-road adventure on a 4×4 trail.

A few tips: If you easily get carsick, you can sit in the front seat; this makes the off-roading portion a lot less bumpy. Be sure to bring some Dramamine just in case. You can also sit out the off-roading portion and wait at a covered pavilion. There’s also a huge temperature change between the valley in Pigeon Forge and the top at Newfound Gap, so bring along layers! It was 60° in Pigeon Forge when we left, and 40° when we arrived at Newfound Gap.

This tour was such a great way to start the morning. I do wish we had seen some bears, though — our guide told us the best tour for bears was their afternoon Cades Cove tour in the spring where they’ve seen 20+ bears before!

Book your Pink Jeep Newfound Gap Tour here.

3. Step Aboard the Titanic Museum Attraction

Titanic Museum attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee designed like a large ocean liner rises behind a brick entrance marked "TITANIC" and "WHITE STAR LINE" under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The towering smokestacks and ship style facade make the building feel dramatic and instantly recognizable as a themed museum.
Ornate wood paneled room styled like an Edwardian parlor with gilded trim, a carved fireplace, patterned carpet, and glowing lamps on antique furniture inside the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Two white dresses on mannequins and a black top hat on the table make the space feel like a preserved first class room from the Titanic era.
Interactive Titanic museum exhibit in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with three steeply angled deck sections lit in blue and green, each lined with white railings and large white ventilator pipes to show how the ship tilted as it sank. Overhead sign reads "Experience the Sloping of the Deck as Titanic Sank," and the smaller signs read "15 degrees slope," "30 degrees slope," and "Approximately 35-45 degrees slope."
Grand wooden staircase with polished railings, carved paneling, and ornate black and gold metalwork rises beneath a large domed glass ceiling. A sculpted lamp figure at the base of the stairs and the richly detailed walls make the space feel like the iconic Titanic first class staircase at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

You really can’t miss the Titanic Museum Attraction — it’s the building that looks like half of the RMS Titanic.

Your interactive tour starts with a boarding pass representing a real Titanic passenger or crem member; you’ll be able to find their story throughout the exhibit and find out their fate. As you take the self-guided tour of the museum, you’ll walk through recreations of the ship’s hallways, cabins, and parlors, see over 400 genuine exhibits, and even take your picture on the Grand Staircase.

You get to touch 28° water, try to stand on the sloping deck, sit in a lifeboat, and interact with crew and passengers in period dress.

Book your Titanic Museum Attraction ticket here.

4. Explore the Old Mill Historic District

Large weathered wooden building with a sign reading "OLD MILL RESTAURANT" rises over a parking area filled with cars under a bright blue sky with billowing clouds at the Old Mill Historic District in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The rustic mill style exterior and covered entrance give the restaurant a busy, landmark feel.
Historic mill interior of The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with heavy old machinery in the foreground and tall stacks of paper wrapped flour bags on tables and shelves in the background. Exposed beams, wooden floors, and the working mill equipment give the space a preserved industrial feel.
The Old Mill Pigeon River Pottery, a cozy pottery shop with rustic wood tables and white built in shelves displaying pottery, plates, mugs, and folded textiles beneath exposed beams and track lighting. A tall black and cream vase with white flowers in the foreground draws the eye into the warmly styled store interior in the Old Mill Historic District in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Large Caesar salad topped with chopped grilled chicken, croutons, and shredded Parmesan sits in a shallow bowl with a wedge of toasted bread tucked along the rim from The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe (1). The close tabletop view makes the salad feel like a simple, filling restaurant lunch.

The Old Mill is one of the oldest continually operating gristmills in the country, and the Old Mill Historic District is centered around the mill, with a pottery studio, restaurants, a distillery, a creamery, and shops.

Start with a guided tour of The Old Mill to learn about the mill’s nearly 200 year history. Then head over to Old Forge Distillery for a taste of moonshine, cream liqueurs, bourbon whiskey, gin, and rum, many of which are made using stone-ground grains from The Old Mill. They have free tastings and a cocktail bar.

Do some shopping at The Old Mill Pigeon River Pottery, in honor of acclaimed American potter Douglas Ferguson who once started his pottery studio here in 1946. For lunch, dine at The Old Mill Pottery House Café, once the home of Ferguson and now a delicious restaurant serving sandwiches, quiche, and Southern favorites.

5. See Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Large indoor arena of Dolly Parton's Stampede in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with riders on horseback circling covered wagons during a live Western style stage show, while a packed audience watches from tiered seating around the ring. Bright stage lights and children waving small flags in the foreground make the performance feel lively and theatrical.
Dark indoor arena of Dolly Parton's Stampede in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee lit in deep blue with a glowing set of oversized neon flowers at the center of the performance ring. Audience silhouettes line the foreground while illuminated props and performers create a dreamy, blacklight stage show atmosphere.
Riders on horseback carry large American flags in formation across a blue lit indoor arena while the audience watches from surrounding tiered seats at Dolly Parton's Stampede in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The dramatic lighting and synchronized procession give the live show a patriotic, ceremonial feel.

Dolly Parton’s Stampede is the quintessential dinner show in Pigeon Forge. You get a classic Southern meal while watching incredible horseback riding and acrobatics.

The show’s premise is a friendly competition between the North and the South. When you book your ticket, you’ll get to choose which side you want to root for. We sat on the North side this time. Your team’s horseback riders will compete in speed and skill challenges. Audience members also get selected to compete in some competitions.

There’s music, dancing, acrobatics, longhorns, buffalo, and even a miniature Highland cow named Buttercup.

The food is good, too. It’s a 4-course meal of creamy vegetable soup, a homemade biscuit, a whole rotisserie chicken, pulled pork, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, and your choice of dessert (I chose the apple turnover). Unlimited Coca-Cola products, tea, and lemonade are included.

There are a ton of dinner shows in Pigeon Forge to choose from, so if you can only fit in one, Dolly’s Stampede is the classic.

Book your Dolly Parton’s Stampede tickets here.

6. Spend an Afternoon at The Island in Pigeon Forge

Shopping and entertainment complex of The Island Pigeon Forge in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with colorful storefronts lines a pond where tall fountain jets spray into the air beside a large dinosaur statue. The bright blue sky, landscaped edges, and playful prehistoric display make the outdoor plaza feel lively and family friendly.
Large observation wheel rises over a busy pedestrian plaza, with the steampunk styled "SkyFly Soar America" entrance on the left and people walking beneath wispy evening clouds at The Island Pigeon Forge in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The mix of attractions, storefronts, and open sky gives the area the feel of a lively entertainment district.
Wide elevated view of The Island Pigeon Forge in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, a busy entertainment district with shops, walkways, and a circular fountain plaza in the center, backed by layers of green hills and Smoky Mountain peaks under a clear blue sky, as seen from the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. The sweeping perspective makes the attraction filled town feel tucked into a dramatic mountain landscape.

The Island in Pigeon Forge is an entertainment district with shopping, restaurants, amusement rides, attractions, and a hotel.

Shop local boutiques and gifts from more than 60 stores, eat at casual and quick-grab restaurants, and enjoy fun day or night on amusement park rides and escape room games. Here are a few things I recommend checking out at The Island:

  • Great Smoky Mountain Wheel: 200-foot observation wheel with climate-controlled gondolas that offer incredible views of Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains.
  • Jurassic Adventure: Free installation of 22 animatronic dinosaurs with interactive elements all around The Island.
  • SkyFly: Soar America: Experience the feeling of flight as you fly over the most iconic locations in the US inside the Dynamic Attraction flying theater.
  • The Island Show Fountain: Free shows daily of The Island’s fountains programed to light and music.

There’s free parking as well as a free shuttle that runs from the main parking lot to the front of The Island.

Book your Great Smoky Mountain Wheel ticket here.

7. Stay in a Group-Friendly Cabin at Grand LeConte Lodge

The Grand LeConte Lodge in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, a large lodge style building with gray siding, a central stone tower, and a small wooden balcony stands beneath a bright blue sky. Neatly trimmed shrubs and flower beds along the entrance give the hotel exterior a clean, welcoming mountain resort feel.
Rustic bedroom at the Grand LeConte Lodge in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with a large wood framed bed, white shiplap walls, dark wood ceiling, and a matching dresser beneath a window. A gray futon along one wall and the simple cabin style finishes make the room feel cozy and practical for a lodge stay.
Spacious living room of the Grand LeConte Lodge in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with high wood ceilings, a tall stone fireplace wall, and clusters of cushioned sofas arranged around patterned rugs. Floor to ceiling windows along one side bring in green tree views, giving the common area a bright, comfortable mountain lodge feel.
Row of dark Adirondack chairs lines a wooden deck overlooking a green lawn and tall trees, with bright pink flowers blurred in the foreground at the Grand LeConte Lodge in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The open view and peaceful seating make the porch feel like a quiet spot to relax outdoors.

If you’re looking for somewhere to host a whole family reunion in Pigeon Forge, or maybe the entire youth girls’ soccer team, I know just the place!

The Grand LeConte Lodge is one of the largest cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains. It has 21 bedrooms with private baths and can sleep up to 96 people. It has an indoor pool, two hot tubs, a movie theater, an arcade, and two full kitchens. Plus, it’s literally minutes from the Parkway and all of Pigeon Forge’s best attractions.

This place looks like your own boutique hotel. And, hey, you don’t even have to fill out all the bedrooms if you’re willing to pay that price tag — we stayed here with only 7 people, and that really felt like luxury. But if you do fill out all the rooms and split the cost between families, it can be a better price than everyone getting a hotel individually.

There are 18 king bedrooms with futons, 2 ADA-compliant king bedrooms, and 1 bunk room that has 3 sets of king-over-king beds. I had one of the king bedrooms with a futon, and it was like a really nice Airbnb cabin room.

We had a meal catered and ate on the covered back deck. We hired entertainment to host a trivia game for us. They even have a pavilion designed for weddings and a pavilion for cookouts. There are so many possibilities for groups at this cabin.

Book your stay at the Grand LeConte Lodge here.

8. Speed Through the Smokies on the Lost Mine Mountain Coaster

Lost Mine Mountain Coaster & Mini Golf in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, a bear themed mini golf course with rockwork, a small waterfall, and carved signs reading "LOST MINE" sits in front of a large hotel building. The playful bear statues and mining props make the outdoor area feel like a family friendly attraction.

The Lost Mine Mountain Coaster was one of my favorite mountain coasters we did on this trip.

It’s bear-themed, so that plays a huge part. But it was also a nice long ride through the trees, with multiple different ascents, so it wasn’t just one quick ride down like a lot of the others.

The ride takes you through a bear-centric theme with bears living in their honeycomb huts, climbing trees for honey, mining, building their own town complete with a saloon, making mead, and more.

The Lost Mine also has mini golf (also bear-themed) and gem-mining.

9. Pick Up Speed on the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster

The Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, a metal alpine coaster track with twists in tight loops up a hillside beside a black and white striped building, with colorful flags lining the rails. The red car in the parking lot and the coaster’s exposed steel curves make the scene feel lively and amusement park adjacent.

The Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster is the only dual-track mountain coaster in town where you can race your friend to the bottom.

The track is filled with spirals and two ascents, so you’re definitely not leisurely coming down the mountain on this coaster. You fully control your speed, your race is timed, and the goal is to win. At night, the ride is lit up with LED lights for even more fun.

I did win my race, so if you need to know the secret: it’s to not ever let up on the throttle.

10. Shop, Eat, and Wander Through The Mountain Mile

White retail shelves display rows of necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings on black jewelry busts and stands, creating a neat boutique style arrangement at Jewelry Love by JTV at The Mountain Mile in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. A small sign reads "LOCAL DISCOUNT DAY EXTRA 20% OFF," while the gemstone pieces and layered displays make the shop feel polished and giftable.

The Mountain Mile & Tower Shops is a shopping and entertainment district with food, drinks, stores, thrill rides, and putt-putt.

You can eat at Downtown Flavortown, grab a drink at Junction 35 Spirits, shop for jewelry at Jewelry Love by JTV or Pandora, grab something sweet at Cinnaholic or Crumbl, or pick up some souvenirs at The Mountain Mile General Store.

When you’re feeling like a thrill, take a ride on the Mountain Monster drop, swing, or launch. Or if you want something more low-key, play a game of Scooby-Doo! Mystery Putt.

11. Test Your Senses at Ripley’s Illusion Lab

Paige in a purple plaid shirt and white sneakers playfully hugs a standing black bear statue beside a faux tree trunk inside a forest themed display at Ripley's Illusion Lab in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The woodland backdrop and her laughing pose make the scene feel like a fun souvenir photo from a nature attraction.
Paige in a purple plaid shirt appears to hang upside down from the ceiling in a bright blue bathroom style illusion room at Ripley's Illusion Lab in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, with her hands reaching toward an overflowing laundry basket below. The white sink cabinet, towel rack, and "VAN GOGH" wall art make the topsy turvy scene feel playful and surreal.
Paige in a purple plaid shirt and jeans lounges on a bright red lip shaped couch inside a vivid pink and purple room with glowing hanging light strands behind her at Ripley's Illusion Lab in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The dramatic colors and playful furniture make the space feel like a fun photo backdrop at an immersive attraction.
Paige laughs with only her head visible through a circular opening in a mint green table, creating a playful illusion that her body has disappeared at Ripley's Illusion Lab in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Bold geometric walls in teal, navy, and orange and the oversized table make the scene feel like a quirky interactive museum exhibit.

Ripley’s Illusion Lab is a great for when it’s a rainy or cold day in Pigeon Forge and you need something to do indoors.

This interactive museum has photo spots, games, and interactive exhibits that teach about perspective and optical illusions.

There isn’t a ton to this museum; we spent less than 20 minutes here. If you have young kids who would be fascinated by the illusions, you might spend longer. But as adults who already know how these things work, this was more of a quick and fun selfie stop.

12. Sip Local Wine, Cider, and Shine

Spacious tasting room for Tennessee Stud Cider in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with dark wood counters, shelves lined with bottled drinks and merchandise, and crystal chandeliers hanging from a glossy dark ceiling. A few customers stand at the central counter, giving the polished shop a refined distillery or brewery tasting room feel.
Cozy lounge corner with a long tufted tan leather banquette, small round cafe tables, and black bentwood chairs beneath string lights. A glowing sign on the wall reads "OLD FORGE Cocktails," making the space feel like a warm, retro cocktail bar inside Old Forge Distillery in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

If it’s one thing Pigeon Forge has plenty of, it’s free tastings. Wines, ciders, moonshine, bourbon, whiskey, you name it.

Here are a few of my favorite place to taste a lot of local alcohol, and bring some home for later:

You can also drink your way through the Rock Top Wine Trail for local wineries throughout Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville.

13. Eat Your Way Around Pigeon Forge

Plate of rolled crepes dusted with powdered sugar and filled with pale cream, topped with warm cinnamon apple compote and a swirl of whipped cream from Sawyer's Farmhouse Breakfast in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The sweet topping spilling over the crepes makes the breakfast feel rich and indulgent.
Alt text: Club sandwich cut into triangles and stacked beside a fresh spinach salad topped with strawberries, orange slices, crumbled white cheese, and sliced almonds, with a cup of red dressing on the side from The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The mix of deli meat, crisp greens, and fruit makes the plate feel like a light but filling lunch.
Two pizzas are stacked on a metal stand over a wooden table, with the top pie topped with pineapple and bits of meat and the bottom pie covered in melted cheese and green pesto like sauce from West By God CoalFired Pizza in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Charred crust, bright toppings, and a few pepperoncini on the tray give the meal a casual pizzeria feel.
Plate with two slices of avocado toast topped with crumbled white cheese, diced tomatoes, and a dark balsamic style drizzle, served beside two sunny side up eggs from Frizzle Chicken Cafe in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The simple breakfast plating on a wooden table makes the meal feel fresh and hearty.

There are a ton of great places to eat in Pigeon Forge. Here are a few of my favorite restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner:

Pigeon Forge Activities Map

Ready to explore all these fun things to do in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee? Use the map below to find all the activities on this list.

I hope you have a great first visit to Pigeon Forge!

Top Pigeon Forge Tours

Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge

More Tennessee Travel Guides

Ready to visit Pigeon Forge, TN? Plan your trip with these tips.

Cheers!

Paige

13 Best Things to Do in Pigeon Forge for First-Timers

What are your favorite things to do in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee? Let me know in the comments!

Paige Watts is a travel expert and author of What's With Atlanta?, a guide to the quirks and charm of the ATL. A life-long traveler, Paige is dedicated to helping you discover the best things to do in the Southern USA and around the world. Her work has been featured in The Culture Trip, Matador, Newsbreak, MSN, NPR, and countless other interviews and podcasts.

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