Things to do in  Gatlinburg

Not for the faint of heart, the Mysterious Mansion takes the idea of a haunted house to the nines—and not just because it’s open year-round. A 3-story Victorian mansion with creaking stairways and secret passages, plus plenty of gore, fog machines, and strobe lights, it’s the live actors delighting in frighting that will truly send a chill down your spine.

Billed as an “Odditorium,” this three-story museum—one of 28 “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!” collections worldwide—is dedicated to all things wacky and weird. From a replica of Hogwarts constructed from 6,000 matchsticks to a shark-shaped sculpture crafted from a salvaged jet fuel tank (and most controversially, over 100 Jivaroan shrunken heads, known as tsantsas), you’ll find hundreds of artifacts related to history, art, travel, and pop culture across more than a dozen themed galleries.

One of the most popular family attractions in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is home to more than 10,000 sea creatures across 350 individual species. Different oceanic habitats, a 340-foot (104-meter) underwater tunnel, interactive features, and live shows make it one of the top-rated aquariums in the country.

When the rain or snow hits Gatlinburg, there’s one place to head: Wild Bear Falls Water Park. A heated indoor attraction—though the roof is retractable for warm, sunny days—this splashy locale is fun for the whole family, with mountain-themed thrills, spills, and falls taking over 60,000 square feet (5,600 square meters). Think waterslides, a lazy river, hot tubs, and more.

Rising high above the Gatlinburg skyline, the Space Needle offers 360-degree views of the city and surrounding Great Smoky Mountains. Soak in the scenery as you ride a glass elevator to the 407-foot (124-metre) high observation deck to take panoramic photos and explore educational exhibits about Gatlinburg history.

The Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre is known for Broadway-style shows, slapstick improv, and artistic talent you might not expect in the remote Smoky Mountains. Set in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and proclaimed a National Historic Treasure, the vaudeville theater combines one-of-a-kind jokes and 19th-century style to keep you laughing all evening.