Unique Things to Do in Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg

Prepare to spice up your Smoky Mountains vacation with unexpected and unique experiences. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are two popular tourist destinations in the Smoky Mountains. These towns offer scenic hiking trails and world-class theme parks. However, there are plenty of other unique and quirky activities to try in the area. So, get out of your comfort zone and experience some of the most unique things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

Most Unique Things to Do in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is a treasure trove of unique experiences that go beyond the picturesque landscapes and classic attractions of the Great Smoky Mountains. This vibrant mountain town is teeming with one-of-a-kind activities. If you are looking for an offbeat experience then hang tight because unforgettable entertainment and action-packed showmanship awaits!

Dick’s Last Resort

Dick’s Last Resort is a wild and crazy dining experience where the staff insults, teases, and mocks their customers in a lighthearted and fun way. It’s definitely not your average family restaurant. The atmosphere at Dick’s is loud and boisterous, with a lively bar area and plenty of music to energize things. The waitstaff is intentionally sassy and sarcastic. They have no problem giving you a hard time if you’re not quick enough with your comebacks. It’s all in good fun, though, and most people who visit Dick’s are happy to play along.

Try the Brownie Sundae for dessert – it comes in a souvenir bowl and can feed 4. The portions here are hearty, so come hungry.

Micro Wrestling Federation

The Micro Wrestling Federation is a traveling show that features wrestlers under 5 feet tall. However, don’t let their size fool you. These athletes put on a high-energy, action-packed performance. Wrestlers often climb into the crowd to trash talk and involve fans in the action. It’s a unique and entertaining experience for friends looking for a fun night out. The show occurs Wednesday – Saturday at the Microtorium in Pigeon Forge, and tickets are reasonably priced.

Red Skelton Tribute Theater

As the only authorized Red Skelton impersonator, Brian Hoffman brilliantly brought the clowning legend back to life in the longest-running clean comedy show at the Westin Las Vegas Hotel Casino and Spa, Remembering Red – A Tribute to Red Skelton.

Now based in Pigeon Forge, Hoffman continues to pay homage to the comedic master with performances of Red’s characteristic solo one-acts and narrated pantomimes. Hoffman embodies absurd, creative characters in true Red Skelton fashion and perfectly imitates his one-of-a-kind clown look and gait.

The kids will crack up in delight at this all-ages show and come to appreciate Red Skelton’s unforgettable humor. The Red Skelton Tribute Theater stages afternoon and evening performances that leave you feeling giddy and silly even after Red’s signature sign-off, “Goodnight for now and may God bless!”

Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud

The Hatfields and the McCoys don’t exactly see eye-to-eye. These country cousins have never been able to settle their ridiculous family feud, even over the course of an outrageous battle of musical performances, dancing and mountain clogging, unbelievable stunts, and hilarious chaos. The two families even compete in a mountainside swimming hole, an actual 24-foot-deep pool in the set, to try to win over your good favor. Which family will you root for?

The 1.5-hour dinner show is guaranteed to have you knee-slapping in laughter and happily satisfied with Southern-style cooking. The all-you-can-eat meal includes creamy soup, coleslaw, homemade bread, country fried chicken and pulled pork barbecue, mashed taters and buttered corn, plus a dessert and your choice of beverage. Come see what the fuss is about at Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud!

Dollywood

Dollywood is the premier Dolly Parton-inspired amusement park in Pigeon Forge. The overarching Dollywood brand encompasses a water park, resorts and cabins, dining and shopping, and special events and performances. However, the theme park alone could pack several days’ worth of family fun. Dollywood’s amusement park is filled to the brim with unique things to do like electrifying rides, captivating attractions, seasonal festivals, and delicious eats.

Find over 50 exciting rides and attractions across 160 acres. Roller coasters like the Dragonflier, whose twisting and winding path mimics the erratic movements of a dragonfly, and the Barnstormer, which pendulums and swings up to 81 feet high at a speedy 45 miles per hour, leave you laughing in exhilaration. Lighter rides like Piggy Parade and Lucky Ducky, which cart you in gentle circles led by animal characters, are perfect for families with small children.

Dollywood also hosts unique experiences like Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, where magnificent bald eagles unsuited to the wild are under the American Eagle Foundation’s care.

More Weird Things in the Smoky Mountains

Have you already checked out everything from Dick’s Last Resort to the Micro Wrestling Federation? Are you still looking for more weird things in the Smoky Mountains? Don’t worry – there’s plenty to choose from. Here are a few more options to consider:

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium is a must-visit attraction in Gatlinburg. With over 500 exhibits dedicated to all things bizarre, this museum will leave you wondering. As soon as you enter the building, you’re greeted by a wax statue of Eddie Murphy. The display of shrunken heads is always a jaw dropper and the portrait of actor Jennifer Lawrence is best left to those without peanut allergies.

Each themed room contains oddities and artifacts from around the world. Some include a two-headed calf, a collection of life-sized wax figures, and unusual taxidermy. There’s also a room with interactive illusions and puzzles where you try out mind-bending challenges and games.

Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze

Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze is an immersive experience that takes you through a labyrinth of mirrors, lights, and special effects. Come face-to-face with dead ends, infinite reflections, and confusing pathways. The Marvelous Mirror Maze uses vibrant neon lights and colorful designs to create a mesmerizing atmosphere. Throughout the maze you’re rewarded with a stunning visual display that leaves you in awe. Without giving too much away; the center of the maze resembles a disco ball!

After your journey through the maze, indulge your sweet tooth at Ripley’s Candy Factory, located right next door. This is where you should treat yourself to fudge, taffy, and chocolate-covered goodies. It’s the perfect way to cap off a fun and unique adventure in Gatlinburg!

Circus Golf & Amazing Mirror Maze

Circus Golf & Amazing Mirror Maze is perfect for a unique and enjoyable experience in Gatlinburg. This attraction offers two classic activities: mini-golf and a mirror maze. The mini-golf course has 3D black light decorations and circus obstacles around every corner. However, the true gem of Circus Golf & Amazing Mirror Maze is the incredible mirror maze itself. The maze is self-guided so take your time and enjoy the spectacle.

Parrot Mountain

Parrot Mountain offers you a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of a tropical bird sanctuary. Set on four acres of lush gardens, this attraction boasts over 70 exotic birds. The gardens are full of winding paths that allow you to explore and admire the different species at your own pace.

Feeding the birds is one of the highlights of a visit to Parrot Mountain. Small cups of nectar and seeds are available for purchase to hand-feed the birds. Parrot Mountain also offers a “Secret Garden,” home to Toucans, Horn bills, and Magpies. If you can’t get enough of your serene surroundings then there is the option to spend the night at the Parrot Mountain Cabins. 

Hollywood Star Cars Museum

Immerse yourself in Hollywood’s thrilling chase scenes and pimped-out rides! Hollywood Star Cars Museum exhibits the most famous whips to have zipped across the big screen over the past fifty years.

Snag an Instagram-worthy souvenir photo with the DeLorean from Back to the Future, or feast your eyes on the engine of a 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse from The Fast and The Furious. Geek out over the authentic Batmobile from Batman Returns, or imagine the rush of hugging the curves in a beauty like “Eleanor,” the ’67 Shelby GT 500 from Gone in 60 Seconds.

Not only can you see these legendary vehicles up close, but you’ll also learn some fascinating facts about their unconventional design for the purposes of the films. Hollywood Star Cars Museum is like a year-round car show for your favorite blockbusters’ extraordinary fantasy rides.

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Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are two lively towns offering more than a handful of weird things in the Smoky Mountains. Visit Dick’s Last Resort or Micro Wrestling Federation for adrenaline-filled attractions. For those interested in the unusual, visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! The intriguing exhibits at the Odditorium and challenging mazes at Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze and Circus Golf & Amazing Mirror Maze will surely make your head spin. For a more serene experience, don’t miss Parrot Mountain. Interact with beautiful birds and explore lush gardens.

Look to the Great Smoky Mountains for belly-laughter at Red Skelton’s Tribute Theater and Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud. The educational intrigue found at Hollywood Star Cars Museum blasts you into the fantasy worlds of your favorite movies. As if that’s not enough, the amusement park rides at Dollywood will remind you of how good it feels to be alive. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare to discover the most weird and unique things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

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