Whether you’re looking for something with a bit of historical appeal, a day of exciting attractions and rides or a place that is fun for the whole family, Pigeon Forge has scrumptious destination for you. The list of great things to do in Pigeon Forge goes on and on, so we’ve chosen a couple of our top picks to help you plan your visit. Read about our favorite Pigeon Forge points of interest below:
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Old Mill Square
Steeped in Smoky Mountain history, the Old Mill has been serving the Pigeon Forge area since the early 1800s when the giant hydropower gristmill became a hub of activity along the Little Pigeon River. The mill provided early settlers of the mountain community with crucial ground meals and flours and electricity until 1935.
Today, the Old Mill’s history is being preserved through a collection of shops and restaurants that form the Old Mill Square. You can find a variety of handmade crafts and wares at the artisan shops and delectable food at The Old Mill Restaurant and Pottery House Cafe and Grille. The mill itself remains a Pigeon Forge point of interest, as it is still in use to this day, supplying ground ingredients for the nearby restaurants including grits, hush puppies, biscuits, corn bread, pancakes and muffins.
Old Mill Restaurants
- The Old Mill Restaurant – A staple of Pigeon Forge, visitors and locals alike making a point to return to the Southern-style restaurant again and again. The double-
tiered dining room offers gorgeous views of the historic Old Mill and the Little Pigeon River, as well as the famous water wheel that keeps the mill churning out meals and flours to this day. The Old Mill Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner family-style, so you can expect big portions and phenomenal tastes.
- Pottery House Cafe & Grille – A sister kitchen and restaurant of the Old Mill Restaurant, Pottery House Cafe & Grille, offers a unique and gorgeous dining experience with stone floors, a giant stone fireplace and plates, bowls and salt shakers handmade next door by artisans at Old Mill Pigeon River Pottery. The eatery serves lunches and dinners that you won’t be able to try just once.
If you’re looking for more great places to eat, check out our list of Pigeon Forge restaurants.
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The Island in Pigeon Forge
Located just off the Pigeon Forge Parkway, The Island in Pigeon Forge has dozens of things to do and see during your visit to Pigeon Forge. Check out the spectacular view from the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, or visit one of their restaurants, retail shops and eateries, live music, rides and games, and much more! We’ve listed a couple of our favorite Island in Pigeon Forge points of interest below:
The Island in Pigeon Forge Restaurants
- Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen – Experience big portions of delicious Deen family recipes at the family-style restaurant that is heavy in Southern hospitality. We suggest their famous fried chicken and banana pudding.
- Poynor’s Pomme Frites – This German-style restaurant will turn you into a dedicated fan of tastes of Europe. Don’t forget to try the spaghetti ice – it’s as delicious as it is unique.
- The Island Creamery – Enjoy a sweet treat from this homemade ice cream shop.
Shopping at The Island
- Alewine Pottery – Established 30 years ago, shop through three generations of handmade Smoky Mountain pottery.
- Ole Smoky Moonshine – Sip on an authentic beverage of the South from this moonshine shop. With more than 20 flavors including Summer Citrus, Blackberry and White Lightening, you’re bound to find something that will suite your tastes.
- Sweet Shop on the South – Enjoy handmade confectionary delights from the owners of Cupcake Wars on the Food Network Channel. These treats are prepared daily with the best and freshest ingredients.
Island Attractions
- The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel – Enjoy an incredible view of the Pigeon Forge Parkway and the Smokies from your climate-controlled gondolas 200 feet in the sky.
- The Island Show Fountains – Enjoy a show every 30 minutes at this state-of-the-art show fountain choreographed to 14 pieces of music.
- Flying Horse Carousel – Enjoy one of the oldest, most beloved traditions in entertainment atop one of the 22 horses and chariots that have been carefully hand painted and styled in a rich Venetian décor.
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Dollywood and Splash Country
You’ve not completed your Pigeon Forge visit until you’ve experienced Dollywood and Splash Country. Ideal for families, couples and kids from one to 100, both parks offer enough exciting rides, attractions, shows and eateries to entertain you for days. Check out a couple of our favorite Dollywood and Splash Country attractions below:
Dollywood Attractions
- Smoky Mountain River Rampage – Location: Rivertown Junction – Hold on tight for an exciting rafting adventure on the rapids of Dollywood
- Wild Eagle – Location: Wilderness Pass – You’ll feel like you’re soaring on the coaster that takes you 21 stories above the park.
- Eagle Mountain Sanctuary – Location: Craftsmans Valley – View the country’s biggest collection of non-releasable bald eagles.
- FireChaser Express – Location: Wilderness Pass – Don’t even think of closing your eyes during this back and forth ride on America’s dual-launch, dual-direction roller coaster.
Attractions at Splash Country
- RiverRush – Location: Near Cascades – Race through the Smokies on Tennessee’s first and only water coaster.
- Bear Mountain Fire Tower – Location: Near Cascades – Prepare for a bit more than a drizzle beneath the Bear Mountain Fire Tower.
- Big Bear Plunge – Location: Near Cascades – Plunge into dark caverns with drops and bends on this river expeditions.
- Downbound Float Trip – Location: Near Park Entrance – Relax on this 1,500-foot lazy “river” surrounded by Smoky Mountain beauty.
Looking for more things to see and do during your visit? Check out our complete list of Pigeon Forge points of interest. We know you’ll have a blast.