Photo courtesy of Alcatraz East
Visitors and residents have plenty of opportunity for fun, learning and exploring.
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (May 19, 2025) – Each year, millions of visitors and locals flock to the Pigeon Forge area. Large crowds of all ages are drawn to various activities to explore. Families enjoy planning trips to the area, knowing they will find something everyone can engage in. Knowing what to visit ahead of time is the key to a trip that checks all the boxes.
“Pigeon Forge is such a great area to visit, whether you are traveling solo or with a group,” said Rhiannon Taylor, sales and marketing manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “There is just so much to offer. It’s hard to visit and not have a great time. Put together the right itinerary, and you can’t go wrong.”
The best itinerary includes a mix of activities that make Pigeon Forge a top destination.
Those looking to enjoy history, mystery, and mountain fun need to look no further than these exciting attractions:
- Alcatraz East Crime Museum. Explore over 100 exhibits that focus on famous American crimes, forensic science, and crime prevention. There is something for everyone at the museum. Many visit to see the car gallery that houses the infamous white Bronco from the OJ Simpson car chase. Located at The Island in Pigeon Forge, there is plenty to do once you have cracked the case. Grab a bite to eat, shop, and test your inner daredevil on adventure rides.
- Titanic Museum Attraction. Take a self-guided tour of the museum replicated after the ship that continues to capture people’s attention. Learn about the history while being immersed in the culture of the RMS Titanic. There is plenty to discover and explore.
- Murder Mystery Dinner Show. People love live shows. Pair that with some mystery and delicious food, and it cannot get any better! Find out for yourself at this popular show that is sure to keep you laughing. This is an experience that the kids will enjoy as much as the adults.
- Ripley’s Believe it or Not.Discover the unusual. This is the perfect mix of nostalgia and quirky. Those who visit leave with a new understanding of oddities that dazzle and intrigue. The museum is a great spot to beat the summer heat.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park. No visit to the area would be complete without taking in some of the beauty of this park. Plan a picnic, hike, or take some down time to surround yourself with breathtaking views. Take a scenic drive through Cades Cove to take a step back in time. Keep an eye out for wildlife while exploring historic homesteads and community buildings..
- Old Mill Square. Dive into some local history! Visit the working gristmill, shops and restaurants. Check out some local cuisine while checking off the educational box on your trip.
- Ghost Tours of Gatlinburg. Everyone loves a good ghost story! This is a chance to learn about the haunted history of Gatlinburg. Learn about the eerie past of the area, local legends, and the ghostly encounters that have spooked visitors.
- FunStop Family Action Park. Adrenaline junkies will not want to miss this spot, known for having some of the most thrilling rides. Take advantage of the great prices and fun for the whole family. Be sure to try the Skyscraper ride – you will have plenty to talk about!
- Rawdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark.See why so many people enjoy outdoor tubing, no matter what season you visit. Feel like a kid again! Visitors will not want to pass up a stop at this park. Explore activities that are fun for all ages.
- Ziplining Adventures. No experience can compare to soaring through the treetops. Several companies offer the opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of the area. You are guaranteed to see some of the most stunning views of the mountains.
“These activities will provide visitors with a chance to learn, have fun, and make memories,” said Taylor. “We love being a part of everyone’s experience when traveling to Pigeon Forge.”
The museum features over 100 exhibits and interactives,
and four temporary exhibit spaces, with many famous items on display, including Al Capone’s rosary, Ted Bundy’s dental molds, and Charles Manson’s acoustic guitar. This top museum is open at 10 a.m. daily. The last tickets are sold 60 minutes before closing. These interactive experiences are available for an additional fee for birthday parties, school groups, scouts, team building, or other special events. To get a discounted rate for groups of 15 or more, complete the online form and allow up to 72 hours for confirmation. For more information about tickets, discounts, temporary exhibits, and all the museum offers, visit the site: https://www.
Alcatraz East Crime Museum has updated its board of crime experts, which includes Derwin Bradley, a retired master police officer; James R. Knight, a crime writer; Robin Maynard, a certified crime scene investigator in Florida; Derek Newport, a law enforcement veteran who worked for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for 20 years; and Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who presided over the notorious case against Casey Anthony, among others.
About Alcatraz East
Alcatraz East is the most arresting crime museum in the United States. Guests of all ages can encounter a unique journey into the history of American crime, crime-solving, and our justice system. Through interactive exhibits and original artifacts, Alcatraz East is an entertaining and educational experience for all ages – so much fun it’s a crime! This family attraction is at The Island’s entrance, 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN. The last ticket is sold 60 minutes before closing. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.alcatrazeast.com.