Alluring families and friends from the Parkway — thanks to the 200-foot towering Ferris Wheel, shopping bags among visitors, smell of sizzling Southern food, and dazzling decorations with seasonal events — The Island in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a must for your Great Smoky Mountain vacation! Packing fun for all ages, this shopping and entertainment complex has been drawing crowds over the last decade and continues to develop new ways to amaze and delight.
Just walking around The Island can be a bit overwhelming as your eyes are drawn in all directions, especially to the hypnotic lights of the choreographed fountains! Scattered across 23 acres, you’ll spot 80+ attractions, stores, and restaurants — including arcade games, neat rides, Appalachian eateries, candy shops, a wide variety of boutiques, live entertainment, and oh-so-much more — at this family-friendly theme park in downtown Pigeon Forge.
After spending a full day along the beautiful brick walkways at The Island, return to your nearby Pigeon Forge cabin to kick back and relax with incredible views. Ready to see what all the hype’s about but aren’t sure where to start? We can help you navigate The Island in Pigeon Forge for a day packed with mouthwatering meals, top-notch shopping, and tons of unique and affordable Parkway fun.
Make memories at The Island in Pigeon Forge!
Fun Things to Do at The Island — Play the Day Away
Named a family fun center, The Island in Pigeon Forge is full of fun for the young, young-at-heart, and thrill-seekers! After watching The Island Show Fountain — a multimillion-dollar musical addition — get moving and get into some seriously awesome fun at this one-of-a-kind theme park in Pigeon Forge, TN. Loaded with stellar attractions, this place was made for families, friends, and large groups!
Exploring The Island with your spouse or significant other? Check out our couples guide to The Island for a romantic spin with your partner.
Experience 5 NEW Rides!
Family fun starts with brand-new attractions at The Island! These 5 new rides welcome kids and kids at heart to have a blast, feel the thrill, and
- Clockwork — feel your adrenaline rush as you spin and orbit like clockwork.
- Island FARM’n — let the little kids ride around on a lively tractor track.
- Tree Fall Drop Tower — enjoy mountain views before dropping back to your roots.
- Dance Party 360 — whirl wildly while jamming to booming beats!
- High Score — take the whole family to the skies on this sporty balloon ride.
Ride The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
Hop on the 200-foot tall Ferris wheel at The Island — aka the largest observation wheel in Tennessee! With panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains and downtown Pigeon Forge, this 20-minute ride is a must on your trip to The Island. Up to 8 people can unwind in a climate-controlled gondola while enjoying the scenery, and there’s an LED show to match the show fountain every night!
Beat The Escape Game
You have one hour: can you emulate the heroes from your favorite action-thriller movies to find your way out? Choose your adventure in The Escape Game!
- Escape from prison with your fellow inmates before the warden spots you.
- Find the hidden treasure of gold before the mob cashes in on it first!
- Get your hands back on a priceless piece of art in an Ocean’s Eleven-style heist.
- Repair your space shuttle before you become part of the landscape on Mars!
- Stop an international scuffle with just minutes to spare on a top-secret mission.
Bounce at the ThunderDome
Featuring an enormous 32-foot-high aluminum dome structured around 4 trampoline bungee jumps, the ThunderDome is sure to catch your eye. Soar high into the dome or get a little adventurous and try some flips!
Board The Island Express
Spotted the adorable train chugging and choo-chooing around The Island yet? That’s The Island Express! It’s a fun way to get around the entertainment complex with the kiddos, and we highly recommend it.
Challenge The Island Ropes Course
Kids will love this free-standing zipline course with over 25 different elements to find their way through! There’s even a simulated free fall at the top of the course where you can cheer them on as they conquer their fear of heights.
Experience SkyFly: Soar America
The latest and greatest in immersive experiences of the modern age, SkyFly: Soar America is mind-blowing. Take your seat and be lifted into the air to “soar” over famous American landmarks, state parks, and gorgeous landscapes. Gentle breezes, accompanied by scents and mists, offer a truly unique way to simulate flying.
Relax at St. Somewhere Spa
Just want to kick back and relax on island time? Book a day at the spa and schedule an array of treatments to soothe and unwind.
- Hot stone massages
- Couples massages
- Facials
- Mani-pedis
- Hair styling
- Makeup bar
- Spray tanning
- Complete spa packages
Sip Ole Smoky Moonshine
What’s all that hootin’ and hollerin’? It’s a safe bet the bartenders are cracking jokes at The Island’s Ole Smoky Barn. Offering $5 tastings — with a reimbursement coupon for purchase — you can try 13 of the most popular Appalachian moonshine flavors.
Top High Scores at Arcade City
From classic games to virtual experiences, Arcade City offers the best of both arcade worlds for youngsters and adults to enjoy together! And don’t forget to collect points on your play card and collect fun prizes.
Hop on The Flying Horse Carousel
All ages are welcome to ride on The Flying Horse Carousel — featuring 22 hand-painted horses and chariots to take you on a magical adventure. If you’re looking for a traditional amusement park experience to share with the kids, this is it!
Events at The Island — Dive into Local Culture
Live music is always hip-hop-happening at The Island in Pigeon Forge! And you can expect seasonal events to decorate this Pigeon Forge island paradise for the occasion. Check out some of our favorite annual events at The Island on your next visit — and stay tuned for expanding entertainment options at this fun Pigeon Forge attraction!
- New Year’s Celebration
- St. Patrick’s Day
- Chalkfest at The Island
- Halloween Carnival
- Winterfest
Shopping at The Island — Fill Up Your Bags
Explore 40+ shops at The Island in Pigeon Forge that range from apparel and house décor to Smoky Mountain souvenirs and jewelry — and so much more. Here are a few of our favorite places to shop at The Island!
Earthbound Trading Company
This eclectic shop features tapestries draped from wall to wall, small meditating turquoise Buddhas, and earth-toned flowy textiles. Pick up some gemstone jewelry or boho home décor to help the feng shui of your living room. It’s a hip store with some unexpectedly cool finds in the middle of downtown Pigeon Forge.
Tervis
We’re obsessed with the world’s first smart cup at this Smoky Mountain shop! Find every size and style of the cup that comes with a lifetime guarantee; it’s dishwasher safe and keeps ice frozen longer and hot drinks warm longer. Get a Tervis to represent your favorite college or professional sports team or a kid-size Tervis with their favorite movie character.
The Island Trading Post
Struggling to find the best souvenir for that one family member or friend? The Island Trading Post guarantees a unique gift for everyone! Peruse the abundant selection of tees, jewelry, candy, cosmetics, and more for that perfect gift for someone else (or you).
Parrot Mountain Shop
With a towering butterfly tree that beckons you inside, this shop for everything parrots is a spin-off of the Parrot Mountain and Gardens attraction in Pigeon Forge. Along with fun souvenirs, you can meet and greet with tropical birds and get your picture taken together!
Places to Eat at The Island — Sip & Savor
After walking around The Island stores, playing with the kids, and dancing to live music, you’ll work up quite the appetite for lunch, dinner, or sweet treats. Planning to head to The Island first in the morning? There’s no need to make multiple stops along the way for breakfast and coffee because you can find it all at this one-stop attraction in Pigeon Forge.
No matter what you are in the mood for, there are delicious options for everyone! Here are some of our favorite eateries at The Island.
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen breakfast menu is a truly Southern experience, with big portions and savory-packed flavor in every bite! While overlooking the The Island Show Fountain, watch as hearty plates of country classics hit the table like chicken ‘n waffles, Applewood smoked center-cut bacon, and creamy hashbrown casserole. Dig in!
Coffee Shops at The Island
Need coffee to get your day really started? You have some great options here, including Margaritaville Coffee Shop and Cinnabon. Get your classic, simple hot or iced coffee brew from Margaritaville Coffee and take a seat by the fireplace to slowly sip on your morning energy while it kicks in. Cinnabon has a delicious coffee version of their treats; you may never take your mouth off the straw before you finish your sweet, rich drink!
Mellow Mushroom
This hippie-inspired atmosphere is home to some of the best baked-on-the-stone pies. Order at the counter and wait for your unique pizza on the patio at Dude’s Daiquiri Bar. Pizza is done right at Mellow, and they are the easiest lunch to share!
Timberwood Grill
Priding themselves on an authentic Smoky Mountain taste, you’ll love the savory steaks, hearty burgers, and delicious drinks at Timberwood Grill. The lodge atmosphere and genuine Southern hospitality will have you feeling right at home. And we highly suggest trying the salmon and avocado salad!
Dick’s Last Resort
Dick’s Last Resort is a dining experience like no other. Thin-skinned folks, beware, because this less-than-classy but always hospitable staff is locked and loaded with sarcasm and laughs! Join in with them or watch while someone else is the pun of the joke. Sarcasm is the love language of Dick’s Last Resort — and they would love to “serve” you!
The Island Details
FREE Admission
Pets welcome at no extra charge!
FREE Parking & Shuttle
Parking and a shuttle service are available for free to all guests at The Island. Parking is available in The LeConte Center Parking Lot, where the tram operates, as well as between Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen and Timberwood Grill.
Attraction Tickets
While there’s no cost to enter, enjoy the show fountain, walk around, and window shop at The Island, prices for attractions and rides vary.
Hours
Open daily
Location
131 The Island Drive
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Travel tip: The Island in Pigeon Forge is just 10 minutes from Dollywood!
Contact
865.286.0119
info@islandinpigeonforge.com
Pigeon Forge Cabin Rentals — Rest, Relax & Recharge
After such a memorable day at The Island in Pigeon Forge, you’re probably wondering how to top a day like that! Our Pigeon Forge vacation rentals near The Island offer fantastic amenities and plenty of relaxation, and you’ll have pet-friendly cabins, budget-friendly rentals, and luxury lodges to choose from.
Get away from the hustle and bustle of The Island in Pigeon Forge and unwind in a rocking chair with mountains views. Soak tired muscles in the hot tub or spa bath after a full day on your feet. For more fun, splash at your cabin with pool access, host movie nights in the home theater, or play in the game room. Plus, you’ll be within a short drive to fun in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
Make plans to stay in a Smoky Mountain cabin and explore The Island in Pigeon Forge on your next romantic weekend, family vacation, or getaway with friends.
