Gatlinburg, TN, is a wonderful town to visit in the spring. Situated in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, this charming town offers a lot to the nearly 12 million folks who visit Gatlinburg and the surrounding area each year. There are some pretty well-known attractions in Gatlinburg, TN: The Titanic Museum is a terrific experience and one of only two in the country. And the world-famous Ripley’s Believe It or Not franchise has 8 different attractions in Gatlinburg, one of which is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, voted one of the best museums in the country in 2017 by the readers of USA Today.
Try Something Off the Beaten Path
But there are other lesser known Gatlinburg tourist attractions that you might find appealing, especially if you’re not a fan of huge crowds, or if you’re one of those who cherishes the unique experience over the most popular. Check out some of these “must-do” Gatlinburg tourist attractions. You may end up with a new favorite your friends have never heard of!
Mysterious Mansion: If you love having your pants scared off, you’ll love visiting Gatlinburg’s Mysterious Mansion. This year-round haunted house will terrify and delight you. Decorated in early 1900’s Victorian style, you’re on your own as you tour this mansion, exploring secret chambers, winding staircases, and hidden passageways. Keep your eyes open; you never who (or what) is behind you. As mom blogger Lindsay Ferrier put it, “I literally felt like I was in a horror movie– and the surprises that awaited us were truly terrifying. The Mysterious Mansion is not for small children, but if you have tweens or teens, I HIGHLY recommend it!” Take it from her, and enter at your own risk.
Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum: You might ask why there’s a whole museum dedicated to the dispensing of seasonings, and it’s a valid question. This eclectic museum houses over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers. Started by an archeologist from Belgium and her husband, they impart their love of these shakers and the history behind them to all who visit, and they do it with warmth and enthusiasm. In fact, it’s their knowledge and passion for this collection that makes this a stop worth making in Gatlinburg.
Synchronized Fireflies: You’ll have to plan ahead for this one, because it only happens once a year for 2 weeks in June. Millions of fireflies come together and put on a light show worthy of the 4th of July. These bugs have found a way to sync up with each other through a process called “coupled oscillation.” This means they all light at once, and they all go dark at once. And they do it over and over. Find out more at the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The word is out about these little fellas, and they’re mighty popular!
Hillbilly Golf: If mini golf is your game, you’ll love Hillbilly Golf. This Appalachian-themed mini golf course is one-of-a-kind, and consistently gets a rating of 4 or 5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor. Take the incline car up the mountain to the golf course at the top. There are 2 courses to choose from, and each is beset with mountain hazards to navigate as you play through. This is one of the most unique golf courses around so don’t miss it!
Visit Gatlinburg Today!
This is just a sampling of some of the unique, out of the ordinary attractions in Gatlinburg, TN. As you’re planning your trip, make sure you give Ski Mountain Chalets a call to make reservations for a place to stay, or visit their website to book your favorite cabin or chalet. They have some of the nicest cabin and chalet rentals in Gatlinburg. They’re sure to have one that’s just right for you!