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4 Can't-Miss Pigeon Forge Attractions for First-Time Visitors

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island in Pigeon Forge.
July 3, 2025

From restaurants to shopping to amusement parks, Pigeon Forge has many activities to offer. We know there are a variety of attractions to choose from, and deciding which one to do first isn’t easy. We have put together a list of 4 Pigeon Forge attractions first-time visitors definitely won’t want to miss!

1. Dollywood

The Dollywood Express pulling in to one of the best Pigeon Forge attractions for families.

If you don’t immediately think of Dollywood when visiting East Tennessee, we’d be surprised! No matter who all is with you on your trip, people of all ages will enjoy this Pigeon Forge attraction. The kids can play games and ride various rides in the Country Fair. During summer months, water rides at Dollywood’s Splash Country will cool you down. Excitement can be found around every corner with all the different roller coasters. For those who don’t want to ride rides, you can enjoy musical shows and walk through gift shops throughout the park. You’ll find drinks and snacks at carts, or you can grab a meal from Aunt Granny’s or Red’s Diner. This is definitely a theme park you don’t want to skip!

2. The Island

For hours of entertainment, you should definitely head over to The Island in Pigeon Forge. With more than 35 retail and specialty shops, you’re sure to find something that interests the whole family! If you get hungry, there are a ton of eateries and major restaurants, including Margaritaville and Timberwood Grill. For those 21 and older, you can’t miss trying hard ciders at Tennessee Stud Cider Co. or frozen drinks at Dudes Daiquiris. See an amazing view from the top of the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, and go on an adventure through the Island Ropes Course. If you want to try all of these, you can get an unlimited rides pass. Everyone in your crew will enjoy playing games and winning prizes at Arcade City!

3. Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Supper Show

Axe Throwing at Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Supper show

Pigeon Forge is known for its dinner shows, and you don't want to miss seeing at least one while you're in town! One of our favorite shows in the area is Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud. Not only will you get to witness an adventure-packed show with thrilling lumberjack events, but you'll also get to dig into an all-you-can-eat Southern supper! Before the show, arrive early to pile your plates high with pit-smoked pork butt, creamy smashed potatoes, warm rolls, and more. Then, enjoy a show filled with action from the climate-controlled grandstand. After the show, stick around to meet the lumberjacks and jills! 

4. WonderWorks

Not only will you have a ton of fun in this indoor amusement park, you’ll find lots of “edu-tainment!” WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge provides hours of activities that aren’t just for fun; they’re also educational. With different Wonder Zones to walk through, you’ll find activities on natural disasters, space discovery, physical challenges, and more. For even more fun, you can climb through obstacles on the indoor ropes course or compete against opponents in laser tag. WonderWorks is a great Pigeon Forge attraction on a hot day or when it rains!

With all the Pigeon Forge attractions to choose from, we know it’ll be difficult to decide what to do first. We can help you with an easy decision: where to stay while you’re in town! Check out available rooms at The Inn on the River for your first vacation in Pigeon Forge!