BEFORE YOU GO
Coordinates | 35.78899° N, -83.55626° E
Baton Rouge to Pigeon Forge | 686 miles
Driving Time | 12 hours, 42 minutes
Why The Island in Pigeon Forge? The Island in Pigeon Forge is a massive family fun center and entertainment complex. It offers popular restaurants, retail shops, live music and tons of rides and attractions. The Island is open year round, so let’s kick off our boots, put on our flip flops, and discover the terrific treasures that can be found in The Island.
WHERE TO STAY
The Island has two lodging options, the Margaritaville Island Hotel and the Margaritaville Island Inn. The Margaritaville Island Hotel's guest rooms include a Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker, a fireplace, private balconies and dual rain showers. The Margaritaville Island Inn offers tropical-inspired guests rooms, two pools, complimentary breakfast, and free bikes to use during your visit.
WHERE TO EAT
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
Southern style breakfast fare, sumptuous lunch specials, and country comfort dinners are all on the menu. Start the day with Chicken and Biscuits or Apple Cinnamon French Toast. After a day of riding roller coasters, dig into Paula’s Best Ever Southern Fried Chicken or her Beef Pot Roast.
Poynor’s Pommes Frites
Casual dining is on the menu at Poynor’s Pommes Frites, a delicious German eatery. You’ll yell ‘wunderbar!’ when you bite into the warm, crispy Pommes Frites (Belgium Fries) served with your choice of over 60 dipping sauces. Finish the evening with a bowl of Spaghetti Ice, a homemade ice cream dish made to look like spaghetti.
Timberwood Grill
This lodge-themed restaurant features delish dishes such as Corn Dodgers, fried balls of pulled pork served with barbecue sauce; the hearty Bison Burger; and the Ribs and Brisket platter.
WHAT TO DO
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is at the top of this list. Towering over the park at an impressive 200 feet, the wheel provides riders with an unparalleled view of the Smoky Mountains in comfortable, all-glass gondolas that seat up to eight guests. The gondolas are wheelchair accessible and good for riders of all ages.
If you’re up for a challenge, take on the Sky Trail Explorer Ropes Course. This three-story adventure experience combines 30 different climbing elements with two zip lines and a simulated free fall called Quick Jump. There’s no time limit, so you can stay as long as you like at the course.
Super sleuths can test their crime-solving expertise at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum. With five different unique galleries, guests can burrow deep into the studies of criminal intent, criminal profiles, the penal system, crime prevention and law enforcement. There are over 20 exhibit areas to explore.
Can you make it out in time? The Escape Game offers guests 60 minutes of twists, turns and jaw-dropping surprises around every corner. You and your team work together to find clues and overcome challenges in order to complete your mission so that you can escape!
I believe I can fly! The 32-foot-high ThunderDome hosts the only Bungee Dome in the area, housing three trampoline-based bungee jumps that will keep you on your toes. Get ready for
some adrenaline-pumping fun.
The newest attraction, scheduled to open in late 2020, is the $20 million Flying Theater Ride. This state-of-the art ride and movie attraction will feature a custom film featuring the nation’s most beautiful natural wonders and iconic landmarks. Riders will experience the movements, sounds and scents of a breathtaking aerial adventure across the United States.
Navigate your way through the Island Mirror Maze. At over 3,000 square feet, it’s one of the country’s largest mirror mazes. Get lost in the fun as you navigate your way through the labyrinth of infinite illusions, countless reflections, and dazzling dead ends.
Create lasting memories together at Old Time Photo. Choose from seasonal themes or the classic options such as a saloon, gangster, or southern belle for your fun, family photos.
