A Complete Guide to Visiting The Island in Pigeon Forge For the First Time

island fountain summer day
April 17, 2025

Do you want a great recommendation for something fun to do on your next visit to Pigeon Forge? If so, you should spend the day at The Island in Pigeon Forge! This outdoor complex features thrill rides, shopping, places to eat, and so much more– a lot of things you can actually enjoy for free! Read on to learn more about visiting The Island in Pigeon Forge for the first time. Even if you’ve been to this attraction before, you might find out about something new or learn more about activities you haven’t tried yet!

What's New At The Island

The Island in Pigeon Forge has some great new activities to experience while you're there. One of them is the Jurassic Adventure, a free activity opening in May 2025 that features 22 animatronic dinosaurs that make life-like movements and sounds. Bring your camera for some great photo opportunities. Another new attraction at The Island is the Great Big Game Show. Your travel group will form teams and compete against each other in different challenges, such as trivia questions and brain teasers. There will be a live host to guide you through the action!

Location, Parking & Pets

Island

The Island in Pigeon Forge is located close to the LeConte Event Center in the heart of town. Visitors have access to free parking and a trolley stop, so you can get around without having to pay for parking or deal with traffic! The Riverwalk Greenway, a paved 4-mile trail following the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, runs through The Island and connects to Patriot Park. This is a great way to reach fun attractions in the city while still enjoying a bit of nature. Another thing to love about The Island in Pigeon Forge is that it’s pet-friendly! While the souvenir shops and retail stores may not allow pets, Fido can be outside with you. Many restaurants, including Mellow Mushroom, offer pet-friendly patio seating as well!

Things to Do

The Island in Pigeon Forge has things to do for all ages, including a mirror maze, bumper cars, other thrilling rides, and of course, the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. Younger kids will love Sky Tykes, a toddler-sized mini ropes course. On the other hand, adults will love walking through the Alcatraz Museum exhibits to learn about the history of crime in the United States. After the tour, do a tasting at Ole Smoky Moonshine or sample wines at Bootleggers Winery!

Where to Eat

Spending time at The Island will no doubt work up an appetite. Luckily, The Island in Pigeon Forge has some amazing restaurants and delicious options when it comes to food, from Paula Deen's Family Kitchen to Yee Haw Snack Shack. Have a great meal in a relaxed mountain lodge atmosphere at Timberwood Grill. Order the Rocky Top Nachos as an appetizer and the Blue Ridge Chicken Sandwich for an entree, then finish your meal with a slice of homemade strawberry cake.

Ways to Save Money

rides at the island in pigeon forge

The best thing about visiting the Island is that it’s completely free to go and walk around. You can sit and watch The Island Show Fountain and browse the dozens of unique shops. To get the most bang for your buck, make sure you buy the Unlimited Rides Pass and take advantage of our Alcatraz East Crime Museum discount tickets to make your vacation budget stretch!

Now you know everything about visiting The Island in Pigeon Forge for the first time. Take advantage of our attraction coupons to save more money on entertainment throughout your trip!