Top 6 Things to Do in Pigeon Forge TN For First Time Visitors

the island in pigeon forge
May 3, 2021

Have you never been to Pigeon Forge before? You may be wondering what you should do as a first-time visitor! There are plenty of fun things to do in Pigeon Forge TN you don’t want to miss out on the first time you come. From theme parks to amazing shows, there’s so much to choose from! Here are the top 6 things to do in Pigeon Forge TN for first time visitors:

1. Dollywood

dollywood sign

The first time you come to Pigeon Forge, you have to go to Dollywood. This is one of the most popular attractions in the area. There’s something for everyone to do. Try all the thrill rides or take your small children on kiddie rides. Check out one of the amazing shows with singing and dancing, or browse through shops to find the perfect souvenir. Foodies will want to try the kettle corn, funnel cakes, and cinnamon bread. There’s so much to do at Dollywood, especially when it’s your first time visiting!

2. The Island in Pigeon Forge

Another thing to do in Pigeon Forge TN you can’t miss out on the first time you’re in town is The Island. This entertainment complex is full of shops, attractions, and restaurants. Your kids will want to play in the arcade and enjoy the rides. Everyone will want to ride The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. Sit and relax by The Island Show Fountain as the water geysers dance to the music and light up. Grab a bite at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen or Timberwood Grill. Walk through the boutiques and other stores to find a special gift to take home. Everyone will love visiting The Island!

3. The Old Mill Square

The Old Mill and the Little Pigeon River in Pigeon Forge.

If you love history, then you can’t leave without going to The Old Mill Square. This shopping area is dedicated to the history of the city. There’s an old grist mill that is still used to grind flour and cornmeal that is used at The Old Mill Restaurant and The Pottery House Cafe and Grill. You can also pick up food mixes in the General Store, as well as other souvenirs. If you eat at the restaurants and love the serveware, head over to Pigeon River Pottery to see all the handmade pottery and get some for yourself. Plus, you can try spirits at The Old Forge Distillery, get ice cream at the Creamery, or check out one of the other stores in the area.

4. Titanic Museum

The Titanic Museum is another fun thing to do in Pigeon Forge TN for first time visitors. There are only two Titanic Museums in the entire country, and one of them is in Pigeon Forge. Kids will love the interactive portions of the museum, such as coal shoveling and touching a real iceberg. You get to walk through the museum as a self-guided tour, so you can take as much time as you want. There are replicas from the ship, as well as real artifacts. At the end, you’ll go through a memorial for all the people who lost their lives on the ship.

5. Hatfield and McCoy

hatfield and mccoy with truck out front

You can’t come to Pigeon Forge without seeing a dinner show! Hatfield and McCoy is one of the most popular dinner shows in the area. Your whole family will love watching these two feuding families fight during the show through comedy skits, singing, dancing, and acrobatics. As you’re watching the show, you’ll get to enjoy a feast of fried chicken, pulled pork, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and more.

6. Lumberjack Feud

Another exciting show you can’t miss the first time you visit Pigeon Forge is Lumberjack Feud. This show is unique because it’s the only one in the area with an outdoor theater. Watch the two lumberjack teams compete to see who is the fastest wood chopper, axe thrower, and boom runner. Then, after the show, you can head over to the Adventure Park where you can try some of the events you just watched, experience the jump towers, or try the ropes course.

These are just some of the fun things to do in Pigeon Forge TN for first time visitors. Want to know what else you should do? Check out these other attractions in Pigeon Forge TN for some ideas!