Go off the beaten path, and escape tourist crowds, at these unusual museums in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. There’s something here for all ages and every interest!
1. Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
Take a nostalgic trip back to Sunday dinners at grandma’s house! You might spot the same whimsical salt and pepper shakers you grew up with, in this collection of 20,000 shaker sets. You’ll boggle at the variety, with shakers for every theme, from food to landmarks to brand icons.
2. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Rare artifacts will astound you. See a one-horned unicorn deer, a woolly mammoth’s leg, a chunk of Mars, shrunken heads, and more. Discover how you’d look standing next to the world’s tallest human. You can believe it–or not!
3. Hollywood Wax Museum
Walk the red carpet with superstars. Pop on a costume, pick up some props, and join the A-listers in scenes where you can take crazy selfies. Pump iron with the hunks, share the spotlight with divas at a premiere, and join singing sensations on stage!
4. Alcatraz East Crime Museum
Fans of true crime stories will relish learning how law enforcement catches the bad guys. Join the hunt by learning how cops take fingerprints, analyze DNA, and run ballistics tests. Experience crime from the wrong side of the law with lie detector tests, mug shots, and a visit to a jail cell. See artifacts including O.J. Simpson’s infamous white Bronco.
5. Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Live your high-octane dreams! See legendary TV and movie cars in recreated settings. Sound and light effects set the scene. Hop into full-motion driving simulators and race like you’re starring in “The Fast and the Furious”! The collection includes cars from that movie franchise, plus fan favorites from “Ghostbusters,” the Batman TV show and movies, “Gone In 60 Seconds” and more.
6. Bush’s Beans Visitor Center and Museum
Find out how Bush’s brings beans from farm to table. Try out cute bean-themed photo ops and learn fun facts about this Tennessee favorite. Be sure to grab lunch in the cafe and ask for the “bean of the day”!
Stay in a Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge cabin and you’re close to all these one-of-a-kind museums. Find your ideal cabin online right now!
