Is The Island in Pigeon Forge Free?
Yes — admission and parking are completely free at The Island in Pigeon Forge. You can walk in, browse 80+ shops, watch the fountain shows, listen to live music, and stroll the grounds without spending a single dollar. The only things that cost money are individual rides, ticketed attractions, and food and drinks — all of which you choose on your own terms.
This is what makes The Island so useful for mixed-age groups and budget-conscious families: you can treat it as either a quick walk-around break or a longer evening anchor, spending as much or as little as your group wants.
What Is The Island in Pigeon Forge?
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a 23-acre entertainment destination located right off the Parkway, home to dozens of attractions, retail shops, restaurants, and experiences centered around a relaxing, walkable layout with fountains, lights, and seating areas. It opened in 2013 and has expanded significantly since, becoming a must-visit destination for anyone vacationing in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area.
📍 Address: 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 (adjacent to the LeConte Center on the Parkway)
🕐 Hours: Monday–Thursday 10 AM–9 PM, Friday–Saturday 10 AM–10 PM (ride hours extend later on select nights), Sunday 10 AM–9 PM. The Island is open 365 days a year.
🚗 Parking: Free and plentiful. The best spot to park is in the LeConte Center Parking Lot, from which a complimentary handicap-accessible tram runs to the front entrance during business hours. There is also a parking lot between Timberwood Grill and Paula Deen's Family Kitchen available to guests.
Rides & Attractions
🎡 The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
The Island's most iconic landmark — a 200-foot Ferris wheel with climate-controlled gondolas and panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. Wheel tickets are $16.99 for adults and $11.99 for kids. The gondolas are enclosed and comfortable in any weather, making this one of the few outdoor attractions that works just as well on a cloudy day as a sunny one.
The best time to ride: sunset. The 360-degree view of the mountains bathed in orange and pink light, with The Island's lights beginning to glow below, is one of the most genuinely beautiful moments in all of Pigeon Forge.
🎢 Thrill Rides
The Island features rides that spin, dip, dive, lift, and plunge — a mix of carnival-style thrills that work for kids and adults alike:
- Tornado — A thrilling pendulum ride that soars through the air
- Crazy Cabs — Four rotating arms in intermeshing orbits; a unique family ride
- Adrenaline — Spins, dips, and dives while riders face outward
- Skydrop — Lifts and plunges 65 feet for a heart-stopping thrill
- Island Balloon — A sports-themed air balloon that lifts and spins 60 feet in the air
- Figure-8 Mini Coaster — A mini-coaster with a figure-eight track and free-spinning vehicles; great for younger riders
An outdoor challenge course with multiple levels of difficulty. Works for kids and adults — you can tackle it at your own pace and comfort level. Can be added to the unlimited rides wristband.
🦕 Jurassic Adventure (March 2 – September 13, 2026)
Jurassic Adventure returns to The Island from March 2 through September 13, 2026, immersing families in a world of prehistoric discovery. A limited-time seasonal event featuring life-sized dinosaur experiences — check The Island's website for current event details and any additional ticketing.
🎮 Interactive Attractions
The Escape Game — One of the top-rated escape room brands in the country with multiple themed rooms for groups of 2–8. Book in advance. Read our full Gatlinburg escape room guide →
SkyFly: Soar America — A flight simulation ride that flies you over famous American landmarks from seats designed for realistic flight sensation.
The Great Big Game Show — Compete on a real TV game show stage. Family-friendly and genuinely fun for mixed-age groups.
Arcade City — A full-scale arcade with redemption games, high-payout machines, and prizes. Kids quickly find the high-payout games and leave with prizes, inflatable items, and loads of candy.
🔍 Alcatraz East Crime Museum
One of the most talked-about ticketed attractions at The Island. Alcatraz East explores American crime history through five themed galleries with interactive exhibits, authentic artifacts, and immersive displays. Highlights include artifacts from famous cases — including O.J. Simpson's white Bronco and John Dillinger's death mask — and an interactive forensics lab where you can lift fingerprints and analyze evidence. Best for teens and adults.
The Unlimited Rides Wristband
The Island Unlimited Rides Wristband is described as the best value in the area for family fun — valid for 48 hours and covering all outdoor rides. The Ropes Course can be added for more adventure.
The wristband starts at $39 and does NOT include the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel or museum admission. If your group plans to do several rides across a day or two, the wristband saves significant money over buying individual ride tickets. If you're mainly there for the Wheel and dinner, individual tickets make more sense.
Individual ride tickets start at $4 and go up from there depending on the attraction.
Free Things to Do at The Island
Several experiences at The Island cost absolutely nothing beyond the free admission:
Island Show Fountain — The Island's famous centerpiece. Giant jets of water dance in choreographed sequences timed to music, dazzlingly lit in changing colors after dark. Shows run throughout the day and evening — check the daily schedule at The Island's entrance.
Live Music on the Ole Smoky Stage — Free live music performances are scheduled regularly throughout the season. Check the events calendar at islandinpigeonforge.com for upcoming performances.
People watching and the atmosphere — The Island's landscaped grounds, river walk, rocking chairs around the fountain, and general energy make it pleasant to simply be there without any agenda.
Window shopping — Over 60 specialty retail shops ranging from local boutiques to novelty stores. Browse handblown glass, cowboy boots, Smoky Mountain souvenirs, hot sauces, Parrot Mountain tropical bird gifts, and much more — entirely without obligation.
Dining at The Island
The Island has 18 eateries covering everything from sit-down Southern comfort food to quick theme park snacks.
Paula Deen's Family Kitchen — The anchor dining experience at The Island. Family-style lazy Susan service loaded with fried chicken, pot roast, mac and cheese, collard greens, and biscuits. Best for groups and families who want a full Southern meal experience. Arrive before 5:30 PM on busy evenings to avoid waits.
Margaritaville Restaurant — A tropical island flavor experience in the heart of the Smokies. Burgers, seafood, and signature tropical cocktails in a lively, beach-themed setting.
Timberwood Grill — A more relaxed, rustic dining option for those who want a sit-down meal without the wait times of Paula Deen's.
Mellow Mushroom — Stone-baked pizzas and calzones with creative topping combinations. One of the most consistently praised quick-dining options at The Island.
Ole Smoky Moonshine — The Barn — Ole Smoky's Pigeon Forge location sits right at The Island. Free to enter, live music, tastings of America's most-visited distillery's full lineup. Read our full Ole Smoky guide →
Quick eats: Hot dogs, funnel cakes, ice cream, lemonade, and classic theme park snacks are available throughout the complex.
Tips for Visiting The Island
Visit weekday mornings for the shortest crowds. Most tourists don't arrive until after 10 AM — visiting on a weekday morning gives you the smallest crowds and the best overall experience. Weekends in summer and fall peak season can get very busy by mid-afternoon.
Come back at sunset. The Island transforms after dark — the fountain shows are more dramatic, the Ferris wheel lights up, and the whole complex takes on a warm, festive glow. Many visitors do an afternoon visit for rides and a return trip in the evening for dinner and the fountain show.
Use the LeConte tram on busy days. The complimentary tram runs from the LeConte Center parking lot to the front entrance — saves a long walk on hot summer days.
Compare wristband vs. individual tickets before buying. The unlimited rides wristband can save money if your group plans several rides, but it does not include the Wheel or the museum — compare prices before buying.
Budget control is the main planning challenge. Free admission makes it easy to walk in without a plan — but individual ride tickets add up quickly for large families. Decide in advance how much you want to spend on rides, and consider the wristband if everyone wants multiple rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Island in Pigeon Forge free? Yes — admission and parking are completely free. The Island is open 365 days a year with free admission and free parking. Only rides, ticketed attractions, and food and drinks have individual costs.
How much is the Ferris wheel at The Island? The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is $16.99 for adults and $11.99 for kids as of 2026. Climate-controlled gondolas make it comfortable year-round.
What is the unlimited rides wristband? The 48-hour Unlimited Rides Wristband covers all outdoor rides and starts at $39. It does not include the Ferris wheel or museum. Individual ride tickets start at $4.
How long should I plan to spend at The Island? Most visitors spend 2–4 hours on a casual visit. A full day — incorporating rides, lunch, shopping, an afternoon show, dinner at Paula Deen's, and the evening fountain show — is genuinely achievable and highly recommended if you have the time.
Is The Island good for young kids? Excellent. The carousel, figure-8 mini coaster, and other family rides are appropriate for young children. MagiQuest works well for ages 5 and up. The fountain show and free atmosphere make it easy to keep toddlers engaged without spending much.
Where should I park at The Island? The LeConte Center Parking Lot is the best option, with a complimentary tram to the entrance. There is also a parking lot between Timberwood Grill and Paula Deen's Family Kitchen. Both are free.
Stay Close to The Island
Colonial Properties has cabin rentals near The Island in Pigeon Forge just minutes from the complex — meaning you can pop over for an evening fountain show, grab dinner at Paula Deen's, and be back at the cabin in 10 minutes. No Parkway traffic to fight, no expensive parking, no long drive home.
Browse Cabins Near The Island → | Browse Pigeon Forge Cabins → | Browse All Smoky Mountain Cabins →
