6 Things to Do at the Gatlinburg Space Needle

The Gatlinburg Space Needle is an iconic observation tower and the city’s most famous landmark. Here’s your guide to all the fun at this popular downtown destination. 

1. Ride the Glass Elevators

If you’ve never ascended in a glass elevator, do it here! You get to relish a breathtaking view that gets wider and more panoramic as you gradually rise 407 feet into the air to the observation platform. Kids will love this unusual way to sail above the city. 

2. Take the Best Selfies Ever

Keep that camera charged up! You’ll want all juice for incredible selfies with the Smoky Mountains in the background and Gatlinburg below you. Then put the camera away and enjoy the moment, soaking up the 360-degree views. You can see all the way to the horizon in every direction. Use the free viewfinders to zoom in on the mountains. Maybe you’ll spot a black bear or spy a waterfall far away! 

3. Learn Gatlinburg History

Your trip to the top includes Higher Learning, an exhibit about Gatlinburg from the Space Needle’s perspective. Find out how this icon is so beloved. 

4. Experience Magic and Mindreading

The Iris Theater, in the base of the Space Needle, invites you to “Impossibilities,” a brain-bending, all-ages show! Master mentalist and magician Erik Dobell, a Gatlinburg favorite, will astound you with illusions, amaze you with mindreading and tickle you with family-friendly, comedic entertainment.

5. Play Arcade Games Galore

At the foot of the Space Needle, you’ll also find Arcadia, a lively arcade stuffed with the latest games. Games range from realistic race driving games to classic video game favorites to intense battle and sci-fi games. Love old-school pinball? Arcadia can scratch that itch too! Arcadia features dazzling prizes from companies including Apple, Lego, Coach, PlayStation, and XBox! 

6. Grab a Giant Slice of Pizza

Take a break at Slice Pizza Bakery, located inside Arcadia. This family eatery boasts extra-large single slices of New York-style pizza. Custom whole pies are a speciality too, and don’t forget to try the garlic knots. Fuel up, then head back to play more Pac-Man, skee ball, Halo or Star Wars games.

Choose a Gatlinburg cabin rental so you’re close to all the attractions of downtown Gatlinburg, including this unique observation tower. Take a look at our luxurious Gatlinburg cabins now!