Top 3 Museums in Gatlinburg You Can’t Miss

Gatlinburg is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, outdoor adventures, and charming downtown, but did you know it’s also home to a fascinating collection of museums? Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or just looking for a fun indoor activity, Gatlinburg’s museums offer unique exhibits and experiences that will leave you with a greater appreciation for the region’s culture, history, and creativity. From quirky attractions to educational stops, here are the top museums in Gatlinburg that you won’t want to miss during your next visit.

1. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium is the perfect place to start. This museum is filled with strange, fascinating, and downright unbelievable artifacts from all over the world. With more than 500 exhibits and interactive displays, Ripley’s brings the bizarre and extraordinary to life in an entertaining and educational way.

• What You’ll See: From shrunken heads and mind-boggling optical illusions to unusual animals and rare artifacts, Ripley’s Odditorium showcases oddities from every corner of the globe.
• Why You’ll Love It: It’s fun for the whole family! Kids and adults alike will be amazed by the collection of strange and fascinating items on display. Plus, with interactive exhibits, you can participate in the experience and test your own sense of wonder.

Pro Tip: Be sure to check out the latest exhibits, as Ripley’s frequently updates its displays to keep things fresh and exciting.

2. Hollywood Star Cars Museum

If you’re a movie buff or car enthusiast, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum is a must-visit in Gatlinburg. This museum houses an impressive collection of famous cars from blockbuster movies and TV shows, giving visitors a chance to get up close to some of Hollywood’s most iconic vehicles.

• What You’ll See: Cars on display include the Batmobile from the "Batman" films, the DeLorean from "Back to the Future," Herbie the Love Bug, and the General Lee from "The Dukes of Hazzard," just to name a few. Each car is accompanied by fascinating facts about its role in entertainment history.
• Why You’ll Love It: The museum is a walk through cinematic history, and whether you’re a fan of classic films or modern blockbusters, you’ll recognize many of the cars. For car lovers, it’s a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship and design of these iconic vehicles.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to take photos with your favorite cars—many of the exhibits allow for close-up pictures.

3. Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

One of the most quirky and unique museums you’ll ever visit is Gatlinburg’s Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. This one-of-a-kind museum is dedicated entirely to salt and pepper shakers, with more than 20,000 sets on display from around the world.

• What You’ll See: The museum showcases a dazzling variety of shakers, from the whimsical and humorous to the historic and artistic. You’ll find shakers shaped like animals, vegetables, famous landmarks, and more, representing different eras and styles.
• Why You’ll Love It: It’s the only museum of its kind, and the sheer variety and creativity of the shakers make it a surprisingly fun and fascinating stop. The museum also highlights the history and evolution of salt and pepper shakers, adding an educational element to the visit.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to visit the gift shop, where you can purchase your own unique salt and pepper shakers as a fun souvenir of your visit.

Gatlinburg’s museums offer a diverse and fascinating range of experiences, from the quirky and fun to the educational and thought-provoking. Whether you're interested in the oddities of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! or the nostalgia of Hollywood’s most famous cars, there’s a museum in Gatlinburg for everyone. So, during your next visit to the Smokies, take a break from the outdoor adventures and explore the unique museums that make Gatlinburg a truly special destination.