The Island in Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge · 23 acres, free parking and admission
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a 23-acre shopping, dining and entertainment center right off the Parkway, at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It's home to the 200-foot Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a dancing show fountain, rides, restaurants and dozens of shops, and admission and parking are free.
The Island is open every day of the year, and it's the kind of place that works for every kind of trip. Families come for the rides and the fountain, couples come for dinner and a sunset ride on the Wheel, and groups come to split up, shop, eat and meet back up by the water. You can spend an hour or a whole evening there without a plan.
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
The centerpiece of The Island is the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot observation wheel with enclosed, climate-controlled glass gondolas. Each ride makes several slow revolutions, with wide views of the mountains and the Parkway below. It's at its best at sunset and after dark, when more than a million LED lights cover the Wheel.
The Island Show Fountains
In the middle of The Island, the Island Show Fountains shoot jets of water into the air in shows set to music and lights. The fountain performs year-round, and it's free to watch. Find a seat nearby and catch a show after dinner, when the lights make the water glow.
Rides and attractions
Beyond the Wheel, The Island has a mix of carnival-style rides for different ages, from a family coaster for younger kids to spinning thrill rides for teens and adults. Rides are ticketed individually, so you only pay for what you ride. The lineup changes from time to time, so check The Island's website for the current rides before you go.
SkyFly: Soar America
SkyFly: Soar America is a flying theater ride that lifts you in front of a giant dome screen for a virtual flight over famous American landmarks. It's one of The Island's most popular indoor attractions and a great pick on a rainy day.
The Island Ropes Course
The ropes course is an outdoor challenge course where kids and adults climb, balance and cross obstacles high above the ground, all while clipped into a harness.
Arcade games
Kids can play for tickets and prizes at Arcade City. For go-karts and more arcade games, cross the pedestrian bridge to Rockin' Raceway.
Shopping
The Island is lined with shops, from souvenirs and Smoky Mountain gifts to clothing, toys, candy and home decor. Kids can make their own stuffed animal at Build-A-Bear Workshop, and Ole Smoky Moonshine has a location at The Island for adults who want to try a tasting. Because the shops sit along open-air walkways, it's easy to browse without a plan.
For more shopping in the area, see our guides to Pigeon Forge shopping and Tanger Outlets Sevierville, just up the Parkway.
Where to eat
The Island has restaurants for every appetite, from Southern comfort food to pizza, plus quick stops for coffee, sweets and ice cream. A few of the best-known names:
Paula Deen's Family Kitchen
Family-style Southern cooking served in big platters for the whole table. Read more about Paula Deen's Family Kitchen.
Mellow Mushroom
Stone-baked pizza in a colorful, laid-back setting. See our Mellow Mushroom page.
Margaritaville
Jimmy Buffett's beach-themed restaurant and the Margaritaville Island Hotel and Island Inn are part of The Island. Learn more about Margaritaville in Pigeon Forge.
Looking for more options nearby? Browse our guide to Pigeon Forge restaurants.
Events at The Island
The Island hosts celebrations through the year, including Halloween festivities in the fall and a New Year's Eve celebration with live music. Check The Island's events calendar for what's happening during your stay. Planning a New Year's trip? See our guide to New Year's Eve fireworks in Pigeon Forge.
Tips for visiting
Parking is free
The Island has free parking. On busy summer evenings, weekends and holidays, the closest spaces fill first, so arrive early or plan to walk a little. The Island posts a parking map on its website.
Go in the evening
The Island is at its liveliest after dark, when the Wheel and the fountain are lit up and the walkways fill with people. Arrive before sunset for dinner and a ride on the Wheel, then stay for the lights.
Plan your budget
Walking around, watching the fountain and window shopping are all free. Rides, attractions, games and food are paid separately, so you can spend as much or as little as you like.
For more planning help, see our guides to the best things to do at The Island, things for kids to do at The Island, what it costs to visit The Island and date night at The Island.
Plan your visit
The Island is open 365 days a year. Hours for rides, shops and restaurants vary by season, so check The Island's website before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Island in Pigeon Forge free?
Yes. Admission and parking are free. You only pay for the rides, attractions, food and shopping you choose.
Where is The Island?
At 131 The Island Drive in Pigeon Forge, right off the Parkway.
Is The Island in Gatlinburg or Sevierville?
Neither. The Island is in Pigeon Forge, on the Parkway between Sevierville and Gatlinburg.
What is there to do at The Island?
Ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, watch the Island Show Fountains, try the rides and SkyFly: Soar America, climb the ropes course, play arcade games, shop and eat.
Is The Island open year-round?
Yes. The Island is open 365 days a year. Hours vary by season and by business.
When is the best time to visit?
Late afternoon into the evening, so you can ride the Wheel at sunset and see the fountain and lights after dark.
The Island is just minutes from our Pigeon Forge cabins. Stay close in our cabins near The Island, bring everyone along in our family cabins, and book direct to get our Stay & Play Pass with free attraction tickets for every paid night.