When you stay at Eagles Ridge Resort, you will be just a short drive away from all the fun in the area, including The Island in Pigeon Forge. The Island is your one stop for shopping, dining and entertainment! If you’re looking for affordable fun, you have to visit this attraction. To help you plan your trip, we’ve made a list of 8 can’t-miss things to do at The Island.
1. Ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
The most popular thing to do at The Island is ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. This 200-foot-tall wheel offers breathtaking views of Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains and is one of the tallest attractions in the Southeast! You will ride in comfortable, all-glass gondolas that seat up to 8 guests, so the whole family can ride together!
2. Browse the Shops
Another thing you have to do when you visit The Island is browse all of the shops! There are more than 60 unique retail and specialty shops for you to explore. Whether you are looking for apparel, souvenirs, jewelry or even artwork, you can find it here!
3. Watch The Island Show Fountains
You don’t want to miss the chance to see The Island Show Fountains when you’re in Pigeon Forge! This state-of-the-art show fountain puts on a stunning presentation of water dance and light, which is perfectly choreographed to 14 pieces of music. More than 89 vertical nozzles create movement and set the pace, while 6 motion-based nozzles create water sprays that swirl to the music. In addition, a geyser nozzle shoots powerful bursts of water 60 feet in the air! The shows play every 30 minutes beginning at the top of the hour each hour.
4. Enjoy Live Music at Ole Smoky Moonshine
Not only does Ole Smoky Moonshine provide the opportunity for you to get a true taste of the Smokies, but is has an outdoor stage where you can enjoy daily live music! After sampling some of their famous Smoky Mountain moonshine and buying a T-shirt to take back home, head outside to listen to live bluegrass.
5. Share a Family Meal
There are a number of delicious restaurants at The Island, including Margaritaville and Timberwood Grill. If you want a classic Southern meal, go to Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, where you can enjoy Deen Family recipes for breakfast, lunch or dinner! From the dining area, you’ll have a beautiful view of The Island Show Fountains in the distance.
6. Grab Ice Cream at The Creamery
When you’re craving a frozen treat, step inside The Island Creamery! This ice cream shop serves a huge selection of ice cream flavors, which you can enjoy in a hand-dipped chocolate waffle cone, smoothies, floats, and other homemade treats.
7. Tour the Alcatraz East Crime Museum
If you want to explore American history from a new perspective, visit the Alcatraz East Crime Museum! This museum has 5 unique galleries that burrow deep into the studies of criminal intent, criminal profiles, forensic science and so much more. Some famous artifacts you will find in the museum include the Bronco used in the OJ Simpson chase and Al Capone’s rosary!
8. Play an Escape Game
Escape games are becoming more and more popular, so why not test your skills when you visit The Island. The Escape Game has 5 differently themed rooms for you to choose from, including Prison Break, where the warden will be in a meeting for an hour giving you time to escape, and Gold Rush, where you have to beat a mob in the hunt for hidden gold. If you’re looking for a fun activity that requires teamwork, quick thinking and determination, play an escape game!
Where to Stay
Our Pigeon Forge cabins put you just a short drive away from all the fun at this popular attraction. We have cabins that range from 1 bedroom to 9 bedrooms, so no matter the occasion, you can find the perfect one for your vacation. Enjoy amenities like fully equipped kitchens, hot tubs, fireplaces, pool tables and more when you stay with us!
These are just some of the many can’t-miss things to do at The Island in Pigeon Forge! Take a look at some of the other nearby attractions in Pigeon Forge and start planning your vacation.
