Most people come to the Great Smoky Mountains for nature, but there’s more to the area than the breathtaking scenery of the Smokies. In addition to the outdoor activities, numerous family-friendly Gatlinburg attractions, diversions, curiosities, and more are around every bend.
Whether you’re looking for a unique experience or the weather changed up your plans for the day, you won’t regret checking out these top Gatlinburg museums during your stay in the Smokies.
The kooky, the quirky, the absolutely absurd, who doesn’t want to shake it up a little on vacation? The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is the only shaker museum in the United States (with a sister museum in Spain), with over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from all over the world on display.
In addition to featuring a wide variety of quirky designs, the museum shows how salt and pepper shakers reflect changes in society over time, and it aims to bring people together through the shared memories of these simple, everyday items.
You’ll see salt and pepper shakers, big and small, of all shapes, colors, designs, textures, and materials. Visitors can purchase their own quirky shakers to commemorate their visit. You can also use the $3.00 admission toward any salt and pepper shaker purchase in the gift shop.
Whether you’re looking for things to do in the winter in Gatlinburg or want to see it just because, be sure to visit the Salt and Pepper Shaker museums during your family cabin stay in Gatlinburg.
Automobiles have long defined an era and a sense of their own character. Famous cars that appear in popular movies and television shows have had a similar impact on pop culture and left a lasting impression on our minds.
Visitors to the Hollywood Star Cars Museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, can take a trip through time and see some of the most famous cars that have defined iconic moments in pop culture. True to its name, the museum features famous cars from Hollywood movies and TV shows over the last 50 years, all displayed in recreated settings with sounds, lights, and action.
Hollywood Star Cars Museum is a fun excursion for the whole family. Not only is it a blast from the past, but kids, youth, and parents can appreciate and relive legendary motion pictures and television moments while they experience this museum.
Pro tip: Save money by purchasing tickets online in advance.
Ripley’s is known for the strange, mysterious, and unexplained. Established in Gatlinburg in 1970, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! has wowed and mystified visitors for over 50 years.
This 12,500-square-foot museum has over 500 exhibits and artifacts spread over 16 themed galleries on three floors. Visitors encounter shrunken human heads, strange animal skeletons, and interactive optical illusions. Another must-see is the 6,583-foot bubble gum rope and the space shuttle made entirely of jelly beans.
Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg is more of an interactive aquarium than a traditional Gatlinburg museum. Still, we think it deserves a spot on this list nonetheless, especially when exploring Gatlinburg with kids.
The Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg is a family-friendly environment where the entire family can learn about thousands of marine animals. It also offers hands-on experiences, including the opportunity to touch jellyfish and stingrays.
Don’t forget to visit the famous Shark Lagoon tunnel, a moving sidewalk that takes you under huge sharks and other sea creatures.
Pro tip: If you plan to visit multiple Ripley’s attractions in Gatlinburg, you can save money by purchasing a combo ticket on their website.
Paul Murray is an award-winning artist whose work has been featured in museums and galleries all over the world. Murray has been capturing the stories and lives of the Appalachian people in the Smoky Mountains from a young age, and this is all featured in a traditional 1800s mountain home in Gatlinburg at the Paul Murray Art Gallery.
Each art piece tells a special story, making this gallery a unique way to learn about the people who made the Smkoies what they are today. Visitors can also purchase artwork to commemorate their Smoky Mountain vacation. As one of the top Gatlinburg attractions for adults, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing or romantic afternoon.
One of the best free museums in Gatlinburg, TN, is the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Arrowmont was established in 1945 as an international art school that lets you explore arts and crafts through workshops, exhibitions, and events, perfect for a girls weekend in Gatlinburg.
Arrowmont features its students’ artwork in five galleries and in a variety of mediums, such as painting or ceramics. From March to November, weekend, one-, and two-week workshops are available for aspiring artists.
You probably know the Titanic, the world’s most famous luxury liner. But did you know the world’s largest Titanic museum attraction is in the Smokies? Just a short drive from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge pays homage to the tragic sinking of the world-famous luxury liner, the RMS Titanic, a true-life story of infinite intrigue and mystery.
Visitors to the Titanic Museum Attraction don’t just learn more about this grand ocean liner and its fateful night, but they also experience the passengers’ journey during the short trip before sinking. Guests to the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge will walk replicas of the ship’s hallways, parlors, cabins, and its famous grand staircase. In addition, they will experience this “simulated” tour surrounded by 400 artifacts from real passengers aboard the ship.
The Great Smoky Mountains offer more than just beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures—Gatlinburg museums can add an unforgettable experience to your trip. Whether you’re seeing the largest salt and pepper shaker collection in the world or experiencing life on the Titanic, there’s something for everyone.
When all is said and done, an Elk Springs Resort cozy cabin is the perfect place to kick back and relax after all the Smoky Mountain museums and activities.
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