Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Ripley Entertainment – More Than Just An Aquarium, Believe It Or Not!
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on August 9, 2017
When you hear the Ripley name in connection with the Great Smoky Mountains, the first thing you probably think of is Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, located in downtown Gatlinburg. But that's not the only place where this legendary entertainment company brings in tourists by the thousands every week. In fact, the company operates eight different attractions in the Smokies – seven in Gatlinburg and one in Sevierville. This week, we'll point out Ripley Entertainment's other local ventures, any of which would be the perfect complement to our ziplines in the Smoky Mountains.
Ripley's Haunted Adventure – Watching live sharks in an aquarium exhibit might be scary to some people, but this multimillion-dollar, state-of-the-art haunted attraction usually creeps out everyone who dares darken its doors. You'll find Ripley's Haunted Adventure in downtown Gatlinburg, where animatronics, special effects and live actors join forces to frighten the wits out of guests who pay good money for the experience. This self-guided walk-through offers chills and thrills around every corner.
Ripley's Odditorium – This downtown Gatlinburg attraction was better known for years as Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum, based on the classic series of comic strips penned by cartoonist and explorer Robert Ripley. Then and now, the museum displays more than 500 artifacts, exhibits and oddities from around the world. The perfect blend of edutainment and interactivity, Ripley's Odditorium offers up exhibits like shrunken heads, freaks of the animal kingdom, bizarre works of art and even a 24-karat car. Other displays include a giant Transformer made from car parts, new Lizard Man and Vampire Lady statutes, and an exhibit about the tallest human in modern history.
Ripley's Moving Theater – You think 3D movies are cool? Then you might want to give the 5D experience a try at Ripley's Moving Theater. Guests strap themselves into their seats and then hang for the ride of their lives as they watch giant-screen movie experiences that are enhanced by digital effects and the multidimensional motion of the theater seats. Screened in six-channel, digital Surround Sound audio, the theater is showing two new movies this season – one featuring Wile E. Coyote as he pursues the Roadrunner and one starring your favorite characters from the Angry Birds franchise.
Guinness World Records Adventure – If you like Ripley's Odditorium, then you will probably also get a kick out of this Gatlinburg attraction, where some of the most amazing feats from the Guinness Book of World Records come to life. Unbelievable exhibits, memorabilia, displays, trivia, videos and themed galleries highlight this self-guided tour through the amazing world of human achievement. Have fun with more than 20 interactive games and challenges, including Block Breaker, Quick Draw, Lumberjack Tree Hack, Frisbee Toss and more.
Ripley's Marvelous Mirror Maze – Here's a self-guided tour that may take you longer than you thought to get out of. This classic mirror-maze attraction is downright confounding as you try to find your way out of a mirror-filled labyrinth that brings you face-to-face with your own reflection at seemingly every turn. It's a constant choice of left or right, but there's only one way out of this downtown attraction. The Mirror Maze was an escape room before escape rooms were even cool! But don't worry; they send out rescue parties every half hour. Ripley's Candy Factory is also on site to satisfy those sweet tooth cravings.
Mini Golf – Ripley Entertainment has two ways to enjoy miniature golf fun in the Smokies. One is at Davy Crockett Mini Golf in Gatlinburg – where 36 holes laid out on two uniquely themed courses challenge the putting skills of guests of all ages. The theme of the course is based on the legendary Davy Crockett, and it features ramps, drops and lots of water hazards. You can even win a free round if you sink a hole-in-one on the 18th green. The other course is Ripley's Old MacDonald's Farm Mini-Golf Course in Sevierville. Here, you'll find three courses and 54 holes of golf, all built around a barnyard theme. Cows, bears and flying pigs are just some of the critters you'll encounter along the way. And just like at Davy Crockett Mini Golf, a hole-in-one on the last hole gets you a free game.
Ripley Entertainment offers plenty of ways to have fun in the Smokies, but don't forget to come see us at Smoky Mountain Ziplines on your next visit to the mountains.
