smoky mountains

Top 5 Museums in Gatlinburg You Need to Visit

Ripley's Believe It or Not! exhibits
Alpine Chalet Rentals - March 7, 2025

Do you want to learn something new during your vacation? Are you looking for a fun indoor activity? There are a number of educational and entertaining Gatlinburg museums that cater to all interests and age levels! Here’s a list of some of the top museums in Gatlinburg that you need to visit while you’re in town:

1. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

One of the most popular museums in Gatlinburg is Ripley’s Believe It or Not! This 3-story attraction contains more than 500 unbelievable exhibits and artifacts from around the world. You’ll see and experience new things beyond your wildest imagination! There are various interactive exhibits where you can try to beat world records, feel what it’s like to work in space, and get your hands on Smoky Mountain artifacts. This Ripley’s attraction has something for everyone!

2. Hollywood Star Cars Museum

Hollywood Star Cars Museum

Do you love movies and cars? The Hollywood Star Cars Museum in Gatlinburg features famous cars from your favorite movies and TV shows! These cars are displayed in settings that are straight from the big screen with lights, sound, and action. Some of the most popular vehicles on display include two Batmobiles, The Munsters Drag-u-la, General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard, the DeLorean time machine, and a number of vehicles from the Fast and Furious movie franchise!

3. Bodies Human

Bodies Human is one of the newest museums in Gatlinburg. This museum takes you on a fascinating journey into the complexity of the human body! You’ll come face to face with more than a dozen real human bodies and over a hundred anatomical displays that have been masterfully preserved. You can see the power of athletes in motion and gain a deeper understanding of the miracle of human life!

4. Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

One of the most unique museums in Gatlinburg is the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. Explore a huge collection of one-of-a-kind salt and pepper shakers and pepper mills from around the world! They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and materials. This museum is budget friendly, and the admission fee is applied toward a purchase at the gift shop! After your tour through the museum, you can get your very own salt and pepper shakers to bring back home!

5. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a must-visit attraction for kids and adults of all ages! This aquarium features unique marine life from oceans and rivers around the world. You’ll see amazing creatures up close, and you’ll even get the chance to interact with some of them! There are also live shows where you can learn more about fascinating sea creatures. Some of the favorite exhibits include the Penguin Playhouse and Shark Lagoon, where you can explore an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks and other aquatic creatures. Kids will also love the hands-on Discovery Center and multi-story play area!

These are some of the can’t-miss museums in Gatlinburg that you need to visit! Are you looking for more educational fun in the Smokies? Make sure you also check out the best museums in Pigeon Forge during your vacation!