Mysterious Mansion

Mysterious Mansion is a haunted house in Gatlinburg that has been scaring visitors since 1980. Set inside a three-story mansion decorated in early 1900s Victorian style, it sends you through on your own, with no guide and no set path, past secret passages, winding stairs, dark halls, and live actors waiting around every corner.

What to expect

There's no tour guide and no set route. You find your own way through three floors of dark hallways, hidden passages, and creaky staircases while the mansion's restless residents wait in the shadows. Not knowing what's behind the next door is what makes this haunted mansion so scary.

The scares come from live actors, sudden surprises, and darkness, not physical contact. The actors don't touch guests. Even so, it's intense, so it isn't a good fit for young children or anyone who doesn't like jump scares, the dark, or tight spaces.

Halloween and Christmas

Halloween

Every October, the mansion turns up the fear with special Halloween presentations on weekend evenings, with more actors and extra scares. It's the scariest time of year to visit, so plan ahead.

Christmas

A holiday-themed presentation runs during the Christmas season, a fun twist for visitors who want something different from the usual lights and shows.

Seasonal presentations may be priced differently than regular shows. Check mysteriousmansion.info for current dates and prices.

Hours and getting there

Mysterious Mansion is open year-round. It's open daily during the busy spring, summer, and fall seasons and on a reduced schedule in the off-season. Hours change by season, so check mysteriousmansion.info or call ahead before you go.

The mansion sits on River Road, just off the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, an easy walk from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. There's no on-site parking, but public parking garages are nearby. See our tips for parking in downtown Gatlinburg, or ride the Gatlinburg Trolley.

Tips for your visit

Know your group — this is a real scare. Older kids and teens usually love it, but young children may not.

Go at night — the mansion feels even spookier after dark.

Plan ahead for October — Halloween weekends draw the biggest crowds.

Go in a group — it's more fun (and a little less scary) with friends.

Mysterious Mansion or Ripley's Haunted Adventure?

Gatlinburg has two year-round haunted houses, and they feel very different. Mysterious Mansion is an old-school, self-guided scare inside a Victorian mansion on River Road. Ripley's Haunted Adventure, on the Parkway, is a walk-through with themed rooms and live actors. Haunted house fans often do both on the same night.

Nearby

Mysterious Mansion is a short walk from much of downtown. Pair it with Ripley's Haunted Adventure for a full scare night, ride the Moonshine Mountain Coaster, or play mini golf at Hillbilly Golf. For dinner, No Way Jose's is close by. See all things to do in Gatlinburg and our guide to things to do in Gatlinburg at night.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Mysterious Mansion in Gatlinburg?

At 424 River Road, just off the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, a short walk from Ripley's Aquarium.

Is Mysterious Mansion open year-round?

Yes. It's open daily in the busy seasons and on a reduced schedule in the off-season. Check mysteriousmansion.info for current hours.

Is it really self-guided?

Yes. There's no guide and no set path. You find your own way through the house.

Will the actors touch me?

No. The actors don't touch guests. The scares come from surprises, darkness, and atmosphere.

Is it OK for kids?

It isn't recommended for young children. Older kids and teens who like a good scare usually love it.

Is there parking?

There's no on-site parking, but public garages are nearby on River Road and the Parkway.

When are the Halloween presentations?

On weekend evenings in October. Check mysteriousmansion.info for this year's schedule.