The Island in Pigeon Forge: Complete Guide

Admission and parking are completely free at The Island in Pigeon Forge. You can walk in, browse eighty-plus shops, watch the fountain shows, listen to live music, and stroll the grounds without spending a single dollar. The only things that cost money are individual rides, ticketed attractions, and food and drinks — all of which you choose on your own terms.

This is what makes The Island so useful for mixed-age groups and budget-conscious families: you can treat it as either a quick walk-around break or a longer evening anchor, spending as much or as little as your group wants.

What is The Island in Pigeon Forge?

The Island in Pigeon Forge is a twenty-three-acre entertainment destination located right off the Parkway, home to dozens of attractions, retail shops, restaurants, and experiences centered around a relaxing, walkable layout with fountains, lights, and seating areas. It opened in 2013 and has expanded significantly since, becoming a must-visit destination for anyone vacationing in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area.

The Island in Pigeon Forge
131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 (adjacent to the LeConte Center on the Parkway)

Hours — Monday through Thursday ten to nine, Friday and Saturday ten to ten, Sunday ten to nine. Ride hours extend later on select nights. Open 365 days a year.

Parking — free and plentiful. The best spot is the LeConte Center parking lot, from which a complimentary handicap-accessible tram runs to the front entrance during business hours. A second lot sits between Timberwood Grill and Paula Deen's Family Kitchen.

Rides and attractions

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

The Island's most iconic landmark — a 200-foot Ferris wheel with climate-controlled gondolas and panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. Wheel tickets are $16.99 for adults and $11.99 for kids. The gondolas are enclosed and comfortable in any weather, making this one of the few outdoor attractions that works just as well on a cloudy day as a sunny one. The best time to ride is sunset — the 360-degree view of the mountains bathed in orange and pink light, with The Island's lights beginning to glow below, is one of the most genuinely beautiful moments in all of Pigeon Forge.

Thrill rides

The Island features rides that spin, dip, dive, lift, and plunge — a mix of carnival-style thrills that work for kids and adults alike: Tornado, a pendulum ride that soars through the air; Crazy Cabs, four rotating arms in intermeshing orbits; Adrenaline, which spins, dips, and dives while riders face outward; Skydrop, which lifts and plunges 65 feet; Island Balloon, a sports-themed air balloon that lifts and spins 60 feet in the air; and the Figure-8 Mini Coaster, great for younger riders.

The Island Ropes Course

An outdoor challenge course with multiple levels of difficulty. Works for kids and adults — you can tackle it at your own pace and comfort level. Can be added to the unlimited rides wristband.

Jurassic Adventure

Jurassic Adventure returns to The Island from March 2 through September 13, 2026, immersing families in a world of prehistoric discovery. A limited-time seasonal event featuring life-sized dinosaur experiences — check The Island's website for current event details and any additional ticketing.

Interactive attractions

The Escape Game — one of the top-rated escape room brands in the country, with multiple themed rooms for groups of two to eight. Book in advance. Read our full escape room guide →

SkyFly: Soar America — a flight simulation ride that flies you over famous American landmarks from seats designed for realistic flight sensation.

The Great Big Game Show — compete on a real TV game show stage. Family-friendly and genuinely fun for mixed-age groups.

Arcade City — a full-scale arcade with redemption games, high-payout machines, and prizes. Kids quickly find the high-payout games and leave with prizes, inflatable items, and loads of candy.

Alcatraz East Crime Museum

One of the most talked-about ticketed attractions at The Island. Alcatraz East explores American crime history through five themed galleries with interactive exhibits, authentic artifacts, and immersive displays. Highlights include artifacts from famous cases — including O.J. Simpson's white Bronco and John Dillinger's death mask — and an interactive forensics lab where you can lift fingerprints and analyze evidence. Best for teens and adults.

The unlimited rides wristband

The Island Unlimited Rides Wristband is valid for 48 hours and covers all outdoor rides. The Ropes Course can be added for more adventure.

The wristband starts at $39 and does not include the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel or museum admission. If your group plans to do several rides across a day or two, the wristband saves significant money over buying individual ride tickets. If you're mainly there for the Wheel and dinner, individual tickets make more sense. Individual ride tickets start at $4 and go up depending on the attraction.

Free things to do at The Island

Island Show Fountain

The Island's famous centerpiece. Giant jets of water dance in choreographed sequences timed to music, dazzlingly lit in changing colors after dark. Shows run throughout the day and evening — check the daily schedule at The Island's entrance.

Live music on the Ole Smoky Stage

Free live music performances are scheduled regularly throughout the season. Check the events calendar at islandinpigeonforge.com for upcoming performances.

People watching and the atmosphere

The Island's landscaped grounds, river walk, rocking chairs around the fountain, and general energy make it pleasant to simply be there without any agenda.

Window shopping

Over sixty specialty retail shops ranging from local boutiques to novelty stores. Browse handblown glass, cowboy boots, Smoky Mountain souvenirs, hot sauces, and much more — entirely without obligation.

Dining at The Island

The Island has eighteen eateries covering everything from sit-down Southern comfort food to quick theme park snacks.

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen

The anchor dining experience at The Island. Family-style lazy Susan service loaded with fried chicken, pot roast, mac and cheese, collard greens, and biscuits. Best for groups and families who want a full Southern meal experience. Arrive before 5:30 on busy evenings to avoid waits.

Margaritaville Restaurant

A tropical island flavor experience in the heart of the Smokies. Burgers, seafood, and signature tropical cocktails in a lively, beach-themed setting.

Timberwood Grill

A more relaxed, rustic dining option for those who want a sit-down meal without the wait times of Paula Deen's.

Mellow Mushroom

Stone-baked pizzas and calzones with creative topping combinations. One of the most consistently praised quick-dining options at The Island.

Ole Smoky Moonshine — The Barn

Ole Smoky's Pigeon Forge location sits right at The Island. Free to enter, live music, tastings of America's most-visited distillery's full lineup. Read our full Ole Smoky guide →

Quick eats — hot dogs, funnel cakes, ice cream, lemonade, and classic theme park snacks are available throughout the complex.

Tips for visiting The Island

Visit weekday mornings for the shortest crowds — most tourists don't arrive until after ten. A weekday morning visit gives you the smallest crowds and the best overall experience. Weekends in summer and fall peak season can get very busy by mid-afternoon.

Come back at sunset — The Island transforms after dark. The fountain shows are more dramatic, the Ferris wheel lights up, and the whole complex takes on a warm, festive glow. Many visitors do an afternoon visit for rides and a return trip in the evening for dinner and the fountain show.

Use the LeConte tram on busy days — the complimentary tram runs from the LeConte Center parking lot to the front entrance, saving a long walk on hot summer days.

Compare wristband vs. individual tickets before buying — the unlimited rides wristband can save money if your group plans several rides, but it does not include the Wheel or the museum.

Budget control is the main planning challenge — free admission makes it easy to walk in without a plan, but individual ride tickets add up quickly for large families. Decide in advance how much you want to spend on rides, and consider the wristband if everyone wants multiple rides.

Frequently asked questions

Is The Island in Pigeon Forge free?

Yes — admission and parking are completely free. The Island is open 365 days a year with free admission and free parking. Only rides, ticketed attractions, and food and drinks have individual costs.

How much is the Ferris wheel?

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is $16.99 for adults and $11.99 for kids as of 2026. Climate-controlled gondolas make it comfortable year-round.

What is the unlimited rides wristband?

The 48-hour Unlimited Rides Wristband covers all outdoor rides and starts at $39. It does not include the Ferris wheel or museum. Individual ride tickets start at $4.

How long should I plan to spend there?

Most visitors spend two to four hours on a casual visit. A full day — incorporating rides, lunch, shopping, an afternoon show, dinner at Paula Deen's, and the evening fountain show — is genuinely achievable and highly recommended if you have the time.

Is The Island good for young kids?

Excellent. The carousel, figure-8 mini coaster, and other family rides are appropriate for young children. The fountain show and free atmosphere make it easy to keep toddlers engaged without spending much.

Where should I park?

The LeConte Center parking lot is the best option, with a complimentary tram to the entrance. There is also a lot between Timberwood Grill and Paula Deen's Family Kitchen. Both are free.