Three Bears General Store

Three Bears General Store is a giant, family-owned gift shop on the Pigeon Forge Parkway near traffic light #4, packed with souvenirs, apparel, candy, homemade fudge and ice cream, plus an arcade. Family-owned since 1979, it's a longtime favorite on the Parkway.

It's the kind of place where everyone in the group finds something, from bear-themed souvenirs and Smoky Mountain T-shirts to Christmas decor and a sweet treat for the road.

A Pigeon Forge tradition since 1979

Three Bears General Store opened in 1979 as a modest local shop and has grown into a sprawling store that's easy to spend an hour in. It's still family-owned, with deep roots in the area.

The bear habitat

The store also has a live bear habitat with black bears, which is separate from the shopping and has its own admission. Hoping to see bears in their natural home? The Smokies are one of the best places in the country to spot black bears in the wild. See our guide to black bears in the Smoky Mountains, and remember to keep your distance and never feed wild bears.

What you'll find inside

Souvenirs and apparel

Shelves of Smoky Mountain T-shirts, hoodies and bear-themed souvenirs make it easy to bring home a reminder of your trip.

Fudge, candy and ice cream

Homemade fudge and ice cream are big draws, along with a wide selection of candy, which makes this a popular sweet stop for families.

Christmas and home decor

Browse Christmas decor, giftware, collectibles, jewelry and home decor with a mountain-cabin feel.

Make-UR-Bear Factory and photos

Kids can build their own stuffed bear at the Make-UR-Bear Factory, and the Old Time Photo Studio lets the whole family dress up for a vintage-style portrait.

Arcade

A family-sized arcade gives kids something fun to do while the grown-ups shop.

Who it's for

Families

Between the arcade, Make-UR-Bear, the photo studio and the treats, there's plenty to keep kids happy.

Souvenir shoppers

If you want one stop for gifts and souvenirs, the sheer size of the store makes it easy to cross names off your list.

Sweet tooths

Homemade fudge and ice cream make it worth a stop even if you're not shopping.

Tips for your visit

Give yourself time

The store is big. Plan for more time than a quick souvenir stop, especially with kids.

Grab dessert on the way out

There's no full-service restaurant, but the fudge and ice cream make a sweet end to the visit.

More shopping in Pigeon Forge

Love classic Smokies shops? Visit the MoonPie General Store, Emery's 5 & 10 or The Incredible Christmas Place. See our guides to shopping in Pigeon Forge, general stores in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, sweet treats in Pigeon Forge and arcades in Pigeon Forge.

Plan your visit

Frequently asked questions

Where is Three Bears General Store?

At 2861 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, near traffic light #4.

Does Three Bears General Store have live bears?

Yes. The store has a bear habitat with black bears, with separate admission from the shop.

Is it free to shop at Three Bears General Store?

Yes. Browsing and shopping the store is free. The bear habitat has separate admission.

Does Three Bears General Store have food?

There's no full-service restaurant, but the store sells homemade fudge, ice cream and candy.