Most people want to know about the most popular attractions when they go on vacation. If you’ve been to the area before, or you just enjoy unusual activities, you may be searching for some unique things to do in Gatlinburg. You’ll be glad to know there are plenty of activities you won’t find anywhere else and will have to come to Gatlinburg to do! Check out these unique attractions you don’t want to miss:
1. Walk Across Gatlinburg SkyBridge
While you may have heard about pedestrian bridges that are suspended in the air, you won’t find one quite like the Gatlinburg SkyBridge! This is one of the heart-pounding attractions you’ll want to experience while visiting, and it’s not just because you’ll be doing something cool! The bridge is suspended over a gorge, and the glass panels in the center of the bridge provide a 160-foot view to the ground. To get to the bridge, you have to ride on the Gatlinburg chair lift, which isn’t unique to only Gatlinburg, but it’s definitely one of the most iconic things to do!
2. Ride to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle
A unique thing to do in Gatlinburg is ride to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle. This is a 400-foot-tall observation tower that provides visitors with 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains and downtown Gatlinburg. While you will find views all throughout the city, there aren’t any quite like the ones from the top of the tower!
3. Visit the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
If you love history and just plain unusual attractions, you have to stop by the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. There are over 20,000 shakers in this museum, and they come in all shapes, sizes, materials, and from all over the world. The couple that started the collection turned it into a museum, and you can even pick up your own pair of shakers to take home in their gift shop!
4. Explore the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community
Want to see a truly unique thing to do in Gatlinburg? The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community is the largest collection of artisans and craft makers in the country. The shops sit along an 8-mile loop where visitors can stop by, browse, learn about the crafts, and purchase goods to take home. You can even take classes if you want! Some of the unique arts include woodworking, blacksmithing, ceramics, and painting.
5. Experience Astra Lumina at Anakeesta
While Anakeesta isn’t a super unusual type of attraction, they have added an experience unlike any other in the area! Astra Lumina is a unique thing to do in Gatlinburg you won’t want to miss. This enchanted walk among the stars provides guests with incredible light displays, cosmic visions, and a moving story you won’t want to miss!
6. Float Above Sharks at Ripley’s Aquarium
If you love animals, you’ll probably want to stop by Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. It’s perfect for people of all ages, and there are so many incredible creatures to discover along the way. But if you want to set your experience apart from the rest, you should reserve a spot on the Glass Bottom Boat! This extra experience takes seeing underwater animals to a new level when you ride in a boat above Shark Lagoon that has a 3-inch-thick glass bottom!
These are just some of the unique things to do in Gatlinburg you won’t want to miss on your next vacation. Are you ready to start planning your trip so you can check these attractions out? Look through our Gatlinburg cabin rentals, and book one for your getaway now!