Alcatraz East Crime Museum — Attraction in Pigeon Forge

When we saw Alcatraz East Crime Museum on the main drag at the entrance to The Island in Pigeon Forge, we were intrigued and decided to take a walk on the DARK side!

Based on the name and building exterior, we were hoping for an Alcatraz themed, if not a re-creation of the interior with a costumed character actor walking you through the criminal history behind The Rock. In reality, this a self-paced museum primarily focused on profiling crimes, criminals, their capture, incarceration and/or eventual demise (if known).

Speaking of demise, there’s an entire section dedicated to the multiple methods of torture to capital punishment as they evolved over the centuries. On display are artifacts from medieval times to the present, including a few iron torture devices, a gas chamber and the surprisingly analog dispensary control box for administering lethal injections.

There’s also a crime lab section that pulls back the curtain on forensics and other techniques used by criminologists. A bit sparse for the space dedicated to the topic, but still interesting.

Unfortunately, I don’t think they are well staffed for the size of the venue. About half way through, a small child started quite a loud and lengthy high-pitched tantrum and no one from the staff appeared to be around to provide a side room or other helpful option for the parents to use until the little one had calmed down.

Overall, the layout of displays is well organized, and the information is quite in depth, so be prepared for extensive reading; you’ll be there awhile. A minor note: there are a few spelling errors, but it does not detract from the experience.

One exciting section worth mentioning is a temporary exhibit (through October 2026) entitled, “42 Witnesses: Ted Bundy’s Final Days” featuring his 1968 Volkswagen Beetle. They also have OJ Simpson’s actual white 1993 Ford Bronco from the infamous car chase along with the movie remake of the Bonnie & Clyde ‘death car’ and John Dillinger’s actual (although repainted/restored) 1933 Essex Terraplane.

It’s certainly a unique attraction for Pigeon Forge, but just understand...

Thankful for the Educator Appreciation Day which allowed me to visit! I was so impressed by the vast amount of crime history and artifacts! I've been disappointed by so many "tourist attractions" before that I was almost too scared to make the drive, much less invite anyone to join me.

This was so much more than I expected! Using the name of Alcatraz, I had hoped for a bit more on the prison, but still impressive! The museum contains info on several nationally broadcasted incidents such as the tragedy of Waco, presidental assassinations, acts of terrorism, as well as sections on serial killers.

I was very nervous walking in since the lobby seemed so small, but once you go upstairs, the place is absolutely FULL of lots to read, interactive displays, and photo opportunities. I could have spent hours! Select areas are intentionally shielded somewhat, so look around at everything. One are that is cornered is the section on John Wayne Gacy (if you know who that is, you understand why). I also highly appreciated that the part discussing 9/11 was in an auditorium style room and curtains pulled to shield those who may be triggered by the event footage.

I wouldn't recommend the museum as family friendly, given the nature of many of the crimes involving children. Definitely not for all ages, so be cautious when deciding your visit. If you're like me and have spent years studying criminal justice, you're going to love this place!

If I would have taken photos of everything here, there'd be 1000s. However, here's a few I did take to show the variety of displays. Of course, I had to snap a pic of Ted Bundy's VW beetle and the infamous OJ...

Don't let nay-sayers in the reviews turn you away. This place is worth every penny! I'm a review-heavy reader before I drop money on an attraction, museum, zoo, etc., and several reviews seemed to dunk on this place.... Unfairly so.

Those negative reviews are all complete lies because this museum is amazing! My husband and I spent nearly 5 hours here... with the incredible amount of true crime items, infographics, and displays - Whew... I'm glad we took as much time as we did to thoroughly peruse it all! They have it all.... O.J. Simpson's Bronco, Ted Bundy's Volkswagen, Jeffrey Dahmer's glasses, John Wayne Gacy's clown costumes, and so much more... If you're into true crime at all: 10/10, visit!! Things to note: 1.) Do NOT expect much regarding Alcatraz. All things Alcatraz are found in 1 room and nothing in it is particularly noteworthy. Clearly the name is used as an eye-grabber, that's basically it... But do NOT let that deter you!! 2.) Kids will absolutely find this boring, 12 and up minimum or you're just going to waste money. 3.) Plan time to get your money's worth and really read through things, there are some fascinating anecdotes, informative factoids, and fantastic pieces from U.S. crime history. 4.) We didn't buy any of the add-ons, just the general admission. The other stuff felt extraneous for the sake of being a cash grab. We saw other people scrambling to complete the add-on "quests" and they spent more time doing that rather than enjoying...