The Island in Pigeon Forge — Attraction in Pigeon Forge

The Island in Pigeon Forge exceeded all expectations—it’s truly a one-stop destination for entertainment, food, shopping, and relaxation, all wrapped into a beautifully maintained, walkable complex.

We spent an entire afternoon here and barely scratched the surface. The atmosphere is lively yet family-friendly, with music playing, twinkling lights overhead, and plenty of spots to sit and people-watch or take in the stunning fountain shows. The Island Show Fountain is especially magical at night with its choreographed water, music, and lights—it felt like a mini Bellagio right in the Smokies!

One of the highlights was riding The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. I’m usually uneasy with heights, but the enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas made it an incredibly comfortable experience. The views from the top were breathtaking, especially as the sun started to set over the mountains.

We also checked out SkyFly: Soar America, and it completely blew us away. The immersive flying theater had incredible effects and a fun pre-show. Definitely worth the extra cost.

Food options here are plentiful and diverse. We had a hearty meal at Timberwood Grill—great burgers and even better service. If you're a fan of Southern cooking, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is another must (though expect a wait during peak hours).

Shopping lovers will have a blast here. From Ole Smoky Moonshine tastings and live music to quirky boutiques and sweet shops like Sweet! and Cinnabon, there’s something for everyone.

Parking was free and surprisingly easy to navigate for such a busy spot. The Island offers trams to bring you from the lot to the center of the action, which was super helpful.

Overall, The Island is a can’t-miss experience when visiting Pigeon Forge. Whether you’re here for a couple hours or a full day, it offers fun, charm, and plenty of reasons to come back. Highly recommend for travelers...

The Island in Pigeon Forge is more than just a shopping and dining spot—it’s an experience that blends family-friendly entertainment, unique attractions, and a laid-back yet lively atmosphere. What makes it stand out from many other tourist stops in the Smoky Mountains is its ability to appeal to just about everyone, from young kids to grandparents, without feeling overwhelming.

The heart of The Island is the show fountain, which comes alive with synchronized lights and music. It’s one of those simple, mesmerizing experiences that encourages you to slow down, grab a rocking chair, and just enjoy the moment. This sets the tone for the whole location—it’s bustling, yet surprisingly relaxed if you know how to take it in.

Dining options are diverse, ranging from quick bites to full sit-down meals. Places like Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen are a draw, but there are plenty of casual eateries and snack stops that make it easy to customize your visit. T

The attractions are what keep families lingering. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel offers incredible views, and kids have plenty to do between the ropes course, arcade, and rides scattered throughout. It’s not a “theme park” in the traditional sense, but it feels like a curated mix of mini-experiences that add up to a memorable day.

Parking is free and plentiful, which is a rarity for a destination of this size. The layout is walkable, and the environment feels safe and welcoming, even into the evening when the lights make everything glow.

Overall, The Island strikes a nice balance: part entertainment complex, part shopping hub, part gathering space. Whether you spend an hour or an entire afternoon, you’ll walk away with a sense of having been somewhere vibrant, yet comfortable. It’s worth making part of your Pigeon Forge trip, especially if you want an outing that offers both energy...

Visited The Island in Pigeon Forge today and I was happy to see that parking was free. It was a short walk from the lots to the entrance but they also had trams as well. We went to the ticket counter because apparently you have to get a wrist band even if you pre-purchased tix online. Not sure what was the point of getting the tix emailed and the ability to add to your Apple wallet if they can’t be scanned that way.

Anyway we got to the ticket counter and were told we had to show the email with our original ticket order. Then they printed the wristbands. Make sure the barcode is fully printed or else you’ll have to go back for a reprint like we did.

Our 1st stop was the Ferris wheel 🎡 there are 43 cars but they only fill 6 at a time. So we waited a good 20 mins or so before we could get on. It spins to the top 4 times before you get off. The views are nice but inside the cars were freezing cold. You have an option of buying your photos you took prior to getting on. The package is $45.

The ropes course was fun. My 12 year old son enjoyed it. There was a light drizzle of rain but they only shut it down if a thunderstorm is imminent.

It rained most of the time we were there so we opted not to go on anymore rides. We went in the arcade and had a good time. For dinner we went to Paula Deens Restaurant. We waited 45 mins for a party of 2. They have a store you can shop in, similar to a Cracker Barrel. The restaurant is family style all you can eat but you can’t take any togo boxes of food with you. The food was decent. Most of the sides were lukewarm including the meatloaf. The pork chops were over seasoned. The best thing was the garlic cheddar biscuits and fried chicken. I was too full to eat my dessert and they did allow that to be taken togo.

Our wristbands are good for 48 hours so we may go back tomorrow. All in all a...