This article includes:
Historic Downtown Sevierville
Where to Eat in Sevierville, TN
Where to Play: Sevierville TN things to do
Where to Stay in Sevierville, TN

For an endless amount of family fun, Sevierville, Tennessee, is the place to go. Even though it is located right next to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, and many of the cool attractions you already know about are in Sevierville, we found that some really cool aspects of the area are more or less unknown – and we cannot wait to tell you about them. 

We’ll cover everything from Sevierville attractions to Historic Downtown Sevierville, plus places to eat, places to play, and places to stay. And of course, you’ll learn all about the town’s most famous resident, country music star Dolly Parton. Her influence is everywhere and we absolutely love it.

Historic Downtown Sevierville 

Historic downtown Sevierville is a cute place to walk around and check out the shops, restaurants, and a gorgeous butterfly mural. In recent years, historic downtown Sevierville has been given a makeover with larger sidewalks, landscaping, new roofs, and new entertainment and restaurants. It still holds an early 1900s feel, which I really loved, but you can easily see that it’s on the way up. 

Having walked in downtown Gatlinburg many times, downtown Sevierville is so quiet and calm. New shops and restaurants are opening up and I think that any family looking to escape the crowds will love strolling around on Bruce Street and Court Avenue. 

Here are a few things that we really liked about historic downtown Sevierville: 

Dolly Parton Statue

There is a bronze statue of a young Dolly Parton holding her guitar right in front of the gold-domed Sevier County Courthouse. Dolly grew up in Sevier County and the statue, created in 1987, honors the star in her hometown. This is just a cool photo op so that’s exactly what my kids and I did. 

125 Court Ave, Sevierville, TN  

Sevier County Courthouse

Right behind the Dolly Parton statue is the Sevier County Courthouse. You cannot miss this building. It was built in 1896 and was the first courthouse in Tennessee to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you ever see the Sevierville skyline, which you can definitely see from various roads that lead into downtown Sevierville, you cannot miss the gold domes. 

125 Court Ave, Sevierville, TN  

Wings of Wander Mural

I love a good wall mural and the mural by Sevierville artist Pinkie Mistry at the little park in the heart of downtown Sevierville was just beautiful. It’s a huge monarch butterfly, a tribute to Dolly Parton’s song “Love is Like a Butterfly,” and is painted on the wall behind a large butterfly garden filled with Black-Eyed Susans, lilies, and milkweed. My daughters and I had a lot of fun taking photos in front of the mural!

There are other murals around historic downtown Sevierville as well, including one on the wall of The Pines Downtown.

Where to Eat in Sevierville, TN

We had so many excellent meals in Sevierville that it was hard to choose our favorite. I was so impressed with the quality, quantity, and creativity behind the dishes we had. 

Buffalo Breakfast Company

I usually have no problems figuring out what to order off any menu. Buffalo Breakfast Company stumped me because everything – literally everything on that menu – looked amazing. I ended up getting a Ham Benny, their version of Eggs Benedict, which did not disappoint. My daughters got stuffed French toast and pancakes. I fought the urge to sneak bit and pieces of their breakfasts when they weren’t looking. You can’t go wrong ordering anything off this menu.

127 Bruce St, Sevierville, TN 

Pinchy’s Lobster & Rawbar

Pinchy’s was one of my favorite places that we ate at in Sevierville. Our server was excellent and the food was outstanding. It’s generally a seafood place but they do have food for kids (or adults) who don’t like seafood. My daughters got a fried chicken sandwich and mac & cheese. Both were huge hits.

I got the fish & chips and that fish was cooked perfectly and the fries were awesome. The pub nachos with blackened shrimp was also a huge win. They also have some picnic tables and lawn games, which are great for kids. Overall, 10/10!

212 Court Avenue, Sevierville

Iron Forge Brewing Co.

Set back off the main road in Sevierville behind the Apple Barn lies Iron Forge Brewing Co, a brand new brewery and restaurant. The place is just beautiful with indoor and outdoor seating and a menu that is small but mighty.

The owners told me they thoughtfully picked their menu to give guests the very best of what they could offer for appetizers, entrees, salads, and desserts. I thought the menu was just the right size and wish my stomach was bigger because I could have ordered so many things off of it! 

We ended up getting fried cheese curds to start, a strawberry salad, and three different smash burgers. Everything was amazing. I would a hundred percent go back for those cheese curds though plus order a hanging Bavarian pretzel with beer cheese because I have a weakness for soft pretzels. 

All the beers at Iron Forge are brewed right on site. I tried a few and loved the lighter Bee Bait, a honey wheat ale. The brewery is both family-friendly and dog-friendly with a kids menu and outdoor games like cornhole and ax throwing (don’t worry, the axes are plastic). They also have Singo nights, which is bingo but with songs! 

371 Lonesome Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN

Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin

A true Southern pancake house, Flapjack’s has everything you could ever want for a hearty breakfast: pancakes, French toast, omelets, egg platters, chicken & waffles, skillets, and more. The pancakes we got were super fluffy and delicious. Service was excellent, friendly, and fast.

My youngest daughter loved the Jr. Bear pancakes, which are pancakes arranged and decorated to look like a bear. My favorite was my husband’s order of Banana Nut Pancakes and the candied bacon.

If Annie, the General Manager, is there, be sure to thank her if you like your meal. She is the sweetest person and strives so hard to make Flapjacks a place you want to come back to again and again. 

They are open for breakfast and an early lunch so be sure to go in the mornings! And while Flapjack’s is a local eatery, they have several locations in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and even one in Myrtle Beach, SC. 

Buc-ee’s

The iconic gas station convenience store is now open in Sevierville and it’s massive. With 74,000 square feet of retail space, you won’t find any shortage of culinary options here.

They have amazing brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, bakery items, salads, a wall of beef jerky, coffee, banana pudding, key lime pudding, and tons more. I’m not going to tell you how many times we went to Buc-ee’s on our trip to Sevierville but it was more than a couple of times!

Buc-ee’s Blvd, Sevierville, TN 

Apple Barn & Cider Mill 

Built in 1910, the Apple Barn & Cider Mill is one of Sevierville’s oldest establishments. There are even several apple trees around the property (you cannot do u-pick so don’t try). They have a huge barn full of homemade apple products, mixes, and home goods. They make their own apple cider, which you can buy by the gallon. They make their own cider donuts, hard cider, candy, and one of our favorites: ice cream. 

The Ice Cream Factory at the Apple Barn opened in 1991 and is an old-fashioned creamery. It is a must-do when you visit Sevierville. We had such a hard time choosing what flavors to have.

I eventually went with Key Lime Pie and both my kids had a Rocky Road-type flavor. All the ice cream and baked goods are made right there so you’re getting everything as fresh as possible. 

There is a restaurant as well there but we did not get a chance to try it. For those who love Christmas, visit the Christmas and Candle Shop. 

230 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN

Cruze Farm Dairy

For amazing, fresh ice cream, you need to go to Cruze Farms. It’s right next to Skyland Ranch and is oh-so-good. They have soft serve and change up their flavors so you never know what deliciousness will be waiting for you. Plus, the shop is like an old school soda shop, which is adorable, and has rocking chairs out front, which is always a win for me.

1642 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 

Red’s Soda Fountain

Speaking of soda shops, Red’s Soda Shop is a legit old school soda shop with stools at a bar, red leather booths, and a juke box. They serve us fresh deli sandwiches, hot dogs, milkshakes, and floats. I haven’t had a true ice cream float in years and the one we had there made up for lost time. Get a float from Red’s.

114 Court Avenue, Sevierville, TN

Where to Play: Things to Do in Sevierville, TN 

Within a ten-minute drive, you can find all kinds of fun places to play in Sevierville. Here are the ones we’ve tried!

The Pines Downtown

For a piece of Dolly Parton history, hand-tossed pizza, and fun games for the whole family, you must try the Pines in Historic Downtown Sevierville. This laid-back establishment was the very first place that Dolly sang when she was only 10-years-old on the Cas Walker Show. 

Today, you can play all kinds of board games, soccer pool, arcade games, duckpin bowling, and tabletop games at the Pines. It really fosters an atmosphere of having fun with your family and loved ones. 

They serve sandwiches, appetizers, cheesesteaks, hand-tossed pizza, and cinnamon bread plus have a full bar. Everyone is really nice here and we ended up going twice during our trip because it was so fun!

 230 Court Ave, Sevierville, TN

RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo

RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo focuses on education about animals in the rainforest. They are a family-owned operation and have been in business since the early 2000s. The zoo is beautifully structured with a huge gift shop that you’ll see when you first walk in. Once you get your tickets, you’ll head for the exhibits. 

There are all kinds of interesting animals – many of which I had never even seen or heard of – that we got to learn about and see. Lemurs, lizards, macaws, toucans, monkeys, porcupines, and snakes all greet visitors and placards urge guests to read about each one and learn something cool about them. For example, I had no idea that venom from snakes has been used in cancer treatments. They also have a few axolotls, a really unique salamander that lives in only one lake in the entire world. They are crazy cool because they can regrow limbs and some internal organs.

The Zoo also has a petting area for sheep and goats. You can feed them for a small cost. My kids loved getting to feed the cute and feisty goats. Plus, there were baby goats so that made me happy.

One of the coolest things they offer is a Sloth Encounter. They let guests who choose this adventure get up close and personal with one of their sloths. You’ll get to feed them and pet them and learn all kinds of cool stuff about them. We loved meeting their sloth, Lucia, and feeding her! Tickets are $40/person and you have to reserve in advance as this is a popular option.

109 Nascar Dr, Sevierville, TN

SkyLand Ranch 

Skyland Ranch occupies 100 acres on top of a mountain in Sevierville. They are a fairly new attraction and have some pretty neat things going on. For example, they’ve got the longest mountain coaster in the Southeast at more than a mile in length. We tried it out and had so much fun running those rails. New in 2025 is the WagonWheeler, a huge swing with amazing views of the mountains. They have also added an awesome Safari Ride where guests are able to feed longhorn cattle, deer, goats, and Highland cows.

They have a relaxing chair lift up to the top of the mountain (or a shuttle if you’re scared of the lift), miniature horses, goats, and a lot of great entertainment. 

When we were there, we got to see a very talented cowboy show off his gun-twirling, whip-snapping, and rope-swinging skills. We also got a taste of an awesome band who played some fantastic country music songs and we danced along to line dances in the evening. Your admission to Skyland Ranch is good for a whopping three days!

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1620 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 

XPERIA: Smoky Mountains

XPERIA is an AI-generated attraction that takes you under the ocean to experience the magic of a squid fight, dolphin rescue, and sea lion training. It’s a great option for a rainy day! The whole exhibit takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

1645 Parkway #780, Sevierville, TN

Dig ‘N Zone Theme Park

Dig ‘N Zone Theme Park is an entirely hands-on theme park where guests don’t ride the rides – they operate the rides. Dig ‘N Zone allows guests of all ages to actually operate construction equipment. It’s a lot of fun if you have kids who are totally obsessed with construction or want to try a theme park that is unlike any other you’ve ever been to.

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1707 Veterans Blvd, Sevierville, TN

Smoky Mountain Deer Farm

I got assaulted by deer here when I fed them and I’m not even mad about it. It was actually really fun! The Smoky Mountain Deer Farm has several exotic animals plus ones we are totally obsessed with (*ahem, baby goats*) and you can feed pretty much all of them. They have zebras, elk, camels, alpacas, goats, and deer. They also offer horseback riding through shaded trails. We were there for a little over an hour and had a blast. The facility is really clean and the animals all looked well cared for and looked after. They are open daily 10 am – 5:30 pm.

478 Happy Hollow Ln, Sevierville, TN

Sevier Air 

With trampolines, a Ninja Warrior course, and a huge laser tag room, the 38,000-square-foot Sevier Air is the perfect place to spend time indoors on a hot, cold, or rainy day. Weather always changes fast in the mountains and this place is perfect for the entire family to burn out energy. 

266 Collier Dr, Sevierville, TN

Soaky Mountain Waterpark

The 50-acre park has some serious waterslides and play areas. We visited and had a blast.

175 Gists Creek Road, Sevierville, TN

Where to Stay 

The Ridge Outdoor Resort 

We stayed at The Ridge Outdoor Resort, a beautiful resort in the heart of Sevierville that has RV slips, glamping tents, and tiny homes. Our lodging was a two-bedroom, one-bathroom glamping tent with a living space, kitchen, and huge porch. It was fantastic! I couldn’t believe how much space there was inside this tent and how comfortable it was. All their tents have both AC and heat. 

The resort also has two zero-entry pools, a lazy river, a catch & release pond, a deli and laundry facility on-site, two fenced in dog parks, a playground, a game room, and one of the pools has a hot tub. The place is also ideally located in Sevierville.

It’s not right in the middle of all the action so it’s very peaceful and tranquil but you won’t need to drive further than 10-15 minutes to get anywhere you want to go.

We really loved our stay here and you can read our full review of The Ridge Outdoor Resort to plan your own trip.

1250 Middle Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN

Wilderness at the Smokies

This family-friendly hotel has three waterparks on-site, including Tennessee’s largest indoor waterpark. You won’t even need to leave the resort for entertainment and dining once you get there. Rooms are spacious and some suites offer bunk beds for kids. And it’s directly across the street from Soaky Mountain Waterpark.

Read our Wilderness at the Smokies Review.

1424 Old Knoxville Hwy, Sevierville, TN

Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort

Stay in a covered wagon or tipi at this resort in Sevierville, TN for the ultimate pioneer adventure. The resort is close to Soaky Mountain and minutes from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Smokies.

Read our Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort.

660 Gists Creek Road, Sevierville, TN

Making Memories in Sevierville 

Ready to go to Sevierville, TN? We only scratched the surface of all the things to do there in East Tennessee, not even mentioning the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the treasure it truly is. This area is absolutely one of our very favorites to visit and we just fall in love with it again and again every time we go – we think you will, too. 

Here are a couple of other attractions and things to do you might want to consider on your trip:

• Adventure Park at Five Oaks: Zipline and horseback riding
• Forbidden Caverns: A spectacular cave to explore
• Foxfire Mountain Adventures: Zipline and adventure park with climbing, ziplines, swinging bridge and more
• Tennessee Museum of Aviation: Warbirds and aviation history
• NASCAR Speedpark: Go-karts, rides and mini-golf

Visit Sevierville is an excellent resource for more things to do in the area and places to stay. Before and during my stay, I referenced their website and visitors’ guide multiple times. They also have discounts on their site for different attractions so it’s certainly worth a visit.

If you want to be close to all that the Sevierville, TN area has to offer but not be in the middle of crowds, The Ridge Outdoor Resort is the place to be. Kristina and her family spent a couple of nights here exploring what the resort in Sevierville has to offer, and she’s got all the details on how to plan a great family trip here. 

Thank you to Visit Sevierville for inviting us to stay at The Ridge Outdoor Resort. 

When on vacation, I love to try new things and experience unique adventures. But I also enjoy some downtime and relaxation and The Ridge Outdoor Resort in Sevierville, TN is absolutely perfect for both of those goals – and it’s just three hours from Greenville, SC.

My family and I stayed in one of their glamping tents and had such a great time exploring Sevierville but also hanging out at the pools and resting up for our next adventures. Here’s why I think you’ll love a stay at The Ridge Outdoor Resort. 

About The Ridge Outdoor Resort

Having only opened in 2019, The Ridge Outdoor Resort has already established itself as one of the area’s best luxury RV and camping, and glamping resorts. They have multiple options for lodging, many amenities, and they are surrounded by 50 acres of Smoky Mountain beauty. 

The Ridge Outdoor Resort currently has more than 150 RV sites, eight glamping canvas tents, and five luxury tiny homes. They have two zero entry pools, a hot tub, two bathhouses, two dog parks, a catch-and-release pond, laundry, on-site deli, playground, kids room with games, and fitness center. 

The Pools 

We really enjoyed our time at the two pools located at the resort. Both are zero-entry pools, which are perfect for smaller kids who can’t swim well or at all. 

The pool closest to the main building at the resort has a hot tub and the pool is about five feet deep. They also have umbrellas and chairs you can relax in right in the shallow water in the pool. I loved that! There’s a bathhouse right next to the pool if you need. 

The other pool, located on the opposite end of the resort, has a small lazy river and covered tables and chairs plus bathrooms. My kids went around that lazy river a seemingly infinite number of times, with and without tubes. 

There are tubes provided plus plenty of lounge chairs at both pools, which is really nice for catching up on all that reading I had been meaning to do. There are large umbrellas if you’d like to sit in the shade and plenty of sunny spots if that’s your thing. 

You can request pool towels from the registration desk. 

Our Glamping Tent 

I’ve stayed in glamping tents before but none as large and accommodating as our two-bedroom, one bathroom tent at the Ridge Resort. It was amazing! 

There is a huge porch with a gas fire pit, oversized chairs, and a picnic table. Once you step inside, there’s a good size living space with a table, sofa, and television plus a kitchen. Head down the hallway and there’s a full bathroom and two bedrooms. I was impressed with how much they fit into this tent. 

Tents all have air conditioning and heat so you can stay any time of the year and be comfortable. We stayed during July and it was really, really hot but the tent was cool, especially at night. Because it is a tent not with solid walls, the air conditioning and fans are louder than they are in a house but honestly, it didn’t bother me at all. I sleep with a white noise machine so this was actually perfect. I wish I could have spent a longer amount of time here because it was so comfortable and relaxing. For our family of four, it was the perfect size and never felt cramped. 

I especially loved the porch because it somehow got a nice breeze even in 90+ degree heat during the day. I had morning coffee out there and didn’t want to leave. As of this writing, glamping tents are offered at $210/night. Some are pet-friendly. 

Tiny Homes & RV Slips

There are five tiny homes at the Ridge Resort that can sleep anywhere from 1-6 guests and come with all the modern amenities of glamping: a kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. Each tiny house also has AC and heat so they can be enjoyed year-round. 

I don’t have an RV so I’m truly not well-versed in RV language but the Ridge Resort offers both Premiere and Signature sites. All sites include all the amenities at the resort plus the Signature sites also have an outdoor wood-burning fireplace, outdoor television, grill, and individual hot tub. I may need to start researching RVs. 

Fishing, Golf Carts, Kids Room & Other Amenities

The amenities at the Ridge Resort are awesome and family-friendly. While our favorites were the two pools and hot tub, the resort also offers golf cart rentals, a golf simulator, free wifi, two dog parks, and seasonal activities. 

They also have a deli on site that you can order food from right from your phone. There are plenty of restrooms and bathhouses at either end of the resort plus a camp store if you need any last-minute items. 

If you are like me and absolutely love Jeeps, you can rent one from the resort to bop around in during your time in Sevierville. They are $125/day + tax.

Overall Mom Review

Looking for The Ridge Outdoor Resort reviews? Here’s our mom review.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Ridge Outdoor Resort in Sevierville, TN with my family. They just made it so easy to relax, which I find is often a tough thing to do in my daily life. Besides the pools and the beautiful glamping tent, my favorite thing was the location.

We had to drive no more than 10 minutes to get anywhere we needed to go. Everything was so close, but we weren’t in the midst of all the action, just close to it, which made our trip there so much more peaceful and relaxing. 

If you’re looking for a unique glamping experience with lots of amenities in an ideal location in Sevierville, The Ridge Outdoor Resort is it.

The Ridge Outdoor Resort Website
1250 Middle Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN
865.505.3111

More Nearby! Pigeon Forge to the Great Smoky Mountains

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A one-of-a-kind experience awaits at SkyLand Ranch in Sevierville, TN, with its scenic views, miniature animals, amazing entertainment, and thrilling mountain coaster. 

Thank you to Visit Sevierville for hosting us at SkyLand Ranch.

I had heard about SkyLand Ranch in Sevierville, TN when they first opened up in the fall of 2022 and had it on my radar to go when I got the chance because it just looked really cool with its peaceful and relaxing chair lift, thrilling mountain coaster, and gorgeous views. Let me say: I was not disappointed in my visit to SkyLand Ranch!

Watch! What we did at SkyLand Ranch

About SkyLand Ranch

SkyLand Ranch is a new attraction in Sevierville, TN, just under three hours from Greenville, SC, that sits on 100 acres on top of a mountain. Owners Lisa and Mark Williford are longtime mountain coaster operators and wanted to bring something new to Sevierville that tells the story of life on a ranch but with that thrilling ride of a mountain coaster and fantastic entertainment.

The decor of SkyLand Ranch is gorgeous. White barns, dark rocking chairs, natural wood structures, and a stunning skywalk that overlooks the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is what you can expect there. 

The entire experience is unlike other attractions in the Smokies and you can tell that the owners put a lot of thought into the guest experience. Yet this is just the beginning. They plan to expand their offerings, which we’ll write about when they happen. 

Getting up to SkyLand Ranch 

The actual ranch is on top of a mountain, which you’ll reach either by a relaxing chair lift ride or a shuttle bus. After getting over my initial fears of chair lifts and my feet dangling high above solid ground, I have truly grown to love these lifts. The open air and views are a huge draw. I still hold onto my kids (not my sunglasses though…RIP) tightly ,but I’m no longer scared of these lifts. 

The ride up to the mountain is not that long, maybe 10 minutes, and if you’ve been on other chair lifts in the area, this one is not as steep. But if you’re not into chair lifts, just take the shuttle up. 

Once you get up there, take as much time as you like to explore all that SkyLand Ranch offers. 

Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster

While I’d say it’s usually hard to choose a favorite activity at any of the cool places in Sevierville I’ve visited, it wasn’t hard at SkyLand Ranch. The Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster was our favorite thing we did at the ranch.

I rode with my youngest daughter, 8, while my other daughter, 12, rode by herself, as did my husband. I think that for the older kids, riding by themselves gives them this great sense of independence, which is a lot of fun for them (and us parents to see). 

The coaster is the longest in the Southeast at 1.25 miles long. You’ll be on it for about eight minutes and you can control how fast or slow you go. Being the daredevil Jersey girl I am, I hit it fast until my daughter told me I needed to slow down for her sake. Well, okay. 

The views from the coaster are also stunning. You can see the Smoky Mountains in the distance, including Mt. LeConte, which my daughters and I hiked this summer. Big accomplishment that I like to remind them about so we can do it again! You can see the strip of the beginning of Pigeon Forge as well and all throughout Sevierville. It’s beautiful. 

While we rode the coaster during the day, you can also ride it late into the night for a totally other experience because you can see the flickering lights of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. Plus, you get to basically ride a coaster in the dark. It’s like Space Mountain but way better. How cool is that? I was really hoping to do this but we just ran out of time. Gotta go back. 

To ride the Wild Stallion, kids must be at least three years old and 38” tall to ride. All riders under 54” tall must ride with an adult.

The coaster is an add-on to your admission price but you can also just go to SkyLand Ranch to ride the coaster and not go up to the mountain. You can view all the ticket options on the SkyLand Ranch website. If you do the combo ticket, which includes admission + the mountain coaster and you want to ride the coaster again, it’s just $10/person for the next ride. The coaster is open until 11 pm, while the ranch closes at 8 pm.

Buzzard’s Nest 

The Buzzard’s Nest is a brand new rope playground at SkyLand Ranch. You can climb on it, jump on it, crawl through it, and swing in it.

While it is for kids, I had to try it out because how else can I write a review? I almost got stuck in one of the holes but I managed to squeeze through. It’s really fun! My kids loved it and spent quite some time playing in it. It’s near the WagonWheeler and sky decks.

WagonWheeler

The WagonWheeler is also brand new in 2025 and is a giant swing tower. It’s over 300 feet off the ground from the parking lot and wow, the views are insane.

You get two rides for every admission ticket and since your admission is good for three days, you can go back each day for a total of six, heart-pounding rides swinging fast over the Smoky Mountains. Riders must be 48″ inches tall and each set of two swings cannot exceed 530 pounds.

The ride is based on a legend of a guy named Jack Wheeler who had to brave some wild whirlwind in his Conestoga wagon. You’ll certainly be braving a wild whirlwind while you fly 300 feet in the air in circles. It’s truly a cool experience.

Safari Ride

You get to see and feed longhorn cattle, deer, Highland cows, donkeys, and adorable goats while on the Safari Ride at SkyLand Ranch. The tours last about 45 minutes as you are taken on a covered trailer to explore the meadows at the ranch, where you’ll be greeted by some pretty cute animals.

I really liked this part of SkyLand Ranch because we got to learn about the animals and feed them. Plus, getting to see longhorn cattle up close was a new experience. Our guide assured us they are gentle but we were still given instructions to stay seated while they approached us because those horns are very long!

This is an add-on experience to your admission. The cost is $17.99/person and includes feed cups.

Western Entertainment

When we got off the chair lift at the top of the mountain to see the ranch, we were fortunate enough to arrive just in time for one of the shows. We got to see a cowboy show us his best Billy the Kid gun twirling and whip snapping moves before he got to some serious rope swinging action. 

We loved watching his amazing talents and getting to see some old Western skills that you really don’t get to see elsewhere. He was fantastic and a great introduction to Skyland Ranch. 

Not long after the cowboy performed, a local band setup to start their country music set. They were really good! They did some cover songs and a couple of their own, which I loved. I’m a big country music fan so I thoroughly enjoyed their music. 

A lot of people took to the rocking chairs in the shade and just hung out, ate lunch, and enjoyed the entertainment. It was definitely relaxing. My husband and daughters played cornhole while we listened to the music. It was great. 

In the evening, we came back up the mountain to go line dancing, which was awesome. Even though I grew up in New Jersey, I’m a country girl at heart because my parents actually took my siblings and I line dancing. Yes, there were several places to go line dancing in NJ. So I got to show my kids what a great line dancer I was and I think they thought I was cool for five seconds. Proud parenting moment.

There is also a cute little playground that is partially shaded and a big area with picnic tables next to the playground that is totally shaded for parents to hang out or to have lunch or dinner.

Gem mining is available and is an extra add-on adventure. You have access to the mining for as long as you like. It is not time based. The gem mine is located next to the Buckaroo Playbarn. 

Definitely don’t miss the big sky walk called Legacy Lookout. You can read about the history of Sevierville as well as learn what mountains you’re looking at in the distance and get incredible photos of you and your family. 

The ranch has daily entertainment so be sure to check the website before you go or give them a call to see what’s on the schedule. 

Miniature Animals at the Ranch

SkyLand Ranch has several miniature horses and there are even goats to play with. Y’all know how much I love goats. They were our first stop once we got off the chair lift. 

I was so surprised at just how clean the animal enclosures were. They were nearly spotless. Actually, everything at SkyLand Ranch was spotless. 

Once you are on the chair lift, you’ll get a view of the donkeys and alpacas, which are adorable. They offer a meet & greet package with Highland cows if you want to get up close and personal with them.

Shopping & Dining

You don’t go all the way up to the mountain not to have food and shopping. There’s both a food court with pizza, sandwiches, and ice cream plus food trucks at SkyLand Ranch. The food trucks have BBQ, nachos, soft pretzels, street corn (delicious), and burgers. 

There is no shortage of retail therapy to be had at SkyLand Ranch either. They have a huge store up on the mountain with quality apparel, cowboy and cowgirl hats, Western toys and games, SkyLand Ranch branded items, mugs, sparkly dresses, and all kinds of neat stuff. I almost walked out of there with a pink sparkle cowgirl hat.

Admission 

Here’s the cool thing about admission to SkyLand Ranch: your ticket is good for three days of admission. Three days. You don’t find that anywhere in that area. 

Did you know Wilderness at the Smokies has three waterparks plus a hotel? Sign us up! Kristina took her family to Wilderness at the Smokies in Sevierville, TN to experience this family-friendly resort and tells us all about it and why it’s such a perfect place for a family trip.

Thanks to the Wilderness at the Smokies for providing us with media tickets.

This article includes:
About the Resort
Dining at Wilderness at the Smokies
The Waterparks: Indoor & Outdoor
Indoor Arcade and Adventure Forest
Our Favorite Things
Tips for Visiting
Booking Your Trip

Watch! Our Visit to Wilderness at the Smokies

If you are looking for a weekend trip, a few days for a family vacation, or a special getaway with a birthday kid or special occasion, the Wilderness at the Smokies resort is an excellent option. Why? Because you don’t even need to leave the property for entertainment and dining. Park the car and have a blast. And it’s all under three hours driving distance from Upstate, SC. We have all the details in our Wilderness at the Smokies review!

Wilderness at the Smokies: The Waterpark Resort

Owned by Wilderness Resorts and Waterparks, the Wilderness at the Smokies has several room options, including ones with bunk beds for kids and adjacent rooms with full kitchens and living rooms. The room we stayed in had a queen bed and bunk bed plus a pullout bed and a Murphy bed in the adjacent guest room. It was huge. On our second trip, we had a double queen bed room that overlooked the outdoor waterpark. It was plenty big and spacious.

Our room faced one of the enormous outdoor waterparks at the River Lodge and had easy access to entertainment and dining and a short walk from the parking lot.  You can also choose to stay at Stone Hill Lodge, which is not connected to the waterpark, but you can take a quick bus from the building to the waterpark door. The layout of the rooms at Stone Hill Lodge is slightly different from River Lodge, and it’s just based on preference for your trip.

We had the option to take advantage of early check-in so we could spend as much time as possible checking out the property, which got us in our room by Noon. Our second time there, we were able to start playing at the waterpark at Noon and our room was ready around 3:30 pm. If you have this option, we would recommend it, especially since it got more crowded as the afternoon wore on. We never had to wait long for any ride but it was nice to run through quickly everything we wanted to do. 

Wilderness at the Smokies: Dining

There are several dining options at the resort, most of which have burgers, salads, fries, and desserts. You will find places like Grizzly’s Grill, Billy Jacks Snack Shack, Tacolicious, and other dining options to fit your craving. If you have been to Wilderness and haven’t tried out Hidden Trail, we highly recommend it for quick bites and snacks!

They have a Candy Cabin (to buy candy by the pound) and a frozen yogurt place also, which is right next to the indoor waterpark. And for adults, there are lots of options for adult beverages throughout the resort. I saw several huge frozen drinks that grownups were toting around. They looked delicious, I have to say.

The resort also offers food delivery right to your room. Prices are pretty much the same as dining at restaurants so this is a great option if you’re totally wiped out at the end of the day. We were pretty beat and I was starving so I dragged my kids to the restaurant (really, I wanted all the desserts). 

Wilderness at the Smokies: Waterparks 

The resort has three waterparks, including Tennessee’s largest indoor waterpark with an attached arcade, snack bars, and restaurants. The largest waterpark, one of the two outdoor waterparks, is at the main building, the River Lodge. All waterparks are included in your stay.

There are three water slide attractions, a matted tube run, a bigger tube vortex ride, and a free-fall water slide. Kids have to be 42” to ride the mat tube run and the larger tube ride. You need to be 48” tall to ride the free fall.

That was a hard no for me! My kids and I did several runs on the mat tube one, especially in the hour before closing as there was no line.

Other favorites were the big wave pool and lazy river. There are also a ton of chairs and tables to hang out at or eat your lunch or dinner. Cabanas can be rented for anywhere from $180 up to $250 a day, which are personal covered tents that come with plenty of chairs and towels. You can even have food and drinks delivered to them. 

And there’s an enclosed area that is super shallow and perfect for little kids.

Cute little swings are perfect for babies. We saw lots of families with little ones enjoying that area. 

Rooftop Pool and Lounge

On our second trip to Wilderness we got to enjoy the rooftop infinity pool. It was amazing. The views of the Smokies just cannot be beat and there was hardly anyone up there.

The pool isn’t huge but it’s perfect for relaxation. There’s a bar at the top with plenty of chairs for lounging and tables for eating under umbrellas. You can get there by heading up the elevators inside of Wild WaterDome.

Indoor Waterpark & Wave Pool

The indoor waterpark, the Wild WaterDome, is Tennessee’s largest indoor waterpark. It also has several tube rides, most of which kids can easily ride. They have a big wave pool with ocean-like waves. My kids loved this one as they splashed and jumped in the bigger waves.

There is also a play area for kids with water features and zero-entry pools. A flow rider-type ride is a blast to watch. We didn’t try it but people can attempt to not wipe out on a boogie board. Wilderness at the Smokies indoor slides are a lot of fun for older kids and parents as well.

One of our favorite indoor water slides was the orange one that has a big drop that shoots you into a huge funnel. It was terrifying and we rode it multiple times!

Brand New: Coaster and Kaleidoscope Kavern

Wilderness invested $40 million into a huge expansion project, which included a 40,000 square foot addition to the Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark, which was finished in December 2023. They added a really cool lazy river in their indoor waterpark that goes through a cavern with a kaleidoscope ceiling. It is such a neat addition and one that my kids and I several times. There’s also a small waterfall to go under in the same lazy river. There’s music and all different colors and you can float through as many times as you want.

They also added an indoor water coaster that shoots you through several tunnels with forceful water jets. You can go on a double tube or go as a single rider.

Safety Taken Seriously

Safety is a huge priority at the waterparks. Lifeguards are everywhere. Literally everywhere. They are methodical about when you can ride down the slides, measuring people to make sure they are at the height limit, and watching the pools closely. Life jackets aren’t mandatory but the waterparks all have them available for free if parents feel their kids need them. 

Hours are different for all the waterparks so it’s best to confirm the waterpark hours before you go.

Wilderness at the Smokies: Indoor Arcade and Adventure Forest

The indoor waterpark is enormous as it is but it’s attached to a huge arcade as well. This place just amplifies family fun! At first glance, it doesn’t look big but once you start walking around – and looking up – you realize how big it really is.

There’s a three-story ropes course, mini-golf course, climbing wall, tons of arcade games, a little frogger ride for kids, and even a multi-level laser tag course. 

You can purchase day adventure passes or buy rides individually and they vary in cost. Arcade games can be played by purchasing points on a card.

The resort also has a paint-your-own-pottery place. My oldest daughter really wanted to do this but we just ran out of time. If you are at the resort for a few days, this could be a fun way to break up your waterpark adventure time. 

During the winter, usually starting in mid-November, there is ice skating available at the resort. They convert part of the outdoor wave pool into an ice rink for some festive fun for both guests and the public.

My Favorite Things about Wilderness at the Smokies

I’ve been wanting to visit this resort for a while and was thrilled when I finally got the chance. It’s so close to Greenville and I had heard many great things about it from local families. And it didn’t disappoint. 

• Even though the resort is huge, I didn’t find it hard to navigate. At the River Lodge, signs are posted everywhere on where things are and all the rooms surround the waterpark so it’s not hard to find your way around. 
• The staff everywhere we went were very kind, considerate, and helpful, which is always appreciated. 
• My kids were in heaven with the waterparks. They loved it all and as a parent, seeing your kids truly enjoy an experience makes me happy. I really liked that the resort had everything I needed, from food to entertainment, right there, and I didn’t need to drive anywhere if I didn’t want to. 
• The location is fantastic. My GPS clocked the trip from Greenville at two hours and 49 minutes. It’s an easy ride that is beautiful, with views of the mountains as you head towards Tennessee on Route 40. Mountains make me happy so the drive was enjoyable. Also, the resort is 40 minutes to the Sugarlands Visitor Center at the Great Smoky Mountains and an hour from Cades Cove and many popular hiking trails. 
• All kids are going to enjoy this place. It seems the resort took pains to make sure the place would be enjoyable for kids of all ages. There are more adventurous rides for older kids and lots of places for the little ones to splash around and have a good time also.
• The waterparks are included with your stay at the resort, which is a nice perk when it comes to budgeting for the trip. And the indoor waterpark is open year-round so you can visit any time of year!

Tips on Visiting Wilderness of the Smokies

After spending some at Wilderness of the Smokies, here are a few ideas that may make your time there even more awesome:

• Get the early check-in: You can spend so much more time at the attractions before the rush around dinner time when most people check-in. 

• Do an early dinner: Have dinner early so you can rest a little before getting back out to the parks during the slower evening hours and not have to wait in line long. 

• Get a locker: You can rent a small locker for $10 for the whole day and keep your wallet, phone, or camera in there without worrying about it.

• Visit Soaky Mountain Water Park: When you stay at Wilderness of the Smokies, you can purchase heavily discounted tickets to Soaky Mountain, a huge waterpark right across the street, for $19.99.  They also offer free tickets sometimes over the summer so always check the Wilderness of the Smokies social media for deals. They are open during the summer. 

• Fantastic weekend adventure: If you just need to get away for the weekend, this resort is ideal. Everything you need to have fun is right there and you can see and do a lot of what’s offered in a couple of days.

• Ask about free/discounted tickets to local attractions: Be sure to ask Guest Services about any discounted or free tickets they have to local attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg and WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge. You will always find a great deal!

Homeschool Days

Homeschool Days: 2025 homeschool days are:

• August 24-28
• September 1-4 & 21-25
• October 26-30
• November 9-13
• December 7-11

Cost: As low as $129/night
More info: Use the code HOMESC to book online or via phone

Booking your trip

This link is an affiliate link with STAY22. Kidding Around earns when you book through this link.

You’ll definitely want to check their website for specials like Homeschool Days where rooms are as low as $129 for the Stone Hill Lodge and $139 per night for the River Lodge, discounted/free passes for Soaky Mountain, specials on back-to-school, etc.

Room prices will vary by season and room type. Wilderness at the Smokies has suites, one and two-bedrooms, and villas available. There are free shuttles amongst all the buildings at the resort.

Day passes may be available for certain dates so if you’re in the area but not staying at the resort, a Wilderness at the Smokies Day Pass could be really fun.

We hope you enjoy your stay at Wilderness at the Smokies!

Wilderness at the Smokies
1424 Old Knoxville Hwy, Sevierville, TN
Wilderness at the Smokies Facebook

Book your stay at Stone Hill Lodge at Wilderness of the Smokies

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I’m a sucker for a good waterpark! Give me fast slides, wave pools, and cool water on a hot day, and I’m all in. Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville, TN, totally delivered. Less than three hours from the Upstate, it’s the kind of place that makes the drive worth it.

Opened in 2020 with a whopping $90 million investment, the park brought 500 jobs to the area and brought along some much-needed entertainment to the growing area. It’s right across the street from Wilderness at the Smokies (a resort we’d absolutely recommend), and if you stay there, you can score discounted tickets to Soaky Mountain, which is a great bonus!

Attractions at Soaky Mountain Waterpark

Soaky Mountain’s 50-acre park is loaded with thrilling waterslides and splash zones for all ages. With younger kids in tow, my husband and I took turns hitting the big rides—The Edge was an adrenaline rush ( I couldn’t stop grinning after that race), and he couldn’t get enough of The Avalaunch. The 35,000-square-foot wave pool was another highlight. The waves felt just like the ocean, minus the sharks and jellyfish. Big win! With swells reaching up to six feet, it brought serious beach vibes to the Smokies. Our family favorite had to be Black Bear Rapids, and for a good reason (keep reading to find out why!).

Rides We Loved

My kids (ages 6 and 3) loved The Hive, a multi-story water playground with several age-appropriate slides for kids, although lots of adults were playing with their kids on it. 

Boomer’s Bay & The Edge

They also couldn’t get enough of Boomer’s Bay, which is located behind the giant Soaky Surge wave pool over by The Edge. Here, my little adrenaline junky 3 year old could ride “big kid waterslides”, which were just pint size versions of larger tube slides. Here, my husband and I took turns catching a ride on The Edge. This was my absolute favorite! The two-seater dualing watercoaster takes you on a race against another group through tubes and up the side of an incline before crowning the winner.

Our writer, Kristina, also visited Soaky Mountain in 2023 and said that The Edge was “Unreal. I screamed my head off because immediately you are sent into a stomach-churning drop, then launched into tubes with AquaLucent light rings, then another drop, then speed into more tubes with more lights. The final, three-story drop sends you high up on a near-vertical launch on the Boomerango wall. I was terrified and wanted to do it all over again.”

Rainbow’s Revenge

Kristina and her kids loved Rainbow’s Revenge, a huge, multi-passenger raft ride through a bright, colorful, and semi-fast tube. That one was a blast, and getting in line early made it a fun start to the day.

The Avalaunch

My husband was able to sneak away to ride The Avalaunch, which is touted as a “first of its kind” watercoaster. My husband was grinning ear to ear after this slide, and said it was an adrenaline rush, saying “as you go down the hill and get shot back up, you get drenched before entering two turns, before you get shot out into the wall climb, which has an awesome view”.

We spent a lot of the afternoon checking out any of the areas that our younger kids could enjoy, including the Soaky Surge wave pool, which has some pretty intense waves! We had both kids out toward the 4-foot section with their lifejackets on, and the waves were a lot of fun. Just make sure your kid can swim if they want to go out that far, or they will stop the wave action early. This is a great place to lounge, there are dozens of chairs and shade along the shore.

Black Bear Rapids

My daughter’s favorite, and possibly all of ours, was Black Bear Rapids. She has a thing for lazy rivers, so we grabbed some tubes and made our way through the course. I failed to read the sign saying that the rapids would be occurring during that time, and was pleasantly thrilled when we were floating along and a huge wave came cruising toward us! It had us all laughing hysterically, and it is such a unique take on the traditional lazy river. There are only a couple of times throughout the day that they have the rapids turned on, but it is fun either way.

For a list of all the rides, watercoasters, slides, and height and weight requirements, see the Soaky Mountain website.

Food at Soaky Mountain Waterpark

You won’t go hungry at Soaky Mountain Waterpark, there’s no shortage of food options throughout the park. From a taco truck and a frozen yogurt shop to multiple snack bars, you’ll find everything from nachos, pretzels, and popcorn to hot dogs, cookies, novelty ice cream, fresh-squeezed lemonade, ICEEs, bottled water, and fountain drinks. Just know that alcohol isn’t served on-site.

To save some money, we recommend packing your own lunch, the park allows reentry with a valid day ticket, perfect if you want to step outside to eat. Just note that outside food and drinks aren’t allowed inside the park, except for sealed water bottles.

Cabanas 

Cabana rentals start at $69.99 for a two-person rental and go up to $399.99 for a 20-person rental. These are private shelters around the park that include access to a server and a limited menu (food and beverages are extra). We noticed that you could reserve them at different sections of the park, so if you know that you are going to spend a lot of time in a certain area, shoot for booking a cabana there.

I saw a lot of families utilizing these. They are great as a home base to relax, eat, rest, change diapers, etc. And you rent them by the day. 

Tips For Visiting Soaky Mountain

1. Arrive Early to Maximize Your Day
One of the best tips for visiting Soaky Mountain Waterpark is to get there early. We visited at the beginning of June, and many of the lines were short early in the day. However, at midday, the crowds began to form, and the waits for the bigger slides were much longer. Still, the earlier you go, the more rides you can enjoy with little to no lines.

2. Rent a Locker for Your Stuff
Lockers are available near the entrance and are totally worth it if you’re bringing towels, dry clothes, your wallet, or other valuables. The smallest lockers cost $13 for the day, and they give you peace of mind so you can focus on the fun without juggling your gear. We just carried out things from place to place, but after a chat with a local, we realized it was because it was early in the season. For peak season (June/July/August), there are almost no chairs to lay your things down in.

3. Skip the Water Shoes, Maybe
Wondering if you need water shoes at Soaky Mountain? We didn’t find them necessary. Many waterslides don’t allow shoes anyway, so we stashed ours in the locker and went barefoot. The ground wasn’t too hot, even in the afternoon sun. That said, if you’re sensitive to heat or prefer sandals for walking between attractions, bring a pair just in case.

4. Be Ready for Some Stair Climbing
This waterpark doubles as a leg workout! Many of the best rides, like the mat racing slide and several tube slides, require a climb to the top. Plus, you may also be dragging along a float. One of our favorite slides had nearly 100 steps, and we rode it multiple times. My legs definitely felt it the next day, but it was totally worth it. If you need to pause and catch your breath, don’t worry—there are plenty of landings to rest on the way up.

Soaky Mountain Tickets

A one-day ticket online for adults (over 42”) is $52.99 and tickets for kids under 42” are $43.99. Ages 2 and under are free. The family 4 pack is a steal at $43.99 per ticket. If you go after 4 pm, tickets are slightly cheaper.

If you stay at Wilderness at the Smokies resort across the street, you can purchase discounted tickets or even get them for free during some specials. We were able to snag a deal during the last weekend of May that included free tickets to Soaky Mountain, which we took the shuttle from the hotel to the waterpark and back. A season pass also includes discounted rooms at Wilderness at the Smokies.

Parking is $14.75/car when bought online and $19.25/bus and RVs. If you’re paying at the gate, it costs around $20/car.

Hours vary, so look at the Soaky Mountain Waterpark calendar to see updated hours before you go. They are open mid-May through August, and with select dates in September, weather permitting. They also have a rain check policy if the park has to close for more than 90 minutes.

Would you like to go to Soaky Mountain Waterpark?

Soaky Mountain Waterpark
175 Gists Creek Road, Sevierville, TN