Skip to Content

6 Reasons to Visit Pigeon Forge in 2019

Pigeon Forge is the perfect family vacation destination for 2019! It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit. All year long Pigeon Forge welcomes visitors with open arms.

About Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is a small town with a permanent population of approximately 6,000. However, more than 10 million people visit every year, and more than 2 million stay overnight.

To house all of those overnight guests, Pigeon Forge has more than 14,000 lodging units in hotels, motels, condos, cabins and campgrounds.

Pigeon Forge, is a mountain town in eastern Tennessee best known as the home of Dollywood, country singer Dolly Parton’s Appalachian-themed park consisting of rides, an adjoining water park and a museum of her costumes and memorabilia.

Other attractions include country music revues like the Smoky Mountain Opry, dinner theaters such as Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede and outlet malls.

Here are my 6 good reasons why every family should plan a trip to Pigeon Forge!

1. Dollywood

Dollywood is Tennessee’s most visited attraction, and is located in Pigeon Forge. It is open from late March through December and attracts more than 2 million guests each year.

Dollywood is nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Considered one of the world’s premier theme parks, Dolly Parton’s Dollywood features rip-roaring rides, delectable fare, and stellar entertainment—all surrounded by breathtaking views.

From live artists performing country, southern gospel, classic rock ‘n’ roll and Appalachian music, to master craftsmen showcasing glass blowing and blacksmithing, Dollywood is brimming with the rich heritage and artistry of the Smokies.

At Dollywood you will find forty (40) rides and attractions that include: Lightning Rod, the world’s fastest wooden roller coaster; Wild Eagle, the country’s first wing coaster; and FireChaser Express, the nation’s first dual-launch family coaster. Inside Dollywood’s Country Fair, an area specially designed for kids, little ones can enjoy rides perfectly suited for the youngest at heart.

During the summer you can cool the family off at Dollywood’s Splash Country,a great water park experience. Plus, the park stays open later for a nightly fireworks extravaganza. Each winter you can get to see four million dazzling lights to celebrate Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas.

And best yet, Dollywood is expanding in 2019! Wildwood Grove will have 11 themed experiences full of fun, with indoor and outdoor spaces for people of all ages to play and enjoy.

Photo Credit: Dolly Parton’s Wildwood Grove

These experiences include: A Treetop Tower, Sycamore Swing, Hidden Hollow play area, Frog and Flies, Black Bear trail, the Mad Mockingbird, Dragon Flier and last but not least, a sparkling Wildwood Tree full of butterflies

2. Family Friendly

Every show, attraction, and restaurant in Pigeon Forge and the surrounding area is geared towards creating the perfect atmosphere for families. You’ll find so many things to do with the kids you’ll wonder why it took you so long to visit!

3. Budget Friendly

There are many activities in the area that are free. The fountain show at The Island or walks along the Little Pigeon River are just two suggestions. You can even float down the Little Pigeon River in a tube! Spend some time meeting the horses at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede or celebrate Christmas any time of the year with a visit to The Incredible Christmas Place

Be sure to order a copy of the Pigeon Forge Travel Guide for a large selection of discounts. Plus, find plenty of other coupons from area businesses to help you save on your Pigeon Forge vacation.

Photo Credit: The Island Pigeon Forge

Visit the Island in Pigeon Forge. It’s a beautiful, clean, safe and walkable shopping and entertainment complex with many affordable choices for entertainment, dining, shopping and lodging. So much is FREE, and ALL is affordable!

4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A Spring visit to the Smoky Mountains will be colorful for sure! Spring trips to Pigeon Forge will be filled with yellow, white, violet, and rouge colors.  Wildflowers, spectacular views, and longer days make it the perfect time of year to explore.

The most visited national park in the U.S., the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, welcomes more than 9 million people a year. Elevations range from 875 to 6,643 feet and it is one of the most biologically diverse locations in the world. More than 17,000 species have been identified in the park.

Kid friendly hiking trails are a great way to teach the kids about the outdoors.

5. Pirates Voyage

Pirates Voyage Myrtle Beach, SC

Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage is coming to Pigeon Forge in the spring of 2019. When complete, the 21,000 square foot arena, adjacent to The Island in Pigeon Forge, will be the stage for Crimson and Sapphire pirates to battle on deck, in the water and in the sky above their full-sized pirate ships in a 15-foot-deep indoor lagoon.

Pirates Voyage Myrtle Beach, SC

Spectacular acrobatic competitions, live animals and an original music score by Dolly Parton and Mark Brymer creates an immersive adventure experience all while guests enjoy a spectacular four-course pirate feast.

6. Everything Else

From parades and car shows to concerts and dinner shows, Pigeon Forge boasts a number of fun-filled events and festivals that take place all year. 

There are plenty of fun activities and things to do, for the little ones on up to the thrill seekers in your family. MyPigeonForge.com offers a perfect events calendar to help you plan your family vacation to Pigeon Forge. 

Visit one of the many Pigeon Forge go-kart tracks and mini-golf courses. Spend some time in the great outdoors, ride some rides, listen to great music and eat great food – Pigeon Forge offers lots to do for the entire family.

With approximately 45 restaurants to choose from, you’ll have a hard time deciding where to have your next meal. Visit this complete list of Pigeon Forge restaurants to check them out!

Need a little break from the kids? In addition to being an action-packed destination, Pigeon Forge also offers a variety of spas and salons to help you relax and rejuvenate during your vacation.

The weather isn’t cooperating? No problem. Pigeon Forge has at least 5 attraction activities that are indoors!

Start planning to visit Pigeon Forge today!

Please Share and Follow