Exploring Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Gatlinburg
Quick Takeaway: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Gatlinburg is a must-do for families and curious travelers alike, offering three floors of bizarre, interactive, and fascinating exhibits. With its central location, extended hours, and ticket options that can be bundled with other Ripley’s attractions—or even with lodging through Tripster—it’s an easy and affordable way to add something unforgettable to your Smoky Mountain vacation.
When you’re planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg offers no shortage of attractions—yet Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium continues to stand out as one of the most unique stops in town. Known for its bizarre exhibits, interactive displays, and collections of rare oddities, this family-friendly destination is the kind of place where you’ll find yourself saying “wait, is that real?” around every corner.
During our visit, we discovered that Ripley’s isn’t just a museum—it’s an immersive experience where history, science, and the downright strange come together in a way that’s both educational and entertaining. Whether you’re traveling with kids, friends, or even planning a couples’ day out, Ripley’s makes for a fascinating stop that works perfectly into a Gatlinburg touring plan.
What to Expect Inside Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
The Gatlinburg Odditorium spans three floors packed with over 500 exhibits and artifacts, each one stranger than the last. From shrunken heads and rare cultural artifacts to optical illusions and hands-on displays, every step reveals something unexpected.
Some highlights from our visit included:
- The Incredible Artwork – Portraits made from matchsticks, recycled materials, and even candy had us doing double takes.
- Optical Illusions and Interactive Rooms – Our kids loved testing their balance in the tilted room and puzzling through the mirror maze-style displays.
- Bizarre But True Collections – You’ll find everything from vampire-killing kits to real meteorites, blending history with the extraordinary.
What surprised us most was how interactive the Odditorium is. Instead of just walking through and looking at displays, guests are encouraged to touch, play, and participate. That makes it an especially great choice for families with kids who might otherwise get restless in a traditional museum.
Location, Hours, and Cost
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is conveniently located right on the Gatlinburg Parkway, making it easy to fit into a day of exploring downtown Gatlinburg. Because it’s indoors, it’s also a perfect rainy-day or hot-afternoon activity.
Cost: Tickets are currently $29.99 for adults, $16.99 for children (ages 6–11), and $4.99 for children (ages 2–5) with kids under 2 free. Prices are subject to change, but you can often save by purchasing online in advance or through bundled ticket options.
Hours: Open daily, typically 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. (hours can vary seasonally, so double-check before visiting).
Tips for Adding Ripley’s to Your Touring Plan
Because Ripley’s is located right in the heart of Gatlinburg, it’s easy to work into your itinerary whether you’re spending a day strolling the Parkway, eating at the Pancake Pantry, or pairing it with a stop at the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park or Anakeesta.
A few planning tips:
Parking: There’s no dedicated Ripley’s lot, but nearby public parking garages and lots provide easy access. We recommend parking the Aquarium Parking Garage located at 125 Greystone Heights, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. We find this lot to be affordable and convenient.
Timing: Allow about 1.5–2 hours to explore the Odditorium fully.
Crowds: If you want a quieter experience, try visiting earlier in the morning or later in the evening when the Parkway is less crowded. You can pair it with an early breakfast at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp!
Bundle and Save on Ripley’s Attractions
One of the best-kept secrets for visiting Ripley’s in Gatlinburg is that the Odditorium is just the beginning. Ripley’s operates multiple attractions throughout Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and guests can often save money by bundling two or more together.
Some of the Ripley’s experiences you can combine include:
- Ripley’s Mini Golf Courses – Themed putt-putt fun that’s great for kids and adults alike.
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – Consistently ranked among the top aquariums in the U.S., this is a must-do for families.
- Ripley’s Haunted Adventure – A spine-tingling haunted house experience for thrill seekers.
- Ripley’s Moving Theater – A 5D cinematic ride with motion seats and special effects.
- Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze – A family favorite full of twists, turns, and optical illusions.
By purchasing a combo ticket, you can mix and match these attractions, often at a lower cost than buying individual admissions. For families or groups planning to spend more than a day in Gatlinburg, bundling Ripley’s experiences together not only saves money but also gives you flexibility in planning your vacation days.
And if you’re looking for even bigger savings, you can take advantage of Tripster vacation bundles that pair Ripley’s attractions with hotels or cabins in the Smoky Mountains. This way, you’re covering both entertainment and lodging in one cost-effective package—perfect for stretching your vacation budget while packing in more fun.
Saving Money with Tripster Bundling
Attractions in the Smokies can add up quickly for families, which is why we recommend looking into ticket bundles through Tripster. By combining your Ripley’s admission with a hotel stay or even other attractions like Dollywood or Anakeesta, you can unlock significant savings.
On our Simply Touring site, we’ve already highlighted how Tripster helps guests stretch their vacation dollars, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is one of those perfect add-on attractions that works well in a bundle. If you’re planning to stay in a cabin or hotel in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, a bundle can take the guesswork (and extra costs) out of planning.
Our Thoughts
If you’re looking for something unique to round out your Smoky Mountain vacation, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! delivers. This Gatlinburg landmark combines entertainment, education, and the wonderfully strange into an experience unlike any other. Thanks to its central Parkway location, extended hours, and diverse range of exhibits, it easily earns a spot on any traveler’s must-do list.
Pair your visit with other Gatlinburg favorites, or bundle tickets with lodging or other attractions through Tripster for the best value. Whether you’re fascinated by the unusual or just looking for something different to do on your trip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a stop you’ll want to add to your Smoky Mountain touring plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are tickets to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Gatlinburg?
Tickets are currently $29.99 for adults, $16.99 for children (ages 6–11), and $4.99 for children (ages 2–5) with kids under 2 free.
How long does it take to go through Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Gatlinburg?
Normally guests spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the three floors of exhibits. If you like to read and interact with everything, plan closer to two hours.
Where is Ripley’s Believe It or Not! located in Gatlinburg?
The Odditorium sits right on the Gatlinburg Parkway, in the heart of downtown. It’s easy to walk to if you’re exploring the Parkway’s shops and restaurants. We recommend parking in the Aquarium Parking Garage and walking the strip from there. Here is the address for the garage: 125 Greystone Heights, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
What are the hours for Ripley’s Believe It or Not!?
Hours are usually 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, though they may shift during peak seasons or holidays. Always double-check before your visit.
Are there other Ripley’s attractions in Gatlinburg?
Yes! Ripley’s operates several attractions in the Smokies, including the famous Aquarium of the Smokies, Haunted Adventure, Mirror Maze, Moving Theater, and mini golf courses. Combo tickets let you bundle these together for extra savings.
Can I bundle Ripley’s tickets with my hotel or cabin stay?
Absolutely! Through Tripster bundles, you can pair Ripley’s admission with hotels or cabins in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. Bundling helps save money and simplifies planning.
