The Island in Pigeon Forge is a must-visit location during your trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
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What is The Island in Pigeon Forge?
The Island in Pigeon Forge is an entertainment district offering places to eat, stay, shop, and play. Fun fact…it’s not even an island at all!
Is the Island in Pigeon Forge Free?
The Island in Pigeon Forge offers free parking and free admission. There’s even a free shuttle (check their website for availability) to take you from the parking lot to the attractions.
When is The Island in Pigeon Forge Open?
The Island in Pigeon Forge is open every day, 365 days a year. However, some attractions may be closed during your visit so be sure to check their website or call ahead before you visit.
Is the Island in Pigeon Forge Pet Friendly?
The Island in Pigeon Forge is pet friendly so if you’re a dog mom or dad, you can bring your baby along. Just remember to bring your leash.
How Much Time Do I Need to Visit The Island in Pigeon Forge?
It’s possible to spend as little as an hour to as much as half a day experiencing all that The Island in Pigeon Forge has to offer. It all depends on what you want to do.
Keep reading to discover all that The Island in Pigeon Forge has to offer…

Shop
There are over 40 shops at The Island in Pigeon Forge including a couple of toy stores, some souvenir shops, and some boutiques. If you like to shop at small businesses you’ll enjoy the shops at The Island in Pigeon Forge.
A couple of honorable mentions include:
- Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine does tastings and offers a wide selection of moonshine options
- Pepper Palace offers tastings of hot sauce ranging from mild to burn your face off. They even have a Ghost Pepper hot sauce challenge. If you ever thought about what it would be like to participate in the show Hot Ones, you’ll want to stop here.
- Paula Deen Retail store where you can buy everything from kitchenware to the mix for her famous biscuits, to her cookbooks.

Play
There are a number of attractions at The Island in Pigeon Forge. If you enjoy games, there is a large arcade. Have grade school children? There are a few amusement rides for them. Unfortunately, there are only one or two rides for toddlers and for thrill seekers. For the family, you’ll find a ropes course, a carousel, and like every tourist location, there is a giant ferris wheel.
At the entrance to The Island in Pigeon Forge, you’ll find the Alcatraz Crime Museum which features some famous artifacts including OJ Simpson’s Bronco. If you’re a fan of Epcot’s Soaring Around the World in Disney World, you’ll love The Island’s newest attraction, Sky Fly: Soar America.
Eat
Probably the most popular place to eat at The Island in Pigeon Forge, and my personal favorite, is Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. Paula Deen’s is a family-style, all-you-can-eat restaurant. You pick between a number of entrees and a number of sides for your group, and they are continuously sent to your table until you’ve had enough. To read our review of Paula Deen’s, CLICK HERE.
Another popular restaurant at The Island in Pigeon Forge is Dick’s Last Resort. Dick’s is a lot of fun if you like gentle teasing and funny-looking hats. The food and drinks are pretty good too. Looking for Pizza? Try Mellow Mushroom. How about a margarita with your meal? There’s a Margaritaville for that.

Accommodations
The Island in Pigeon Forge is home to the Margaritaville Island Hotel and the Margaritaville Island Inn. The location of these hotels is perfect! They are steps away from The Island’s restaurants, shops, and entertainment. You won’t even have to get into your car.
Looking for a luxurious stay in a prime location, the Margaritaville Island Hotel may be the place for you. There’s a rooftop pool and bar, and balconies facing the main fountain where you can watch the nightly fountain shows.







Check out these discount rates through Booking.com!
Final Thoughts
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a must-visit attraction for your family, no matter what time of year you visit. Our family usually spends a few hours there every time we visit Pigeon Forge. It’s a great place to have lunch or dinner, a good place for some outdor fun, and a beautiful place to just relax and take pictures.
Be sure to schedule some time in your itinerary for a visit during your trip. For more information visit The Island in Pigeon Forge’s website.
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