Ripley’s Aquarium- Tennessee’s #1 Underwater Adventure

Family Fun Meets the Truly Bizarre

Mind-bending exhibits, underwater worlds, and family fun collide in the Smokies

Ripley’s Attractions – Gatlinburg’s Most Unbelievable Adventures

Located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of the most visited and top-rated aquariums in the U.S. It features over 10,000 exotic sea creatures across more than 350 species, all housed in beautifully themed exhibits that bring the underwater world to life.

Guests can walk through the famous underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, touch stingrays and jellyfish, and watch penguins play up close at the Penguin Playhouse. Perfect for families, couples, and curious minds of all ages, the aquarium offers interactive, educational, and truly unforgettable experiences.

Whether you’re escaping a rainy day or planning a fun-filled weekend in the Smokies, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a must-visit indoor attraction that blends excitement, learning, and wow-worthy marine life all in one place.

Information
  • Location: 800 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Phone: 8654308808
  • Website: ripleys.com
  • Distance from Smith Creek Resort: Approximately ~ 12 mi / 30 minutes
Opening Hours
  • Mon–Sun: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
At a Glance
  • Type of Experience: Scenic Drive, Outdoor Adventure, Photography
  • Best For: Scenic Drive, Outdoor Adventure, Photography
  • Top Season / Time to Visit: Fall for foliage, Spring for wildflowers, Early morning or golden hour
Main entrance of Ripley’s Aquarium with welcoming signage and visitors arriving
Family admiring colorful fish and sea creatures inside Ripley’s Aquarium
Visitors waiting in line to enter the Sea Life exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium
Kids and parents having fun together at the kids play arena
Guests enjoying the unique “Sleep with the Sharks” overnight experience inside Ripley’s Aquarium

The Essentials: What’s Here, What’s Nearby & Why You’ll Love It

From thrilling underwater tunnels to bizarre exhibits and mirror mazes, here’s everything you need to plan the perfect day of fun in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Explore the best of Ripley’s attractions, discover interactive experiences for all ages, and see why families, adventurers, and curious minds keep coming back to Believe It or Not!

What You'll Experience

🦈 Ripley’s Aquarium – mesmerizing sea life, touch tanks & penguin play
🎢 5D Moving Theater – feel every twist and turn
🧛 Haunted Adventure – spooky thrills for brave hearts
🔍 Odditorium – jaw-dropping artifacts and curiosities
🔄 Mirror Maze – a light-filled challenge to your senses

Amenities & Features

✅ Paid parking nearby
✅ Restrooms
✅ Wheelchair accessible
✅ Indoor experiences
✅ Great for large groups
✅ Paid parking nearby
✅ Restrooms
✅ Wheelchair accessible
✅ Indoor experiences
✅ Great for large groups

Why We Love It

👀 Keeps kids curious and adults entertained
📸 Endless photo ops
🌧️ Ideal for indoor fun
🎟️ Combo passes available for big savings

Nearby Attractions

📍 Anakeesta – 0.2 mi
📍 Gatlinburg SkyLift Park – 0.3 mi
📍 Ole Smoky Moonshine – 0.4 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

The Aquarium is the most popular and family-friendly, but the Odditorium is a fan favorite too.

Yes! Combo tickets save money and time.

Absolutely—there’s something for all ages

Yes, most locations are fully accessible.

Yes! The Aquarium has its own dedicated parking area, while other locations are walkable from nearby city lots and garages. Arrive early during peak seasons to grab the best spots!

Reviews from the Visitors

What Guests Are Saying About the Attractions

We visited the aquarium, mirror maze, and Believe It or Not! museum—every stop was a hit! The kids especially loved the shark tunnel and the optical illusions. Worth every penny.
Amanda K.
GOOGLE REVIEWS
"Perfect indoor adventure!" We needed a break from the heat and ended up spending the entire afternoon doing Ripley’s attractions. Everything was clean, interactive, and entertaining. Great rainy day option too!
Marcus D.
YELP
"Weird, wild, and wonderful!" Ripley’s Believe It or Not! was packed with the craziest exhibits—we couldn’t stop taking pictures. The whole experience was fun, a little spooky, and super memorable.
– Jess T.
Trip Advior

Stay Close To The Adventure

Make your Ripley’s adventure even more memorable with a stay at one of our Tennessee Gatlinburg Resorts, offering the perfect blend of comfort and convenience near all the excitement. Looking for something with a splash of fun? Discover our top Smoky Mountain Cabin Rentals with Indoor Pool — ideal for year-round relaxation after a day of exploration.

Location
Getting There from Smith Creek Resort

Route: Starting from Smith Creek Resort in Smith Creek Reserve, TN, take Rambling Creek Way to New Era Road, then merge onto US-411 South. Follow US-411 for about 11 miles, which will lead you directly to Ripley, Tennessee. This 11.8-mile drive typically takes around 30 minutes and offers a straightforward route through scenic parts of Sevier County.

Drive time: ~ 30 minutes

Address
Ripley, TN

110 S Washington St, Ripley, TN 38063, USA

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