January 18, 2023
7 New Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains in 2023
Every year, new attractions and exciting things to do arrive in the Smoky Mountains! Well, 2023 is no different! The next time you and your family take a trip to the Smoky Mountains make sure you check out some of these new attractions that will provide you with a new type of fun that you’ve never experienced before in the Smokies! You’ll find entertaining new things to try in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. Here are 7 new things to do in the Smoky Mountains in 2023:
1. Dig’n Zone
Lace up those dusty work boots and throw on a hard hat for this one! No, really! Dig’n Zone is a construction theme park coming to Sevierville that will allow both adults and children to drive, ride and operate real construction equipment! Scheduled to open in the spring, this theme park will feature more than 25 attractions that allow guests to both play and feel like real-life construction workers. Dig’n Zone has partnered with Caterpillar, who will be providing all the equipment for the park.
2. Xperia: Ocean Journey
Xperia: Ocean Journey brings the wonders of the ocean to life in a revolutionary new way! Vibrant visual effects and cutting-edge technology take visitors on a journey to the depths of the ocean full of marine creatures, like a life-sized humpback whale in 3D, giant battling humboldt squids, a thresher shark, dancing sea lions and more! Did we mention that the visual effects are created by the Oscar-winning VFX artists behind Game of Thrones, Wonder Woman and Westworld?! Xperia: Ocean Journey plans to open in the Smoky Mountains in late spring.
3. Big Bear Mountain at Dollywood
Big Bear Mountain is coming to Dollywood as part of a $500 million investment project! Big Bear Mountain, a record-breaking new attraction, is the largest single attraction investment in the Pigeon Forge theme park’s history! This roller coaster will be the longest in the park at 3,990 feet of track and a nearly 2-minute ride of adrenaline and fun! This will be the first roller coaster in the park to feature on-board audio and this ride features 23 spectacular butterfly moments. This attraction in the Smoky Mountains is scheduled to open in the spring.
4. Anakeesta Expansion
The Gatlinburg theme park is working on its $34 million expansion project that will bring a new European village, a new mountain coaster and “Birdventure” to Anakeesta in the spring! A European-themed village will include plenty of shops and dining options, plus a waterfall and cave system to the trails and gardens for Anakeesta guests. The new mountain coaster will be called “Hellbender” and is a double-railed coaster instead of single-railed like the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster already at Anakeesta. Birdventure will feature birdhouses, adventure zones and 7 slides that wind more than 50 feet down the mountain!
5. The Pines
The Pines has arrived in historic downtown Sevierville! Previously known as The Pines Theatre, this attraction in the Smoky Mountains is back and better than ever after an expansive remodeling! The original theater at The Pines is where Dolly Parton had her first paid gig! The Pines features all sorts of fun, like retro video games, duckpin bowling, pinball, board games, food, drinks and more. If you’re looking for entertainment for all ages, this is a go-to place!
6. 1919 Society
A prohibition style speakeasy located inside an old 2-story bank vault is what you’ll find at 1919 Society ! You’ll feel just as if you traveled back in time to the 1920s when prohibition led to the creation of secret bars where alcohol was sold illegally! The patrons had to “speak easy” about these under-the-table bars when in public so they wouldn’t be discovered by the authorities. You’ll be able to select from all sorts of fun, unique drink options while you enjoy an atmosphere unlike any other you’ve experienced before! 1919 Society is scheduled to open in historic downtown Sevierville sometime in 2023!
7. Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay Mini Golf
A pirate and mermaid themed immersive mini golf experience is coming to Pigeon Forge in the summer of 2023! Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay Mini Golf comes from the award-winning creators behind Toy Box and Crave Golf Club, so you know it’s gonna be a fun one! This attraction in the Smoky Mountains will include an 18-hole indoor course plus an 18-hole rooftop course. This is a great place for folks of all ages who want to have some fun with the entire family!
While you explore these new attractions when they arrive in the Smoky Mountains, there’s still plenty of more fun to be found around! Take a look at these fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains and start planning your visit!
