Dare To Experience The Unbelievable: Ripley's Gatlinburg, A Sensory Overload

Dare To Experience The Unbelievable: Ripley's Gatlinburg, A Sensory Overload

Located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a vacation destination that has been captivating the hearts of tourists for decades. One of the most iconic and beloved attractions in Gatlinburg is Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, a 26,000-square-foot underwater wonderland that promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. If you're looking for a sensory overload that will leave you breathless and begging for more, then Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is the perfect destination for you.

Imagine yourself surrounded by an incredible array of marine life, from the majestic sharks and rays to the playful sea otters and colorful fish. The aquarium's extensive collection of over 13,500 aquatic animals from around the world will transport you to a world beneath the waves, where the wonders of the ocean come alive. With state-of-the-art exhibits, interactive displays, and thrilling attractions, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the magic of the underwater world.

Whether you're a seasoned ocean enthusiast or just looking for a fun and educational experience for your family, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies has something for everyone. From the spacious Shark Encounter exhibit, where you can walk through a 225,000-gallon tank filled with sand tiger sharks and zebra sharks, to the interactive Touch Pools, where you can get up close and personal with starfish, anemones, and other marine creatures, every visit to the aquarium is an unforgettable adventure.

Attractions and Exhibits

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies features a diverse range of exhibits and attractions that showcase the incredible diversity of marine life from around the world. Some of the most popular exhibits and attractions include:

• Shark Encounter: a 225,000-gallon tank filled with sand tiger sharks and zebra sharks
• Penguin Playhouse: a 165,000-gallon exhibit featuring a colony of African penguins
• Rainforest Adventure: a 6-story interactive exhibit featuring a 360-degree screen and a simulated rainforest environment
• Sea Otter Habitat: a large exhibit featuring a group of playful sea otters
• Touch Pools: interactive exhibits where you can get up close and personal with marine creatures
• Coral Reef: a colorful exhibit featuring a stunning array of coral and marine life

Interactive Experiences

One of the unique features of Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is its range of interactive experiences that allow visitors to engage with the marine life in a hands-on way. Some of the most popular interactive experiences include:

• Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf: a mini golf course that glows in the dark
• 3D Theater: a state-of-the-art theater that shows educational and entertaining 3D films
• Underwater Adventure: an interactive experience that allows you to explore the ocean floor
• Behind-the-Scenes Tour: a guided tour that takes you behind the scenes of the aquarium

Special Events and Exhibits

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies also hosts a range of special events and exhibits throughout the year, including:

• Sea Turtle Release: a special event where visitors can help release rehabilitated sea turtles into the wild
• Shark Week: a special event that celebrates the aquarium's shark exhibits
• Mermaid Village: a themed exhibit featuring mermaid-themed decor and interactive experiences
• Halloween Haunt: a spooky-themed event that takes place during the Halloween season

Dining and Shopping

In addition to its range of exhibits and attractions, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies also offers a range of dining and shopping options for visitors. Some of the most popular dining options include:

• Seafood Restaurant: a restaurant that serves a range of seafood dishes
• Café: a café that serves a range of snacks and beverages
• Gift Shop: a gift shop that sells a range of aquarium-themed merchandise

Shopping options at the aquarium include:

• Aquarium Store: a store that sells a range of aquarium-themed merchandise
• Mermaid-themed Gifts: a store that sells mermaid-themed gifts and souvenirs

Accessibility and Amenities

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is committed to providing an accessible and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Some of the amenities and accessibility features include:

• Wheelchair Accessibility: the aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible
• Stroller Parking: strollers can be parked near the entrance of the aquarium
• Nursing Room: a designated nursing room for nursing mothers
• Restrooms: fully accessible restrooms throughout the aquarium
• Lockers: lockers are available for rent near the entrance of the aquarium

Getting Here and Getting Around

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is located at 2700 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37863. Visitors can get to the aquarium by car, with ample parking available on site. There are also several transportation options available, including:

• Trolley: a free trolley service that runs between the aquarium and other local attractions
• Bus: a bus service that runs between the aquarium and other local attractions
• Parking: parking is available on site, with rates starting at $10 per day

Getting around the aquarium is easy, with a variety of accessibility features and amenities in place to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. Visitors can use the wheelchair-accessible elevator or stairs to move between exhibits, and there are also several wheelchair-accessible restrooms throughout the aquarium.

Plan Your Visit

Before you plan your visit to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, here are a