Activity Guide
The Island in Pigeon Forge
A 23-acre entertainment complex with a 200-foot observation wheel, live fountain shows, 25 restaurants and shops, and an atmosphere that works for any group.
place 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN
schedule Daily 10 AM to 10 PM (seasonal)
attach_money Free to enter; rides and food extra
location_city Shops, dining, rides, live entertainment
Before You Go
What to Know
Entry
Free to walk in -- paid attractions inside
Parking
Free parking in The Island lots
Show Fountain
Free water show every 30 min after dark
Best Time
Evenings for fountain shows and atmosphere
Wheel Tickets
Buy at the booth; no advance booking needed
Dining
25+ restaurants ranging from Margaritaville to Paula Deen
Where to Go
What to Do at The Island
The Island packs a full entertainment district into one walkable complex.
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
placeThe Island, Pigeon Forge
scheduleDaily 10 AM to 10 PM
panorama_fish_eye200-ft observation wheel, enclosed air-conditioned gondolas
$15/person
Island Show Fountain
placeCenter of The Island
scheduleShows every 30 min after 6 PM
waterChoreographed water, light, and music show
Free
Paula Deen's Family Kitchen
placeThe Island
scheduleDaily 9 AM to 9 PM
restaurantFamily-style Southern cooking, massive portions
Margaritaville Hotel
place131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge
hotelThemed hotel on-site with rooftop pool and dining
Tennessee Shine Co.
placeThe Island
scheduleDaily 11 AM to 9 PM
local_barCraft moonshine tasting on The Island, 21+
Free tastings
Island Entertainment Complex
placeThe Island
scheduleDaily seasonal hours
gamesMini golf, laser tag, escape rooms, arcade
Last verified: May 2026. Hours and pricing are seasonal and subject to change.
Local Knowledge
Things Most Visitors Don't Know
Tips for getting the most out of The Island.
nights
Go After Sunset
The Island transforms at night. The fountain show, the wheel lighting up, the restaurant patios -- it is a genuinely different experience after dark. Plan dinner here on an evening visit.
restaurant
Paula Deen's Is a Group Meal
Family-style means big bowls of food shared at the table. For a large group, this is one of the best values in Pigeon Forge -- everyone eats well and it feels like an event.
local_bar
Free Moonshine Tastings
Tennessee Shine Co. offers free tastings at the bar. You do not have to buy anything. It is a fun 20-minute stop before or after dinner.
child_care
Best Layout for Mixed Groups
The Island works for groups where kids and adults want different things. Kids can do the rides and laser tag while adults sit on a patio or watch the fountain. Nobody feels dragged anywhere.
savings
The Wheel Is Worth It
At $15 per person the wheel is not cheap, but enclosed gondolas mean you can do it rain or shine, and the views of the Smokies at dusk are legitimately beautiful.
schedule
Weekday Evenings Are Ideal
Summer weekend evenings at The Island can feel very crowded. Thursday and Sunday evenings have a noticeably better experience with shorter lines and easier parking.
On the Calendar
Events Worth Timing Your Trip Around
Annual events and seasonal highlights at The Island.
Summer Concert Series
The Island -- Live music on outdoor stage, weekends
Winter Holiday Lights
The Island -- Decorated for Christmas, fountain shows continue
Fall Festival at The Island
The Island -- Seasonal decor and special events
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