Have you ever heard of a shrunken head or a two-headed goat? What about a 1800s Vampire hunting kit or a real meteorite?
Once that sets your imagination on fire, then you are the kind of adventurer who will fall in love with Ripley Believe It or Not! Gatlinburg. It is one of the most mouth-dropping, mind-blowing museums in the Smokies.
In the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, this indoor attraction is the perfect place to visit with your family, friends, spouse, and anyone who enjoys the unusual, the wonderful, and sometimes even the unbelievable.
And once you have spent a day checking out the weirdos at Ripley, you will feel no better place to chill out than Elk Hollow Resort in Bryson City. It’s a warm mountain vacation, about a 1.5-hour drive away.
At a Glance
| Highlight | More than 500 Bizarre Exhibits over 3 floors with human oddities, cultural artifacts, rare relics, and madness inducing illusions. |
| Ticket | $30 |
| Opening Hours | Every day from 9 am to 12 am |
| Time Taken | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning, when the attraction opens |
| Location | 800 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States. Google Map |
| Phone | +1 865-436-5096 |
1. About Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! began with a single individual called Robert Ripley, who was a globe trotter and a dweller of the weird.
- He traveled through over 200 countries collecting rare relics, weird human accomplishments, and scientific curiosities.
- What got started as a comic strip in the 1920s soon made its way as a global phenomenon, taking its place as books, TV shows, and ultimately museums of the odd.
Today, this fabulous legacy comes to life in Gatlinburg with the Ripley Believe It or Not Museum, which has the best collection of oddities that are sure to amaze and entertain.
What do you expect to see Inside
The museum has more than 500 exhibits and three mind-boggling floors. There is always something unexpected to see in every corner, a gallery of optical illusions, weird animal skeletons, ancient tribal artifacts, or futuristic oddities in technology.
Among the most discussed exhibits, one may find:
- True shrunken heads
- Space artifacts
- Antique vampire-killing paraphernalia
- A stuffed two-headed goat
- Optical illusion rooms where you can get your mind bent
You will laugh, you will gasp, and you will scratch your head with amazement, but one thing is for sure: you will never be bored.
2. Visitor Information: Hours, Location & Ticket
Here is all you need to know before stepping into the wondrous, weird world of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Gatlinburg TN.
Location
It is located in the center of downtown Gatlinburg, a friendly, pedestrian-oriented center of attractions, souvenir retail, food establishments, and other entertaining Ripley venues.
- You will soon find it due to its unusual, bright exterior and funhouse-like building.
- When it’s a busy day, parking can be more than full if you visit several places (such as the aquarium or Anakeesta); plan your route to allow for walking.
Address: 800 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States. Google Map
Opening Hours
Ripley operates 365 days a year, even on holidays, so it can be counted on as a rainy-day activity or late-afternoon break when the outdoor activities don’t work.
- During the peak seasons, such as summer, spring break, and holidays, among others, the hours can be extended.
- Just to be on the safer side, it is always advisable to check on Ripley’s official page or Google before visiting it to avoid cases of disappointment.
Opening Hours
| Day | Time |
| Monday to Sunday | 9 am to 12 am |
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! tickets
Ripley’s has simple, family-friendly rates, not to mention the combo passes in case you intend to visit multiple Ripley attractions within the city.
You should always buy tickets beforehand from the website to avoid standing in line.
Ticket Details
| Age Group | Price |
| Adults (12+ yrs) | $30 |
| Children (6-11) | $17 |
| Children (2-5) | $5 |
| Kids (under 4) | Free |
Combo Passes
Visiting Ripley Aquarium, Mirror Maze, or Haunted Adventure as well? Combo passes will allow you to bundle up and save.
Such tickets allow you to visit various Ripley’s places, and the discounts might be impressive, particularly in the case of a family or group.
The most well-known combos:
Ticket Details
| Combo Tickets | Price |
| Museum + Aquarium + attraction of your choice | $60 |
| Museum + Aquarium + 2 attractions of your choice | $70 |
| Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium and Gatlinburg SkyPark | $63 |
There are 8 Ripley attractions in Gatlinburg. Research the site to know more about the current combo prices and seasonal offers.
Booking Online
Online Purchases: Attend without any queues in the ticket office by buying online on the official site. You also get special web discounts that are not available at the door.
Mobile Tickets: You buy the tickets, you do not print them; you just scan your phone upon entering the venue.
No Timed Entry: Unlike certain other attractions, you will find that Ripley’s does not have any timed-entry tickets, meaning that you will have more freedom in your journey arrangements.
Combo Ticket: Book combo passes online early in advance if you are visiting during a weekend.
Transportation & Parking
Downtown Gatlinburg is small and easy to walk around; however, parking lots near the Parkway might be hard to get during rush hours.
Local Parking Facilities:
- Ripley Aquarium Parking Garage (one block)
- Towers at Traffic Light #3 Parking Garage
- Lots belonging to the city on River Road or East Parkway
Ripley Museum can be reached in a 5 to 10 minute walk from most of the parking lots.
4. What Makes It Special: Not Just for Kids!
Think Ripley is only for kids? Think again. The interactive shows and nutty displays of old curios will entertain the kids; historic oddities and cultural treasures, as well as tricks of the eye, will entertain adults and couples just as effectively.
Instagram-Worthy Experiences
There are no shortages of Instagrammable moments in such rooms where furniture seems upside down to a laser maze that you can crawl up through. Here, you will need to have your camera with you at all times.
The Ripley Books Series: Literary Legacy
Several exhibits make a direct allusion to the Ripley Believe It or Not book series. It will surprise you that there are real-life counterparts to some of the most mind-blowing entries of the book, and therefore, a fan of the book must see it.
3. More Ripley’s Attractions in Gatlinburg
Believe It or Not! Odditorium does not stop the fun. Ripley in Gatlinburg contains a whole world with his experiences; awesome solo journeys, great family outings, or fantastic romantic travel.
Several other Ripley Believe It or Not locations are located in Gatlinburg, and each of them has its twist:
Ripley’s aquarium of the smokies
This is one of the best-rated aquariums in the U.S.
- Discover the magic of the sea as you gaze at thousands of amazing fish, touch a jelly, or swim with the rays in one of the largest aquariums in the world!
- An enormous prize-winning aquarium with more than 10,000 exotic sea animals.
Ticket Details
| Age Group | Price |
| Adults (12+ yrs) | $40 |
| Children (6-11) | $25 |
| Children (2-5) | $15 |
| Kids (under 4) | Free |
Time taken: 2-3 hours
Timing: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 11 pm
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
Not a faint-hearted thing! The live action and heart-stopping effects of a haunted house.
- A creepy haunted house with creepy animatronics, lighting, sound effects, and monsters and spooks waiting around the corner.
- Live jump scares and jump scares
Ticket Details
| Age Group | Price |
| Adults (12+ yrs) | $17 |
| Children (6-11) | $10 |
| Children (Under 6) | Not Allowed |
Timing: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 12 am
Ripley’s Mirror Maze
Lose yourself in a mirrored hall, lights, music, and optical illusions.
- A visually exquisite maze of reflections, flashing lights, and music that puzzles you with its directions.
- You will not be surprised to find yourself taking much longer than you think!
- Visit the website before booking.
Ticket Details
| Age Group | Price |
| Adults (12+ yrs) | $15 |
| Children (3-11) | $10 |
Time taken: 15 to 30 minutes
Timing: Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 12 am
Ripley’s Mountain Coaster
An exciting alpine coaster where you decide the pace of the side-by-side down the mountain rails. A beautiful experience.
- Personal carts where children can go with adults
- Great views of the Smoky Mountains
Ticket Details
| Age Group | Price |
| Adults (12+ yrs) | $17 |
| Children (3-11) | $10 |
Time taken: 10 to 15 minutes
Timing: Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 11 pm
Ripley’s Super Fun Park
Activities that are topical within an outdoor adventure area that comprises bumper boats, go-karts, mini drop tower, etc. Visit the website to book tickets.
Ticket Details
| Age Group | Price |
| Adults (12+ yrs) | $19 |
| Children | $19 |
Timing: Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 10 pm
Hint: A combo ticket that will take you to all these places is cheaper.
4. Travel Tips for Visiting Ripley’s Museum in Gatlinburg
Going to Ripley’s Believe it or not! Gatlinburg is another wonder for every visitor of the Smoky Mountains.
It will only take a little bit of clever planning to make your voyage as drama-free and unforgettable as possible.
Best Time to Visit
First of all, the timing is crucial. The entrance to the museum is 10:00 AM every day, but it gets very busy between noon and 3 PM, especially over the weekends and when school is on holiday.
- If you are looking to avoid being crammed in the crowds and wandering through the exhibits at your own leisurely pace, then you should go a little earlier in the day when the crowds are expected to be gone.
- The slowest times to visit are during weekdays, especially on Thursday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
How long will it take
After entering the Odditorium, you will require approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
- It is completely self-guided and extends over three floors; hence, your time at the museum will be determined by how fast you move and how curious you are.
- When you go with little children, allow a few minutes more. They usually like the interactive place and optical illusions.
- In case you are planning to do several Ripley attractions in a day (such as the Aquarium, Mirror Maze, or Haunted Adventure), you can allocate 4 to 6 hours altogether.
Great Rainy Day Option
The second huge benefit of the trip to Ripley is that it is enclosed, so it will be a great visit when it rains, or you are staying in the winter, or even if it is hot outside.
- When it is a rainy day and the national park or the outdoors cannot be visited, Ripley’s will be the place to be.
- And because it is in the middle of everything, you can conveniently combine it with other downtown attractions.
What to Bring
Get ready in order to have the best out of your visit. Wear a pair of good walking shoes, and carry a charged phone or camera because there are a lot of off-the-wall photo opportunities.
- No outside food or beverage is permitted, and big bags or strollers may be bulky in the narrower spaces of the exhibits.
- In case you bought your tickets online, keep the digital copy so it can be scanned faster.
- Online bookings tend to also include discounts and combo offers of other Ripley attractions, so check their official site before you go.
- Combo passes are particularly cost-effective when you are traveling in a family or a group, and are the most cost-effective way of spreading out the visits over as many days as you can manage.
5. Where to Stay: Relax at Elk Hollow Resort in Bryson City
After a day of oddities and fun, unwind in the peaceful comfort of the mountains.
- Located just 1.5 hours from Gatlinburg — scenic drive through the Smokies.
- Perfect for families, couples, and nature lovers.
- Pet-friendly cabins, fire pits, and mountain views.
- Ideal location to also explore Soco Falls, Mingo Falls, and Clingmans Dome.
- Internal link: Check Availability at Elk Hollow Resort →
If you want to rest after a busy day, Elk Hollow Resort welcomes you in Bryson City.
This charming spot sits hidden in the forested hills of Western North Carolina and is an ideal spot for seeing both Soco Falls and Gatlinburg since it’s easily accessible by car.
What makes Elk Hollow Resort a good choice?
- If you choose a private cabin, you’ll get a cozy place full of comfort and an easygoing style.
- Sleep with birds around you and listen to crickets when you wake up.
- No matter if you go with a partner, your family, or all by yourself, you’ll find a place that suits you.
An ideal getaway to take a break and admire the fierce beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
Conclusion: Believe It or Not—This Place Is Worth the Stop!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Gatlinburg! is much more than a museum; it is a complete carnival of curiosities!
With its history-laden curios and its contemporary illusions and interactivity, it offers something to be marveled at.
This bizarre place is the one that can give you memories you can never forget, whether you are young or young at heart.
And once you are done with that visit, relax and rejuvenate at Elk Hollow Resort in Bryson City, where the mountain air cleans out your head, the fire pits fire up your soul, and the Smokies extend off in all directions.
Reserve your mountain stay at Elk Hollow Resort and combine the calm vacation with the memories you will never forget!
FAQs | Ripley’s Believe It or Not Gatlinburg TN
1. Where is Ripley’s Believe It or Not! located in Gatlinburg?
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is located at 800 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, right in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. It’s surrounded by several other attractions, restaurants, and shops, making it a great starting point for your day.
2. How much are tickets for Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Gatlinburg?
Ticket prices for 2025 are as follows:
- Adults (12+ years): $30
- Children (6–11 years): $17
- Children (2–5 years): $5
- Kids under 2: Free
Combo passes are available to bundle other attractions like the Aquarium or Haunted Adventure at discounted rates.
3. How long does it take to go through Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Gatlinburg?
On average, visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the three floors of exhibits. If you’re visiting with kids or plan to explore multiple Ripley attractions, allow for 4–6 hours total.
4. What are the opening hours for Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Gatlinburg?
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM, including holidays. During peak seasons, extended hours may apply. Check the official site for real-time updates.
5. Is Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Suitable for children?
Yes! Ripley’s is a fun and family-friendly attraction. Children love the interactive illusions, unusual animals, and quirky displays. Just keep in mind some exhibits may be surprising or a little spooky for very young children.
6. Can I buy Ripley’s Gatlinburg tickets online?
Yes! Buying tickets online is highly recommended to skip the line and receive exclusive discounts. Mobile tickets can be scanned at the entrance—no printing needed.
7. Are combo tickets available for Ripley’s attractions in Gatlinburg?
Absolutely! Combo tickets let you bundle multiple attractions like:
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- Mirror Maze
- Haunted Adventure
- Ripley’s Mountain Coaster
These passes offer great savings, especially for families or groups.
8. Where can I park near Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Gatlinburg?
Nearby parking options include:
- Ripley Aquarium Parking Garage
- Public garages at Traffic Light #3
- City lots on River Road or East Parkway
Be prepared for limited availability during peak times.
9. Is Ripley’s a good rainy-day activity in Gatlinburg?
Yes! The Odditorium is fully indoors, making it a perfect activity on rainy days, hot afternoons, or during winter. It’s also great as a midday break from outdoor hikes and park visits.
10. What should I bring when visiting Ripley’s in Gatlinburg?
Bring:
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- A fully charged phone or camera
- Mobile ticket confirmation (if booked online)
Avoid bringing large bags or strollers due to tight exhibit spaces.
11. Is Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Open year-round?
Yes, Ripley’s Gatlinburg is open 365 days a year, including all major holidays. It’s one of the few attractions that runs continuously through all seasons.
12. Where can I stay when visiting Ripley’s in Gatlinburg?
Consider Elk Hollow Resort in Bryson City—just 1.5 hours away. It’s a scenic mountain retreat perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring downtown Gatlinburg’s fun and frenzy. Check availability here
