When you are considering vacationing as a family, a couple, or simply a day full of fun, traversing Gatlinburg, Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf must be on your agenda.
Located on the threshold to the Great Smoky Mountains, this goofy mini-golfian park combines the Smoky Mountain coolness with the off-the-wall Ripley zaniness. It is unique in many ways.
Ripley’s Mini Golf gives its guests 36 holes of interactive fun, vivid decor, and photo opportunities.
This attraction is perfect whether it is raining or the sun is shining because of the indoor and outdoor playing possibilities.
At a Glance
| Highlight | 36 themed holes across two fun-filled courses, animatronic characters, water features, and sound effects |
| Ticket | $25 |
| Opening Hours | Monday to Thursday: 9 am to 11 pmFriday to Sunday: 9 am to 12 am |
| Time Taken | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning, when the attraction opens |
| Location | 188 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States. Google Map |
| Phone | +1 865-430-8851 |
1. Where Is Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf Located?
This attraction is at the feet of the Parkway, going into Gatlinburg from Pigeon Forge.
You will be able to spot the colorful signs and rustic-cabin-type entrance with moving critters and a lovely, aged Appalachian look that would perfectly fit a Smoky Mountain-style setting.
Directions from Downtown Gatlinburg
Only 1.2 miles to downtown Gatlinburg. It is a drive of about 5 minutes.
The Ripley is located to the north along Parkway/US-441 N and can be found to the right of you till you reach the Ripley Aquarium.
Address: 188 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States. Google map
Directions from Elk Hollow Resort (Bryson City)
Go on US-74 E to Cherokee. Then start driving on US-441 to the mountains. Entering Gatlinburg, start following the signs to mini golf.
Distance: 55 miles
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
3. What to Expect – Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf Themes, Holes & Fun Features
Forget about your typical mini-golf course. Step into the backwoods wonderland of Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini Golf and you will think you are stepping into the world of this legendary frontiersman.
The attraction prides itself:
36 Holes Across 2 Courses
It features two complete 18-hole mini-golf courses to choose from; each course has different layouts, challenges, and humorous elements. To entertain your family fully during the afternoon, you can either take one or both.
- Course 1: This is good as a first course or as a course with younger children. It has less steep slopes and barriers, but has the features of a fun sound navigator, animals, and water accessories as well.
- Course 2: a little more difficult, angled ramps, log tunnels, and some more interesting putting puzzles that need to be more precise and strategic.
- The two different courses creep along a picturesque, wooded terrain full of crafted cabins, rustic bridges, retro-style moonshine barrels, and odd animals.
Whimsical Backwoods Theme
The attraction itself is made in the cartoonish form of a Smoky Mountain village in the 1800s. Consider log cabins, outhouses, wobbly watermills, and talking woodland critters to throw their paws around, badgering you to play or to make jokes.
You are likely to see:
- Raccoons, Bears, and Hillbillies wearing suspenders in animatronic form.
- Streams and waterfalls are on the course.
- Wooden signs everywhere.
Each hole differs in obstacle or twist of design, such as playing the ball off a spinning waterwheel, under a outhouse plank, or across a tilting platform.
Sound Effects & Interactive Surprises
As the course progresses, you will be able to hear funny Appalachian-themed sound bites.
- Some holes talk, some encourage you (or taunt you when you miss!), and several others have interactive animatronics to move as your ball activates the hidden sensors.
- Children are especially fond of the randomness, splashing water, mischievous voices, and dancing squirrel, all make it an adventure to play at the holes.
Weather-Proof Fun: Indoor and Outdoor Features
Most of the courses are outdoors with trees, but a part of the playground is covered with shade canopies or runs between the eaves, which can be used under light rain or intense sunshine.
- In case of adverse weather, people can take a short walk over to one of the indoor Ripley attractions that are only a short distance away.
4. Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf Tickets & Pricing – Plan Your Visit
Expect flexible tickets and fantastic combo packages because Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf is a member of the Ripley’s family of attractions.
Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf 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) | $25 |
| Children (3-11) | $19 |
| Kids (under 3) | 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 actually have any timed-entry tickets, meaning that you will have more freedom in your journey arrangements.
Combo Ticket: Book combo passes online in advance if you are visiting during a weekend.
5. Travel Tips for Visiting Ripley’s Mini Golf
Here are some of the best travel tips for visiting Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf.
Best Time to Visit
The time of year is important, particularly when there are high levels of traffic in Gatlinburg, in the spring break period, during summer, and during fall foliage weekends.
- Morning (10 AM -12 PM) Weekdays: Best hours to go with small children. These early hours are normally cool and very little crowded.
- Late Afternoons (after 4 PM): It is the best period to visit with a couple or a group who do not want to be exposed to the hot sun and large crowds. The golden hour lighting also ensures that the course is even more picturesque for taking a photo.
It is not recommended to visit during peak hours (noon to 3 PM) during weekends and holidays, Queues may become long, and it might be very hot under the sun.
What to wear
The terrain of the course varies as it is not flat and has hills and wooden bridges, and it also has splash zones, so wearing the correct clothing is important.
- Comfortable clothing that allows one to breathe – cotton or sports material will be most appropriate in summer.
- It is highly suggested that closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers, be worn. Flip-flops are either slippery or do not suit hilly surfaces and stairs.
What to Pack
- Sunscreen: There is partial shade, and there are lots of holes where you are exposed to direct sun.
- Reusable water bottle: A must-have, especially when you play the two courses during warmer weather.
- Sunglasses or hat: Protect your eyes and enjoy the sun’s rays by putting on sunglasses and a hat.
- Bug spray: It is rarely necessary; however, useful when it is muggy on an evening in the summer.
Parking & Access
It offers free on-site parking at the course itself. It is comfortable and most likely will not have a lot of people, except during high seasons, when the weekends will be crowded.
- There might be overflow parking nearby, too, especially when you are combining this stop with other attractions.
Accessibility
There are some stairs, ramps, uneven paths, and although large parts of the course will be accessible, this route might not be wheelchair/stroller-friendly as a whole.
- You might or could check ahead of time to get certain access credentials or to request staff to guide you to the less complicated course.
How much time should you spend?
The time taken to play one 18-hole course is normally 1 to 1.5 hours with photo opportunities.
- You should plan at least 2 to 2.5 hours in case you want to play both courses, more so, when you are playing with kids or during rush hours.
- Do not hurry up. Most holes are tricky or intelligent in their design- some of the fun lies in the experience of being in the location with unexpected events!
Final Thoughts | Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf
Having spent a thrilling day on the adventures of putting through waterfalls and talking raccoons, there is nothing like being back into the cool comfort of Elk Hollow Resort.
Hidden away in quaint central Bryson City, this small lodging facility provides the best combination of the natural right outside the door, comfort, and convenience to the Smoky Mountain activities.
Wake up at the mountain at sunrise and have some tales by the fire. There is no better place to stay when it comes to self-vacations as a family or a couple.
FAQs | Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf
1. What is Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf?
A: It’s a fun, family-friendly mini-golf attraction in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, themed around the adventures of Davy Crockett. With 36 creatively designed holes, animatronic characters, and whimsical backwoods decor, it’s one of the top mini-golf spots in the Smoky Mountains.
2. Where is Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf located?
A: The address is 188 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA — right off the Parkway at the entrance to Gatlinburg. It’s easily accessible whether you’re coming from downtown Gatlinburg or Bryson City.
3. How much are tickets to Ripley’s Mini-Golf in Gatlinburg?
A:
- Adults (12+): $25
- Children (3–11): $19
- Kids under 3: Free
Combo tickets with other Ripley attractions are also available and highly recommended for saving money.
4. Can I play both mini-golf courses at Ripley’s Davy Crockett?
A: Yes! The ticket allows you to play both 18-hole courses. You can play one or both, depending on your time and energy.
5. Is Ripley’s Mini-Golf suitable for young kids?
A: Absolutely. The first course is designed to be easier and more interactive, perfect for children. With talking animals, fun obstacles, and colorful decor, it’s very kid-friendly.
6. How long does it take to play?
A: One course takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you’re playing both, expect to spend up to 2.5 hours at the attraction, especially during peak times.
7. Is Ripley’s Mini-Golf open year-round?
A: Yes, it’s open throughout the year. Hours are:
- Monday to Thursday: 9 AM – 11 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 9 AM – 12 AM
Always check online or call ahead during holidays or off-season for updated hours.
8. What should I wear when visiting?
A: Comfortable, breathable clothing and closed-toe shoes like sneakers are recommended due to uneven paths, hills, and splash zones on the course.
9. Are there indoor parts of the mini-golf course?
A: Most of the course is outdoors, but shaded or semi-covered areas make it partially weatherproof, great for sunny or slightly rainy days.
10. Is Ripley’s Mini-Golf accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?
A: Some areas are accessible, but many parts of the course have stairs or uneven terrain. It’s best to contact staff in advance to ask about accommodations or easier paths.
