5 Gatlinburg Museums for Your Next Vacation

Going to a museum is a classic family vacation activity, especially on a rainy day! Gatlinburg, TN is home to a number of unique museums where you can spend hours learning and having fun. To help you make the most of your next getaway, The Appy Lodge has put together a guide to five of the very best Gatlinburg museums.

1. Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is Gatlinburg’s quirkiest attraction. Located in Winery Square, this museum is home to 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from all around the world. Virtually all of the shakers in this one-of-a-kind collection feature fun, novelty designs.

When you visit the museum, you’ll see shakers shaped like spaceships, teapots, rubber ducks, cows, sea monsters, U.S. Presidents, and virtually anything else you can think of. Admission to the museum is only $3.00, and this money can be applied to any pair of salt and pepper shakers in the gift shop. Children 12 and under are free!

2. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium

The newly renovated Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium is another one of our favorite Gatlinburg museums! True to the spirit of Robert Ripley, the Odditorium is home to everything and anything that is weird and wonderful. Highlights of the museum include shrunken heads, a forced perspective gallery that makes kids appear taller than their parents, the National Anthem printed on license plates from all 50 states, and a replica of Hogwarts made from 602,000 matchsticks.

3. Guinness World Records Adventure

At the Guinness World Records Adventure, guests can learn all about the incredible men and women who have made it into the Guinness World Records Book. This awesome museum features a variety of multimedia galleries and more than 20 interactive games and challenges. Visitors will even have the chance to try and break a world record!

4. Hollywood Star Cars Museum

The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is an absolute must for TV and film buffs! Situated right on the Parkway, this wonderful museum showcases some of the most iconic vehicles to ever appear on the silver and small screens. Popular cars in the collection include Herbie the Love Bug, the DeLorean Time Machine, Fred Flinstone’s Car, The General Lee, and the Batmobile. For an additional fee, you can even have your photo taken in one of the museum’s famous vehicles.

5. Appalachian Trail Museum at The Appy Lodge

Guests at The Appy Lodge will have the chance to visit our very own mini-museum dedicated to the Appalachian Trail! Conveniently located in our lobby, the museum was developed in partnership with the nonprofit Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Our museum includes murals, maps, photographs, replicas of famous trail signs, and exhibits that focus on the history of the trail, hiking the trail, and famous hikers.

Boasting a superb location in downtown Gatlinburg, free parking, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, walk-in showers, and complimentary breakfast, The Appy Lodge has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. To start planning your trip, browse our selection of beautiful hotel rooms!