Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Gatlinburg
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My oldest is a fan of all things weird. The kid begs every year for the newest Guinness Book of World Records. And I always end up buying it for him. So when I knew we’d be in Gatlinburg on our recent vacation, I knew we HAD to visit the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! in Gatlinburg.
Ripley’s Package Attraction Packages
We ended up buying the Ripley’s package attraction deal online. I’m glad we did because when you sit down and do the math, it’s cheaper to buy a package than to buy individual tickets to each place. This is true of course if you’re planning on visiting more than one Ripley’s attraction on your trip.
Buying the package deal online also helped us avoid having to wait in long lines. There is always a separate area for guests to go to if you have already pre-purchased your tickets. You just scan each ticket yourself and go on in. Super easy and quick.
Just don’t misplace your tickets because you’ll use the same ones for every single Ripley’s attraction you plan on visiting.
What all does this Ripley’s location offer?
This Ripley’s offers a little bit of everything. From the weird things of the world, to the more educational things of the world (maybe it’s both weird and educational?), there are all sorts of things to discover.
The museum is 12,500 square feet, holds 500 exhibits and artifacts, has 16 themed galleries, and takes up 3 floors. We spent about 2 hours going through it. If we had stopped to read everything, I’m sure it would’ve taken longer. So if you find yourself wondering what you’ll see, read on to find out.
Human and animal oddities
The first section contains a large assortment of human and animal oddities. From the worlds largest person, to two-headed animals, exotic primitive items, to shrunken heads…this is the exhibit that isn’t for the faint of heart. (It’s on of my favorite exhibits though.) This is also the one section that completely creeped out our 8 year old. So if you have younger kids in your group, you might opt to skip some of this section if they creep out easily.
Strange art work
For all of the art lovers out there, there is a whole section dedicated different types of artwork. Just a few of the masterpieces are pictures made of dog hair and bottle caps, dresses made of Post It Notes, and a model of Hogwarts made out of matchsticks.
Space
There is a small exhibit on space if you’re a space lover. You can explore things like meteorites from Mars and what life is like for astronauts in space. The boys weren’t too fascinated with this one, but they did stop and ask for a couple of pictures.
Famous People
There is a pretty large section that covers famous people. We were in awe of a lock of General Washington’s hair. Annie Oakley’s pistol kit is on display. And Charles Manson’s booking card is also hanging on the wall.
Other Oddities
While you’re there, be sure to visit the “mermaid” that Ripley displayed. There is also a mummy to examine, beautifully carved ancient furniture, and vampire kill kits on display. There are lots of interesting facts posted everywhere (even in the restrooms!), so be sure to stop and read a couple.
Lots of hands on activities
There was a large section near the end of the museum with lots of hands on activities that focused on light and science. It was so busy that our kids opted to skip most of it, but if you don’t mind waiting, then it looked like it would be entertaining.
Overall
I’m glad the boys got to experience the museum. They learned lots of weird and interesting facts about places and cultures all over the world. They were never bored while we were there, but they did opt to skip a few things, which was totally fine. Be prepared to stop and read things (or maybe even skip some things if needed), and let your kids explore at their own pace.
I’ve read lots of reviews that say if you’ve been to one Ripley’s museum, then you’ve seen them all. So keep that in mind if you’re considering a stop here. But if you’re looking for something to do with elementary school aged kids, then I’d say this place is a win. Happy exploring!
It looks like you & your family had a great time! I’ve been to the Ripley’s in Copenhagen & there are some similarities like with the world’s tallest man, exotic animals & shrunken heads, but there’s a lot they didn’t have here like the space exhibit & the art is different. Here they also have an H. C. Andersen exhibit.
Oh, so good to know, Karalee. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Wow sounds like a lot of fun, such a cool exhibition..
So much! Thanks for stopping by.
This looks so awesome! What a cool museum. I remember going to the one in Niagra falls when I was a kid. Definitely fun memories for the kids to have! I love gatlinburg and next time I go I will reference your posts for recommendations.
Ripley’s definitely seems like a place you’d remember going to no matter how old, that’s for sure. Thanks for stopping by, Alexis. So glad you can reference my post the next time you visit.
Sounds like a really neat place to visit! I loved those books as a kid. We also went to Gatlinburg on vacation once but I don’t remember going to this particular place. Will have to visit it if I ever go back! Thanks for sharing! Great post!
I could still read those books as an adult. LOL Thanks so much for stopping by, Marie!
Sounds like y’all had a great time! It’s been a long time since I visited Gatlinburg, but I remember going to Ripley’s as a kid and loving it!
Thanks, Paige! Yes, Ripley’s is certainly one for the kids to love. Thanks for stopping by.
I, too, am a fan of “Believe or nots”, but must admit I have never been to a Ripley museum. Every time I am somewhere where there is one, I’ve talked myself out of buying an admission ticket. Strange, since it is on my bucket list. One day!!! Thanks for sharing. It sounds like I need to stop talking myself out of visiting
LOL I totally understand talking yourself out of things, Jean. I’m often guilty of doing the same. I would say you should try it once, especially since you’re a fan. Thanks for stopping by.