Smokies Guide
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WonderWorks Pigeon Forge: An Upside-Down World of Fun & Wonder
If you’ve ever driven down the Parkway in Pigeon Forge and spotted a massive, top-heavy building that looks like it crashed upside down right next to the Pigeon River, you’re not alone in taking a double-take! WonderWorks is one of the most recognizable and highly-rated attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains, drawing families, science lovers, and curious minds of all ages.
Self-billed as an "amusement park for the mind," WonderWorks packs over 55,000 square feet of hands-on entertainment and 150+ interactive exhibits into one unforgettable experience.
🌀 What to Expect Inside: The Wonder Zones
Your journey begins as you step through the Inversion Tunnel, which aligns your perception so you can explore the upside-down mansion right-side up. Once inside, you can move at your own pace through various interactive zones designed to test your senses, physical abilities, and imagination.
Natural Disaster Challenge
Experience the sheer force of 74 mph hurricane winds in the Hurricane Shack, or step onto an earthquake simulator to feel what a 5.3 magnitude earthquake feels like beneath your feet.
Extreme Sports & Physics
Test your speed and pitch power on the baseball throwing exhibit, or climb aboard the 360-Degree Bike to flip completely upside down using your own pedal power.
Extreme Engineering
Design your very own virtual coaster—choosing its twists, loops, and drops—and then hop inside a simulator to ride your creation!
Physical Challenges
Test your courage by lying down on a bed of 3,500 sharp nails (and discover the physics of weight distribution!).
Space Discovery Zone
Step inside life-sized astronaut spacesuits, land a space shuttle, and explore space exploration history up close.
🎩 The Wonders of Magic Featuring Terry Evanswood
Beyond the interactive exhibits, WonderWorks is home to one of the most celebrated live shows in Pigeon Forge: "The Wonders of Magic" starring Terry Evanswood.
- Voted a #1 Attraction: Frequently recognized as one of the top-rated magic and illusion shows in the region, Terry Evanswood dazzles audiences with grand illusions, sleight of hand, mentalism, and comedy.
- Family-Friendly Spectacle: Packed with audience participation and heartwarming moments, it’s a must-see show for parents, kids, and magic enthusiasts alike that will leave you asking, "How did he do that?"
💡 Insider Tips for Visiting WonderWorks
- Timing is Everything: WonderWorks is a popular indoor destination—especially on rainy days or weekends. To beat the crowds, visit early in the morning right when they open or late in the evening after dinner. Try to avoid peak afternoon hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Take Your Time: Expect to spend at least 2 to 3 hours exploring the interactive exhibits. Since admission allows you to try exhibits as many times as you want, there's no need to rush!
- Dine AFTER You Play: Many exhibits spin, flip, and simulate motion (like the 360 Bike and Coaster simulator). It’s best to enjoy a light snack before going in and save your big meal for after your visit.
- Bring a Fully Charged Camera: From posing on the bed of nails to stepping inside a spacesuit or capturing illusion photos, there are endless photo ops throughout the building.
📍 Visitor Information & Location
Located right on the main Parkway next door to the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, WonderWorks is easy to find and offers plenty of parking.
Address: 100 Music Road, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Phone: (865) 868-1800
Best For: Families with kids, teens, school trips, rainy day activities, and magic lovers.