Gatlinburg Space Needle Tours

Gatlinburg Space Needle
Gatlinburg Space Needle showing a park and a small town or village
Gatlinburg Space Needle which includes a city
Gatlinburg Space Needle which includes rides and signage
Ripley\'s Believe It Or Not Museum showing heritage architecture


Ride in a glass elevator to an observation tower for panoramic mountain views or enjoy comedy, magician and fireworks shows.

Gatlinburg Space Needle is an observation tower and entertainment complex located in the center of Gatlinburg. Come here to enjoy uninterrupted views of the Smoky Mountains and learn about the region’s history. Watch comedian and magician shows and celebrate New Year’s Eve at a free pyrotechnic fireworks display.

Step inside one of two glass elevators and ascend over 400 feet (121 meters) to a lookout platform, which presents 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Look for the peak of the 6,593-foot (2,009-meter) Mount LeConte, one of the national park’s tallest mountains. Spend as long as you want on the platform to enjoy the spectacular year-round views, from wildflowers in spring to snow-capped peaks during winter.

While at the platform, be sure to visit the Higher Learning educational center to find out about the geographical and cultural history of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.

If you are looking for live entertainment, visit the Iris Theater at the base of the Space Needle. Here you can witness the talents of hypnotists, magicians and illusionists as well as enjoy comedy shows. Alternatively, watch the sky light up around the Space Needle during the New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

For those visiting with kids, the Arcadia amusement center provides hours of family fun. Select from over 100 arcade games, feel the force of a hurricane simulator or participate in a laser tag competition. When you get hungry visit the on-site restaurant for everything from pizzas and calzones to pretzels and cheesecake.

The tower is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. Use the Gatlinburg Trolley, which stops close to the complex’s entrance, or find a pay-and-display parking lot nearby.

Gatlinburg Space Needle is open daily. Closing times vary, but may be midnight or later. See the tower’s official website for full current details. Tickets are valid for a return visit within 24 hours of purchase, thus allowing you to experience the views during the day and at night. Additional fees apply for theater shows and arcade attractions.

Plan a trip to see Gatlinburg Space Needle

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Best Lodging Options Near Gatlinburg Space Needle

The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg

The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg

4 out of 5
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The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg
Edgewater Hotel - Gatlinburg

Edgewater Hotel - Gatlinburg

3 out of 5
402 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
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Sidney James Mountain Lodge

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2.5 out of 5
610 Airport Road, Gatlinburg, TN
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Glenstone Lodge

Glenstone Lodge

3.5 out of 5
504 Historic Nature Trl, Gatlinburg, TN
Glenstone Lodge
Gatlinburg Town Square

Gatlinburg Town Square

2.5 out of 5
515 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN
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Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown

3 out of 5
315 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN
Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown
Quality Inn Creekside - Downtown Gatlinburg

Quality Inn Creekside - Downtown Gatlinburg

2.5 out of 5
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Quality Inn Creekside - Downtown Gatlinburg
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

4 out of 5
539 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gatlinburg, TN

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gatlinburg, TN

2.5 out of 5
Gatlinburg
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gatlinburg, TN
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Gatlinburg Space Needle

Vacationers to Gatlinburg will enjoy breathtaking views from the Gatlinburg Space Needle, a must-visit attraction. Don't miss the thrilling Flying Bear Zipline, which offers an exciting way to explore the beautiful surroundings while soaring high above the trees. With these activities, your trip to Gatlinburg will be filled with unforgettable experiences and stunning scenery.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Gatlinburg Space Needle, visit Mountain Mall and The Village Shops, both just 0.3 miles away, offering a variety of gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out Iron Mountain Metal Craft, located 6 miles away, for unique handcrafted items.

Recreation

At Ripley's Davy Crockett Mini Golf, enjoy a fun-filled family adventure just 1 mile from Gatlinburg Space Needle, combining friendly competition with vibrant outdoor vibes. For a more relaxing experience, TopJump Trampoline Park & Extreme Arena offers wellness activities and relaxation just 5 miles away, perfect for unwinding.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of SkyPark, a ski lift located 0.1 mile from Gatlinburg Space Needle, offering adventure vibes. Enjoy family fun at Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park, 1 mile away, or hit the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park, 2 miles from the Needle.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Gatlinburg Space Needle! Enjoy a family-friendly dinner show at Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction, only 5 miles away. For adventure seekers, Earthquake the Ride and Ripley's Mountain Coaster offer thrilling fun, located just 0.2 and 0.6 miles away, respectively.

Find the best attractions near Gatlinburg Space Needle

Discover the charm of Gatlinburg Space Needle, where you can enjoy stunning views from the Space Needle and stroll across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. This area is rich in cultural attractions and family-friendly experiences, with various local museums and landmarks to explore. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or cultural insights, Gatlinburg offers a perfect blend of activities for every traveler.

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Just 4 miles from Gatlinburg Space Needle, this national park offers breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures. Explore lush forests, diverse wildlife, and stunning vistas, making it a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
  • Dollywood: Located 6 miles away, Dollywood is an amusement park that combines thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions. Experience live music, traditional crafts, and delicious Southern cuisine while enjoying a day of fun and adventure.
  • Anakeesta: A mere 0.4 miles from the Space Needle, Anakeesta is a charming theme park featuring beautiful gardens, treetop canopy walks, and interactive attractions, perfect for family entertainment and memorable experiences.

Best time to go to Gatlinburg Space Needle

Visitor numbers around Gatlinburg Space Needle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Gatlinburg Space Needle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January35.2°F (1.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July73.8°F (23.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.5°F (22.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Gatlinburg Space Needle

To save money during your visit to the Gatlinburg Space Needle, consider traveling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower, particularly on Tuesdays. Avoid Saturdays for the best rates. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by filtering for eco-certified hotels and sorting by price. Take advantage of package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn you cash for future bookings. Look out for promotions and compare prices to ensure you get the best value for your stay.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Gatlinburg Space Needle are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July, October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Gatlinburg Space Needle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Gatlinburg Space Needle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase hotels that are both sustainable and environmentally friendly. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Gatlinburg Space Needle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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