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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Wild Bear Inn
Smith Creek Resort
River Terrace Resort & Convention Center

Reviews of Gatlinburg Space Needle

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
173
5 - Excellent 47%
4 - Good
126
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
56
3 - Okay 15%
2 - Disappointing
8
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

If you are fearful of heights probably not a good idea but was pretty awesome to be that high up looking over the Mountains and Gatlinburg.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Make sure you prepare yourself/family for a "sketchy" (my son's term for the ride) elevator experience. However, the experience in the vastness of the mountains is breathtaking.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Be prepared for a tiny parking spot. Take somthing that can handle a mountain trip but also small enough to park out front.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

It was closed for maintenance

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

needle was closed for repairs

5/5 - Excellent

Clement

What a view. :)

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Bearskin Lodge on the River

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Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gatlinburg, TN

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2.5 out of 5
Gatlinburg
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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

A trip to Gatlinburg Space Needle promises a memorable stay with breathtaking views and outdoor experiences. Enjoy exciting excursions, including a scenic aerial tramway ride that offers stunning vistas of the Smoky Mountains. For an adrenaline rush, embark on a thrilling zipline adventure that lets you soar above the treetops, making your visit unforgettable.

Shopping

The Mountain Mall, only 0.3 miles from Gatlinburg Space Needle, offers a lively shopping experience with entertainment and family vibes. The Village Shops, also 0.3 miles away, features charming boutiques. If you're up for a drive, visit the Old Town Gem Mine, located 1 mile away, for unique gifts.

Recreation

Hillbilly Golf offers a fun mini-golf experience surrounded by beautiful scenery, perfect for families and adventure seekers. For golf enthusiasts, the Gatlinburg Municipal Golf Course provides a relaxing outdoor atmosphere. Meanwhile, TopJump Trampoline Park & Extreme Arena combines wellness and excitement with its trampoline activities and recreational options.

Adventure

At Gatlinburg Space Needle, enjoy thrilling rides at SkyPark, a ski lift located 0.1 mile away, perfect for adventure seekers. Visit Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park, 1 mile away, for family-friendly water fun. For skiing and sports, check out Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, located 2 miles away.

Nightlife

In Gatlinburg, Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction offers a delightful blend of culture and family entertainment, just 5 miles from the Space Needle. For thrill-seekers, Ripley's Haunted Adventure and Ripley's Mountain Coaster, both nearby, promise exciting adventures and fun-filled vibes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Gatlinburg Space Needle

When visiting the Gatlinburg Space Needle, you'll find a range of attractions that highlight the area's culture and natural beauty. Explore the iconic Space Needle itself, enjoy breathtaking views from the observation deck, and discover nearby landmarks, museums, and the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This destination is perfect for families seeking outdoor adventures and cultural experiences in the heart of Gatlinburg.

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Experience breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures in this stunning national park, located only 4 miles from the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Hike through lush forests, spot diverse wildlife, and enjoy picturesque vistas that highlight the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
  • Dollywood: Located 6 miles away, Dollywood offers a fantastic blend of family fun and adventure. This amusement park features thrilling rides, live entertainment, and delicious Southern cuisine, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Smoky Mountains.
  • Anakeesta: Just 0.4 miles away, Anakeesta is a charming theme park that combines family-friendly attractions with entertainment. Explore treetop canopy walks, gardens, and exciting zip lines while soaking in the stunning mountain views.

Best time to go to Gatlinburg Space Needle

The best time to visit Gatlinburg Space Needle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Gatlinburg Space Needle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Gatlinburg Space Needle falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 SunnySlightly LowAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
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 on your visit to Gatlinburg Space Needle, plan your trip between January and March, when hotel prices are lower, avoiding peak months like July and December. Stay on a Tuesday for the best rates. Use Expedia to compare accommodations by price, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Joining the Expedia One Key membership can also unlock exclusive discounts and help you earn rewards for future bookings. Finally, explore free activities in the area to maximize your budget while enjoying your vacation.

  • 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 narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. 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 Gatlinburg Space Needle hotel reservations with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • 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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