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    Space Needle

    3.3 (77 reviews)

    Space Needle Photos

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    game room.
    Debbie A.

    Ok so here is the deal: I did not look at reviews before we went - our plans changed last min and we saw this place and thought that would be cool. We got tickets online. Parking nearby cost $15 flat rate - ok we planned to check out the area anyway. The cost for the VIP online $34 came with a game card and the trip up and a bonus trip within 24hrs (great because we went at night to see Xmas lights - but not much to see other than that). Staff girl was super friendly. There is a rather large arcade which would be fun by itself. Many retro games, a few vr games, and lots of interactive basketball/football/beanbag throw stuff - all for tickets to trade in. We honestly had way more fun in the arcade- total date night for two mid life young at hearts. There is a snack bar and pizza shack there also. Now the elevator- its old/rickety and sure its glass panels but you just see stairs. Its kinda sketch but I didn't feel unsafe. We went on Dec 4 when it was 32 degrees out snd it's cold at the top. We were the only people so that was fun to have the place to ourselves. The viewfinders are old and need to be replaced (very hard to focus) I suggest bring some binoculars that would have been cool. One section was yellow taped off. I think during the day would be a very nice view - sadly we didn't make it back for that. The whole thing needs a major refresh - i hope some money can be dumped in for that. I will say we had a good time, the town was neat with Xmas lights, and we had a blast in the arcade

    Photo facing the south eastern direction
    Aldair V.

    The staff was kind in helping us since we had issues with our tickets that were purchased thru a 3rd party company. The elevator did seem a bit rundown so don't move around too much while on it or you can somewhat sense the momentum of people's movement while on the elevator if that makes sense. Once you're at the top, it was great, especially if you enjoy people, car, city, and mountain watching. There's a few telescopes as well.

    How you call in case of emergency
    Dawn F.

    This thing is old and rundown and does not feel safe at all. There are plenty of other places that you can go to see the same views. The glass elevator hardly offers any views going up because you're mostly just looking at the rusty stairs. During our visit there was a sign saying that one elevator was down so all guests must be able to return via stairs in case of emergency which really means in case our other rickety old elevator also breaks down. It takes about 2-3 minutes each direction. We literally stayed at the top for as long as we had to wait for the elevator because this place just seems unkept. Don't waste your money. Luckily I had a Groupon.

    A scene from the top of the Space Needle.
    Jude T.

    Absolutely forgot that I was afraid of heights until I got to the deck of this thing and it was swaying in the wind. WHOOPS. But, being up there for awhile calmed me down. There are some great views from up here. As a photographer, I had an absolute blast shooting the surrounding mountains and down into Gatlinburg streets. I took a few photos of people I was with (who didn't want to go up) far down below. Staff as nice, admission was reasonable. They also had a cool arcade on the first floor. There doesn't seem to be a time limit for how long you can be up there, so that's cool. Maybe I will bring a lunch and have a picnic on the deck up top next time. Not a bad experience at all!

    The view during the day was gorgeous.

    This place made me develop a fear of heights -- not because of the height, but because of the rickety elevator, broken floorboards with caution tape, and rusty beams. Listen, having a space needle in Gatlinburg is a really good idea and was probably great in the 90s! But one of the elevators is broken and while going up in the other one you really don't wonder why! My friend described the view from the elevator as "the opposite of reassuring". We went up once at night and once in the day (you can use your ticket twice in 24 hours.) The view was so stunning during the day. I'm torn on whether it was worth it but I will say this place needs to be updated or else one of these days, the second elevator will go down for good too. Also, the sinks don't work in the arcade bathrooms and the whole place stinks like vape.

    Paulina A.

    The Space Needle offers an elevator ride to the top to view a 360 perspective of Gatlinburg. It's a great photo opportunity of the Great Smoky Mountains. The experience takes no longer than 30 minutes depending on how long you choose to stay and take in the scenery. It was a windy day and the tower was swaying back and forth, which felt uneasy.

    Family trip
    Princess R.

    It was nice but the elevator is so hot and uncomfortable I'm going back to Gatlinburg but I won't be mad if I miss this place

    Alanna B.

    I'm torn on a 3 or 4. 4 is for the views and photo opportunities. 3 is for the price. It's $15 per adult. You spend as much time as you want at the top but think it's a bit expensive. Definitely not worth the price on a cloudy or rainy day as you want to be able to see the mountains. There's a public parking lot across the street.

    Amelia B.

    Another huge tourist trap, but the views are AMAZING. Bottom has a arcade and a pizza place. But were there for the observation tower, one of the higher points in the city. The elevator to go up was super old and scary and i was nervous the whole ride. But you get to the top and it was worth it. Was it worth $11 bucks tho? The views and pizza at the end is what will bring me back.

    I should be a photographer
    Sydney B.

    The sspace needle is cool but honestly there are better places to go if you want to see the view of the Smokey Mountains. This is located on the strip in an arcade so it can be hard to locate if you don't know that you have to look at arcades. The view is nice but it costs 15 dollars to go so I think it's a little steep. The view is nice but if you go at night, you are wasting your time because you will not see anything. It is a nice concept if you don't want to go in the national park but there are other places to go if you want to see the mountains

    Tony R.

    For $12.99 adult price it gets you 2 rides to the top in the same day, so you don't have to chose day or night views. Speaking of which, great 360 degree views. Placards tell you what you're looking at and a bit of history. Well worth every penny.

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    2 years ago

    Not great views, but ok. Elevator was kinda dirty and a little sketchy. But, worth heading up.

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    5 years ago

    Great overlook, very open at top and great staff. Pay once and get to go up twice in 24 hrs!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Space Needle

    What are the hours of operation?

    The arcade was open at 8 am and still opened at 2am..... the desk for elevator to go up to the top was also open. Cannot say if the bar was open.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Space Needle

    The elevator was also small so, we were taken up a few at a time which also wasn't an issue.

    Mentioned in 27 reviews

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    Anakeesta

    Anakeesta

    3.6
    (998 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    We paid to come up and then after $150 for our family realized that the sky walk was closed. Many…read morebridges and things were also closed. I was disappointed we weren't informed of this before purchasing. Our dinner at Clifftop restaurant was sub-par. I'm leaving this review at 4 stars since I know many people rave about the sky walk (we weren't able to see this so I'm unsure) and the kids play area was super fun. My kids could have played for hours. It's multiple levels and really large. I felt that staff could have been more present in the children's area though. They were just hanging out and talking and not helping to keep the slide area safe. While we were there a parent lost her child and no staff was present anywhere. That was discouraging. It's beautiful here. So many beautiful views. Entertainment, and lots of nice places to sit and relax. We even had a chance to see a black bear.

    We decided to take a trip up one of the mountains in Gatlinburg. There are several options, as far…read moreas different companies, to take a chair lift or gondola up one of the mountains, and each go to their own different mountain. And at the top of each the company that owns them has their little attractions area. I had searched online, but was not able to find much about Anakeesta being ADA friendly. After having visited, I can assure you it is not very ADA friendly at all. For reference point for any longer period of walking I need a walker, but I can go short distances with a cane. The "crystal" gondolas (basically meaning all glass except the roof) can hold up to six people. While you can board the gondolas with a walker or stroller, it will be a tight fit, but it is accomplishable. Otherwise access to the mountain is through a bus kind of situation. Once at the top of the mountain activities are limited if you are using a walker or wheelchair or have children in a stroller. The tree top walk has stairs at many points and while you may be able to switch to a cane, it is a very long course and you will likely not have the energy to complete it if you really rely on a wheelchair or walker. The overlook tower is only stairs. Thankfully, there are some decent places where you can sit and at least enjoy the view while your party goes and does all the different activities. However, I feel that for the inaccessibility, they should offer a discounted ticket for disabled as you're not going to be able to use any of the activities. That being said it is a pretty view but you'll pay a lot just for that view and there are equally great views at many unpaid or cheaper attractions.

    Photos
    Bourbon and Ginger Beer
    Bourbon and Ginger Beer
    Swinging Bridges entrance
    Swinging Bridges entrance
    Bird House

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    Bird House
    Gatlinburg SkyPark

    Gatlinburg SkyPark

    4.0
    (565 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    Skypark gives you scenic views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding countryside. Nestled right…read moredowntown, the Skyview Chairlift takes you up to the hillside overlooking downtown Gatlinburg. Scenic views from Skypark abound and their is the Skyview Bridge which is a fun experience for children and adults alike. Built in 1954, the Gatlinburg Skylift is the oldest attraction in Gatlinburg. Originally a one seat attraction it was updated shortly after as a two seater, and now seats three people. Come to visit this wonderful attraction in the heart of Gatlinburg.

    We very much enjoyed our experience at the Gatlinburg SkyPark…read more We bought an unlimited pass, which allows you unlimited rides up and down the mountain. The ride is beautiful and serene. We loved it! Once at the top, we took the skybridge over to an area where you can get a beverage and snack and take in the views. The skybridge is an experience itself. A warning to folks who get vertigo, the bridge is high and in the middle, it's glass bottomed. Very cool for those who don't have a fear of heights, but I did see a couple people struggling once they got to the glass bottom portion. I enjoyed every step. Once at the top, we grabbed a couple of beers and sat in Adirondacks overlooking the valley below. We could have hung out taking in the views all afternoon (and pretty much did). We loved our experience here. It was early spring so it wasn't overly busy but the weather was pitch perfect (80s with a breeze and low humidity--yes, please). Get to it!

    Photos
    Bridge at night
    Bridge at night
    Glass floor on the skybridge
    Glass floor on the skybridge
    Up top

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    Up top
    Ober Mountain

    Ober Mountain

    2.5
    (803 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    I visited Ober Mountain in early January of this year and spent 2 days enjoyng activities…read more The first day consisted of participating in the fun pass, which gave us a list of activites we could do on the mountain like going to the zoo, ice skating, ice bumper cars, scenic lifts, etc. As an adult, the pass felt a little underwhelming but I can imagine a kid enjoying their time with this pass. I would recommend that you find a groupon/deal to get it at a cheaper rate rather than the usual $50/ticket they offer it for because I genuinely do not think it is worth the $50. I would definitely NOT recommend the fun pass for adults, but would for children (at the discounted price). Our second day on the mountain, we went snowboarding and that was a very fun time for my group and I. Ober has snow machines, so it is not real snow and instead is icy, artificial snow. I can imagine during the colder season, it may be softer and covered much more. I went in early January for reference. The employees are very nice with helping you strap in boots and understanding how to strap into board as well. I decided to do a lesson, which I would recommend for anyone who has not snowboarded before. Although I enjoyed my time, I do agree that it is fairly pricy, considering the size of the mountain compared to other resorts I have seen. I understand the weather determines which lifts are avaliable but the "snow" was ice, no where near snow texture. I think a day of snowboarding would cost roughly $150+ here for day pass and gear rental. My downsides for Ober are the price, the fun pass, and the snow.

    We visited Ober Mountain and had a really fun and memorable experience as a family. We had already…read morepurchased our Fun Pass tickets, and redeeming/printing them at the kiosks was quick and easy. One of the highlights was riding the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway up and down the mountain--it was truly an experience in itself with amazing views. Once at the top, there was plenty to do. The kids loved the carousel and rode it multiple times every time we passed by. We also enjoyed the ice bumper cars, the wildlife habitat, and visiting Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. One of the most magical moments of the day was when it started snowing during our SkyLift ride--it was absolutely beautiful and something we won't forget. It was definitely very cold, but the scenery made it completely worth it. Unfortunately, the mountain coasters were closed due to the rain turning into snow, but there were still plenty of other activities to enjoy. The only thing I wish we had gotten to do was ice skating--the line and wait time were just too long before we had to leave. Overall, it was a very fun experience that everyone in our family enjoyed. We would definitely visit again!We visited Ober Mountain and had a really fun and memorable experience as a family. We had already purchased our Adventure Pass tickets, and redeeming/printing them at the kiosks was quick and easy. One of the highlights was riding the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway up and down the mountain--it was truly an experience in itself with amazing views. Once at the top, there was plenty to do. The kids loved the carousel and rode it multiple times every time we passed by. We also enjoyed the ice bumper cars, the wildlife habitat, and visiting Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. One of the most magical moments of the day was when it started snowing during our SkyLift ride--it was absolutely beautiful and something we won't forget. It was definitely very cold, but the scenery made it completely worth it. Unfortunately, the mountain coasters were closed due to the rain turning into snow, but there were still plenty of other activities to enjoy. The only thing I wish we had gotten to do was ice skating--the line and wait time were just too long before we had to leave. Overall, it was a very fun experience that everyone in our family enjoyed. We would definitely visit again!

    Photos
    Ober Mountain
    The top of the scenic sky chair lift.
    The top of the scenic sky chair lift.
    Ober Mountain

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    Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg

    Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg

    4.0
    (8 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    We got ghosted on a ghost tour!…read more I would give this place 0 stars if I could - this is not a reputable company despite the positive reviews on other websites. My friend and I had some time to kill before the rest of our group arrived, so we decided to book a ghost tour at 8:30 PM. Booking was pretty easy and quick via a third party site - the site did mention that we would be notified if the tour was cancelled due to not enough seats being booked. We booked the tickets around 4 PM that day, but didn't receive any notification that the tour had been canceled, so we headed towards the meet up spot around 8:00 PM. The instructions said to meet by 8:15 PM at the Dolly Parton statue near the courthouse to avoid any issues with traffic/parking. My friend and I arrived at 8:10 PM but no one else was around aside from a couple of tourists taking pictures of the statue. 8:15 PM rolled around and the tour guide was nowhere in sight.. We still did not receive any communication about the tour being canceled (we even received a couple of text messages reminding us of the upcoming tour time) so we decided to wait until 8:30 PM to see if maybe the tour guide was running a little late. 8:30 PM rolls around and the tour guide never arrived. We tried calling the phone number on their website but the number is disconnected. Their email address also does not work and was undelivered, so there's no way to contact this company. We gave them the benefit of the doubt and waited for 5 more minutes before deciding to leave. The company had the audacity to send an automated text message after the tour asking us to rate the experience. A huge disappointment as we were looking forward for a fun night. There were other ghost tours we could have booked, but we chose this place due to the good reviews and proximity to our Airbnb. DO NOT (BOO)K.

    tour was cancelled last minute and they have not refunded me for over a week. don't waste your…read moremoney!

    Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

    Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

    4.2
    (958 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    This aquarium came highly suggested by a coworker of mine who is from the area. I'm so happy she…read moresuggested it because it was an awesome experience! With plenty of children around me clearly enjoy enjoying every second while in this aquarium, it's also clear that the adults and parents had something they could enjoy as well! The amount of species were really impressive! I certainly walked away learning a lot about the limitless life in our oceans- from favorite species like clown fish to unique/ "not so frequently seen" species like cool sea dragons that resemble floating kelp. We were able to see the entirety of the aquarium in about two hours, and the layout of the aquarium is great with a clear path to make it all the way through. Honorable mention to the awesome saw sharks. I actually don't know if that's their actual name, but there're nose kind of resembles a saw and they are so cool during the automated walkway through the tunnel of sharks and fish. It was so bizarre to just look up and see huge sharks right above me!! I was also really impressed with the amount of space these animals have. I know that zoos and aquariums can get a bad rep, but these animals really do seem very taken care of and happy in a simulated natural environment. I like how they included the water treatment room as a part that people can see because obviously these animals require very strict water treatment plans in order to keep them thriving. The penguin station was also one of our favorites!!! It was so cool to be able to crawl through a tube "into" their enclosure in a dome like clear glass and be surrounded by penguins!!! You can read the names on their flipper bands to tell them apart, and you can really get up close to see the differences in their beaks or features. I thought that was so cool. I liked the amount of cool snacks and beverages available too! I got a frozen peach lemonade that was so yummy. We were here during off peak time, but it was still very busy. It's a very popular attraction. I know they also offer some packages to if you're coming with family or friends and you'd like to do more than one Ripley related experience you can buy a pack at a discount at the teller. Don't forget to take advantage of your military or first responder discounts if possible while you're here!

    If you've ever wondered what it feels like to be a salmon swimming upstream during peak season,…read morejust visit Ripley's Aquarium on a busy day. I didn't take many pictures because I was trying to live in the moment--and also because I was too busy dodging people who apparently trained for this event at the "Cutting in Line Olympics (my kid came up with that analogy.) This place was packed. I mean Black Friday at the Best Buy packed. Half the time I couldn't even see the tanks because someone's unk decided the best viewing angle was directly in front of my face. Patience was not the theme of the day. Luckily for him I'm not only patient but handsome. But then... the shark tunnel appeared like a gift from the aquarium gods. We hopped onto a slow-moving convey like a lazy river at a Vegas hotel, for people who don't want to walk. Honestly, I wish the entire building worked this way. Zero chaos. Zero pushing. Just vibes and sharks gliding over your head like "Come on in the waters fine" The stingrays were another highlight--majestic, chill, and many different sizes. Crowds aside,(but not really) those two moments made the visit worth it. If you go, bring patience, comfortable shoes, and maybe a bullhorn to get people's attention. But once you hit the sharks, it will be smooth sailing. FYI I will never go again but it was pretty cool in general..

    Photos
    Family photo.  They offer photo packages
    Family photo. They offer photo packages
    Outside entrance
    Outside entrance
    My kids In the huge chair

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    My kids In the huge chair

    Space Needle - amusementparks - Updated July 2026

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