Nothing is better than a trip to a museum on a rainy vacation day! Gatlinburg, Tennessee is home to a wonderful collection of museums dedicated to everything from salt and pepper shakers to famous cars. Unlike the stodgy old museums you may have been dragged to as a kid, these attractions are filled with hands-on exhibits and lots of fun features. To help you make the most of your next getaway, we have put together a guide to the six best museums in Gatlinburg.

1. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium

Ripley’s Believe It or Not is a quirky museum filled with bizarre artifacts from around the globe. True to the Ripley’s brand, the Odditorium features wonderfully strange items, like shrunken heads, vampire killing kits, and medieval torture devices. Guests will also enjoy a number of memorable interactive exhibits, including a shadow dancing room, a giant game of operation, a two-way mirror, and a tunnel that feels like it is spinning.

Click here to get coupons and discounted tickets for Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium!

2. Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is definitely worth a visit during your next vacation in Gatlinburg. For only $3, you can see over 20,000 sets of whimsically designed salt and pepper shakers. The museum’s shakers are from all around the world and every decade. The remarkable collection includes shakers shaped like Egyptian pharaohs, U.S. Presidents, owls, carrots, eggs, cartoon characters, palm trees, and just about anything else you can think of. Best of all, your admission fee can be applied to any set of salt and pepper shakers for sale in the gift shop!

3. Hollywood Star Cars Museum

The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is a can’t-miss stop for TV and movie buffs. Visitors will have the chance to see some of the most famous vehicles to ever grace the silver or small screen, including the DeLorean from Back to the Future, the Jalopy from The Beverly Hillbillies, two different Batmobiles (from the Batman TV show and Batman Returns), and cars from The Fast and the Furious franchise. It’s easy to see why Hollywood Star Cars is one the most popular museums in Gatlinburg!

4. Christ in the Smokies Museum & Gardens

Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens is an excellent destination for church groups or anyone who wants to see a vivid retelling of the life of Jesus. Featuring lifelike wax figures, powerful narration, stirring music, and special effects, this museum brings biblical stories to life in a unique way. At the end of the self-guided tour through the museum, there is a beautiful prayer garden for guests to enjoy.

5. Guinness World Records Adventure

If you like reading the Guinness World Records books, you will love the Guinness World Records Adventure! The first half of this museum is dedicated to the incredible men and women who have set and broken world records. In the second half of the museum, guests will enjoy an arcade-like atmosphere filled with interactive games and challenges. Visitors will even have the chance to try and break a world record of their own!

6. The Dukes of Hazzard Museum at Cooter’s Place

Fans of the classic TV show The Dukes of Hazzard should definitely swing by Cooter’s Place during their vacation. This fun attraction is owned by Ben Jones, who played Cooter Davenport in the series. Cooter’s Place is home to a small museum with memorabilia from the show and the iconic General Lee. Admission to the museum is free but there is a small fee for taking photos with the famous car. Cooter’s also offers mini golf and go-kart racing for reasonable prices.

Final Thoughts

What are your favorite museums in Gatlinburg? Let us know in the comments below!