dining room at The Peddler Steakhouse in Gatlinburg

5 Indoor Gatlinburg Attractions to Check Out on a Rainy Day

Ripley's Believe It or Not! interior
February 17, 2026

When you come to visit Gatlinburg, there are lots of fun things to do here in the area, including exploring the beautiful Smoky Mountains! However, if you end up with rainy weather for part of your vacation, you are not out of luck. There are still lots of awesome activities that you can enjoy here in town on a rainy day, so to help you out next time you encounter bad weather, we have put together a list of some indoor Gatlinburg attractions to check out when the sun isn’t shining. Let’s get started!

1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Starting off, we have Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, which is among the most popular Gatlinburg attractions, and is an excellent choice for a rainy day! The aquarium is home to more sea creatures than there are people in the town of Gatlinburg, and there is lots to do when you visit. From strolling through the shark tunnel, to touching a stingray, and lots more, there is never a dull moment at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies!

2. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Another of the Ripley’s Gatlinburg attractions that you can enjoy rain or shine is Ripley’s Believe It or Not! This attraction is full of mind-blowing exhibits that will keep the whole family engaged. You can touch space rocks, see rare artifacts, and so much more, plus you can save money if you choose to visit the aquarium as well by purchasing a combo pass!

3. Arcadia

At the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, there is another of the top indoor attractions to check out here in town… Arcadia! This spot is home to hundreds of arcade and video games, features a wide variety of exciting prizes to win, and is the perfect place for some rainy day fun.

4. Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

If you are looking for a unique activity that you won’t find anywhere else, then make sure to stop by the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum when you are looking for indoor Gatlinburg attractions! This museum has a collection of over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers, highlighting the creativity of those who made them, and showcasing the evolution of these kitchen implements over time.

5. Gatlin’s Black Light Golf

For a twist on traditional mini golf, check out Gatlin’s Black Light Golf for an undersea adventure! Their 9-hole black light course is filled with interesting decorations and glow-in-the-dark fun, and since it is entirely indoors, it is among the top Gatlinburg attractions to consider when it’s raining outside.

When you check out some of these great indoor Gatlinburg attractions, you are sure to have a blast even when the weather isn’t cooperating! And, of course, after you have had your fun exploring these fun indoor Gatlinburg attractions, you are likely to have worked up an appetite. That’s when it’s time to head on over to The Peddler Steakhouse for a delicious meal! Plus, you can skip the wait when you come to dine with us by reserving a table at our Gatlinburg restaurant here on our website. We can’t wait to see you soon!