Where is the best view in Gatlinburg, Tennessee? Standing 407 feet tall near the middle of downtown Gatlinburg, the Gatlinburg Space Needle has an observation tower offering picturesque images through viewfinders. Standing on the observation tower, you have a chance to see a 360 degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. It’s a can’t-miss attraction while you’re in Gatlinburg. To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a guide of everything you need to know about the Gatlinburg Space Needle:
About the Gatlinburg Space Needle
Since its completion in 1970, the Gatlinburg Space Needle has attracted millions of tourists to travel up the tower through a glass elevator and arrive at an outdoor observation level that provides a view of miles away. A walk around the observation deck offers a full panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a perfect backdrop for pictures. You can even get a better view of the smoke-like fog that rises from the valleys to the peaks. The Gatlinburg Space Needle observation deck is also the best place you can enjoy watching a sunset disappear into the horizon, see the changing foliage with each season, or stargaze with a night view of the twinkling lights above, around, and in Gatlinburg.
What Else is at the Gatlinburg Space Needle?
The observation deck isn’t the only part that makes the Gatlinburg Space Needle great. The attraction is home to other exciting activities families can enjoy at the base of the Needle.
Arcadia: Arcadia is Gatlinburg’s largest family arcade attraction and has one of the best redemption centers in town. It’s located right below the Gatlinburg Space Needle and has more than 100 of the hottest games, from classic arcade games to simulators and activities. Earn as many eTickets as you can to take home an awesome prize!
Slice Pizza Bakery: If you’re feeling hungry, stop by Slice Pizza Bakery. If you’re craving authentic Italian cuisine, this is the place to go. You can find everything from hearty calzones to genuine New York style pizza at this Gatlinburg restaurant. Pizza can be enjoyed whole or by the slice. Check out these other pizza places in the Smoky Mountains!
Iris Theater: At the base of the Space Needle, you’ll find Iris Theater. This theater is home to Impossibilities – Magic, Mindreading, & Mayhem — one of the hottest shows in Gatlinburg. You’re in for a night filled with award-winning magic tricks, mindreading you won’t believe, and tons of fun.
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show: The Gatlinburg Space Needle is also home to the annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Firework Show! It’s the most popular way to kick off the new year. The event includes a live DJ, downtown celebrations and activities, and a midnight firework show and ball drop at the 407-foot Space Needle. You don’t want to miss out on this end of year celebration!
Gatlinburg Space Needle Webcam
If you want to check out the views from the Gatlinburg Space Needle but aren’t in town, you’re in luck! The attraction has a live webcam of the views from the top of the observation tower. You can see the leaves turn colors in the fall, or watch as snow falls slowly in the winter! The Gatlinburg Space Needle webcam will make you feel as if you’re downtown Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg Space Needle Ticket Prices
One of the best parts about the Gatlinburg Space Needle is that it’s affordable! Adult tickets are just $12.95, while children ages 4 to 11 are $7.95. Children 3 and under get in for free with a paying adult. Seniors (60+), AARP members, and military get a discounted ticket of $9.95.
More Things to Do in Gatlinburg
Now that you know more about the Gatlinburg Space Needle, we bet you can’t wait to visit it! Before your trip, take a look at more things to do in Gatlinburg and decide when you should plan your vacation.
