Modern Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have many thrilling attractions, but some of the earlier ones provided a unique experience that can’t be matched anymore — since these locations are no longer around.
Long ago, you could see porpoise shows, slide down a water slide named the hydro-chute, or go by “earth auger” to the center of the Earth in East Tennessee.
It was a distinct time for the tourism sector in the two towns, featuring rides that were less technologically advanced, along with simpler—though occasionally peculiar—attractions.
In at least one instance, there is still proof indicating where the closed attractions were located, but even then, the archives are essential to discover what the experiences were like.
Fun Mountain
The first hotel in Gatlinburg, the Mountain View Hotel, was torn down in 1993. What took its place was a theme park − though it didn’t remain for long.
Fun Mountain, also known as the Gatlinburg Theme Park and Gatlinburg Amusement Park, had a limited opening during the summer of 1994. It featured attractions such as a Ferris wheel, chairlift, carousel, arcade, Tilt-A-Whirl, bumper boats, and go-carts, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel that year.
Even though the attraction stopped operating in the early 2000s, remnants can still be found at the original location. A worn-out, rusted ski lift continues to be visible near the junction of U.S. Route 441 and U.S. Route 321, located behind parking areas across the Parkway from Ole Red Southern restaurant.
The final advertisement for the amusement park was published in the News Sentinel in 1999, with its machinery sold at auction in 2008.
Magic World
Magic World debuted on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge in the early 1970s, attracting guests through its dinosaur and alien-themed attractions. It fulfilled its promise with magic performances and magic carpet rides.
The amusement park began as a small golf course but grew over time with features like a ventriloquist and the “Confederate Critters Show,” a performance by robotic animals. Additional attractions featured the Flying Saucer Theater, Dragon Train Ride, and Dinosaur Museum, as mentioned in a 1981 News Sentinel report.
The Magic World amusement park closed in 1995, as mentioned in an obituary for Joyce Sidwell, who co-founded and managed the park alongside her husband and son, Jim Sidwell Sr. and Jim Sidwell Jr.
Ogle’s Water Park
During the 1980s and 1990s, Ogle’s Water Park was a popular destination for people looking to beat the heat in the summer. A 1982 News Sentinel report mentioned that the park’s owners were getting ready to employ 150 individuals.
By 1984, Ogle’s was attracting approximately 2,500 visitors daily in the summer, according to the News Sentinel, as people appreciated its six water slides, shallow pool, and wave pool.
However, with the arrival of the new millennium came Ogle’s end. By 2003, the park had ceased to exist, and construction had begun on Walden’s Landing, a food and shopping area in Pigeon Forge that is now known as Lumberjack Square.
Porpoise Island
Whether you like it or not, East Tennessee once had its own version of SeaWorld.
Porpoise Island debuted in 1972 as a “Polynesian-style entertainment destination” where guests could observe marine animals performing, according to the News Sentinel’s report from that time. In addition to a porpoise performance, the park also featured a seal show, a bird vaudeville act, a sea lion pool, and a deer ranch.
In the 1970s, the attraction’s president, Don Jacobs, brought high school students from Hawaii to perform at Porpoise Island stage events.
By 1989, Porpoise Island had ceased to exist, and the land was put up for sale. Now, the location is occupied by The Island in Pigeon Forge.
Hayden Dunbar serves as the narrative journalist. [email protected].
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This piece first was published on Knoxville News Sentinel:Porpoise performances, Confederate Creatures, Fun Mountain: Smoky attractions that are now closed to visitors
