4 Fun Smoky Mountain Attractions Where You Can See Live Animals
While the Smoky Mountains are famous for black bears and other wildlife, there is never a guarantee that you will see anything in the wild. However, there are several fantastic attractions near the All Season Suites where you can get up close and personal with all types of animals! Here are 4 fun Smoky Mountain attractions where you can see live animals during your vacation:
1. Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo
The Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo is home to more than 600 unique animals from the rainforests of the world! Most of the creatures in the zoo have been born or hatched in captivity, and many animals are on loan from zoos across the United States. While exploring the zoo, you will find lemurs, hedgehogs, parrots, snakes, turtles, crocodiles and much more! You will even have the chance to see some unusual bugs, such as tarantulas and scorpions! The Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo is located in Sevierville and is open year round for your enjoyment.
2. Ober Gatlinburg Wildlife Encounter
Another one of the fun Smoky Mountain attractions where you can see live animals is the Ober Gatlinburg Wildlife Encounter! This privately funded, municipally sponsored zoo features playful river otters, bobcats, flying squirrels, skunks and owls, as well as a beautiful black bear family! Step into the enclosed aviary to see the Birds of Prey, or visit the Nocturnal House to experience various species of native Smokies wildlife including raccoons, skunks, turtles and snakes! The Ober Gatlinburg Wildlife Encounter is included with the park’s unlimited wristbands, or you can purchase tickets just to visit the zoo.
3. Smoky Mountain Deer Farm
The Smoky Mountain Deer Farm in Sevierville offers an unforgettable experience where you can walk among deer and hand feed these graceful animals! You will also have the chance to interact with other critters, such as camels, kangaroos, zebras, goats, reindeer and donkeys! If you have young children in your family, they will love going for an old fashioned pony ride and petting the miniature horses! Be sure to bring your camera along to capture some of the best photos of your vacation to the Smokies!
4. Three Bears General Store
The Three Bears General Store in Pigeon Forge is not only known as one of the largest gift stores in town, but one of the best Smoky Mountain attractions for seeing live animals! The name of the store comes from the 5,000 square foot live bear habitat where 3 adorable bears have lived for more than 25 years! Each bear has an individual den that is cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and the 2 level facility offers plenty of room for viewing the bears in action. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to purchase a cup of bear food to give the bears a tasty treat!
Check out all of the rooms at our hotel in Pigeon Forge TN today to plan your vacation near these Smoky Mountain attractions where you can see live animals! We look forward to welcoming you to the All Season Suites!
