There is absolutely nothing like a Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum. If you are looking for an attraction that is packed with the strange, the beautiful, and the downright unbelievable, the Gatlinburg Odditorium is a world-class destination. From the moment you see the building, which looks like it survived a massive earthquake, you know you are in for an experience that challenges everything you think you know about the world. It is the perfect blend of history, science, and jaw-dropping human feats that keeps you engaged from the first exhibit to the last.
Standing Tall with a Legend
One of the coolest parts of the museum is seeing how you measure up to the legends of history. My friend Logan stood next to the life-sized statue of Robert Wadlow, the Alton Giant.
Wadlow reached a staggering height of 8 feet 11.1 inches due to hyperplasia of his pituitary gland—it is one thing to read the numbers, but standing next to a 9-foot scale really puts his life into perspective. It’s these kinds of stunning displays that make you realize just how diverse and incredible the human body can be.
Seeing is (Not) Believing: Optical Illusions
We spent a lot of time in the Ames Room, which is one of the most famous optical illusions in the world. It was hilarious to watch my girlfriend and our friends walk from one corner to the other; one person looks like a literal giant while the other shrinks down to the size of a toddler!
As someone who prioritizes fitness, it was a trip to see my physique look totally distorted just by moving across a checkered floor. It’s a gorgeous example of how our brains can be easily tricked by simple geometry.
Interactive Wonders and Rare Finds
The Gatlinburg location is packed with interactive exhibits that are perfect for every age. We had a blast in the room where you can “draw” on the walls using nothing but a light! I even took a moment to write “AOM” on the wall—it was a magical way to leave our mark before the light faded away. (See video above!) We also braved the rope bridge that hangs over the museum floor; it definitely gives you a little shot of adrenaline as you look down at the artifacts below.
Speaking of artifacts, I was blown away by the punter’s gun. (See video above!) These massive, long-barreled guns were used for commercial bird hunting in the 19th century and could take out dozens of waterfowl in a single shot. As an outdoorsman, seeing the sheer scale of that engineering was fascinating. We also tried the “box challenge.” My girlfriend Monica was able to fit inside the tiny glass box with ease, but let’s just say the rest of us—especially those of us hitting the gym—didn’t have a prayer of squeezing in there!
A Tradition of Oddities
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Growing up, my family and I visited Ripley’s locations all over the country. We’ve had unforgettable trips to the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in St. Augustine, which is actually the very first permanent Odditorium.
We’ve also explored the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Myrtle Beach. Every time we go, it feels fresh and exciting because they are constantly updating the exhibits with new discoveries from around the globe.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you are traveling as a couple, with a group of friends, or taking the whole family, Ripley’s in Gatlinburg is a must-visit. It’s clean, well-maintained, and worth every penny for the memories you’ll make. There is truly nothing like a Ripley’s museum—nothing!
Address: 800 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: Ripley’s Gatlinburg
Call to Action: Have you ever visited a Ripley’s Museum? What is the strangest thing you’ve ever seen there? Let us know in the comments!
