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Tag: Ripley's Aquarium

2 posts with this tag

A family walks through the 340-foot underwater shark tunnel at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with a massive sand tiger shark and sea turtle visible swimming overhead in the crystal-clear water.

Ripley's Aquarium Gatlinburg 2026: Tickets, Exhibits & Insider Tips

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is consistently rated one of the top aquariums in the United States — and in 2026, it's celebrating its 25th anniversary with the all-new Dragons: Myths Made Real exhibit, free Summer Plaza events, and the same 10,000 sea creatures across 350 species that have made it Gatlinburg's most visited attraction for a quarter century. Here's the complete guide to tickets, exhibits, timing, and making the most of your visit.

Visitors walk through the underwater tunnel at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, surrounded by sharks, rays, and tropical fish on a rainy day in the Smoky Mountains.

Rainy Day in the Smokies? Here's Exactly What to Do in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

The Smoky Mountains get over 55 inches of rain a year, and afternoon thunderstorms in summer are a near-daily feature — but Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are among the best-equipped towns in the country for exactly this situation. From Ripley's Aquarium and Dollywood's indoor NightFlight Expedition to the Titanic Museum, moonshine tastings, and the one outdoor option most people overlook entirely — here's the complete rainy day guide for the Smokies.

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