3 Fun Smoky Mountain Attractions Where You Can See Live Animals

While there are no guarantees you will see some wildlife while exploring Great Smoky Mountains Park, there is always a chance that you might spot deer, foxes, squirrels or even a black bear! However, if you want to make absolutely sure you see some animals during your time in the Smokies, there are several wonderful local attractions with wildlife! Here are 3 fun Smoky Mountain attractions where you can see live animals:

1. Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo

See more than 600 live animals in the heart of the Smokies at the Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo! This lovely zoo in Sevierville is home to over 130 species of unique and beautiful creatures from the rainforests of the world, including golden-headed lion tamarins, ring tail lemurs, parakeets and more! The majority of the animals at the Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo have been born or hatched in captivity, and some animals are on loan from zoos across the USA for educational purposes. The zoo has been themed by one of the nation’s finest zoological contractors, whose work includes Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Florida.

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 is a fantastic opportunity to visit with a black bear family, including parents Minnie and BJ as well as their grown children Holly and Chief. You can also watch playful river otters playing from an underwater viewing area, explore Birds of Prey in an enclosed aviary and view beautiful bobcats in action. Be sure not to miss the Nocturnal House, which includes various species of native Smokies wildlife such as snakes, turtles, raccoons, skunks and flying squirrels!

3. Three Bears General Store

The Three Bears General Store in Pigeon Forge is a 40,000 square foot store that not only features thousands of awesome Smoky Mountain souvenirs, but a live bear habitat! This is your chance to see the famous bears that have become the symbol of the Smokies. There is just a nominal admission fee charged per person, and children under age 2 are admitted for free. You can also purchase a cup of bear food where you can actually feed the bears a treat! The feeding hours are daily from 10 a.m. to noon, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where to Stay

Stay just minutes from all of these amazing Smoky Mountain attractions with a vacation at Mountain Melodies! Our affordable hotel is conveniently situated directly on the Pigeon Forge Parkway where you can easily access a ton of restaurants, shops and activities. While staying with us, enjoy comfortable rooms and a wide range of excellent amenities including a delicious complimentary breakfast, free wireless internet access, free parking and a seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub!

Check out all of our hotel rooms in Pigeon Forge TN today to plan your vacation near these fun Smoky Mountain attractions where you can see live animals! We look forward to seeing you soon at Mountain Melodies!