Gatlinburg Space Needle
Soar 407 feet for breathtaking 360° views of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains, with an arcade at its base.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Gatlinburg Space Needle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Soar 407 feet for breathtaking 360° views of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains, with an arcade at its base.
"Great inexpensive experience with a beautiful 360 view, not crowded and plenty of space."
🎟️ Keep Your Receipt!
Your ticket grants unlimited re-entry within 24 hours. Perfect for a daytime and nighttime view!
💰 Look for Discounts
Check Groupon for discounted tickets before you go to save some cash.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mountain Views
Observation Deck
Soar 407 feet for breathtaking 360° views of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.
The Observation Deck
Top of the Tower
Enjoy the open-air deck with viewing machines and ample space to soak in the scenery.
Arcade at the Base
Ground Level
A lively arcade with ticket games and pinball machines, perfect for family fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Ticket Perks & Arcade Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Keep Your Receipt!
Your ticket grants unlimited re-entry within 24 hours. Perfect for a daytime and nighttime view!
💰 Look for Discounts
Check Groupon for discounted tickets before you go to save some cash.
🚶♀️ Stairs for a Shirt?
One visitor found they got a free shirt for taking the stairs down. Worth asking!
📸 Capture the Scenery
The 360° views are perfect for photography, especially during sunset.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Keep Your Receipt!
Your ticket grants unlimited re-entry within 24 hours. Perfect for a daytime and nighttime view!
💰 Look for Discounts
Check Groupon for discounted tickets before you go to save some cash.
🚶♀️ Stairs for a Shirt?
One visitor found they got a free shirt for taking the stairs down. Worth asking!
📸 Capture the Scenery
The 360° views are perfect for photography, especially during sunset.
🕹️ Arcade Fun
The arcade at the base is a hit with kids and offers a decent selection of games.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Gatlinburg Space Needle for its breathtaking 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains and downtown Gatlinburg, often calling it an inexpensive and worthwhile experience. The ability to re-enter within 24 hours is a significant perk. Some note the arcade can be a money grab, and the elevator shows its age, but the overall scenic value is highly appreciated.
"This was a beautiful experience. We walked right up, paid, and they sent us up the elevator 400+ feet. The weather was beautiful. 360 view. Not crowded. Plenty of space. Seating available. You see everything in Gatlinburg. Great inexpensive experience.
There’s also a large arcade at the base of the tower. We didn’t play any games but it looked like a great arcade"
Jeremy Schrebnick
"Okay as someone who is deathly afraid of heights I made it up 😁. We went on Wednesday of spring break because Anakeesta was closed due to the high winds and this made up for it. Price is well worth it for two people and you get to go up as many times as you want during the day when you buy the tickets. So enjoy the view and bask in the beauty of the Smokey mountains and downtown Gatlinburg."
Ashley Chantal
"Is it overpriced? Absolutely. Did nostalgia sucker-punch my wallet? Also yes. I rode this thing back in the '70s when I was just a wide-eyed kid with a questionable haircut. There's a similar tower at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita, but it's been out of order since forever—probably because the company that built it vanished like a magician in bankruptcy court.
So imagine my shock when I saw this one still standing and actually working! It’s like finding a VCR that still rewinds. Bonus: you get some pretty sweet views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains—perfect for pondering life, or at least wondering where all your money just went."
Paul Huskey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, TN. It's easily accessible by car and is within walking distance of many hotels and attractions. Parking is available nearby.
Yes, there are several parking lots and garages in the vicinity of the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Rates can vary depending on the lot and time of day.
If your hotel is in downtown Gatlinburg, it's very likely you can walk to the Space Needle. Check your hotel's location relative to the tower for convenience.
The address is 115 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. [^SEO]
While Gatlinburg has a trolley system, the Space Needle is centrally located and often best reached by walking if you're downtown. Check the Gatlinburg Trolley routes for specific stops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but it's generally considered an inexpensive experience for the views offered. Checking Groupon for discounts is recommended.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets online in advance through their official website or through third-party ticketing platforms. [^SEO]
The Space Needle's hours can vary seasonally and may be affected by weather. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours. [^SEO]
While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially during peak season, can save you time. Checking for discounts on sites like Groupon is also a good idea.
It's worth searching for 'Gatlinburg Space Needle coupon code' online, and checking sites like Groupon often provides discounted ticket packages. [^SEO]
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon for sunset views and golden hour light is highly recommended. Daytime offers clear panoramic shots of the mountains and town.
Absolutely! The outdoor observation deck provides unobstructed 360-degree views perfect for capturing stunning photos of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Professional photography or commercial use might require special arrangements. Always check their official policy if you have specific needs.
A camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing details in the mountains. A wide-angle lens can also be useful for the expansive panoramas. [^SEO]
While the main draw is the view from the observation deck, the elevator ride itself can offer unique perspectives, and the arcade area provides a different kind of visual interest.
🎫 🕹️ Onsite Experience
At the base, you'll find a large arcade with ticket games and pinball machines. The observation deck also has viewing machines for distant sights.
You can spend as little or as much time as you like on the observation deck, as your ticket allows re-entry within 24 hours. Many visitors spend 1-2 hours enjoying the views and arcade.
Crowds can vary. Weekdays and off-peak seasons are generally less crowded than weekends and holidays. Visiting during a weekday afternoon is often recommended.
Some reviews mention the elevator is showing its age and has green lighting that can feel like a UFO abduction. However, it reliably takes you to the top.
Yes, your ticket is valid for unlimited re-entry within a 24-hour period, so you can experience the view day and night.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The arcade at the base is a major draw, providing hours of entertainment with ticket games and prizes. 💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The open-air observation deck provides unobstructed vistas, perfect for wide-angle shots of the town and mountains. Bring a camera with a good zoom to capture details in the distance. [^SEO] The ability to return within 24 hours allows for capturing the scene in both daylight and twilight. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic View: What to Expect
+1Many reviewers highlight the peacefulness of the experience, especially when visiting during less crowded times. The ability to stay as long as you like and revisit within 24 hours with your ticket is a significant plus, allowing you to see the landscape in different lights, from daytime vistas to potential sunset or evening glows.
While the tower itself might show some signs of age, the breathtaking views are consistently praised. It's a classic Gatlinburg experience that provides a unique perspective on the charming mountain town and the vast natural beauty that surrounds it.
Beyond the View: Arcade and Entertainment
One Reddit user specifically mentioned the Space Needle arcade as standing out for its value, noting a good selection of ticket games for kids and even pinball machines for adults. This makes it a well-rounded destination, catering to different interests within a single location.
Beyond the arcade, the Space Needle is part of the vibrant downtown Gatlinburg scene, with many other attractions, shops, and restaurants within easy walking distance. It's a central point that can be easily incorporated into a broader itinerary of Gatlinburg activities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit