Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Written by : Michael Long

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a popular tourist attraction in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The aquarium features a variety of exhibits and attractions that showcase the diverse and fascinating world of marine life.

Some of the highlights of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies include:

Ocean Realm: The Ocean Realm exhibit is a large, interactive exhibit that features a variety of sea creatures, including rays, sea turtles, and more.
Penguin Playhouse: The Penguin Playhouse is a popular exhibit that features a variety of penguins, including African penguins, gentoo penguins, and more.
Shark Lagoon: The Shark Lagoon exhibit is a popular attraction that features a variety of shark species, including nurse sharks, sand tiger sharks, and more.
Touch-A-Ray Bay: Touch-A-Ray Bay is a unique and interactive exhibit that allows visitors to touch and interact with various rays, including stingrays and other species.
Coral Reef: The Coral Reef exhibit features a variety of colorful and exotic fish, coral formations, and other underwater habitats.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is an excellent destination for families, marine life enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning more about the underwater world. With its interactive exhibits, knowledgeable staff, and family-friendly atmosphere, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a must-visit destination for those visiting Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.

The History of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies opened its doors in 2000, and it has since become one of the most popular attractions in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. The aquarium was designed to offer visitors a unique and interactive experience, focusing on showcasing the diverse and fascinating world of marine life.

Over the years, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies has continued to expand and improve its exhibits and attractions. It now features a variety of interactive displays and exhibitions, including the Ocean Realm, Penguin Playhouse, Shark Lagoon, Touch-A-Ray Bay, and Coral Reef.

In addition to its exhibits and attractions, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is also dedicated to educating visitors about the importance of marine conservation and sustainability. It features a variety of educational programs and initiatives to promote awareness and understanding of the underwater world.

Today, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies continues to be a popular destination for visitors to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. It offers a unique and memorable experience for those interested in learning more about the world of marine life.

Interesting facts about Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Home to Thousands of Sea Creatures: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is home to thousands of sea creatures, including fish, rays, sea turtles, sharks, and more.
Interactive Exhibits: The aquarium features a variety of interactive exhibits, including Touch-A-Ray Bay, where visitors can touch and interact with live rays, and the Ocean Realm, where visitors can walk through a large underwater tunnel and experience the world of sea creatures up close.
Conservation and Sustainability: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is dedicated to promoting marine conservation and sustainability. It features a variety of educational programs and initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the importance of preserving the world’s oceans and marine life.
The Largest Underwater Tunnel in the Southeast: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is home to the immense underwater tunnel in the Southeast, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience as they walk through the Ocean Realm exhibit.
Home to Rare and Exotic Species: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is home to various rare and exotic species, including the weedy sea dragon, the leafy sea dragon, and more.
Popular Destination: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of the most popular attractions in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Whether you’re a marine life enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and interactive experience, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a must-visit destination for those visiting Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.