Day or night, no matter what time of year, get ready to experience and incredible scene as you ride the Gatlinburg Space Needle.
Get Sky-High Views of this Mountain Town
Imagine safely riding over 400 feet to get spectacular views of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. One of the area’s most popular attractions, the Gatlinburg Space Needle offers a birds-eye look over the town of Gatlinburg. Take in the dense forests, mountain peaks and bustling city beneath you. Day or night, no matter what time of year, get ready to experience and incredible scene as you ride the Gatlinburg Space Needle.
About the Gatlinburg Space Needle
As you drive along the Gatlinburg Parkway, you’ll notice something towering in the foreground. Standing at 407-feet tall, the Gatlinburg Space Needle is one of the best ways to get a panoramic of Gatlinburg. Since its completion in 1969, this observation tower has become a popular attraction in Gatlinburg and the surrounding area.
Riding the Gatlinburg Space Needle
Depart the base of the Space Needle and step into the enclosed glass elevator. As you ride over 400 feet up, watch as you elevate above the shops, restaurants and treetops on the Gatlinburg Parkway. When you arrive to the top, explore the observation deck for 360-degree views of downtown Gatlinburg, the Great Smoky Mountains and Mount LeConte.
While on the observation deck, experience Higher Learning, the Space Needle’s educational exhibit. Use the complimentary view finders to learn fun and historical facts about Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Things to Do at the Gatlinburg Space Needle
Before or after you ride the Space Needle, be sure to stop by the on-site arcade and restaurant.
Arcadia Arcade
The Gatlinburg Space Needle has a 25,000-square-foot arcade right at the base of the tower. Play the retro and new video games as well as simulation games. Once you’ve earned all of your tickets, take them to the redemption counter for a great prize.
Arcade Play Cards cost between $10–$100. These can be purchased online or when you arrive to the Space Needle.
The arcade also has two thrilling escape rooms along with exciting performers at the Iris Theater.
Slice Pizza Bakery
The Gatlinburg Space Needle also features a restaurant at the base of the tower. Slice Pizza Bakery serves authentic Italian cuisine, including New York-style pizza, appetizers, calzones and salads. There are also a number of other restaurants in downtown Gatlinburg that are walking distance from the Space Needle.
Information About the Gatlinburg Space Needle
Since the Gatlinburg Space Needle is conveniently located off the Gatlinburg Parkway, those staying at a downtown Gatlinburg hotel can easily get to the popular attraction via the Gatlinburg Trolley or simply walking.
Gatlinburg Space Needle Ticket Prices
Tickets for the Gatlinburg Space Needle can be purchased in person or online.
Adults are $15.95, children (ages 4–11) are $9.95 and military and seniors (ages 60 and over) or AARP members are $12.95. Children under 3 are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. (Check website as prices are subject to change)
Discounted Tickets for the Gatlinburg Space Needle
The Gatlinburg Space Needle offers a military discount on adult tickets. The military ticket costs $9.95 when presented with a valid military ID.
Those traveling with groups of more than 20 people can save with the Gatlinburg Space Needle’s group rates.
- 20–39 people: $1 per person
- 40–59 people: $2 per person
- 60–99 people: $3 per person
- Over 100 people: $4 per person
The Gatlinburg Space Needle also offers three packages to help riders save.
Gatlinburg Space Needle Hours
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is open year-round from 9 a.m.–12 a.m. The Space Needle is also open on major holidays but hours may be subject to change.
Directions to the Gatlinburg Space Needle
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is located at 115 Historic Nature Trail off traffic light #8 in downtown Gatlinburg. On-site parking is not available, but to due to its central location on the Gatlinburg Parkway, a number of parking lots and garages are located nearby the Space Needle.
