Gatlinburg Space Needle - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
United States
Tennessee (TN)
Sevier County
Gatlinburg
Things to Do in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg Space Needle
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Gatlinburg Space Needle

See all things to do
See all things to do
Gatlinburg Space Needle
4
#30 of 96 things to do in Gatlinburg
Observation Decks & Towers
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Monday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Friday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 1:00 AM
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About
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is an all steel observation tower served by two elevators with a capacity of 20 persons each. Ride our safe and comfortable glass elevators over 400’ to observation deck for 360° view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the resort city of Gatlinburg. The view is a panorama of beauty without equal year round. Enjoy Higher Learning, an educational experience from the Space Needle’s perspective, with free view finders!
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions
4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles1,256 reviews
Excellent
592
Very good
376
Average
213
Poor
46
Terrible
29
Teresa D
2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Rude staff
Sep 2020 • Family
After spending of money in arcade, my two children went to get refund from one malfunctioning game. They were refused refund, rude employee "no refunds". Then, a couple gave my two children(teens) tickets to go on the Space Needle(arcade is part of entrance). My kids were excited and wanted to go. I went with them to counter to get them on elevator to go up. Man(same rude employee) at desk refused entry, saying ....NO, tickets non transferable, must use at time purchased (cannot buy for anybody other than self). I asked how we know this, where is it written. Nowhere other than verbal he said acting VERY agitated and angry. I wanted our receipt back for the two unused tickets, he refused and was going to write on the tickets that they were used. I told him multiple times "do NOT write used" and "please give me receipt back". After asking 4x he finally gave it back but not without him nastily saying we were taking advantage of the "system" by trying to use tickets someone else bought. I guess this business does not allow to pay it forward, and if you have problems with video game systems within the business, youre on your own. I have never written a bad review but after the treatment me and my family received, this is my first. We come to Gatlinburg a couple times a year, and will never go to this one establishment again.
Written September 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great_Beer_Now
Houston, TX5,439 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Take in the Views
Mar 2020
America’s Great Smoky Mountains are one of the top attractions in the eastern part of the country. Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a popular destination for that reason- it is right at the base of the mountains and right next to one of the park’s entrances. The mountains are easily viewable from anywhere in Gatlinburg, but if you want to really take in the view, you might like the Space Needle Gatlinburg.

Just over 400 feet in height, Space Needle Gatlinburg is, I believe, the tallest structure available for tourist use in this small town. The base of the attraction features an indoor arcade and many who visit might wish to start off here, playing games and having a little fun before heading to the top.

An elevator takes guests to the observation deck. It’s an open- air deck so you need to be prepared to feel the wind in your hair. You can walk all the way around, so you get a full 360 degree view of the mountains and surrounding areas. The tower does sway and, combined with the blowing wind, could prove a little much for those with acrophobia and other conditions.

I went to the top of the Space Needle Gatlinburg with one of my kids and we found it okay, but not as good as expected. The views are easily the top reason to visit this attraction, but we felt there should be more going on at the top and less going on at the bottom, with the arcade. We didn’t spend long at all on the deck because the wind was getting to us and my kid said she felt the sensation of falling, and it was making her a bit nauseous.

Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are a top vacation destination. The Space Needle Gatlinburg is a good way to take in the views and see what things look like at this height. It’s a little pricey for what you get and doesn’t have much to offer beyond the views, and these qualities make it an average attraction overall.
Written April 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael C
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
DANGER
Oct 2021
This thing is outright dangerous and in total disrepair. it is desperate need of a structural engineer to inspect this thing. You can see from the ground all the patchwork repairs to the platform. The elevators are filthy and you could climb up faster than they move. the tower itself sways in a very uncomfortable way with barely any wind, the platform gives with every step. The people that work there are rude and clueless as to an kind of online discounts. I would never go there again and is unsuitable for children.
Written June 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jwall311
Pittsburgh, PA52 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Wonderful View!
Oct 2021 • Couples
I’m glad we visited this local tourist attraction because it provided an amazing, bird’s eye view of Gatlinburg. The top was spacious and not at all crowded when we visited. I was also informed that the receipt from my tickets purchased through Groupon allowed us to visit again within 24 hours. Although we didn’t take advantage of that feature, it would have been cool to see that view again at night. The girl working the counter was so friendly and informative too. I would recommend everyone visiting Gatlinburg check out the sights from the Gatlinburg Space Needle!
Written October 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D H
Jackson, MI454 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Breathtaking views that never disappoint!
Oct 2020
No matter how many times you visit Gatlinburg and how many times you visit the Space Needle, you just have to do this. Never disappoints with breathtaking views from all sides and the sites change all the time. You could spend hours on top sitting on the benches just taking it all in. Make sure you take some change to the top so you can make smashed pennies! The building itself could use some updating and some paint but this is a must do in Gatlinburg.
Written January 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben M
Florence, SC60 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Must do and awesome arcade!
Sep 2020 • Family
The space needle is almost always a must do. The prices have increased slightly over the years but we'll worth it. The arcade inside is the biggest on the strip by far. Very easy to spend money here. There is also a snack bar inside. If you ride to the top your ticket is good for a day trip and you can also return in the evening for night time photos...just be sure to save your reciept!
Written October 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexandria
23 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Spectacular views!
Sep 2020
We had a great time here. Surprisingly, when we went, we were the only couple on the elevator, as well as the space needle view. The views are spectacular. Took a lot of photos. No need to stay here for long - it's one of those sights you can visit for 10-20 minutes and move on with your itinerary. We got tickets off of Groupon.
Written October 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aurora
5 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
DO not purchase a ticket through Groupon
Aug 2023 • Friends
Unfortunately, I attempted twice to go up the Space needle. Arrived to Space Needle on Friday Aug. 25th around 8pm. My voucher was scanned but then we were asked to wait because the elevator was broken. After 20 minutes we were advised to reach out to Groupon for a refund. I offered to come back the next day (Sat 8/26) and we were informed we should call first. On Saturday, I called around 1pm and was told the elevator was broken until Monday August 28th. Unfortunately we left Gatlinburg Sunday August 27th. Groupon is refusing to refund me $ until I receive an email from the Space Needle. I have sent an email to the Space needle and called twice with no luck.
Written September 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amber G
Inwood, WV254 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nice view
Sep 2022 • Solo
I thought this was a really nice experience though I'll admit that I wasn't brave enough to walk to the edge or look through the mounted scopes.
I also went right after they opened on a cooler day so it was quite chilly up on top which made me not stay as long because I couldn't handle the chilly breeze. However, on a warmer day I could have sat up there on those benches for hours.
I used a $2 off coupon from one of the free coupon booklets you can find around town.
Other reviews complained about how long the elevator took to go up and I just have to say that wasn't my experience at all. I felt like it was relatively quick considering how high it went.
Written September 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EverMoreUnknown
Little Falls, NJ48 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Views of Gatlinburg
Sep 2021 • Couples
I got this deal from Groupon which was better worth the price because views are ok. And not the cleanest attraction. You can use the ticket again within 24 hours.
Parking in the are is expensive. But I recommend St. mary's church nearby is only $5 for all day parking.
Written September 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Gatlinburg Space Needle - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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