Explore the science and history of flight at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation which showcases over 20 airworthy warbird airplanes in addition to exhibits and memorabilia from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Then take to the skies with Scenic Helicopter Tours for a birds-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains and plenty of info about how helicopters fly. For more high-flying fun, aspiring engineers can explore the physics of gravity first hand while flying by the seat of their pants across more than 10,000 feet of cable at Sevierville’s new Wahoo Ziplines attraction.
Bring biology to life with a trip to Rainforest Adventures. You will learn about conservation from zoological professionals and then tour the museum to see lemurs, snakes, turtles, kangaroos, a walk in aviary and more. Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Petting Zoo also provides a unique experience by allowing everyone to pet and feed camels, reindeer, zebras, donkeys and more.
Visit NASCAR SpeedPark where you can speed past one another on eight exciting tracks, then take a tour with expert staff members and learn how the cars you drove are maintained and what it takes to become a real NASCAR driver. Floyd Garrett’s Muscle Car Museum provides educational opportunities with over 90 muscle cars, some of which have historic value (such as a souped up car confiscated for running moonshine in the 40s) and others that have been featured in television or film.
Just for fun, putter around at Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Mini Golf, which features motion activated critters ready to comment on your golf game. Then take a little time to cool down to the constant 57 degree temperature in Forbidden Caverns. This active cavern is filled with stalagmites and stalactites that continue to grow as well as the largest known wall of rare cave onyx in the United States. This attraction is a living geologic classroom and knowledgeable guides are ready to assist in the learning process.
The human body is amazing and Cirque de Chine, the newest and most unique show in the Smokies, certainly showcases that fact. This two-hour spectacular features Chinese acrobats and daredevils performing in a non-stop, awe-inspiring daily show which just might put gym classes across the country to shame. Arrive early for a free Tai Chi lesson in the lobby and get ready to be amazed.
Sevierville is located in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most visited National Park. While the natural blue haze rising up through sweeping vistas gave this park its name, its 60 mammal species, 20 snake species, 27 salamander species, 130 native tree species and 500 flowering plant species, earned the park its designation as an International Biosphere Reserve. Visiting during 2009 is an especially ideal time since the Great Smoky Mountains will be celebrating their 75th Anniversary as a national park. Stop at the Sugarland Visitor Center just inside the National Park to see educational displays and films and to talk with park rangers ready to share their knowledge of the Smoky Mountains with your student group.
Dine & Rest
Sevierville offers plenty of lodging and dining with student groups in mind. Two new water park resorts, Wilderness at the Smokies and The Resort at Governor’s Crossing cater to student groups and offer the added benefit of an on site attraction. Wilderness at the Smokies features an indoor and outdoor water park exclusively for the use of guests while The Resort at Governor’s Crossing features a 10,000 square foot indoor water park. Restaurants such as Mr. Gatti’s, Golden Corral, Fuddruckers, Mountain Edge Grill and The Ritz Pizza and Subs also roll out the red carpet for visitors, offering fun and convenient dining.