Location: Memphis, Tennessee Years Active: 1906 – Active Those glossy zoo pamphlets lie. The Memphis Zoo is raw, real, and totally unforgettable. This place opened in 1906 and hasn’t slowed down since. We’re talking a mind-blowing 3,500+ animals representing practically every corner of the world. Pandas? Hippos? All the big names, and then some. Teton…
Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Years Active: 1962 – Active Ober Gatlinburg sits high in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains. It’s been around since 1962, so the atmosphere is old-school fun. Think of an alpine village with way more to do than just stare at pretty views. They’ve got skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and the rest of…
Location: Choctaw, Tennessee Years Active: 2005 – Active Geyser Falls Water Park in Choctaw, Tennessee – it’s been around almost 20 years, and locals have mixed feelings. Sure, it’s a classic way to beat the heat. Rides like Geyser Flats will get your heart pounding. The Crystal Springs Wave Pool is chill if you’re into…
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Years Active: 1948 – Active Zoo Knoxville is a 53-acre zoological park located in Knoxville, Tennessee, home to over 800 animals representing 200 species and known for its world-renowned red panda conservation program. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and welcomes over 585,000 visitors annually, featuring notable…
Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Years Active: 2000 – Active Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: where the sharks are impressive and the prices are outrageous. It’s the perfect place to experience the thrill of massive crowds and the joy of overpaying for a mediocre hot dog. Okay, okay, they have a cool shark tunnel. And the penguins…
Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee Years Active: 1937 – Active The Chattanooga Zoo isn’t your average animal park. It’s a Tennessee gem, around for ages, where South America’s wildlife takes center stage. Imagine mischievous monkeys, stunning jaguars, even those adorable red pandas! But here’s the inside scoop: the zoo’s always got something going on. Parties, festivals –…
Location: Horse Cave, Tennessee Years Active: 1905 – Active Adventure Park at Five Oaks has been around since 1905 – yeah, it’s got history. Find it in Sevierville, Tennessee, right in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Want to fly through the trees? They’ve got ziplines. Prefer a slower pace? Check out a horseback ride…
Location: Nashville, Tennessee Years Active: 1990 – Active Nashville Zoo Grassmere it’s got its pros and cons. The animal selection is impressive – we’re talking tigers, rhinos, all the crowd-pleasers. They put real effort into educational exhibits, and that’s something to appreciate. Plus, who doesn’t love seeing playful kangaroos or sleepy giraffes? But let’s spill…
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota Years Active: 1990 – Active Wild Water West Waterpark ain’t your typical water park. It’s a South Dakota legend, a place where the summer sun always shines brighter. Since 1990, it’s been the go-to spot for families who wanna splash and grown-ups who need a break from the ordinary. They’ve…
Location: Rapid City, South Dakota Years Active: 2006 – Active Watiki Indoor Waterpark Resort isn’t your average water park. It’s a tropical escape in the middle of South Dakota! Think palm trees and waterfalls, even when it’s snowing outside. They’ve got monster slides sure to thrill, but the lazy river’s the real insider favorite for…
