Anakeesta announced plans to expand the award-winning 70-acre outdoor theme park in Gatlinburg. The park has offered tree top family fun for all ages since opening in September 2017. Named the 2018 Tennessee Attraction of the Year, Anakeesta continues to grow and expand offering a magical outdoor experience for families.
Expansion plans will include new outdoor experiences for visitors, offer more dining and shopping and an additional way to reach the summit of Anakeesta.
VISTA GARDEN WALK ADDS MORE WALKING TRAILS, BEARVENTURE PLAY AREA, MORE SEATING AND THOUSANDS OF NEW PLANTINGS – OPENING MEMORIAL DAY, 2019
Interactive and immersive experiences have been added in the newly expanded Vista Garden Walk. More than 5,000 new flowers, 800 shrubs, and 250 trees have been planted, doubling the size of the already flourishing botanical garden. Additional art sculptures called twigloos have been installed, pergolas with shaded seating have been added, along with a whimsical 20’ tall ‘willow man’ sculpture. Winding pathways will lead families to tree house styled play areas, the BearVenture Challenge Course for children and uniquely designed musical instruments located within the garden for interactive play.
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OUTDOOR FUN AT THE OVERLOOK – NOW OPEN
The Overlook is now open and offers breathtaking mountain views. A live music stage, beer truck, activity areas for arts & crafts and artisan demonstrations along with outdoor games and seating for relaxed dining are all featured in this new outdoor gathering space.
SCENIC ADVENTURE RIDE OFFERS NEW WAY TO GET TO ANAKEESTA – OPENING SUMMER 2019
Beginning in late Summer of 2019 Anakeesta will offer guests a new way to reach the summit. In addition to the scenic Chondola ride with open air quad chairs and enclosed six-person gondola cabins, guests will be able to reach the top of Anakeesta Mountain via an immersive ride on an adventure truck through the forest.
For the same admission cost guests will load the 45-passenger adventure vehicle adjacent to the Chondola base station in Downtown Gatlinburg, then enjoy a ride along a forested path to the summit. Each journey will feature a guided audio tour featuring fun facts about the unique history of the land and the local animals and plant life of the Great Smoky Mountains.
50’ OBSERVATION TOWER BECOMES FOCAL POINT OF THE PARK – OPENING SPRING 2020
A fifty-foot observation tower will allow guests to rise to a height of 1,930’ for a 360 degree view of the Smoky mountains. The stone and timber structure will harken back to the traditional fire tower structure found at Mt. Camerer in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park but with a modern flair that ties into the iconic Anakeesta Chondola station found on the Parkway.
NEW RESTAURANT INCREASES DINING OPTIONS AT ANAKEESTA – OPENING SPRING 2020
Casual dining with expanded seating options for up to 150 people will overlook the majestic views of Mt. LeConte and the national park. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner.
EXPANDED RETAIL SHOPPING – OPENING SPRING 2020
Anakeesta already offers 3 quaint shopping opportunities at the Adventure Outpost, Great Outdoors Trading Company and Catching Fireflies. The park will open 2 additional shops for families to find that perfect memory of their visit to Gatlinburg.
“Anakeesta began with the vision of creating an authentic experience where families would enjoy the outdoors together” said Bob Bentz, Managing Partner. “It’s been exciting to see that vision become a reality and we are excited to continue to grow and expand the park.”
Discover the magic in the mountains as Anakeesta continues to grow. Stay in touch with expansion process at www.Anakeesta.com.