A Quarter-Century of Marine Magic, Family Fun, and an All-New Exhibit!

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is making waves as it marks 25 years as one of the top-ranked aquariums in the country! Since opening in 2000, the aquarium has become a beloved anchor of Gatlinburg’s Parkway, welcoming in millions of visitors to experience the magic of the ocean in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.

To celebrate this milestone, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is inviting guests to dive into a season of free, fun-filled summer events and the grand opening of an extraordinary new exhibit: “Dragons: Where Myths Become Reality.”

“We are thrilled to celebrate 25 years of memories, and we look forward to many more,” said Amanda Caton, General Manager of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. “This milestone is a testament to our incredible team, our amazing guests, and the unforgettable experiences that make our aquarium a must-visit destination.”

From day one, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies has been at the forefront of interactive and immersive marine experiences. It made history as the first Ripley’s Aquarium location to house Black-footed Penguins, unveiling a state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor habitat in 2010.

For 25 years, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies has continued to bring the ocean to the mountains, fostering curiosity and connection with marine life through incredible exhibits and unforgettable encounters.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is pulling out all the stops for its anniversary with a series of free family-friendly events at the Aquarium Plaza all summer long, including:

  • Ocean Bluegrass Summer Nights – Live music performances under the stars
  • Kids’ Dance Parties on the Plaza – High-energy fun for the whole family
  • Ambassador Animal Meet & Greets – Up-close encounters with incredible creatures
  • Live “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” Performances – Expect the unexpected!

Opening late June 2025, the aquarium’s newest blockbuster exhibit, “Dragons: Where Myths Become Reality,” will transport guests into a world where ancient legends meet real-life creatures. From the fire-breathing tales of folklore to the awe-inspiring reptiles that inspired them, this immersive experience will explore the connections between myth and nature like never before.

A Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony will officially launch the exhibit in early July, bringing an extra dose of excitement to the summer festivities. Whether you’re a longtime visitor or discovering Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies for the first time, there’s never been a better time to experience its magic. Make sure to follow @ripleysaquariums and @ripleysbelieveitornot on Instagram and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies on Facebook for updates and details.

 

Media Contact:
Alison looney
Marketing Coordinator
423-341-0022
looney@ripleys.com 

About Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World Entertainment

Built on the foundation of a daily newspaper cartoon in 1918 — still in print today — Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World Entertainment has grown to be a global leader in family entertainment with more than 100 attractions across nine countries. Along with Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Ripley’s Aquariums, Guinness World Records attractions, Great Wolf Lodge (Niagara Falls), wax museums, traveling shows, miniature golf courses, mirror mazes, and more, the world of Ripley’s continues to grow through exciting new experiences, and online content. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World Entertainment is a proud member of The Jim Pattison Group, Canada’s largest private company.

Learn more about Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World Entertainment by visiting Ripleys.com and following on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.