Ripley's Aquarium Of The Smokies Wiki
Introduction
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is a popular aquarium located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States. It is one of the three aquariums owned by Ripley Entertainment Inc. and was opened to the public in 2000. The aquarium is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, and hundreds of fish species. This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.
History of the Aquarium
The idea of building an aquarium in Gatlinburg was first proposed by the founder of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Robert Ripley, in the 1930s. However, the aquarium was not built until the early 1990s when the Gatlinburg city council approved the project. The construction of the aquarium began in 1997 and was completed in 2000. The aquarium has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.
Exhibits at the Aquarium
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies features a number of exhibits that showcase a variety of marine life. Some of the most popular exhibits at the aquarium include:
1. Shark Lagoon
The Shark Lagoon is a 340-foot long underwater tunnel that provides visitors with a unique view of various shark species, including Sand Tiger Sharks, Nurse Sharks, and Blacktip Sharks. The tunnel is also home to other marine life, including sea turtles and stingrays.
2. Penguin Playhouse
The Penguin Playhouse is home to a colony of African Penguins. Visitors can watch the penguins as they swim and play in their habitat. The exhibit also features a crawl-through tunnel that allows visitors to get an up-close look at the penguins.
3. Touch-A-Ray Bay
At Touch-A-Ray Bay, visitors can touch and feed a variety of rays, including Southern Stingrays, Cownose Rays, and Spotted Eagle Rays. The exhibit also features a shallow pool where children can interact with smaller rays.
Events at the Aquarium
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies hosts a number of events throughout the year, including:
1. Sleepovers
The aquarium offers sleepovers for children and adults, where they can spend the night at the aquarium and participate in various activities, including a behind-the-scenes tour, a scavenger hunt, and a movie screening.
2. Mermaid Shows
The aquarium features mermaid shows where visitors can watch mermaids swim and perform acrobatics in the aquarium's tanks.
3. Scuba Diving
Visitors who are certified scuba divers can dive in the Shark Lagoon exhibit and get an up-close look at the sharks and other marine life in the tank.
Ticket Prices and Hours of Operation
The aquarium is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The hours of operation vary throughout the year, so it is best to check the aquarium's website for the most up-to-date information. The ticket prices also vary depending on the time of year and the age of the visitor. Children under the age of two can enter the aquarium for free. Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more people.
Conclusion
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Gatlinburg, Tennessee. With its wide variety of exhibits, events, and activities, the aquarium offers something for everyone. Whether you are a fan of sharks, penguins, or rays, you are sure to find something that will capture your interest at the aquarium.
