Alcatraz East Crime Museum Pigeon Forge

2757 ParkwayPigeon Forge, TN 37863
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Overview

Discover the history of American crime at Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge — if you dare! This expansive museum features artifacts from notorious crimes, criminals, and prisons such as Alcatraz. Featuring five hands-on galleries, guests can learn about everything from crime scene investigation to crime in pop culture. From mugshots to forensic science, this crime museum has it all.

up to 3 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Located at the entrance to The Island in Pigeon Forge.
  • Additional parking located behind the building and at The Island.
  • Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours, or more if you're a crime buff.
  • The Alcatraz Museum Pigeon Forge features over 500 authentic artifacts.
  • Open 365 days a year.
  • Lockers are available for rent on a first come, first served basis.
  • A crime museum featuring an in-depth look at American crime history as a whole, not just the penitentiary on Alcatraz Island.
  • Look for the famous O.J. Simpson chase Bronco, John Dillinger’s death mask, Al Capone’s rosary, a submachine gun from the movie Scarface, and Ted Bundy’s VW Beetle.

Description

Explore the notorious history of American crime, punishment, crime fighting, and investigation. Alcatraz East Crime Museum features five unique galleries that burrow deep into criminal profiles, the penal system, victim’s stories, crime prevention, forensic science, law enforcement, and the justice system. The museum is 25,000 square feet, spread over 2 floors, and includes over 100 interactive exhibits.

This Alcatraz museum in Pigeon Forge is located at the entrance to The Island in Pigeon Forge. Alcatraz East has 20 exhibit areas highlighting five (5) themes: History of American Crime, Consequences of Crime, CSI, Crime Fighting, Counterfeit & Pop Culture.

Temporary Exhibits:
Alcatraz East hosts temporary exhibits related to crime and law enforcement topics, often in partnership with outside organizations. Temporary exhibits are included with every ticket.

Watergate Remembered: The Downfall of Richard Nixon
August 9, 2024-September 2025

The June 17, 1972, break-in at the Democratic National Committee in Washington D.C.'s Watergate Complex triggered one of America's biggest political scandals. Over the next two years, a network of corruption within Nixon's administration and re-election campaign was exposed. The scandal led to over 40 government indictments and Richard Nixon's resignation on August 9, 1974, marking him as the first U.S. president to step down. Fifty years later, this exhibit revisits the scandal, the investigation, and Nixon's ultimate downfall.

Featured Objects:
  • James McCord Trial Restraints
  • Signed Watergate Tape Transcripts
  • Watergate Journalists artifacts


The Kennedy Conspiracy: Fact + Fiction
Explore the conspiracies surrounding the Kennedy assassination and the far-reaching impact those conspiracies have had on the memory of the 35th president.

42 Witnesses: Ted Bundy’s Final Days
October 11, 2024 – October 2026
This exhibit explores Ted Bundy's final crime, arrest, trial, and execution, emphasizing the importance of safety and the buddy system. Bundy, one of history's most notorious serial killers, was first arrested in Utah in 1975 but escaped and continued his crimes until his final arrest in Florida in 1978. Known for using charm and deceit to lure his victims, Bundy warned before his 1989 execution that exposure to pornography and violent media fueled his violent tendencies.

Note: Hours may vary for special events, holidays, and seasonally.

Alcatraz East Crime Museum Reviews

63 Reviews
Crystal Laughbaum Tripster User Profile Image
Crystal Laughbaum
Lancaster, OH
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Unexpected"
October 2024 NEW
My son wanted to visit this thinking it was going to be about the inside of prisons. It was so much more! A lot of interesting facts and different levels.
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Tip: Many interesting facts

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Karen Peterson Tripster User Profile Image
Karen Peterson
Wilmerding, PA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Nice discounts!!!"
August 2024
Glad that I used Tripster for venue tickets. The savings helped the budget for sure. Enjoyed all the different activities except the surprise BEAR visit was a bit unnerving.
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Tip: Get ready to WALK and standing in lines is a given. Still enjoyed it.

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Kayla Graham Tripster User Profile Image
Kayla Graham
,
1 Review
"Loved It"
July 2024
Had a great time here. We went on a Tuesday and it was not crowded at all. We spent about 2 hours in the museum exploring. There is alot to see.
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Kristianne May Tripster User Profile Image
Kristianne May
Jasonville, IN
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Alcatraz Pigeon Forge"
July 2024
We loved our visit to Alcatraz East Museum in Pigeon Forge. We especially enjoyed learning the facts around a lot of famous prisoners in the old west times, and in the depression era. Including Billy the Kid, The Earp Brothers, Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, Bonnie and Clyde. Was a great exhibit.
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Tip: If you’re planning to do this museum on a time limit, you probably won’t have time. We were there for 3 hours on a 2-3 hour recommended time, and still didn’t get to view and read everything in the museum.

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Nickole Hutton Tripster User Profile Image
Nickole Hutton
London, KY
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Great time killer"
December 2023
Alcatraz East Crime museum has some interesting exhibits for the history of crime very little to do with Alcatraz itself. They have a lot of interactive exhibits and other options you can pay to upgrade. But overall it's an interesting way to kill time between attraction.
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Tip: There's a lot of reading but audio is available for a charge

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Jennifer Cordell Tripster User Profile Image
Jennifer Cordell
Hagerstown, MD
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Vacation"
August 2023
We came from upper Maryland. Went to this museum cause it looked interesting and it was. Family & I had a blast.
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Ben  Mindek Tripster User Profile Image
Ben Mindek
McDonald , PA
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Fun Time"
August 2023
I thought this museum was very interesting. It had a lot of informative displays and information. The interactive exhibits were fun, even for us adults. We got a discount by going through Tripster. My only complaint was that they needed a separate line for those of us who had already purchased tickets.
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Tip: Purchase your tickets in advance. Go early in the day to beat the crowds.

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Faith Hoosier Tripster User Profile Image
Faith Hoosier
Indianapolis, IN
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Fun place to visit"
December 2022
I really enjoyed my visit to the Alcatraz East Crime Museum. They have many interactive exhibits. I will definitely be back.
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Tip: Audio tour was extra but well worth it.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Alcatraz East Crime Museum

What are the Alcatraz Pigeon Forge hours of operation?

The Alcatraz Museum Pigeon Forge is open 365 days a year from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Hours are subject to change based on seasonality or events. Check the hours and availability of your preferred days in the ticket section above!

How long should we stay in the museum?

Guests should allow about 2 to 3 hours to complete the entire museum.

Is there somewhere to buy food and/or beverages at the museum?

The museum does sell drinks and snacks but does not have an eating facility. Fortunately, the museum is located at the Island, so there are plenty of places within walking distance to grab a snack or a meal.

Is Alcatraz East Crime Museum appropriate for children?

The museum is appropriate for all ages. Please do note that due to the nature of the museum, there is mature content. The museum has gone to great lengths to ensure that children and adults alike have a pleasant experience.