Titanic Museum Attraction

The Titanic Museum Attraction is a half-scale copy of the RMS Titanic on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. Inside are rooms built to look like the ship, including a rebuilt grand staircase and third-class cabins. There's also an iceberg that guests can touch. It's a good fit for history fans and for families with children about 8 or older, since the hands-on exhibits work best for kids who are curious and patient.

The boarding pass that comes with every ticket is what people talk about most. Each pass names a real passenger, and the tour ends by showing whether that person survived the sinking. That makes the history feel personal. The collection is another big draw. More than 400 objects from the period and from passengers' own belongings are spread across two decks. The museum is known as one of the highest-rated paid attractions in Pigeon Forge, and families often mention the interactive displays.

You tour the ship on your own, and most visitors need two to three hours to see everything without rushing. Tickets are sold for set entry times, so it's safest to book online before you go. The museum is at 2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. For questions, call (800) 381-7670 or visit titanicpigeonforge.com.

One tip: have everyone in your group keep their boarding pass and wait until the last room to compare who survived. One caution: walk-up tickets can sell out on busy summer and holiday weekends, so don't plan on buying at the door during peak season.