GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WVLT) - Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is celebrating 25 years in Gatlinburg, marking a quarter-century of bringing ocean sights and sounds to the mountains.

The aquarium moved to Gatlinburg in December 1999 and has since become a cornerstone of the city’s tourism industry.

“It’s just a really great place to raise a family and to have a business and to go to church and have fun,” said Jim Pattison Jr., president of Ripley’s Believe It or Not Entertainment.

Pattison said the community made him feel at home, inspiring him to bring something families could enjoy together.

“Because especially today, people need to get away from all the stress they’re having to deal with social media, AI, there’s lots of distractions right now. And face-to-face is still the best way to

See Full Page