Skyland Ranch - Fun And Relaxation In Sevierville
If you are looking for a spot that brings together stunning natural sights, thrilling activities, and a friendly atmosphere, Skyland Ranch in Sevierville could be just the place. This attraction, a rather big investment at forty million dollars, offers visitors a chance to enjoy the outdoors with plenty of things to do, whether you like a bit of excitement or just want to unwind. It's a newer addition to the area, but it has quickly become a favorite for families and groups looking for a memorable time, you know, a really nice escape.
This destination, which opened its doors in late 2022, has indeed made a name for itself, even winning an award for best new business in 2023. It truly combines the charm of a farm setting with the fun of a place that has activities and shows. You can find it perched at one of the higher spots in Sevierville, which means it gives you some pretty wide-open views of the Smoky Mountains and the city lights below, which is kind of special, really.
Picture a place where you can take in the fresh air, see some friendly small creatures, and maybe even feel a little rush on a ride or two. Skyland Ranch aims to offer just that, providing a mix of calm moments and lively experiences all in one spot. It is, in a way, a fresh idea for fun and relaxation in the Tennessee area, especially for those visiting the mountains, pretty much a complete package.
Table of Contents
- What is Skyland Ranch All About?
- Experiencing the Views at Skyland Ranch
- Thrills and Spills at Skyland Ranch
- A Touch of the Farm at Skyland Ranch
- Food, Fun, and Music at Skyland Ranch
- Getting to Skyland Ranch - Is That Easy?
- The Story Behind Skyland Ranch - A Bit of History
- Planning Your Visit to Skyland Ranch
What is Skyland Ranch All About?
Skyland Ranch in Sevierville is a rather unique spot that brings together many things people enjoy about the Smoky Mountains. It sits on a hundred-acre piece of land, once a farm, and offers a mix of peaceful moments and exciting activities. This spot, which opened in November of 2022, has quickly become a popular choice for visitors. It's a place where you can find lovely sights, activities that get your heart going, places to eat and shop, and even live shows, so, quite a bit to do.
The whole place has a feeling of a western ranch, which ties into the hundred-year-old farm that used to be called Five Oaks. This theme helps give it a distinct look and feel, making it stand out from other places in the area. You can, for instance, enjoy a trip up a chairlift, see some really small animals, and just generally have a good time. It’s pretty much an attraction that aims to give everyone something to smile about, whether they are young or just young at heart.
It was recognized as the best new business for 2023, which speaks to how well it has been received by people coming to visit. The owners, Lisa and Mark Williford, who also own another attraction called Rowdy Bear's Smoky Mountain Snowpark, had a family dream to create this spot. They wanted to combine the best parts of a farm experience with the fun of a theme park, and they seem to have done a pretty good job, in a way, of bringing that vision to life.
Experiencing the Views at Skyland Ranch
One of the truly outstanding things about Skyland Ranch is the amazing scenery it offers. Because it is located at one of the highest spots in Sevierville, you get to see some truly broad and open sights. You can look out over the Smoky Mountains, which are always a wonderful sight, and also see the twinkling lights of the city below, especially as evening comes on, which is quite a pretty picture, actually.
The journey to the top of the ranch itself is part of the experience, offering its own set of lovely views. You can take the Horizon Skyride, which is a chairlift, and it carries you up on a scenic trip, giving you even more chances to soak in the surrounding beauty. Or, if you prefer, there is a safari truck that can take you up, providing a different kind of trip but still leading to those same wonderful high-up spots. Both ways offer a chance to really appreciate the natural setting of the place, so you can pick what suits you.
There is also a scenic bridge at Skyland Ranch that gives you another chance to enjoy the wide-open spaces. It’s a place where you can pause, take a deep breath, and just let your eyes wander over the distant hills and valleys. These views are a big part of what makes Skyland Ranch a spot where people feel they can truly unwind and connect with the natural world around them, making it a very relaxing visit for many, I mean, truly calming.
Thrills and Spills at Skyland Ranch
For those who enjoy a bit of excitement, Skyland Ranch certainly has some activities that will get your heart pumping. One of the biggest draws is the Wild Stallion, which is the longest mountain coaster in the entire southeast. This ride takes you on a winding path down the mountain, giving you a sense of speed and adventure as you go. It's a popular choice for people looking for a memorable and thrilling experience, and you can even get separate tickets for it if you just want to ride the coaster, which is kind of handy.
Beyond the mountain coaster, the Horizon Skyride, which is the scenic chairlift, offers a different kind of thrill. While it’s primarily about the views, the feeling of soaring above the ground can be quite exciting in itself. It provides a smooth ascent to the higher parts of the ranch, giving you a unique perspective of the landscape as you go. This ride is, in some respects, a gentle adventure, perfect for those who like a bit of height without too much speed.
The ranch also features safari hayrides, adding another fun way to move around and see the sights. These rides are a bit more relaxed than the coaster but still offer a pleasant way to explore the property and enjoy the fresh air. They are a good option for families or anyone who prefers a slower pace while still getting to experience the different parts of Skyland Ranch. It’s a good mix of activities, so you can find something that fits your idea of fun, you know, for everyone.
A Touch of the Farm at Skyland Ranch
A really charming part of the Skyland Ranch experience is the chance to interact with some very sweet animals. The ranch is home to miniature animals, which are always a hit with visitors of all ages. You can visit the petting corral, where you get to meet these smaller versions of farm creatures up close. It's a wonderful opportunity to gently touch and connect with them, which is pretty much a joy for many people, especially children.
People often enjoy taking pictures with the animals, and it’s not uncommon to see folks smiling as they pose with a friendly cow or another creature from the petting area. This aspect of the ranch really brings that "farm experience" to life, allowing a hands-on connection that you don't always get at other entertainment spots. It helps create a feeling of warmth and simple pleasure, which is, in a way, very human-centric.
The presence of these animals also ties into the ranch's western and farm theme, helping to complete the overall atmosphere. It’s a gentle reminder of the land’s history and purpose, offering a peaceful contrast to some of the more exciting rides. This combination of thrilling activities and calm animal encounters is part of what makes Skyland Ranch a place where different kinds of fun can be found, allowing for a varied day out, so, quite a nice balance.
Food, Fun, and Music at Skyland Ranch
When you spend a day at Skyland Ranch, you won't need to worry about finding something to eat. There are plenty of food choices available right there on the property, which means you can enjoy your lunch or dinner without having to leave. This convenience makes it easy to stay and make the most of your visit, keeping the fun going without interruptions, which is pretty much what you want on a day out.
Beyond the food, Skyland Ranch also offers live entertainment. You can catch live shows and enjoy live music, which adds another layer of enjoyment to your time there. These performances create a lively atmosphere and give you a chance to relax and be entertained while you’re taking a break from the rides or exploring the grounds. It’s a nice touch that helps make the whole experience more well-rounded, you know, more complete.
For those who plan to visit often, or just want to save a little money, an annual pass for Skyland Ranch comes with some good benefits. For instance, you get a ten percent price reduction on all food and drink purchases, not including alcoholic drinks. This can be a pretty good saving if you’re planning to eat there regularly. There are also shops where you can find things to remember your visit by, adding to the overall experience, so, quite a few perks.
Getting to Skyland Ranch - Is That Easy?
Skyland Ranch is situated in Sevierville, Tennessee, and it's quite easy to get to, being just minutes away from places to stay, places to eat, and even one of the biggest outlet centers in the southern part of the country. This location makes it a very convenient stop for anyone visiting the Smoky Mountains area. You won’t have to travel far to find it, which is pretty much a plus when you’re planning a day out, I mean, it’s really accessible.
Once you arrive, there are a couple of ways to get up to the main areas of the ranch. You can choose to ride the scenic chairlift, the Horizon Skyride, which offers a pleasant journey with great views as you ascend. Or, if you prefer, you can take a safari truck, which provides a different kind of ride up the mountain. Both options are accessible and lead you to the heart of the attraction, so you can pick the one that feels right for you.
The ranch is also quite close to other popular spots in the area. For example, the snow tubing hill in Pigeon Forge is just about a mile away, making it easy to combine a visit to Skyland Ranch with other activities if you’re staying in the region. This proximity to other attractions and amenities really adds to the convenience of visiting Skyland Ranch, making it a simple addition to any trip itinerary, you know, very practical.
The Story Behind Skyland Ranch - A Bit of History
The land where Skyland Ranch now sits has a rather interesting past, going back many years. Before it became the attraction it is today, this property had a long history. It was once transitional land for the native people who lived in the area, serving different purposes for them over time. Later, it was used as a private apple farm for many years, which gives it a connection to the agricultural history of the region, which is pretty cool, actually.
Then, starting in 1951, the property took on a new role as a Girl Scout camp. For decades, it was a place where young girls could experience the outdoors, learn new skills, and create lasting memories. This period as a camp highlights the natural beauty and variety of the property, showing how it has always been a place for people to enjoy and connect with nature, so, it has a long history of being a special place.
The current owners, Lisa and Mark Williford, had a long-held family aspiration to create an attraction like Skyland Ranch. They wanted to build a place that brought together all the things people love about the Smoky Mountains into one convenient spot. This dream, which finally came to fruition with the opening in late 2022, built upon the land’s existing beauty and diversity, continuing its tradition of being a place for enjoyment and connection, which is, in a way, a nice continuation.
Planning Your Visit to Skyland Ranch
When you’re thinking about visiting Skyland Ranch, there are a few things that can make your trip smoother. You can often find discounts and special offers by booking your tickets online, which is a good way to save a little money. They also offer gift cards, which could be a nice present for someone who loves to explore new places and enjoy outdoor activities. It’s always a good idea to check their official information for the most current details on tickets and any special events happening, you know, to be prepared.
The ranch is open at various times, and you can usually find a detailed schedule to help you plan your day. For example, the Horizon Skyride and Skylift might have specific operating hours, so it's good to know those in advance. Whether you're looking for a full day of activities or just want to experience a particular ride, having this information helps you make the most of your time there, which is pretty much essential for a smooth visit.
Skyland Ranch is truly a place where you can find fun and relaxation, combining the best of farm life with the excitement of a theme park. It’s a spot that has everything you might like about the Smoky Mountains all in one location: wonderful views, exciting rides, places to shop, food options, live shows, and those really cute miniature animals. It's a wonderful place to spend time with family or any group of people, offering a perfect escape to unwind and reconnect, in a way, with loved ones and the natural surroundings.
SkyLand Ranch: A Unique Sevierville, TN Attraction
About SkyLand Ranch in Sevierville TN | Sevierville Attraction
SkyLand Ranch | Attractions in Sevierville, TN
