The Island Opens in Pigeon Forge

200 foot tall observation wheel – Staff Photo by Michael Williams

It was a grand opening several years in the making. The Island in Pigeon Forge finally opened Thursday with a promise to create hundreds of jobs and a new stream of tax revenue for the city and county.

The Island, formerly known as Belle Island, features a variety of shops, restaurants, attractions, such as a 200-foot tall observation wheel, and a hotel that will attract tourists. Developers Darby Campbell and Bob McManus hosted a ribbon-cutting Thursday.

The island is a $110 million investment that represents a resurrection of sorts. A previous developer had tried to launch the attraction as Belle Island shortly before the Great Recession. The developer had even built a steamboat-shaped museum shell for the Hollywood memorabilia collection of actress Debbie Reynolds. Following the economic meltdown of 2008, the developer was unable to finish the project and was foreclosed after spending more than $85 million on the project. A group led by Campbell and McManus stepped into the abyss.

The new ownership group demolished the Reynolds museum, added an entrance from the Parkway and signed restaurant options with such chains as the Mellow Mushroom which opened this week.

Phase One, which opened Thursday, features established eateries, attractions and shops such as: Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, Island Yogurt, The Fudgery, Poynor’s Pommes Frites, Timberwood Grill, Mellow Mushroom, Dude’s Daiquiris, Arcade City, The Flying Horse Carousel, The Euro-Bungy Dome, The Island Trading Post and The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel Gift Shop

Pigeon Forge Mayor David Wear spoke at the ribbon-cutting, and said the project will create jobs and tax revenue. “We really appreciate your trust and your investment in our city,” he said.

The $11 million observation wheel is climate-controlled gondola-type cars and open to all ages. There’s even a VIP ride — priced at $50 per person — that includes a stereo system, leather bucket seats and free champagne. The cost to ride in the non-VIP cars is $13 a person.

A second phase of development will include a 132-room hotel which is 60 percent finished, and a $3 million Las Vegas-style fountain attraction, which is scheduled to start construction Nov. 1.