Pay Tribute at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Pigeon Forge, TN

Country Inn & Suites - Pigeon Forge,TN

Guest Room with Two Double Beds

Television with cable, telephone with free local calls, voice mail and a coffeemaker are all comforts provided in each Country Inn & Suites guest room.

The Gatlinburg area is known worldwide for its beautiful scenery, amazing shows and wonderful lodging. It is also home to the Veterans Memorial Museum, located in Pigeon Forge, where you'll see thousands of exhibits that will give you an inside look at the history of our military and, more importantly, tell the stories of those who experienced the wars firsthand. The purpose of the museum is to honor America's veterans and their legacy.

EXHIBITS AT THE VETERANS MEMORIAL MUSEUM IN PIGEON FORGE

You'll be greeted at the entrance by a World War II P-51 Mustang fighter plane. Exhibits within the museum range from the Revolutionary War to the present War on Terror and include everything in between. You'll see authentic relics like uniforms, weapons and personal artifacts belonging to actual soldiers. Seventeen life-size bronze statues depict soldiers in the various wars and special walls display the names of more than 500,000 soldiers killed in combat for their country. You'll even see a 1917 Harley Davidson that once belonged to Adolph Hitler.

With twelve great halls this is one of the most complete museums of its kind and honors all branches of the U.S. military and every major battlefront they have faced. You'll see exhibits and artifacts from the American Revolution, Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, Civil War, WWI, WWII, Vietnam War, Korean War, Gulf War and the present day War on Terror. The most well-known and discussed exhibit features a four ton bronze sculpture which depicts 12 soldiers storming a beach during World War II and was modeled after actual veterans from the war.

HISTORY OF THE VETERANS MEMORIAL MUSEUM IN PIGEON FORGE

The owner and sculptor is Fred Hoppe. He created all seventeen of the bronze sculptures within the museum and has put in more than 25 years researching, interviewing veterans and collecting items for this museum and another in Branson, Mo. This was all done to fulfill a promise made to his father, a decorated World War II veteran and some of his fellow soldiers. Hoppe calls the museum "a gesture of thanks to all who served in our armed forces and especially to those who died to defend these freedoms we enjoy today."

The museum is definitely a must-see for history buffs, however its not the only attraction in the Gatlinburg area with a patriotic theme. Come Celebrate America at the Governor's Palace Theater is a patriotic salute to America. More than 50 performers take to the stage and delight the audience with patriotic song, more than 3,000 images of America, magnificent special effects and amazing sets. Dixie Stampede will also get you into the patriotic spirit with a look at the lighter side of the Civil War. This unique dinner theater provides a wonderful feast accompanied by amazing performances from 32 horses and the talented cast.

LODGING NEAR THE VETERANS MEMORIAL MUSEUM IN PIGEON FORGE

You'll also be impressed with the lodging choices in the area during your vacation.

• Country Inn and Suites in Pigeon Forge offers great amenities like indoor and outdoor pools, in room coffeemakers, fitness center and game room and is located just minutes from all the excitement the area has to offer including shopping, restaurants, Dollywood and Dixie Stampede.
• The Holiday Inn Resort in Pigeon Forge is also close to all the great attractions and offers an indoor pool, whirlpool, concierge services, children's activities and much more. If you're looking for a unique hotel for the whole family then the Ramada Limited is the place for you. This all-suite hotel has plenty to offer including an outdoor pool, fitness center, hot tub and more and each suite includes a living room and efficiency kitchen making this your home away from home in the Smokies.

From the basics to the best in luxurious amenities and rooms you'll find just what you're looking for in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.