Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay Named #1 on the USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice Best New Attraction 2025 List

We are honored to have been nominated for the 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards and even more honored to have been declared the winner of Best New Attraction 2025 and Best Mini Golf 2025! Thank you to anyone who voted! Read more about these awards and what sets Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay apart as an award-winning attraction in the Smoky Mountains: 

Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay Awards

We couldn't be more thrilled to be included in the Reader's Choice Awards 2025 not only as the best new attraction but also the best mini golf attraction in the country. Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay was nominated alongside some pretty amazing places, and we're just so honored to have been voted #1 not once but twice now!

About the USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards

This annual Reader’s Choice Awards is one of the top vote-based awards in the tourism and entertainment industries, and we count ourselves lucky to be included in the best new attraction category. Nominees were submitted by a panel of experts, and then the USA Today 10Best editors narrowed down the final selection. From there, readers were able to vote once per day per category. So thanks to our fans, we were voted #1 Best New Attraction 2025 as well as #1 Best Mini Golf 2025!

The Story of Our Pigeon Forge Attraction

Our story begins in 1690 in a land far far away. Thunderbeard, a fierce and innovative captain commands a notorious band of sky pirates aboard the world’s first and only flying ship, the Smoky Doubloon. Searching for legendary treasure, their target is Mermaid Bay, a haven of serenity where the Mermaid folk dwell within the magical Mermaid Kingdom. Will you join the scallywags on Thunderbeard’s crew in search of treasures and glory, or will you dive into the depths of Mermaid Bay to help the mysterious mermaid folk guard their sacred treasures and peaceful way of life? Regardless of which path you choose, their fates lay in your hands, but beware…the dreaded Kraken is lurking menacingly in the shadows!

What to Expect at Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay 

SkyPirates of Mermaid Bay in Pigeon Forge Tennessee is not your average mini golf attraction. With both indoor and outdoor courses, unique props and fun challenges, a massive bulk candy store, concessions, interactive photo ops, and more, we stand out as one of the best family attractions in all of the Smoky Mountains. The outdoor rooftop course is a daring expedition among airborne pirate ships, while the indoor underwater course brings the allure of the deep to life as you traverse through the mythical Mermaid Kingdom. 

Hours, Pricing & Group Information 

Our Pigeon Forge mini golf attraction is open year-round,  7 days a week. We are also open late– some nights we’re open until midnight! Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay tickets can be purchased online, and you’ll automatically save $2 per ticket versus buying them at the gate when you arrive. We also have discounted group rates for groups of 10 or more. By far the best way to get the most bang for your buck is our Park Hopper Pass. With 1-day or 2-day passes available, you can save at least $50 and enjoy unlimited access to not just our miniature golf courses but also several other area attractions including TopJump, Toy Box Golf, and Crave Golf Club!

Once again, we are so appreciative of everyone who voted for us in the 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards. Thank you! Learn more about the Park Hopper Pass and get ready for an epic adventure at Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay in Pigeon Forge. We can’t wait for you to experience our award-winning attraction!