Are you looking for more things to do in Pigeon Forge during your stay with us? If so, you should check out the Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge. It is named after the once famous military fort and maximum security prison in San Francisco CA. The museum building even resembles a prison. Inside, visitors will learn all about the history of crime in the United States. To find out more about the unique attraction, read over this list of 4 can’t-miss exhibits at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum:
1. Notorious History of American Crime
In this exhibit, visitors learn how crime and punishment have evolved. You can stick your head through a pillory, one of the most popular punishment devices in medieval times. See what some of the earliest crimes looked like when you practice your shooting skills as an outlaw in the Wild West. You can then learn about more modern offenses when you attempt to unlock a safe and hack into a fictitious website.
2. Punishment: The Consequence of Crime
This is another fun exhibit at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum. Its goal is to deglamorize criminals and show visitors the harsh consequences of committing a crime. In a full-scale model police station, you can see what it’s like to be in a police lineup. You can also get booked for a crime; this consists of getting your fingerprints and mugshot taken. Other activities to do here include taking a lie detector test and sitting in a jail cell. As for artifacts, there is a collection of punishment devices, including the guillotine, gas chamber, electric chair, and a lethal injection machine.
3. Crime Scene Investigation
In the Crime Scene Investigation exhibit, visitors get to learn all about the methods of gathering evidence and solving a crime. These include forensic science techniques, such as ballistics and facial reconstruction. You’ll learn more about these concepts in the crime scene investigation lab where you use them to solve a murder in a lifelike crime scene. You can also learn more about the process of conducting an autopsy as well. Even though all of the exhibits are educational, this one in particular teaches visitors about how to protect themselves from common offenses such as burglary, personal injury, and internet fraud.
4. Artifacts Center and Crime Fighting Exhibit
The Artifacts Center at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum houses objects from some of America’s most famous crimes, including objects from President Lincoln’s unfortunate assassination. Now that you know everything there is to know about crime, it’s time to find out how to prevent it in the Crime Fighting exhibit. Go into the car chase simulator and experience the thrill of going after a speeding vehicle. Learn about thermal imaging technology and how it has helped law enforcement locate hidden suspects. Some other things to see here include a 1963 Harley Davidson police motorcycle and the FBI’s “10 Most Wanted List.”
The Alcatraz East Crime Museum is a fun place to visit during your stay with us. If you need even more ideas for vacation activities, check out some of our favorite area attractions!
