Ripley’s Believe It or Not: Attractions, Cost & Family Tips
Shrunken heads, impossible illusions, a sinkhole frozen in time — these are the kinds of curiosities that have drawn families to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! for generations. Robert Ripley started this collection in 1918 (Visit Myrtle Beach), and his attractions (Ripley’s Official Site) now invite visitors to step into a world where the strange becomes unforgettable.
Founder: Robert Ripley (Ripley Entertainment) ·
Founded: 1918 (Visit Myrtle Beach) ·
First Attraction Location: Gatlinburg, TN (Ripley’s Official Site)
Quick snapshot
- Brand founded in 1918 (Visit Myrtle Beach)
- Gatlinburg location offers ten attractions in one (Ripley’s Official Site)
- St. Augustine museum housed in former Castle Warden Hotel (Visit St. Augustine)
- Exact annual attendance numbers
- Whether the London location is permanent or temporary
- Official count of total artifacts on display
- Exhibits rotate regularly at most locations
- Expansion into more family-friendly formats
- 1918: Ripley began collecting oddities (Visit Myrtle Beach)
- 1992: Sinkhole opened on Orlando’s I-Drive (Orlando Parenting)
- Combo tickets and annual passes help families save (Ripley’s Official Site)
Six key facts, one pattern: the brand balances quirky history with practical family planning.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Founder | Robert Ripley |
| Founded | 1918 |
| Number of attractions | 80+ (reported by brand) |
| Countries | 11 |
| Parent company | Ripley Entertainment Inc. |
What exactly is Ripley’s Believe It or Not?
The origins of Robert Ripley’s empire
- Robert Ripley turned a newspaper cartoon into a global franchise (Visit Myrtle Beach).
- The first Odditorium opened in Chicago in 1933 (widely reported, though specific source not provided).
- By 1949, when Ripley died, the brand had expanded internationally.
What makes a Ripley’s attraction different from a museum
- It blends discovery museum, science center, art gallery, escape room, and carnival, according to a San Francisco family writeup (San Francisco Moms).
- Wisconsin Dells houses 13,000 square feet of galleries and illusions (WisDells).
- Orlando’s Odditorium includes an actual sinkhole from 1992 (Orlando Parenting).
Ripley’s isn’t a quiet art museum — it’s a sensory overload designed to provoke curiosity. For families who want hands-on weirdness, that’s exactly the draw. For those seeking a calm educational outing, the carnival atmosphere may feel overwhelming.
The implication: Ripley’s is best approached as entertainment, not education — but that doesn’t diminish its appeal for those who enjoy the bizarre.
Is Ripley’s Believe It or Not worth the money?
Ticket prices and available discounts
- Prices vary by location; Gatlinburg’s official site promotes combo tickets to save (Ripley’s Official Site).
- Annual passes and online discounts are often available.
What you get for the admission fee
- Myrtle Beach’s Odditorium features collected oddities dating back to 1918 (Visit Myrtle Beach).
- St. Augustine’s museum, set in the former Castle Warden Hotel, includes reportedly haunted rooms (Visit St. Augustine).
- Wisconsin Dells offers puzzling illusions and strange stories across large galleries (WisDells).
Comparing value across different locations
Gatlinburg markets itself as “ten family attractions in one destination” (Ripley’s Official Site) — a strong pitch for a full day out. Orlando’s inclusion of a real sinkhole adds unique value. St. Augustine’s historic building provides atmosphere you won’t find elsewhere. The catch: none of these locations publish exact annual attendance, so you’re judging value by variety, not volume.
The catch: value depends heavily on location, so research is key before buying tickets.
Is there a Ripley’s Believe It or Not in the UK?
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Blackpool
- Blackpool has a permanent Ripley’s Believe It or Not! attraction (reported by brand and local tourism).
- It features the same mix of bizarre artifacts and interactive exhibits as U.S. locations.
Is there a Ripley’s museum in London?
- The status of a London location is unclear — some sources mention a temporary exhibition, but no permanent museum is confirmed (category: what’s unclear).
- Ripley’s also operates aquariums in the UK, including in Blackpool.
The pattern: UK coverage is less consistent than the U.S. network. Blackpool is the reliable bet; London remains an open question.
Is Ripley’s Believe It or Not ok for kids?
Age recommendations
- Most locations are designed to be family-friendly, with hands-on activities and colorful displays.
- Some exhibits (shrunken heads, horror-themed illusions) may scare very young children.
Interactive and educational value
- Orlando’s attraction includes sinkhole history and shrunken heads, blending natural science with cultural oddities (Orlando Parenting).
- San Francisco’s writeup calls it a “discovery museum” that encourages curiosity (San Francisco Moms).
Parent tips for visiting with children
- Check age-specific reviews for your chosen location.
- Plan for 1–2 hours; most Odditoriums are compact enough for short attention spans.
- Use combo tickets if you want multiple attractions in one day.
Ripley’s markets itself as a family destination, but the content — preserved oddities and death-related artifacts — can upset sensitive kids. Parents need to gauge their child’s tolerance for the macabre. For most school-age children, it’s a hit.
The implication: parents should preview content if they have sensitive children; for most school-age kids, it’s a hit.
How many Ripleys locations are there?
Number of Odditoriums, aquariums, and other attractions
- Ripley Entertainment operates over 80 attractions globally (brand estimate, not independently verified).
- These include museums (Odditoriums), aquariums, wax museums, and traveling shows.
Countries with Ripley’s venues
- Presence in 11 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Mexico.
- The U.S. has the densest concentration, with major locations in tourist hubs like Gatlinburg, Myrtle Beach, Orlando, St. Augustine, Wisconsin Dells, and San Francisco.
Expansion plans or recent openings
- No major new openings have been publicly confirmed in recent years.
- The brand continues to update existing locations with new exhibits (e.g., Gatlinburg’s site updated June 2026 (Ripley’s Official Site)).
The pattern: the brand’s growth is steady but opaque — always confirm specifics for your planned visit.
Upsides
- Unique, conversation-starting exhibits you won’t see anywhere else
- Multiple attractions bundled at some locations (e.g., Gatlinburg’s 10-in-1)
- Interactive elements appeal to kids and adults
Downsides
- Some content may frighten very young children
- Pricing varies and can add up for large families
- Not all locations are equal in size or quality
“I have traveled to 198 countries and collected the most bizarre and unbelievable items.”
Robert Ripley
“Our attractions are designed to inspire wonder in guests of all ages.”
Ripley Entertainment official statement
For families weighing a Ripley’s visit, the decision comes down to appetite for the unusual. The brand delivers exactly what it promises — oddities, illusions, and interactive fun. But its value varies by location. The implication: research your specific venue before buying tickets. Use the official site for pricing and combo deals. For families in Gatlinburg, the 10-attraction bundle makes the cost easy to justify. For those in other cities, check recent reviews to ensure the local Odditorium is well-maintained. In the end, the question isn’t “Is Ripley’s worth it?” but “Which Ripley’s is worth it for you?”
Related reading: **Ripley’s Attractions Across the U.S. – Family Guide** · **Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Gatlinburg – A Complete Guide**
visitmysmokies.com, ecom-grand-prarie-demo.ripleys-web.pages.dev, en.wikipedia.org, headout.com, yelp.com, facebook.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular Ripley’s Believe It or Not location?
Gatlinburg, TN, due to its concentration of ten attractions in one destination. Orlando and Myrtle Beach also draw large crowds.
Can you take photographs inside Ripley’s attractions?
Yes, most locations allow non-flash photography. Check specific rules at the entrance.
How long does a typical visit take?
One to two hours, depending on crowd size and how thoroughly you explore.
Are there any discounts or coupon codes available?
Combo tickets and online discounts are common. Check the official site before you go.
Do Ripley’s locations have wheelchair access?
Most do, but confirm with the specific venue in advance.
What is the weirdest exhibit ever displayed?
Shrunken heads, a real sinkhole in Orlando, and a two-headed calf are frequently mentioned.
Is Ripley’s Believe It or Not suitable for teenagers?
Yes; the bizarre and interactive exhibits particularly appeal to teens.
How often do exhibits change?
Locations rotate exhibits periodically. Check social media for updates on new displays.
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