If you’re looking for more things to do on your Pigeon Forge vacation, there are many unique museums in the area. One of these is the Alcatraz East Crime Museum which is conveniently located near The Island in Pigeon Forge. This attraction teaches visitors about the history of crime in America through the use of engaging hands-on activities. Before you visit in person, read about 4 interesting exhibits at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum:
1. A Notorious History of American Crime
The American crime history exhibit at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum shows how crime has evolved over time. You will be fascinated by its expansive history which spans from medieval knights to cyber crimes. You’ll get an even better sense of the evolution of crime when you do the activities here. For example, you can practice your shooting skills in a Wild West setting. Additionally, you can try to unlock a safe and hack into a fictitious website. You can also experience some of the consequences of crime as well when you stick your head and hands through a pillory, one of the earliest methods for punishment. Other notable aspects of this exhibit include a collection of medieval torture devices.
2. Punishment: The Consequence of Crime
In the punishment exhibit at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, you’ll get to experience what punishment for a crime is like. You can go into the booking room where you’ll get your fingerprints and mugshot taken. You can even take a lie detector test and sit in a jail cell. The goal of this exhibit is to de-glamourize criminals and expose visitors to the harsh realities of committing a crime. Along with these interactive experiences, you also get to see artifacts of some well-known punishment devices like the guillotine and electric chair.
3. Crime Scene Investigation
In the Crime Scene Investigation exhibit, you’ll 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. While you’re in this exhibit, you can also look into the files for some well-known cold cases in America.
4. Crime Fighting
Now that you have learned about the history of crime in the United States and its consequences, it is now time to learn about how crime is prevented. 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. While you’re here, make sure to look out for the 1963 Harley Davidson police motorcycle.
Come and see all these fun exhibits at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum while you’re in town! If you need even more ideas for things to do in the area, read about some of our favorite things to do in Pigeon Forge!
