Boyd’s Bear Country was once one of the most unique and beloved attractions in Pigeon Forge, TN. The 110,000-square-foot, three-story teddy bear superstore opened in 2004 and was the sister location to the original store in Gettysburg, PA. It quickly became a favorite stop for families, collectors, and anyone who loved a little whimsy.
Inside, guests could explore the famous teddy bear nursery, a hospital-themed area where you could choose your own bear, “adopt” it, and even create a personalized birth certificate. The store also featured a massive stone fireplace, a restaurant, and live local entertainment on weekends, giving it a cozy, lodge-style feel.
Boyd’s collection changed twice a year, so there was always something new to see. Their themed bears covered just about everything--Thinking of You bears, M&M’s bears, NASCAR bears, Coca-Cola bears, Christmas bears, autumn bears, Americana bears, baby bears, and just about every season or occasion you could imagine.
Despite its charm, Boyd’s Bear Country closed its doors in 2007, as it became cheaper for the company to sell its products through other stores instead of operating such a massive standalone location.
The building later became Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater, but that attraction closed in 2009. After sitting quiet for years, the property found new life once again. In September 2022, it reopened as Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Lodge, giving the massive space a fresh purpose while still holding onto the nostalgia of what came before.
