Dark Tourism: A True Crime Fanatic's Wet Dream

If you have an affinity for the real life malevolence that happens in the world like I do, Alcatraz East is a dream come true. Located in one of the biggest tourist traps in Tennessee, this museum combines all of your favorite elements of true crime. How I managed to find my way to this magical museum of the macabre is simple: some glorious person on Reddit posted about it.

If you're unaware, the National Museum of Crime & Punishment that operated in Washington, D.C., was Alcatraz East's predecessor. However, due to failed numbers in its visitors, found itself to be permanently closed in 2015. Thankfully, attorney John Morgan (creator of the National Museum of Crime & Punishment), decided to open a new museum in Pigeon Forge. Lucky us!

Mobsters, serial killers, forensics oooh my!

Pictured: The Volkswagen Ted Bundy personally owned; not to be mistaken with the one he stole while in Florida.
Photo Credit: Keisha Hsiao

My intention wasn’t to specifically learn about the different sub genres of true crime. It wasn't even to solely learn more about serial killers (my favorite subject). It was to see the Volkswagen Beetle used to entrap women, owned by infamous Lady Killer, Ted Bundy. 

I would say that Ted Bundy is the serial killer I’m most fascinated by. There is an exceptional amount we can learn simply from his behavior alone. He blended so well within society; was charismatic, charming, and sly. The way he preyed off of his victims’ kindness by disguising himself as a wounded, helpless man haunts me. I believe many women, including myself, can identify certain characteristics within ourselves that match his victims’. Maybe it was how I was raised (to always be polite), or a natural instinct to nurture those around me that worries me. If placed in their exact scenario, I cannot say with confidence that he wouldn’t have tricked me too.

Somehow I was drawn to this vehicle, and I don’t completely understand why. Maybe it was that I wanted to visualize myself in their finals moments, or maybe it was simply a morbid way for me to pay my respects. I can’t say for sure. However, I can confirm that every detail in that car matched what I’ve read; down to the missing front passenger’s seat.

Pictured: Pogo the Clown's suits and John Wayne Gacy's painting (allegedly commissioned by John Wayne Gacy and actually painted by other prisoners).
Photo Credit: Keisha Hsiao

John Wayne Gacy's dingy clown suits were also on display. It was unnerving to see the disguises that turned him into his alter ego, Pogo the Clown. After all, these were the very suits worn to assist his predatory need to be near children. 

Should you visit?

If you have a fascination with crime and the real life monsters that go bump in the night, by all means go to Alcatraz East. This place will keep you occupied for hours and feed your morbid curiosities. Despite it’s depressing subject matter, I didn’t leave feeling overwhelmed. There were even a few families there, and there wasn’t a single horrified child in sight.

Overall, if you’re in the area I would highly recommend that you visit. The information given is direct and to the point. At no point did it feel like a rehashing of everything I’ve learned through varying media outlets. They have a wide variety of different artifacts as well, so things definitely stay exciting. This museum also does a wonderful job at making crime fun for adults and children. However, discretion is still advised. Your two year old might not handle it the same way an eight year old might. After all, it still is a crime museum at the end of the day.

So should you go? Definitely! If you do, let me know your favorite part.

**Bonus Photo