12 Best Things To Do in Tennessee

Tennessee is a state blessed with a diverse natural landscape and an important role in American history. With a unique blend of southern and Midwest culture, the Volunteer State is filled with an abundance of activities the whole family can enjoy.

Experience the rich history of Tennessee with a tour along the Civil War Trail, and a visit to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Join the throngs of locals invading Lake Norris and Fall Creek Falls State Park on a hot summer weekend, and enjoy a few days of relaxation. Embark on a road trip to explore the best things to do in Tennessee.

1. Lookout Mountain

Mountain ridge with stunning views and a unique history

추천: 사진, 어드벤처

Lookout Mountain is a natural paradise with a deep connection to US history. Check out the Battles for Chattanooga Museum to get a deep understanding of the bloody Civil War battle fought here and its significance.

Overlooking Chattanooga and the state lines of Alabama and Georgia, one of the area’s highlights is Ruby Falls. You can take a tour of this epic 1,120-ft-tall underground cave waterfall, the largest in the USA. Many hiking trails include the mountain ridge, and adrenaline junkies can test their metal scaling Sunset Rock Climbing Crag. For the quickest and most stunning way to the summit, take the mile-long Lookout Mountain Incline Railway.

주소: Lookout Mountain, TN 37350, USA

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2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN

For the Blue Ridge Mountains

추천: 커플, 가족, 사진, 어드벤처

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the single most visited park in the US thanks to its year-round beauty and outstanding hiking routes. Spanning several counties in both Tennessee and North Carolina, the park is among the largest in the east of the country. The highest point of the park is the summit of Clingmans Dome at 6,643 ft, offering amazing views over the Blue Ridge Mountains from the observation tower there.

Cades Cove is another popular spot, where you can see a number of historical log cabins, churches and other buildings from the pioneer days. The landscape changes radically with each season, making it a stunning place to visit at any time of year.

전화: +1 865-436-1200

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3. Oak Ridge

Spend a day exploring Tennessee’s Secret City

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Oak Ridge in Eastern Tennessee was built in 1942 to house the uber-secretive Manhattan Project, which developed the world’s first atomic bomb. At one point, over 70,000 residents lived in the area, just a few miles off the interstate and hidden from the public view.

The integrated Oak Ridge provides visitors with a unique dichotomy – idyllic surroundings clashing with the reality of the original purpose of the city. The American Museum of Science and Energy, right off Highway 95, is a must-visit attraction. Taking you through the story of Oak Ridge and its role in the development of the nuclear bomb and educating visitors on enthralling New Age science and energy.

주소: Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

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4. Norris Lake

Locals’ favourite summer vacation destination

추천: 가족, 어드벤처

Norris Lake, located 1 hour north of Knoxville, is a spectacular weekend getaway from the city life. With minimal amounts of development on the shores of the lake, the area is an outdoor lover’s dream. It’s blessed with 2 state parks, a state forest, and wildlife management areas to explore.

The best activities centre is in Norris Dam State Park, with hiking, boating, fishing, camping and mountain biking providing plenty of opportunities to keep the family occupied. For a quintessential lake experience, rent a pontoon from the Norris Marina, anchor up and swim in one of the bays, before finishing up your day with a bite at Clinch River Brewery.

주소: Norris Lake, TN 37769, USA

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5. Civil War Trail

Honouring Tennessee’s critical role in the Civil War

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The Tennessee Civil War Trail outlines the over 350 important places and battle sites around the state, making it a fascinating way to learn about this challenging period of US history. Broken down into 11 regions, start in the northwest of the state, near Dyersburg, if you plan on following the trail verbatim.

Make sure you stop at Shiloh National Military Park, the site of the first significant Civil War battle and home to over 3,500 Union soldier graves. Don’t miss the Andrew Johnson Historic Site in Greeneville, the home of the polarising Civil War President. If travelling through Memphis, a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum is an off-the-trail bonus. At many of the sites, walking tours, antique and speciality shops, and historical-themed taverns are available.

6. The Hermitage

Experience life on an 1800s cotton plantation

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The Hermitage was the home of the controversial 7th US President, Andrew Jackson. It offers a chilling view into the life of slaves on a southern cotton plantation. Located a few miles east of Nashville, an interpreter-led tour of the mansion is the best way to start your visit here.

Continue your exploration of the grounds with a self-guided audio tour of the gardens, farmland, and other historic buildings. Finish up with a wine tasting at the local Natchez Hills Winery, with the beverage grown and distilled on the premises. Spring is the best time to visit as the wildflowers start to bloom.

주소: 4580 Rachel’s Lane, Nashville, TN 37076, USA

운영 시간: Thursday–Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed from Mondays to Wednesdays)

전화: +1 615-889-2941

7. Graceland

Explore dozens of exhibitions dedicated to Elvis Presley

추천: 역사, 사진

Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, displays the iconic musician’s record collection, accolades, and personal items. The estate is around 9 miles south of downtown Memphis but attracts thousands of visitors looking to learn more about the rock ‘n’ roll artist. You’re provided with an iPad and headphones to guide you through Graceland’s many rooms on the tour, including the famous Jungle Room.

It’s a good idea to plan your visit in the early morning as it can get very crowded later in the day. The estate is busiest during Memphis’ Elvis Week festival, which usually takes place in August. If you’re feeling peckish, check out Elvis Presley’s Memphis – this 200,000-sq-ft entertainment complex has plenty of bars and restaurants, as well as gift shops selling Elvis Presley memorabilia.

주소: Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116, USA

운영 시간: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm

전화: +1 901-332-3322

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8. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Revel in the romance of vintage trains

추천: 역사

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is in the heart of Chattanooga, offering a historical and interactive experience that’s great for a family day out. This museum celebrates the rich heritage of the country’s railways, which were once the dominant mode of transport.

The highlight of the museum is a ride aboard the state’s only full-sized train, Missionary Ridge Local. Holiday-inspired rides such as the North Pole Limited and Dixie Land Special are unique excursions available in December. Peruse the plethora of steam locomotives and railway equipment while pretending you are a 1920s train conductor.

주소: 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, USA

운영 시간: Thursday–Sunday from 9 am to 3.30 pm (closed from Mondays to Wednesdays)

전화: +1 423-894-8028

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9. Titanic Museum

See the world’s largest Titanic replica

추천: 역사

The Titanic Museum is a sight to behold, half the size of the original ill-fated ship and home to hundreds of artefacts. Just 1 mile from Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, you can enjoy a 2-hour-long self-guided tour at this interactive museum.

Wander through 20 unique galleries to learn the stories of the actual passengers of the RMS Titanic. As the museum is inside a pool, the submerged illusion provides an even more authentic experience. It’s a good idea to combine a visit here with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is just south of Pigeon Forge.

주소: 2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

운영 시간: Daily from 9 am to 9 pm

전화: +1 417-334-9500

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10. The Lost Sea

Home to the largest underwater lake in the USA

추천: 사진, 어드벤처

Sweetwater is home to the Lost Sea, a huge underwater cave system with a host of wonderful activities to enjoy. Located on private land about 50 miles southwest of Knoxville, guided tours are required to navigate the caverns and tunnels before reaching the lake itself.

The tour experience includes a lecture about the history of the caves, with its Civil War ties, and a boat ride on the lake. Opt for the Wild Cave Tour experience if sleeping overnight inside the caves appeals to you. After exploring the Lost Sea, stop by Old Sweetwater Village and its quaint shops to pick up a unique gift.

주소: 140 Lost Sea Rd, Sweetwater, TN 37874, USA

운영 시간: Daily from 9 am to 8 pm

전화: +1 423-337-6616

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11. Fall Creek Falls State Park

Tennessee’s largest and most diverse state park

추천: 사진, 어드벤처

Join throngs of locals by enjoying a long summer weekend camping and hiking in the Fall Creek Falls State Park. Situated 30 minutes west of Pikeville, the 30,000-acre park is sprawled across the rugged and wild Cumberland Plateau, and centred on stunning Fall Creek Falls Lake.

With numerous cascades, gorges, waterfalls, and hardwood timber forests, the park is a magnet for visitors wanting to see nature at her finest. Fall Creek Falls, at 256 ft, is the namesake attraction of the park and a true sight to behold. The Nature Centre offers several hands-on and naturalist-led-programmes for the entire family. If you are a true adventurer, grab a backcountry permit and hike one of the long-distance overnight trails available.

주소: 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USA

운영 시간: Daily from 8 am to 4.30 pm

전화: +1 423-881-5298

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12. Jack Daniel’s Distillery

Tennessee’s oldest and most famous whiskey

추천: 음식

A trip to Tennessee is incomplete without a visit to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, just south of Nashville. Ironically, the distillery is actually located in a ‘dry’ county, and therefore you are only able to purchase a ‘souvenir bottle’ onsite – no full bottles of whiskey, unfortunately.

The Jack Daniel’s name is synonymous with high-quality Tennessee whiskey, and a tour of the distillery does not disappoint. Tours run daily from 9 am, starting at the visitor centre. Informative guides explain the company’s history and share how the famous whiskey is made. Additional behind-the-scenes tours of the barrel houses and bottling factory are available for avid whiskey aficionados.

주소: 133 Lynchburg Hwy, Lynchburg, TN 37352, USA

운영 시간: Thursday–Monday from 9 am to 4.30 pm (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

전화: +1 931-759-6357

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