15 Awesome Things to Experience in Tennessee
Tennessee, the Volunteer State, is a treasure trove of experiences that blend rich history, vibrant music scenes, breathtaking natural beauty, and Southern charm. This diverse state offers a plethora of attractions, from the rolling hills of the Great Smoky Mountains to the neon-lit streets of Nashville, that cater to every type of traveler.
In 2023, Tennessee welcomed 144 million visitors, including 640,000 international tourists, according to Road Genius. Here are 15 awesome things to experience in Tennessee.
Experience Live Music in Nashville
Nashville, known as Music City, offers an unparalleled live music experience that draws millions of visitors annually. Nashville’s music scene is part and parcel of what makes Tennessee tourism something special: the city boasts over 180 live music venues, including the illustrious Grand Ole Opry and honky-tonks on Broadway.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum attracts over 1 million visitors per year, showcasing the music-rich heritage that makes Nashville a must-see for the discerning music lover.
Discover the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The stunning nature and wildlife of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park attract a large number of visitors. The park has 522,427 acres and more than 850 miles of trails from which to choose, including the famous Appalachian Trail.
The park is home to more than 1,500 black bears and 30 species of salamanders, and great opportunities abound for wildlife watching and taking outdoor adventures.
Visit Civil War Battlegrounds in Chattanooga
Chattanooga’s Civil War battlegrounds offer a poignant journey through American history. The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park was the nation’s first national military park and covers over 9,000 acres.
It commemorates the 1863 battles for Chattanooga, crucial turning points in the Civil War.
The park has guided tours, living history demonstrations, and extensive exhibits that bring this pivotal period of American history to life.
Spot Bald Eagles at Reelfoot Lake
Reelfoot Lake, formed by the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812, is a premier destination for wildlife viewing, particularly bald eagles. The lake’s unique ecosystem, created by these seismic events, supports a diverse array of wildlife.
During the winter months, Reelfoot Lake becomes home to over 200 species of migratory birds, including a significant population of bald eagles.
Explore Museums and Galleries in Knoxville
Knoxville’s vibrant arts and culture scene is anchored by its diverse museums and galleries. The Knoxville Museum of Art, which celebrates East Tennessee’s rich visual culture, attracts over 70,000 visitors annually.
The city’s unique attractions, such as the World’s Fair Park and its iconic Sunsphere, offer
See the Cumberland Gap
The Cumberland Gap, a natural passageway through the Appalachian Mountains, played an important role in the westward expansion of the United States. Now part of the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, which spans 24,000 acres across three states, it offers visitors a glimpse into the frontier history of America.
Reports by the National Park Service show that 797,346 visitors to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in 2023 spent over $25.6 million in communities near the park.
Zipline Through the Forests of Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge offers thrilling zipline adventures that allow visitors to soar through the lush forests of the Smoky Mountains. With over a dozen zipline attractions in the area, including Legacy Mountain Zipline, adventure seekers can experience the beauty of Tennessee from a unique perspective.
According to the Pigeon Forge official website, the mountains are 95 percent forest and home to diverse wildlife.
Stroll Through the Charming Streets of Franklin
Just south of Nashville lies Franklin, a picture-perfect town that provides visitors with a taste of history combined with modern Southern charm. It has over 70 unique shops and restaurants in its 16-block historic downtown district, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Franklin’s antebellum homes and Civil War sites are well maintained and help boost the state’s growing tourism trade by peeking into Tennessee’s history.
Check Out the National Civil Rights Museum
The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis stands as a powerful testament to the American Civil Rights Movement. Built around the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, the museum attracts over 300,000 visitors annually.
With over 260 artifacts, more than 40 films, and numerous interactive exhibits, it offers a comprehensive and moving exploration of the struggle for civil rights in America.
Drive Along the Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile scenic drive connecting Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi, offers a journey through 10,000 years of North American history. In Tennessee, the parkway covers 101 miles of scenic landscapes, historic sites, and natural wonders.
Highlights include the Double Arch Bridge, a 1,648-foot-long architectural marvel, and numerous hiking trails that showcase the state’s diverse ecosystems.
Take a Scenic River Cruise on the Mississippi
Tennessee’s western border may be viewed from a unique perspective on a scenic cruise on the Mississippi River. Visitors of Memphis can take riverboat tours about the state’s marvelous maritime history and beautiful river scenery.
Stretching five miles along the Mississippi, the Memphis Riverfront invites millions of visitors a year. Tennessee’s rich tourism industry is furthered by river cruises like those put on by the American Queen Steamboat Company.
See the Sun Studio in Memphis
Sun Studio, known as the “Birthplace of Rock’ n’ Roll,” is a legendary recording studio that played an important role in launching the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and many others. This National Historic Landmark attracts over 200,000 visitors annually, offering guided tours that showcase the studio’s rich musical history.
The studio’s impact extends beyond its walls, contributing to Memphis’s vibrant music tourism industry, which generates hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact every year.
Tour the Chattanooga Choo Choo
The Chattanooga Choo Choo, a former railroad terminal turned hotel and entertainment complex, stands as a testament to Chattanooga’s rich railway history. This iconic landmark, which spans 24 acres, attracts over 1 million visitors annually.
The site features restored train cars, gardens, and a model railway museum.
Visit the Lost Sea Adventure
The Lost Sea Adventure in Sweetwater offers visitors a unique underground experience featuring America’s largest underground lake. The cave system, which includes a 4.5-acre underground lake, offers guided tours that combine geological wonders with historical insights.
The Wild Cave Tour allows visitors to explore undeveloped cave rooms, adding an element of adventure to this natural wonder.
Take a Hike to Lookout Mountain
An outstanding view, as well as various attractions are to be found along the Tennessee – Georgia border near Chattanooga, where Lookout Mountain straddles. More than a million people annually visit the scenic, military, and commercial attractions at Lookout Mountain, according to the Tennessee Encyclopedia.
Tourism thrives in Chattanooga, where visitor spending hits $1.5 billion annually, thanks in part to attractions in the mountain, including the 7-state view from Rock City.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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