Tennessee Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
Do you want to explore Tennessee? It lists some of the best destinations in Tennessee: from large cities to historic monuments to some of America's best-known natural sites! Tennessee is a great place. Culture is deep, Nature is pure, and everyone is kind and friendly! Let us know what places are worthy to be listed in your Tennessee trip. Tell us what is on your Tennessee bucket list?
01. The Smokies: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains Nationalpark is one of the stand out sights of Tennessee, which combines a great adventure with world-class landscapes. From downtown Gatlinburg, it is easy to get there by walking or driving.
Another alternative to the chairlifts is to climb the hill at Ober Gatlinburg which offers ski resorts and entertainment parks for all seasons of the year. Make a scenic hike to Old Smoky—66433 feet tall Clingmans Dome—and walk a short and steep climb toward its observation tower with 360-degree views. The best months to visit the Smoki Mountains are from spring to summer, with winter being the closest competitor.
02. Nashville: Music City USA
No US country has surpassed its cultural heritage as a result of Tennessee's musical traditions. Nashville has numerous cultural and artistic landmarks including Grand Ole Opry House and Ryman Auditorium. It is now known as Mother Church for Country Music.
The original Opry and setting of live radio broadcasts placed the Opry at the heart of the music scene. A memorial plaque for the Country Music Museum is placed in front of the street and commemorates a number of notable musicians. This attraction is easily reachable from Ryman.
03. Titanic Museum
The Titanic museum really resembles an old-fashioned liner which exploded into water in 1812. This museum features a double floor and twenty rooms and the Titanic museum is the largest in existence.
You can find hundreds of objects on the museum site that will make your mind jump into the air and make your experience feel as though you were the only passenger on the original ship. You can learn more about actual Titanic passengers by visiting the Museum. This museum is actually located in a pool so you're under water when you arrive, resulting in a much more authentic experience.
04. National Museum of Civil Rights, Memphis
Memphis is a national treasure and is among Nashville's best attractions for tourists. The museum contains hundreds of artworks in two buildings, including Lorraine Motel the designated historical site of assassination.
Stand beside an armed man who shot King in a car crash in 1888. This dramatic period will capture your attention. View artworks displayed on display and watch over 30 videos and oral history videos. Plan on spending between one hour at the attraction.
05. Hello, Dollywood, Pigeon Forge
Dollywood is known for its soaring popularity in Tennessee and attracts over 3 million visitors yearly. Pigeon Forge is an important attraction and offers family enjoyment with its mix of folk-inspired crafts from the Smoky Mountains, thrilling rides and musical entertainment.
Dollywood is planning on having over 50 rides across 11 themed areas. This area represents the cultural and historical traditions of east Tennessee. Timber Canyon, a country festival and the Jukebox junction are among them.
06. The Titanic Museum, Pigeon Forge
The Titanic Museum is the largest museum on the planet with an extensive collection of historical documents. When you arrive in the museum, your sense is that you have boarded the original vessels that are built to half the original size.
Highlighted exhibits contain over 400 Titanic objects in 20 museums designed to give you the feeling of being on the ship. Guided tour lasts approximately 2 hours. Following the Titanic event chronologically you will find information about the ship design and the 10,000 craftsman who made it.
07. Tennessee's Civil War Heritage
Tennessee, the last state that had been formally a member of the Confederacy, has divided loyalties. West and middle areas were allies of Confederate forces, and the eastern half of the state joined Union troops. As a most northern state of Confederacy, Tennessee has witnessed many battles — many fought by museums, cemeteries and memorial sites.
Fort Donelson National Battlefield is the site of America's most significant defeat and contains a cemetery, Fort, and visitor center. Shiloh National Military Park has 5000 acres at its site for an 1863 two-day battle.
08. Graceland, Memphis
As well known as the White House on Washington, the Gracelands are arguably the most beautiful attractions in the historic Memphis region. Gracelands Mansion is an icon of rock 'n' roll history and is a destination for pilgrims. A visit to these magnificent homes provides an insight into Elvis Presley's life.
Since his 1977 death at Gracelands, nothing has changed. Memphis of Elvis was an enormous warehouse-style building with exhibits and displays. You will see his colorful costumes and discover how he influenced his meteoric rise. Look at the tomb where fans were in tears.
09. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum provides another good place to visit. Why are railroad tracks such an important part of a state's history? The Fun Museum was founded in 1960 as a Western Union equipment storage and displays center.
The Southern Rail passenger service had been discontinued and in 1970 the first permanent facility was opened which remains as we now know in the Chattansboro area. The trains continue to run, giving visitors the opportunity to experience steam trains as a true experience.
10. The Tennessee State Capitol Building
The Tennessee State Capitol Building in Nashville was built in 1857 to honor its residents. The magnificent structure is designated as Historic Landmark of the United States and listed on the National Historic Register, and is amongst Tennessee's best attractions.
The building was designed by William Strickland, whose death occurred during its completion. It was his final resting place, as did president Polk and his life. In addition, there is a memorial to the deceased with sculptures on the property for Sergeant Alvin York.
11. The Parthenon, Nashville
A trip to Memphis wouldn't have been complete without visiting the Parthenon. One Tennessee landmark and center of Centennial Park is only two blocks away in downtown. A huge life replica of the original Parthenon at Athens was designed as part of an anniversary celebration of the centennial of Greek history.
The Parthenon is entirely constructed in cement, imposing in its vast dimensions. The house houses the permanent museum for art in the city and contains works by American artists from the 19th and 20th centuries. There will be an imposing 42 foot-wide statue of Athena Parthenos.
12. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
It may already seem like Tennessee has the twangy banjo and soft twitchy harmonies and that's what attracts people to this country music. This group has existed for more than a decade and focuses on preserving the tradition, historical and cultural development that have shaped country music.
Country Music Hall's primary exhibit is once dubbed Sing Me Home: A Journey through Country. The film employs touchscreens, photographs, antique video clips and artifacts to show a story and tell an account of the historical and cultural roots of music.
13. Ruby Falls
Leo Lambert uncovered a stunning natural beauty in 1928. Ruby Falls is Tennessee's tallest deepest underground falls and a must-do place for your Tennessee bucket list. Ruby Falls has a visitor center located nearby Chattanooga on the Looking Mountain Lookout. You'll get a glass lift up to the summit and see the falls. You will be given the chance to see a light display at the cave.
14. Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga
For nearly 40 years Tennessee Aquarium Educates Visitors about aquatic life and its ecosystems. The Aquarium is located at the bank of the Tennessee River and offers two experience options: River Journey and Ocean Journey. They're buried inside huge tanks and the largest tank contains 618.8 billion of water each.
The Tennessee Aquarium has nearly 900 animal species that are the largest in the nation. Guests are invited to participate in hands-on activities. You will be delighted—or disappointed—when you feel stingrays gliding over you. Waves to underwater divers that direct their attention toward colorful fish and gigantic octopus.
15. Johnson City
Known as a best place in Tennessee, Johnson City has a large selection of adventurous outdoor activities. Take a trip up and experience Roan Mountain on bikes, take a trip through the Nolichucky rivers at the Class IV waterfall, catch fish or sail along the Watauga River.
Besides disc golf, other popular activities for the community include hiking and kayaking in Wild Deer Preserve. For people interested in gaining an understanding of the history of East Tennessee city, a good choice would be the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site.
16. Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga
Overlooking Chattanooga and with a good view, Lookout Mountain is a great day and half-day excursion. Natural sights include the gardens of Rock City across the border from Georgia and Ruby Falls — the largest available underground waterfalls in the USA.
Getting to Lookout Mountain can be half as fun if you take the Lookout Mountain Incline Railroad. Once in a position above the railway point, the point is within easy reach. Visit Battle of Chattanoga Electric Map and Museum.
17. Andrew Jackson's Hermitage
A few minutes east of Nashville stands Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, the home of the seventh president from the 1840s to 1845. The current house was built in 1819 shortly before Jackson was appointed president. Highlights include the park-like gardens and woodlands and the tomb where his wife was buried.
The house opened as a museum in 1889, which has been greatly restored, is exactly how Jackson was accustomed and is filled with many artifacts and documents about his presidency. Location: 4580 Rachel Lane, Hermitage, Tennessee Official website.
18. Downtown Knoxville
Knoxville offers a comfortable base for exploring the Smoky Mountain National Park. The first capital of the state its main landmarks are the Sunsphere Towers. A symbol from Knoxville's skyline, the skyscraper is located in the heart of the 1982 Worlds FairPark. Vibrant South Gay Street offers interactive exhibits at Museum of East TN History.
This place is also where you'll see Headliners concerts at the luxurious Tennessee Theater—the official statetheater of Tennessee. Market square was the first favorite gathering place for residents and visitors in Knoxville since 1849. It houses an extensive farmers market, festival, events and shops, and dining.
19. Stones River National Battlefield
Stones River National Battlefield is situated at Murfreesboro Tennessee. It was also home to the largest and deadliest Civil War battle: the Battle of Stone. 570 acres are currently being developed to commemorate the battle's historic significance.
The fields are home to Stone River National Cemetery, the Hazen Brigade Monument – the earliest surviving monument in the American Civil War – and dozens of grave sites. This book is arguably an important proof of this war and its messages. Several activities can be performed at Stone Creek National Military Battlefield.
20. American Museum of Science and Energy, Oak Ridge
The Oak Ridge Museum of Science offers an intriguing look at the past of nuclear technology. The museum is 24 miles west of Knoxville and shows the central role of Oak Ridge in the Manhattan projects for nuclear weapons development. View video, photographs, artefacts and documents about this large building.
Tell us what the institution has been like over the years as a major scientific center. The interactive, static electrical and robotic displays entertain children of all ages. Address: 11 E Main Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Official website.
21. The Bell Witch Cave
Bell Witch Cave is a unique Tennessee attraction. The book 'The Witch of the Bells' is a scary tale with a much scarier story to tell. The legend says that Andrew Jackson was afraid to see her actions when he came to investigate the disturbance.
Her story is simple. Witches started frightening the family at the Bell family farm in 1817 with eerie sound to stop them asleep. In a moment the woman escalated into violent action. In the end she would torture the daughter of the house and stop if the daughter had not been engaged.
22. Cummins Falls State Park
Cummins Falls National Park lies northwest of Cookville in Jackson County. The natural environment is very unique with several types of oaks, beech, buckeye, sycamores and hemlock. The forest which runs along the river. Its position has an interesting historical background.
Cummins Falls's history includes the times during which Indians surveyed the area to see buffalo wallowing in shallow waters. The Cummins Falls water hole was ranked the best pool in the United States, and a tenth best in the world. Other popular recreational activities offered here include swimming, fishing, and horse riding.
23. Lost Sea Cave
The Lost Sea Cave is an excellent place in Tennessee to explore. The site lies inside Craighead Cavern, named after chief Craighead Cherokee chief. In this cavern is Americas largest non-subglacial lake called the Lost Sea.
The Lost Sea cave is located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Inside you will find a stunning waterfall and many crystal clusters hanging from the wall in the caves which will make for the best fun-filled trip. Besides the history, the confederated soldiers mined saltpeter.
24. Sun Studio
Sun Studio was originally referred in 1950 to the Memphis Records Service. It shared several aspects originally with Sun. This is a great place in Tennessee which is cherished by historians for its history and is a birthplace of rock ‘n roll.
Originally titled Rocket 88 was produced here in 1951 by the DeltaCats and Jackie Brenston. In the past several musicians and singers have worked in the current Tennessee attraction including Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.
25. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
This recreation area has more than a million acres of forest and wetlands situated in the Barkley Lake area between Kentucky and Tennessee. There are some amazing waterfalls in Kentucky and Tennessee that have disappeared into the forests.
Lake access provides an ideal habitat to camp and enjoy over 300km of natural shorelines. Year-round, authorized hunters hunt a wide range of animals ranging from elk to turkey. The park also includes an open horse camp which can be visited throughout the year.
26. Adventure Science Center
Adventure Science Center Adventure Science Center is one of the more enjoyable sites for a visitor to Tennessee and is ideal for anyone tired of the musical-themed sites Tennessee is so well known for. Young people can enjoy the activity on the site.
The center features interactive exhibits geared towards learning science topics spanning science to space. Children can explore flight simulations, try the photo booth showing what the adults can do and learn about being an astronaut. There are numerous demonstrations and friendly and caring staff.
27. Discovery Park of America
Discovery Park in America. Discovery Park in America is an outstanding attraction in the state of Tennessee and contains captivating secret areas and awe-inspiring exhibition sites on its 50 acres. It is a destination that cannot be missed because of its breathtaking sights. Often visited annually, the area is among the most popular places to visit.
Several of these houses are large models of human beings, a huge earthquake simulator and even twenty million litre aquarium. The museum offers everything. Address: 8790 Everett Blvd, Union City, TX 38264 USA -
28. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
In the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, there is another spectacular attraction waiting. Ripleys Aquarium is a good place if you love aquatic life. Ripley's Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the country and is ranked as one of the best of all the.
Ripleys has several interesting species and can be seen easily from a world-long underground tunnel that gives a spectacular view on sharks and rays among many other interesting marine mammals living at Ripley's aquarium.
29. Chattanooga National Military Park
Once at the top of the railway, Point Park of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park is nearby. Visit Battles for Chattanooga Electric Map and Museum . Its displays relate to the epic Battle Above the Clouds, fought in and around Chattanooga during the Civil War.
30. Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
Chattanooga is one of the best places to visit in Tennessee and is also famous for being close to the world's steepest incline railway called Lookout Mountain Incline Railway.
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