field trips east tennessee

30+ Best Things to Do in East Tennessee: Fun & Unique Activities

By: Author Laurin

Posted on Last updated: January 25, 2024

Categories Activities , East Tennessee

Looking for the very BEST things to do in East Tennessee? We’ve got you covered, with over 30 suggestions in this epic guide!

This region seamlessly blends natural beauty, outdoor adventures in all four seasons, quaint historical towns , and rich cultural experiences. So, it should come as no surprise that there’s no shortage of things to see and do!

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, foodie, or thrill-seeker, East Tennessee has something for everyone.

Without further ado, let’s dive into this list of fun things to do in this captivating part of the Volunteer State!

Table of Contents

Fun & Unique Things to Do in East Tennessee

1. take a scenic drive through the great smoky mountains national park.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains with a drive along the Foothills Parkway.

This scenic, winding byway is one of the best things to do in East Tennessee, with numerous overlooks, each providing a different perspective.

The parkway comprises several individual sections, but one of the most scenic is the 33-mile stretch from Sevier County to Chilhowee Lake — great for a road trip on a crisp fall day in your car or motorcycle.

2. Visit Cades Cove

Taking a scenic drive around the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop is a given, but don’t stop there.

Hike or bike through the picturesque valley surrounded by mountains (& wildlife!), which shows off completely different scenery in all four seasons.

Also, you won’t want to miss out on the abundance of wildlife in the area. When we visited, we saw a couple of bears , many deer, turkeys, and even a fox!

One of our favorite waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains , Abrams Falls, also starts from Cades Cove.

Additionally, you can explore the park’s highest concentration of preserved historic cabins, churches, and a grist mill.

3. Hike to Laurel Falls

Also located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, another of the best things to do in East Tennessee is to hike to Laurel Falls.

The 2.5-mile round-trip hike leads to an 80-foot waterfall that’s gorgeous year-round .

It’s also wildly popular, so be aware that you won’t have the trail to yourself, even while visiting the smoky mountains in winter !

4. Explore the Historic Town of Jonesborough

Step way back in time while wandering the charming streets of Jonesborough —  Tennessee’s oldest town .

The storytelling capital of the world boasts beautiful historic architecture, quaint shops, and a vibrant arts community.

You can also tour the Tennessee Hills Distillery, another fun thing to do in the area and on our list of best things to do in Jonesborough .

5. Visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum

Bristol TN-VA, proudly claims its spot as the “Birthplace of Country Music.”

Visit the museum , the site of the famed 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings that made country music mainstream!

The museum is also home to the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion festival every September — hosting over 100 acts of live music on more than a dozen stages in downtown Bristol!

6. Experience NASCAR at Bristol Motor Speedway

Speaking of Bristol, another fun thing to do in East Tennessee is to catch a race at the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway .

Known for its stadium-like construction and high-banked turns, race fans affectionately call the speedway the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile.”

If you’re looking for even MORE things to do in Bristol, also read: 20+ Best Things to Do in Bristol, TN-VA: The Birthplace of Country Music

7. Attend a Home Game at Neyland Stadium

Home to the University of Tennessee Volunteers (“Vols”), visiting this iconic stadium in Knoxville is an experience in itself! The fans “bleed orange” after all!

It has a mind-boggling seating capacity of over 100,000, making it one of the biggest college stadiums in the country .

Don your orange and white and get a first-hand taste of SEC football’s contagious energy. And if you can, go to a pre-game tailgate party!

8. Wander Through Market Square in Knoxville

Knoxville’s historic Market Square is a vibrant hub of activity. Enjoy a huge variety of shops, eateries , and bars, plus seasonal festivals and other events, like ice skating .

Market Square is right downtown and close to everything, including Neyland Stadium. So, you’ll be able to check off several things to do in Knoxville in East Tennessee!

9. Explore the Sunsphere in Knoxville

Situated in World’s Fair Park downtown, the Sunsphere is hard to miss!

Originally built for the 1982 World’s Fair, the shimmering golden sphere offers 360-degree views of the city and the Smoky Mountains from its observation deck.

It’s even a unique place to watch the fireworks for New Year’s in Knoxville !

10. Cruise the Tennessee River on an Authentic Paddle Wheeler

Experience the nostalgia of river travel by embarking on an authentic paddle-wheeler cruise on the Tennessee River in Knoxville.

Tennessee Riverboat Company offers lunch, dinner, and sightseeing cruises , in addition to special holiday and seasonal cruises.

Keeping true to its roots, the paddle-wheeler offers live entertainment, a dance floor, and two full bars.

Also, if you’re looking for something romantic to do in Knoxville , this may be it.

11. Visit Bay’s Mountain Park & Planetarium

Bay’s Mountain Park & Planetarium is a nature lover’s haven and is a fun thing to do in Kingsport, TN .

Not only does it have 40+ miles of hiking and biking trails , but it also has a picturesque lake, wild animal habitats, a zip line course, and more.

Of course, there’s also the state-of-the-art planetarium, hosting a variety of programs and theater productions year-round.

12. Hike to Tennessee’s Tallest Waterfall

Discover the awe-inspiring natural beauty of 256-foot-tall Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee’s tallest waterfall.

Choose from several hiking trails that lead to the falls, but don’t miss some of the state park’s other highlights.

There are other waterfalls to see, including Cane Creek Falls and Piney Falls. Also, there’s a canopy adventure course, an Olympic-size pool (summer only), and a golf course.

Fall Creek Falls is right on the line of Middle Tennessee & East Tennessee. If you’re in the area, check out our other Middle Tennessee Guides !

13. Ride the Tail of the Dragon

For adrenaline junkies, road trip enthusiasts, and motorcyclists , conquering the Tail of the Dragon is a popular thing to do in East Tennessee.

This uninterrupted stretch of U.S. Route 129 passes through the Smokies near the Tennessee-North Carolina border. It’s renowned for having 318 tight curves in just 11 mile s and is known for being one of the most popular motorcycle and sports car touring roads in the world!

Please be cautious, however, as the Tail of the Dragon can be very dangerous and has resulted in multiple deaths over the years.

14. Ride a Mountain Coaster in the Smokies

Mountain coasters can be found (almost) everywhere you look in the Great Smokies, offering one of the more thrilling things to do in East Tennessee.

The gravity-propelled coasters pass through scenic landscapes and allow you to control the speed as you twist and turn.

Some of the best mountain coasters include:

• Wild Stallion at SkyLand Ranch in Sevierville (the longest one in the East!)
• Moonshine Mountain Coaster in Gatlinburg
• Rocky Top in Pigeon Forge

15. Go Boating on Norris Lake

As the largest reservoir along the Tennessee River, there’s a lot to see and do at Norris Lake. One of the most popular activities is going boating .

Rent a pontoon boat for the day or a houseboat for the whole weekend .

Explore over 4,000 surface acres and more than 800 miles of mountainous shoreline, with endless possibilities for fishing, water skiing, and camping.

16. Take a Thrilling Zip Line Tour at Foxfire Adventure Park

Unleash your adventurous spirit with a zip line tour at Foxfire Adventure Park in Sevierville.

Soar through the treetops on some of the longest and fastest zip lines in the country , reaching speeds of over 60 mph and spanning over 1/3 of a mile!

There’s also a 60-foot climbing wall and a swinging bridge to cross (on foot), so there’s something for everyone here. Even Fido, as Foxfire is dog-friendly!

17. Visit Cosby to Learn About the History of Moonshine

In tiny, sleepy Cosby, the rich history of Appalachian moonshining lives on.

This small town in Tennessee was a major hot spot for bootlegging during Prohibition , with the caves and hollers providing perfect hiding places.

One of the most legendary moonshiners of all time, Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton, was from Cosby. His assistant and close friend still lives here, and may or may not make ‘shine at Adventure Distilling Company . Stop by to sample some as it’s been made for well over a century.

18. Follow the Tennessee Whiskey Trail

If you want to learn more about bootlegging, one of the best things to do in East Tennessee is visit a few distilleries.

Check out the official Tennessee Whiskey Trail , which includes nearly 15 distilleries in the state.

Each offers something a little different, but expect samples and retail sales, as well as optional tours.

19. Lookout Mountain

Overlooking Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain offers so much more than sweeping views.

This amazing destination is home to Rock City , the unique underground Ruby Falls , the Incline Railway, and more — all fun things to do in the scenic city of Chattanooga !

You could easily spend weeks here trying to see and do everything, making it one of the best things to do in East Tennessee for anyone.

20. Discover the Lost Sea Adventure

Head to Sweetwater (just over an hour from Chattanooga) to explore the vast underground marvel known as the Lost Sea .

It’s America’s largest underground lake !

To see it, book a guided boat tour through the caverns.

21. Step Back in Time at the Museum of Appalachia

The heritage of Appalachia is arguably one of the richest and most interesting.

Learn all about it at the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton, north of Knoxville. This living history museum, comprised of dozens of well-preserved historic buildings, celebrates the region’s cultural and pioneer traditions.

22. Float the Nolichucky River

The Nolichucky River, which flows from North Carolina to Tennessee, is very popular for white-water rafting as it has class III-IV rapids!

It’s also on our list of one of the best things to do in Erwin, TN — just 20 minutes from Johnson City.

Read our guide on Floating the Nolichucky River to learn more!

23. Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is one of the top-rated aquariums in the country and is home to over 10,000 animals!

In addition to showcasing marine life from river ecosystems and ocean depths , the aquarium also has an IMAX theater.

You can also book a variety of behind-the-scenes experiences such as the Feeding Frenzy tour, where you can assist in feeding the sharks and other marine animals!

24. Explore the Obed Wild and Scenic River

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Obed Wild and Scenic River may be one of the most fun things to do in East Tennessee.

The unspoiled natural area provides endless opportunities for rock climbing , bouldering, hiking, fishing, and camping.

Also, thanks to Class II, III, and IV rapids, the Obed is a renowned whitewater rafting destination . Notably, it’s more for experienced rafters and not for beginners.

25. Discover the Appalachian Trail

For avid hikers, stepping foot on the Appalachian Trail is one of those bucket list items!

Luckily, the AT passes through the eastern part of the state, including right through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park — hike a section of it right near Clingmans Dome.

It also passes through parts of Unioci County near Erwin, Roan Mountain State Park, and even along the shores of Watauga Lake !

26. Sip Your Way Through the Rocky Top Wine Trail

Is wine more your jam than whiskey? Head to Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, where you can visit five wineries on the Rocky Top Wine Trail .

Book the VIP shuttle tour or simply visit the wineries on your own. If you visit at least three, you’ll get a special prize. And if you visit all five, you’ll get another one!

27. Bike the Historic Tweetsie Rail Trail

One of our favorite things to do in Johnson City is riding our bikes on the Tweetsie Trail which runs from Johnson City to Elizabethton .

The scenic 10-mile trail passes through picturesque landscapes and historical sites. Bring your own bike, or rent one right across the street from the trailhead at Local Motion Cyclery .

After you’re done, head back to that same area to Crankys Pumps n Pints for a cold beer.

28. Take a Guided Caving Adventure at Worley’s Cave

Just outside of Bristol in Bluff City, Worley’s Cave offers a unique underground adventure.

Instead of the commercial caves that are scattered across the state, this is a living, wild cave . With that in mind, you don’t book guided tours. Instead, simply pay to park and then explore the cave on your own!

29. Harvest Festival at Dollywood

Dollywood is always worth a visit, but Harvest Festival is on another level.

The autumn decor is over the top and the weather is typically gorgeous, but the real star is the food. Think pumpkin-infused everything, including bison chili, mac and cheese, pizza, and churros.

Insider tip: get the Harvest Festival Tasting Pass, so you can sample a little of everything.

30. Hike the Tri-State Peak Trail in Cumberland Gap

Have you ever wanted to stand in three states at once ? On the Tri-State Peak Trail in Cumberland Gap, you can! At the overlook at Tri-State Point, stand in Kentucky, Virginia, and, of course, Tennessee — all at the same time.

Cumberland Gap is also loaded with plenty of other viewpoints and historic sites, so check out some of the other things to do in East Tennessee.

31. Go Fishing in the Hiwassee River

Anglers will find true paradise in the Hiwassee River, known for its excellent year-round fishing opportunities .

The river is stocked with trout, making it an especially popular destination for fly fishing.

32. Witness Seasonal Dogwood Blooms at The Dogwood Arts Festival

Gorgeous dogwood tree blooms blanket East Tennessee come springtime. At Knoxville’s annual Dogwood Arts Festival in April, you can witness the best of these blooms.

The festival is unlike any other, featuring a combination of private gardens, dogwood trails, and vendors.

33. Visit the American Museum of Science and Energy

Did you know that this small East Tennessee town was one of just three in the US created to build the atomic bomb ?

The American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge offers a fascinating look into this world, with interactive exhibits showcasing some of the science and technology.

What do you think about this list of things to do in East Tennessee? Looking for MORE? Also Read: 22 Awesome Places You Need to Visit in East Tennessee: Cities, Towns, & Attractions

• Over 45 Amazing Tennessee Field Trips

By Author DaniFNW

Posted on Published: January 28, 2020

Categories Field Trip Ideas , Tennessee

Sharing is caring!

I also love to keep my kids learning when on vacation and with Tennessee being one of our favorite states to visit we have a lot of great Tennessee Field Trips to share on our list. 

Table of Contents

Make sure to check out the rest of our Tennessee Unit Study perfect for getting kids excited for any Tennessee trip and the perfect addition to any road school lesson plan! 

Related:  189 Free Things to do in Tennessee

Table of contents

Pigeon forge and gatlinburg field trips, knoxville field trips, chattanooga tennessee field trips, nashville tennessee field trips, memphis tennessee field trips, other tennessee field trips.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – Located in Gatlinburg Tennessee the aquarium is one of the best I’ve seen. They are known for their Penguin exhibit but also have a great shark exhibit too. They keep everything fun and educational. Admission to the Aquarium is included in the Smoky Mountains Sightseeing Pass .

Great Smoky Mountain National Park – I love taking the kids the National Parks. Every visitor center has so much you can learn with their museums. Several of the visitor centers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park had open-air museums, Cades Cove is a large open-air museum too. 

Don’t forget to stop at any visitor center and get your Junior Ranger Books to have the kids to complete. They are very educational and the kids will earn the Junior Ranger badge for that park.

Titanic Museum –  Located in Pigeon Forge this museum looks like the Titanic ship on the outside and inside they keep it all interactive with employees dressed like crew members.

When you enter you re handed a card of a person on the Titanic you can see what their living quarters would be and then at the end find out if they lived or died. There are so many artifacts from the ship as well as a recreation of the grand staircase.  Tickets are included in the  Smoky Mountains Sightseeing Pass .

Tuckaleechee Caverns  – These caverns are under the Smoky Mountains and make a great geology lesson!

Alcatraz East Crime Museum – Located in Pigeon Forge this museum follows the history of crime from the early pirates to the wild west and Wyatt Earp and the OK Corral down to Bonnie and Clyde all the way to drive history up to a year ago. They have a hands-on forensics lab where adults and kids can see how police solve the crimes. 

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad –  Learn the history and legends of the Smoky Mountains while riding though the mountain and taking in the amazing nature views. 

Related:  Top 10 Things to do in Gatlinburg TN

American Museum of Science and Energy – Take a day and get your kids hands-on with science with all sorts of experiments they will love. 

Norris Dam State Park – Located just north of Knoxville this state park has the beautiful views of the dam and history of the dam. There are also several places with local history including an old mill and Civil War museum. 

Ijams Nature Center – Get outdoors at the Nature Center this is a great place for nature walks, wildlife sightings and nature programs. They even have a nature preschool program. 

Coal Creek Miners Museum and Memorial – The coal creek mine disaster happened just outside Knoxville. This was one of the worst mining disasters in our country and killed all but 3 males in town. The museum tells their story and the memorial down the road pays tribute to them. 

Zoo Knoxville – So many ways to learn about animals here its a great way to learn about them and how to protect them. 

James White Fort – This is the pioneer home of Knoxville founder. Learn how the city was established. 

Related:  25 Can’t-Miss Free Things to do in Knoxville TN

Reflection Riding Arboretum – A great place to learn about science and nature all hands on. They have lots of programs for kids of all ages, nature trails, wildlife viewings, and more. 

Chatanooga Zoo – Visiting any zoo always makes a great field trip. Learning about the animals, their habitat and how to protect them. 

Ruby Falls – Another great cavern under a mountain to check out and this one has a waterfall!

Chickamauga National Battlefield   – Checking out the battlefield and learning the history is free, the views it offers of the city are breathtaking! This is a National Park site so make sure to get your  National Park Passport  stamped and take your kids to get their  Junior Ranger badges  as well!

Point Park Battlefield   – Part of the above Chickamauga Battlefield was the site of what is now known as “The Battle Above the Clouds”. The visitors center with history is free but the battlefield tour costs $3 for adults.

Tennessee Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums around with over 9,000 animals. They also have some great animal programs! 

Brainerd Mission Cemetary   – This is a relatively small graveyard of 60 graves. But they are graves of Cherokee Indians that once lived in Chattanooga. This is an official stop on the Trail of Tears.

The National Medal of Honor Museum   – this free museum is a must for any history or military buff!

Related:  26 Free Things to do in Chattanooga TN

Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Museum – This is 7,200 square foot interactive facility with virtual games, and many interactive video games and training equipment. 

Johnny Cash Museum – This museum holds so much music history. From who he knew, his time in the service, and his rise to fame. 

Liveminds Adventure – This is a great family escape challenge which will make you used all your logic skills. A renowned archeologist has gone missing looking for the staff of Moses and you have to find him while avoiding booby traps and more.  

The Hermitage, Home of Andrew Jackson – The home of President Andrew Jackson is right in the Nashville area and you can take a tour of the house and the grounds. The grounds host some of the slave quarters’ foundations, and his gardens where Andrew Jackson and his wife are buried. 

Stones River National Battlefield – This was one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War and lots of history on this battlefield. 

The Carter House – Carter House was the location of part of the battle that let to the Stones River Battlefield and the house tour has some much history even if it is a bit gorry. You can still see where many of the musket balls hit buildings. Then take a walk in downtown Franklin for some historical markers. 

Want to learn more about the Civil War? Check out these 12 Civil War Places to Visit When Studying the Civil War .

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park – This is a park in downtown Nashville by the State Capital that features a lot of state history and memorials. 

Belle Meade Plantation – Known for their racehorses this is a historic plantation in Nashville that also has a winery attached and slave quarters with a lot of history attached. 

Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park – There is a lot of Native American history here along with a great museum. 

The Belmont Mansion – This mansion is famous because it was run by a woman of wealth in a time when woman wasn’t really allowed to own anything. Learn how this came to be and how she started the all-girls school we now know as Belmont University. 

Grand Ole Opry – You can take a tour of the Grand Ole Opry and learn the history of the building, and the people who have walked it. See some of the dressing rooms, learn about the flood that affected the building and even stand on stage. 

Sam Davis House – Sam Davis is one of the unsung heroes of the Civil War and his house is now a museum to not just the Civil War but also the building itself with things like footprints in the brick!

Adventure Science Center – This is an amazing hands-on science center for kids and adults. This was one of the first things we did with the kids and the loved it. 

Cannonsburgh Village   -This this a free attraction and a whole area filled with historical buildings from around the area. Everything from an old mill, homes, churches, barns, and so much more! 

Related:  45 Amazing Free Things to Do in Nashville TN

Fort Pillow State Historic Park -This for located along the Mississippi River just north of Memphis. This is another Civil War fort and you can learn why its location was so important. 

Pink Palace Museum  – Every Tuesday from 1 pm to close this museum is free. This museum got its name from the pink marble mansion that it is housed in. This is the house of Clarence Saunders, founder of the Piggly Wiggle grocery store chain. The museum has many of Clarence’s personal collections and many local exhibits as well.

National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel – The civil rights movement had a large part in Memphis history and you can learn all about it here. 

Graceland – Elvis was another huge influence in music and his start from being such a poor family to his rise in fame is a great lesson for kids about working hard. 

Center for Southern Folklore  –  Memphis is all about great music, great food and great fun which makes the Center for Southern Folklore one of my favorite things on my list of free things to do in Memphis!

The center is dedicated to “celebrating the arts, music, and heritage of the South from the cultural crossroads of Memphis” which means they often have live music, storytelling and of course, soul-food! Even better? They’re always open for free!

 Related: 21 Can’t-Miss Free Things to Do in Memphis TN  (Including Graceland!)

McMinn County Living Heritage Museum – See how life was for everyone from the Cherokee to the early Tennessee settlers. They have over 30 permanent exhibits and over 10,000 artifacts.

Gray Fossil Museum – If you are talking about dinosaurs or you just have a budding paleontologist as I do then they will love this dig site! They have any hands-on science thing to do and you can tour the dig site and watch the paleontologists at work! 

Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour – There is a lot of history on how Jack Daniel’s basically built the town of Lynchburg and how to built his company. The tour takes you on the grounds and shows you the process of how they make whiskey and also the water source for their whiskey. 

Backyard Terror’s Dinosaur Park – If you are learning about the dinosaurs this is a great way to get hands-on. The best part is this attraction is free! 

Andrew Johnson National Historic Site – Another President’s homestead you can visit. Andrew Johnson was the 17th president and known as the Defender of the Constitution for his work after the Civil War. 

Old Moore County Jail – Located in Lynchburg this is the old jail where the sheriff used to live in the building with his family and the two jail rooms, one for males and one for females, were attached to the home.

The museum has kept the building intact and now holds exhibits dedicated to the local sheriffs, artifacts from the sheriffs who lived in this house and the original jail cells including where Jessie James carved his name into the wall. 

Johnny Cash has visited this museum and said the jail cells are some of the worst he’s ever seen. There is a small exhibit dedicated to his visit. 

Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park – With a log cabin, true to period gardens, and museum on the 55-acre park that holds over 1,500 books! 

Shiloh National Military Park and Cemetary – Another battle of the Civil War it was a very bloody battle where over 23,000 died. Lots of Civil War history here and it’s an NPS site so make sure to get your Junior Ranger Badge! 

Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House – This is now a family dining restaurant but while you are dining on recipes the boarding house is known for you are treated to some amazing history on Miss Mary Bobo and the work she did in town. 

Fort Donelson National Battlefield and Cemetary – The surrender of Fort Donelson was the North’s first major victory in the Civil War. The cemetery was started for many of the Union Soldiers who were buried in the area and now hold many US Veterans. 

What are some of your favorite Tennessee field trips spots? Id love to add to my list! 

Get Our Travel Tips and Freebies!

Join our travel community and get weekly updates with travel tips, locations, and freebies. Can't wait to connect with you!

Privacy Overview

Field Trips

Field trips to zoo knoxville offer students an opportunity to learn about wildlife and wild places from all over the planet, right here in east tennessee. we offer three learning experience options. , knox county, tennessee, students receive free admission on school field trips, field trip rates, pre-k – 8th grade.

$10.00 per student

9TH GRADE AND UP

$12.00 per student

CHAPERONES, TEACHERS & PARENTS

$20.00 in advance or $22 day of event per individual One free chaperone ticket provided for each 10 students Accredited schools, preschools, year-round daycare, head start programs and organized home school co-ops are eligible for reduced field trip admission rates.

To Plan Your Field Trip:

• Complete and return the field trip reservation form at least 3 weeks in advance of your trip.
• Once registered, you will be emailed a confirmation packet which includes arrival information and suggested activities.
• To receive discounted field trip rates, schools must make one payment for the entire group in the form of cash, credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover), or school/business-affiliated check. Please note that anyone paying separately will be charged the full price of admission. Zoo Knoxville cannot give cash back on checks.
• Buses park for free; parking for other vehicles is $5.
• For cancellations and reservation changes (including rain dates) contact our Admissions Department at 865.637.5331 ext. 1443.

2024 Reservation Form

Group Reservation Form

LEARNING EXPERIENCES

Make the most of your visit by adding a special learning experience with a zoo educator!  Not only are these programs fun and engaging, they also fulfill Tennessee State Standards on a variety of topics.

SCIENCE CONCEPT INTRODUCTION PROGRAM

• Start your students thinking about a curriculum point before they explore the zoo with this 10 minute program with biofacts (animal skins, skulls, feathers, etc.).
• $1 per student for up to 150 students (minimum 15 students).

LEARNING TOURS

• Take your 8th grade or older students on a zoo tour with a dedicated zoo educator for an unforgettable fun and educational trip.
• Learning Tours are $2 per person for groups up to 35 (minimum 15 people).
• Tours are 45 minutes in length.

CLASSROOM PROGRAM

• Explore your educational topic in a zoo classroom setting with one of our educators and an ambassador animal.
• Classroom Programs are $5 per student (minimum 15 students-max 60 students per program.
• Up to 3 programs per day
• Classroom programs are 45 minutes in length.
• Select a topic below to match your curriculum.

Program Topics

Please note that we limit group sizes to give each student a more personal experience. If your group is larger than our maximum, you may schedule a second class at no minimum charge.

Contact us for more information on field trips and learning experiences at  [email protected] or call 865.637.5331.

Click here to download the Field Trip Risk Management Plan PDF . 

TIMES AND DAYS

School programs are scheduled Tuesday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. We recommend making reservations several months in advance if you would like a particular day and time. Monday field trips can be arranged with advance notice.

Cost is $5 per student or chaperone. Teachers and bus drivers are admitted free of charge. Payment must be made in full with one form of payment for all students and adults at time of arrival with checks made payable to Blount Mansion Association. We will be glad to invoice you in advance.

Reservation

If you would like to schedule a program for your school, you must make a reservation at least two weeks in advance. You do not have a reservation until we have confirmed arrangements and you have received confirmation via email. To make a reservation, please contact the staff at (865) 525-2375 or [email protected] , or fill our online reservation form

Please send payment to

GROUP SIZE LIMITS

The Blount Mansion Association can accommodate groups of various sizes, but logistics will need to be discussed ahead of time if the group is larger than 60. Typically, larger groups are split so that one half of the students visit Blount Mansion in the morning, and the other half in the afternoon. We frequently work with nearby historic sites such as James White’s Fort and the Museum of East Tennessee History so that students can enjoy two great educational experiences in the same day, with groups rotating between Blount Mansion and the other site. CHAPERONES The Blount Mansion Association requires one chaperone for every 20 students. Chaperones are required to participate in the program and assist the Site Interpreter in managing students. For more information, see the  Chaperone Guide.

LUNCH FACILITIES

Confirmation, cancellations, student code of conduct.

Outdoor Education

Experience our 400 acre classroom, school field trips that provide hands-on, experiential learning in the smoky mountains of east tennessee.

Many classes support existing state educational standards, and are offered from either a faith-based perspective or a classic public-school approach.

Includes: 4 one-hour periods:

• Train Ride:  Narrated excursion on historic ET&WNC Railway
• Group Game  (DRG staffed) – learn to work together while having fun.
• Teacher-led Activity : Octaball, 9 Square in the Air, Volleyball, Ping Pong, Cornhole, Bouldering Cave
• Adventure activities  OR  Outdoor Education class  ( One  activity or class based on number of participants and age)

100 + Things to Do in East Tennessee That Your Whole Family Will Love!

Building a life full of fun family memories doesn’t have to be costly, stressful, or involve a lot of travel to far off lands. This list of over 100 things to do in East Tennessee, will give you everything you need to create a life well-lived, right here at home!

Discover the best ideas for free and cheap family-fun in your city, state, and even your own backyard! With all this at your fingertips, you really can make BIG family memories, one small adventure at a time!

100 + Things to Do in East Tennessee

From cozying up with hot chocolate and Christmas lights in December to exploring fabulous hikes and swimming holes throughout the summer, East TN has fun for every type of family.

With a variety of FREE and paid activities, our region also boasts fun for every type of budget. Check out our most popular seasonal posts below.

Spring and Summer

Sunflower Fields in East Tennessee

While we are fortunate enough to enjoy stunning mountain views all year long, spring and summer bring another kind of breathtaking landscape to life, expansive fields of golden sunflowers just ripe for the frolicking.

With the nostalgic beauty of a classic country painting, it’s no wonder that East TN sunflower fields are one of the hottest spots for family portraits and landscape photography in the region.

U-Pick Farms

From delicious berries to crispy broccoli, our local u-pick farms offer a wide variety of kid-friendly fare. A trip to the farm also helps kids learn about where their food comes from and teaches them a little about the hard work of farming. Find your local farms below.

• Chattanooga

Spray Bottle Nature Art Project

This fun nature art project is our most popular activity of all time! Not only is it gorgeous and easy to set up, you probably already have all the supplies!

Scenic Fall Drives

The stunning rainbow of fall colors that blanket our mountains each year, brings in droves of tourists from all over the United States who are just dying to catch a glimpse. Thankfully when you live local, you don’t have very far to drive.

Our guide to the most breathtaking fall drives details all the best places to see fall colors, including some of the less touristy driving routes.

Apple Picking in East Tennessee

We are blessed with a long apple picking season here in East TN. Varying species of apples continue to ripen from July through early November.

Many of our East TN apple orchards also boast fresh baked goods, farm stores, restaurants, and family-fun activities.

Pumpkin Patches

Another fun pick-your-own activity for fall is a trip to the pumpkin farm. Most of our local farms offer tons of family-fun activities including playgrounds, hayrides, corn mazes, and more. Find your local pumpkin farm below.

Press and Squish Color Mixing Fall Leaves Art Project

Our hottest fall art project is one of the most simple ideas we offer on the site. It helps kids explore the concept of color mixing and even comes with a free printable template.

Skiing and Snow Tubing in East Tennessee

From the northern tip, to the southern most edge, there are tons of great skiing and snow tubing options in and around East TN . With 7 different day trip options, you’re sure to find the perfect one for you.

Top Spots to View Christmas Lights

One of the most iconic and inexpensive ways to have fun in December is with a driving tour of the areas most spectacular light displays. Nothing ignites the holiday spirit quite like the festive sparkle of Christmas cheer. Click the links below to find the best light displays near you.

• Johnson City

Melting Snow Art Project

While East Tennessee isn’t known for its massive snow storms, we still get just enough to enjoy the gorgeous view before it melts. This fun snow art project can be done with just a little bit of snow and a hair dryer. It’s a great way to spend your snow day!

Things to Do in Your Town

In addition to our seasonal fun guides, East TN Family Fun makes it easy for you to find fun things to do in your local metro area. In each area we include ideas for the main city and all immediately surrounding counties.

Knoxville Area

• Counties Included: Knox, Anderson, Blount, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Loudon, Monroe, Roane, Sevier, Union

Birthday Party Venues

Skip all stress and cleaning by hosting your child’s next party at one of Knoxville’s best birthday party venues . From interactive playgrounds to animal programs, and rock climbing adventures, there’s something to please even the pickiest of kids.

Museums and More

Knoxville is chock-full of great places to learn and play including a variety of indoor playgrounds, fun museums, and arts and crafts studios. Check them below.

• Indoor Playgrounds
• Museums and Science Centers
• Arts and Craft Studios

Chattanooga Area

• Included Counties: Bledsoe, Bradley, Hamilton, marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea, Sequatchie

Tri-Cities Area

• Included Counties: Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, Sullivan, Washington

Outdoor Living

East TN boasts a variety of outdoor adventure for every level of expertise. Even if you have toddlers, our network of national parks, state parks , and urban wilderness locations offers a vast landscape of kid-friendly exploration that is easy for little legs to navigate.

The Great Smoky Mountains provide exceptional hiking, picnicking, and swim areas in both TN and nearby North Carolina.

Cherokee National Forest, a less touristy destination, also features a wealth of family-friendly hiking, swim beaches, water sports, snorkeling, and more!

Thrive at Home

The truth is, as much as you love to get out on the town, you do a ton of living at home. We’ll help you rock all those days in with easy craft ideas, kid-friendly recipes, fun learning games, and more!

Check out some of our most popular ideas below.

Homemade Marshmallow Creme (No Corn Syrup)

This easy recipe will amaze your kids as you watch melted sugar transform into bright and fluffy marshmallow creme before your eyes. This delicious recipe is perfect for topping ice cream or hot chocolate, and makes an excellent addition to s’more dip.

Pine Cone Splatter Painting

This easy and fun activity starts with a relaxing nature walk through your backyard or neighborhood and ends with a colorful rainbow of vibrantly painted pine cones.

Healthy Fruit Pizzas

Instead of using cookies, this healthy fruit pizza uses a surprising sauce that makes a perfect kid-pleasing breakfast or snack any day of the week.

How to Create a Nature Table

Indoor nature tables are a great way to explore the wonder of mother nature, without have to worry about the weather. This comprehensive guide will show you how to find and organize nature items to encourage child-led scientific exploration.

The best part is that most of the supplies are completely FREE!

Connect with Local Moms

If you’re a mom, you can join our East TN Moms Community Facebook group to chat with other local moms from Tri-Cities to Chattanooga, and everywhere in between.

This is your place to discuss local life, share and discover fun things to do, and of course ask for all the advice you need to navigate the sometimes choppy waters of mom life.

Don’t be afraid to join, because your soul mate (friend’s edition) might be just a few clicks away!

Books to Share

Towards the bottom of most of our articles, you will find a section labeled “Books to Share.” We try to include this on all of our pages because reading aloud help boost a child’s academic performance in all subject areas, including math and science.

Even more than that, reading aloud is a great way to bond with your kids and form lasting memories for years to comes. Check out these Tennessee read aloud ideas below.

• Lucky to Live in Tennessee – You and your kids will discover all the top reasons to LOVE living in TN.
• V is for Volunteer – This cute books teaches letters using the most iconic symbols of Tennessee, including “D is for dogwoods,” and “E is for Elvis.”
• Tennessee Curiosities: Quirky Character, Roadside Oddities, and Other Offbeat Stuff – Geared towards adults and older kids, this books will show you the more mysterious side of Tennessee.

More East TN Family Fun

At the end of each of our articles, you will find a section labeled “More East TN Family Fun.” Here you will find hand-picked articles that are somehow related to the article you just read.

This section helps you find more of what you need, without the tedious work of searching for it. See it in action below.

• 100 + Things to Do in Knoxville
• 100 + FREE Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TheHomeSchoolMom

Homeschooling help and encouragement from experienced homeschoolers - find out how homeschooling works and how to start, get tips & ideas for when things need adjusting, read curriculum reviews before buying, learn how online schools work, gain confidence about homeschooling high school, and more.

• Subscriber Exclusives

Homeschooling 101

• Homeschool Blog
• Deschooling
• Homeschooling Styles
• Homeschooling High School
• Help by Subject
• Curriculum Reviews
• Local & State
• Homeschool Planner
• Meal Plans & Recipes

Tennessee Field Trips

Field trips are a great way to reboot a bad homeschooling week, get out of the house when everyone has cabin fever, and learn about your local area. Before heading out, check out Jeanne's tips for improving homeschool field trips .

Our listing of Tennessee field trips for homeschoolers is ordered alphabetically by city. If you would like to submit a Tennessee field trip destination, you may do so using the red button above.

Port Royal is an historic park and a day use park. Port Royal State Park is a place of quiet natural beauty. This park is a satellite of Dunbar Cave State Park.

Port Royal State Park website

( Update this listing )

Relive more than a century of the rich, turbulent history of Southeast Tennessee at the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum in Athens, Tennessee. Thirty permanent exhibit areas depict life from the Cherokee Indians and early pioneer settlers through 1940 as well as several changing exhibits and programs throughout the year. Exhibits that will captivate, and programs and events that educate and entertain, await you.

McMinn County Living Heritage Museum website

The Dino Park currently has over 50 prehistoric creatures (with more coming soon). They are open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tours are self-guided and maps are available; photos and videos are permitted. There is a picnic area and the local Pizza Plus delivers here. They have a small gift shop and are a donation based attraction, so they don't currently charge any admission to get in.

Backyard Terror's Dinosaur Park website

Paris Landing State Park is an 841 acre park located on the western shore of the Tennessee River, which is dammed to form Kentucky Lake (160,000 acres). The park sits on the widest part of the lake (3 miles wide) and is the perfect location for all water sports such as fishing, boating, swimming, and skiing. On land, there is plenty of activity with golfing, hiking, camping, or just relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife. Be on the lookout for deer, turkey, fox, and coyote that roam the park. Eagles can be seen in the winter months.

Paris Landing State Park website

Montgomery Bell State Park is located seven miles east of Dickson in Dickson County. The rolling hills of Dickson County contain a treasure that was considered more precious than gold to the builders of young America. The treasure was iron ore, and it lured men by the hundreds to this area of Middle Tennessee. The site of the first Cumberland Presbyterian Church is located at Montgomery Bell State Park.

Montgomery Bell State Park website

The Cordell Hull Birthplace and Museum consists of a representation of Hull's log cabin birthplace, an activities center and a museum housing documents and artifacts. Also on the park is beautiful Bunkum Cave Trail leading to an overlook and the actual entrance of historic Bunkum Cave where Cordell Hull's father made moonshine years ago. The collection includes his Nobel Peace Prize that is on display.

Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park website

Cove Lake State Park's 673 acres are situated in a beautiful mountain valley setting on the eastern edge of the Cumberland Mountains. There are scenic nature trails and bike trails leading through the open grasslands and woodlands. In the winter, several hundred Canada Geese make this lakeshore their feeding ground. Nearby is the Devil's Race Track whose steep pinnacle rock affords a panoramic view.

Cove Lake State Park website

Upon completion, the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park -- the state's only linear park -- will be 300 miles, cutting through 11 Tennessee counties from the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park on the Tennessee-Virginia-Kentucky border, to the Signal Point near Chattanooga. One hundred fifty miles of the Cumberland Trail are open and ready for exploration.

Cumberland Trail State Park website

Environmental and Nature based field trips. Guided and Self Guided Options available. They offer a variety of educational programs for schools and homeschool groups. All programs can be customized to fit your curriculum and the needs of your group.

Audubon Acres website

The National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in the heart of downtown Chattanooga brings to life the amazing stories of ordinary people who demonstrated extraordinary heroism under the most difficult circumstances. Spending an hour or more here will inspire your group with the values demonstrated by Medal of Honor recipients - Patriotism, Citizenship, Courage, Integrity, Sacrifice and Commitment. Your group is sure to leave encouraged knowing that they too have the potential to be a hero. Your visit can be tailored to reinforce and expand on content covered in your "classroom".

National Medal of Honor Heritage Center website

Our educational programs aim to cultivate and inspire an interest in science and the importance of nature with hands-on, experiential learning that leaves a lasting impact on kids of all ages. Field Trips can be self guided $5.50 per Student and $10 per Adult for Self Guided. Please Call for rates on Guided Programs. Full list of Programs on website.

Reflection Riding Arboretum website

The Coker Museum is located inside World Famous Honest Charley Speed Shop. Inside you will find vintage cars, hot rods, motorcycles, trucks, buses, airplanes, rare engines, and memorabilia. You will also be able to view our working woodshop, fabrication area, paint booth, and machine shop. With over 100 vintage cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and even 3 airplanes hanging overhead, the history that can be found here is very impressive. Cost is $10 for adults, $8.00 for children 5-12. Free for children under 5.

The Coker Museum at Honest Charley Speed Shop website

Situated on the shores of scenic Chickamauga Lake not far from the city of Chattanooga is 353-acre Booker T. Washington State Park. The park is named in honor of the famous leader, Booker Taliaferro Washington. Washington was born into slavery at Hale's Ford, Virginia, but with great determination he secured an education and went on to become one of our great Americans. He is perhaps best known as a former president of the Tuskegee Institute, a black organization for higher education.

Booker T. Washington State Park website

Dunbar Cave is located 60 minutes northwest of Nashville and about one and a half miles northeast of downtown Clarksville, TN in Montgomery County. Dunbar Cave is the most prominent of several caves located in this designated natural area. In the roomy mouth of the cave, square dances, radio shows, and big band era concerts were once held.

Dunbar Cave State Park website

Red Clay State Historic Park is located in the extreme southwest corner of Bradley County in Tennessee, just above the Tennessee-Georgia state line.

Red Clay State Park website

The Museum & Cultural Center at 5ive Points is a regional history museum, cultural, and arts center telling the story of the Ocoee Region.

Museum Center at 5ive Points website

The museum main gallery features the permanent exhibit includes a visual display of object and images from the near Eastern and Classical worlds representing over 2,000 years of history.

Biblical Resource Center & Museum website

Cumberland Mountain State Park is situated on the Cumberland Plateau, a segment of the great upland, which extends from western New York to central Alabama. It is said to be the largest timbered plateau in America. This 1,720-acre park was acquired in 1938 as a project of the Farm Security Administration to provide a recreational area for some 250 families selected to homestead on the Cumberland Plateau.

Cumberland Mountain State Park website

Hiwassee Scenic River Park is located on Spring Creek road at U.S. Hwy. 411, the Ocoee river on U.S. Hwy. 64. The Hiwassee was the first river managed in the State Scenic River program. A 23-river mile section, from the N.C. state line to U.S. 411 North of Benton, has been declared a Class III partially developed river. This stretch of river offers canoeing, rafting, fishing, hiking and nature photography. A scenic portion of the John Muir trail winds through the river gorge. Numerous public access sites provide boat-launching ramps. At the Gee Creek campround, picnic areas, sanitary facilities and primitive camping are available. Adjacent is the Gee Creek Wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest.

Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park website

Unconditional surrender of Fort Donelson created jubilation throughout the North and silence in Dixie. It was the North's first major victory of the Civil War.

Fort Donelson National Battlefield website

In 1867, Fort Donelson Cemetery was established as the final resting for Union soldiers and sailors initially buried in the Fort Donelson area.

Fort Donelson National Cemetery website

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is open from daylight to dark each day. The Visitors Center, which houses an interpretive facility with information, historic displays, and a theater, is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Picnicking is available at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park with tables and grills provided. A two-mile fitness trail constructed jointly between the park and adjacent hospital is also available.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park website

The park was named for General Nathan Bedford Forrest, the intrepid Confederate cavalry leader, who on November 4, 1864, attacked and destroyed the federal supply and munitions depot at (Old) Johnsonville at the mouth of Trace Creek. His operations were concentrated along the river in the vicinity of the park and the town of Eva.

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park website

Park Activities/Amenities:Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking Trails and Picnic Facilities.

Bledsoe Creek State Park website

This is America's most visited national park. Famous for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and Southern Appalachian mountain culture.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park website

Children and adults alike will have the opportunity to learn about natural history in an exciting and engaging environment with the new 7,000-square foot annex. The building will feature a rooftop outdoor classroom with a weather monitoring station, a cafe, an indoor wet lab, and a second outdoor classroom. Excavations for this year have begun on the fossil site. Visitors can tour the fossil site and see the paleontologists hard at work in a fossil dig pit.

Gray Fossil Museum website

We are a small farm just south of Greeneville, TN. We have a Gift Shoppe, Event Hall, Small Playground & Games along with farm animal feeding. We would love to have your group or individual family visit and enjoy a Day of Family Fun on the Farm.

Gnome Hollow at Dixon Hill Farms website

The site honors the life of the 17th President, Andrew Johnson. Johnson is known as the Defender of the Constitution for his work to reunify a nation torn apart by civil was after the assissination of President Lincoln.

Andrew Johnson National Historic Site website

Recently planted native wild flowers draw hummingbirds, butterflies and nature lovers to Big Cypress Tree State Park in Weakley County. The 17 distinctive wild flower beds are complemented by a number of benches that make it easy for visitors to relax and watch wildlife. These gardens are a wonderful place to see beautiful colors, enjoy nature or even practice your photography.

Big Cypress Tree website

Offering tours of the farm to homeschool groups. Herb & Plow is a certified naturally grown fruit and vegetable farm. This certification abides by the organic standards based on the USDAs National Organic Plan(NOP), and requires regular farm inspections implemented by other CNG farmers. The farm grows over 50+ varieties of fruits and veggies.

Herb & Plow farm website

The 1,200-acre Harrison Bay State Park, with approximately 40 miles of Chickamauga Lake shoreline, was originally developed as a Tennessee Valley Authority recreation demonstration area in the 1930's. This beautiful wooded park is a haven for campers, boaters and fishermen, as well as picnickers and other day-use visitors from Chattanooga and the surrounding tri-state area.

Harrison Bay State Park website

Chickasaw State Rustic Park is situated on some of the highest terrain in west Tennessee. A park recreation director, on duty during the summer months, conducts group games, arts and crafts, evening movies, campfire programs and hay rides.

Chickasaw State Park website

The Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) is Sumner County's premier arts organization. Art exhibitions are completely free to the public. Goodwill donations are accepted, and all funds are used to support arts education and outreach activities.

Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center website

The 1,642 acre Fort Pillow, located in Lauderdale County on the Chickasaw Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, is rich in both historic and archaeological significance. In 1861, the Confederate Army built extensive fortifications here and named the site for General Gideon J. Pillow of Maury County. Because of its strategic location, the fort was taken by the Union Army who controlled it during most of the war. Remains of the earthworks are well-preserved.

Fort Pillow State Historic Park website

Long Hunter State Park is situated along the shore of J. Percy Priest Lake. It consists of four units: Couchville, Baker's Grove, Bryant Grove and Sellars Farm. Picnicking, swimming, hiking, backpacking, boating, fishing, nature photography and wildlife observation are among the activities available to park visitors. Planned activities include interpretive and recreation programs for the general public and environmental education programs for school and other interested groups.

Long Hunter State Park website

Standing Stone State Park covers nearly 11,000 acres on the Cumberland Plateau of north-central Tennessee. The quaint and rustic park is noted for its outstanding scenery, spring wildflowers, fossils and other natural diversity.

Standing Stone State Park website

Situated in a remote section of the upper Cumberland Plateau, Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is known for its geological, botanical, and scenic wonders. The park lies within the 19,200-acre Pickett State Forest, and adjacent to the massive 120,000 acre Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, both areas containing prime wilderness country. Visitors to the park can explore large rock houses, natural sandstone bridges, scenic bluffs, and wild mountain streams. Spring brings dazzling displays of wildflowers, summer an abundance of blackberries and wild blueberries, and autumn a patchwork of colors to the countryside. The park memorializes and preserves the unique work of the Civilian Conservation Corps CCC, who first developed the park.

Pickett State Park website

Indian Mountain State Park is a multi-use facility in Campbell County near Tennessee's northern border. In addition to providing camping and recreation opportunities, the 200-acre park is unique in that it was developed on reclaimed strip mine land. Park visitors can enjoy fishing at the two small lakes, picnicking, camping, and two walking trails. Park visitors have the opportunity to view a variety of wildlife.

Indian Mountain State Park website

Warriors' Path State Park was named for the park's proximity to the ancient war and trading path used by the Cherokee. Since that time, the park land has known a long history of travelers, and is still a pathway for modern-day outdoor enthusiasts. The 950-acre area was acquired from the Tennessee Valley Authority is 1952, to serve the people who live in or visit this section of Northeast Tennessee. It is situated on the shores of TVA's Patrick Henry Reservoir on the Holston River.

Warriors' Path State Park website

This unique linear park located along the Harpeth River in Middle Tennessee offers natural, cultural, and recreational day use areas rich in historic significance and natural beauty. Canoe access areas are located at all sites (excluding archeological areas) providing beginner and advanced paddlers opportunities to float this beautiful class II river.

Harpeth River State Park website

History speaks through the Museum of East Tennessee History's permanent and changing exhibits, which focus on East Tennessee's rich history and heritage. Traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian and other venues also share special stories from our past. The Museum's new permanent signature exhibit, Voices of The Land: The People of East Tennessee.

East Tenneessee Historical Museum website

This 4,038-acre park, located on the Norris Reservoir, began in 1933 as the first Tennessee Valley Authority project. Miles of trails lead hikers through deeply forested valleys and ridges. Many other attractions await your finding at Norris Dam State Park.

Norris Dam State Park website

David Crockett State Park was dedicated in May of 1959, in honor of one of Tennessee's most famous native sons.

David Crockett State Park website

Cedars of Lebanon State Park is named for the dense cedar forest that existed in the Biblical lands of Lebanon. The park contains 900 acres which are used for intensive recreation. An additional 8,100 acres are operated by the park Division as a natural area and by the Forestry Division as a State Forest.

Cedars of Lebanon State Park website

Davy Crockett's Birthplace has been preserved by the State of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation as an historic site within the state park system. The site consists of 105 partially wooded acres of land along the Nolichucky River in Greene County, Tennessee.

Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park website

This 1, 247-acre area is located on the east banks of the Tennessee River in the state's picturesque Western valley. Tradition has it that Mousetail Landing received its name during the Civil War period when one of the area's tanning companies caught fire. The exodus of mice fleeing the burning tannery was so profuse that the area in proximity of the park became known as Mousetail Landing. The scenic Buffalo River flows nearby, providing opportunity for family canoe float trips.

Mousetail Landing State Park website

This State Archaeological Park is dedicated to the preservation, protection, study and interpretation to the public of this significant survival of ancient culture. The park offers educational and entertaining programs, which increase understanding of the Old Stone Fort, archaeology, and Native American cultures. The museum includes exhibits that orientate the visitor to the Old Stone Fort and its setting, the hilltop enclosure mound site's broader significance and the culture of its builders.

Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park website

The heavily forested, 3,687-acre park lies on the southern shore of TVA's Norris Reservoir approximately 25 miles north of Knoxville. Visitors to the park will find a wealth of activities to meet any interest from guided nature tours to backcountry camping.

Big Ridge State Park website

T.O. Fuller State Park was the first state park east of the Mississippi River open to African Americans and only the second in the nation. The park was later changed from Shelby Bluffs to T.O. Fuller State Park in 1942 in honor of Dr. Thomas O. Fuller who spent his life empowering and educating African Americans.

T.O. Fuller State Park website

The Brooks is your art museum, a place where you can experience the transformative power of art. As one of the largest and most innovative art museum in the American South, the Brooks is recognized nationally for the museum's innovative educational programs, continual community outreach, and world-class art collection.

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art website

Bordering on the mighty Mississippi River, two-thirds of this 13,467-acre park are bottomland hardwood forests of large oak, cypress and tupelo. The park also contains two lakes and many miles of hiking trails. The Meeman Museum and Nature Center is named for Edward J. Meeman, courageous conservation editor of Scripps-Howard newspapers who helped establish this park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park maintains a boat ramp on the Mississippi River. Deer, turkey, beaver and some 200 species of birds are abundant.

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park website

South Cumberland is one of the newer Tennessee State park. Almost all of our park lies atop the Cumberland Plateau and, unlike most state park, ours is made up of ten different areas located in four different counties. The Visitor Center is located between Monteagle and Tracy City on Highway 41. From here the various components of our park are managed. Visitors can also obtain information and directions from the visitor center.

South Cumberland State Park website

Panther Creek State Park, covering approximately 1,435 acres, is located on the shores of Cherokee Reservoir, an impoundment of the Holston River. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located about 45 miles south.

Panther Creek State Park website

The People's Path and America's First National Scenic Trail. The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is more than 2,175-mile long footpath stretching through 14 eastern states from Maine to Georgia. Conceived in 1921 and first completed in 1937, it traverses the wild, scenic, wooded, pastoral, and culturally significant lands of the Appalachian Mountains.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail website

The Old Natchez Trace was a 500-mile footpath that ran through Choctaw and Chickasaw lands connecting Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. Today there are four separate trails totaling 65 miles and they are administered by the Natchez Trace Parkway. The website offers historical information about the trail for those who cannot visit in person.

Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail website

Stretching 330-miles through four states (Virginia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina) the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail traces the route used by Patriot militia during the pivotal Kings Mountain campaign of 1780. Follow the campaign by utilizing a Commemorative Motor Route which uses existing state highways marked with the distinctive trail logo, or 87 miles of walkable trails. The website offers historical information about the park for those who cannot visit in person.

The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail website

The Battle of Stones River began on the last day of 1862 and was one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War. The website offers historical information about the battle for those who cannot visit in person.

Stones River National Battlefield website

Learn about the history of the cemetery and search our list for soldiers buried there.

Stones River National Cemetery website

Adventure Science Center is Nashville's hands-on science and technology museum. In addition to interactive exhibits on human biology, space, music and sound, physical science, virtual reality, and physics, Adventure Science Center is home to the Sudekum Planetarium. See an educational planetarium show, explore science and leave enriched!

Adventure Science Center website

Madame Tussauds Nashville is focused on American musical Icons, and provides an interactive experience where your students have the opportunity to step into iconic musical scenes from past and present in a way that is educational and fun. Nashville's newest school field trip option offers additional workshop experiences for a more in depth look at the 250 year history and artistry of our amazing wax figures. $9 Museum Admission $3 Workshops.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum website

A unique collection of vehicles that crosses curriculum boundaries. Your ride includes stops around the globe with lessons in art, engineering, design, history, politics, mathematics, and language. At Lane Motor Museum, the collection items are used as tangible teaching tools! Learning Lane (Experiential Learning K-12) Self-Guided Tours, Guided Activities, Demonstrations, Customizable Tours, and Learning Lane on the Move Program Price: $6 per student or $3 per student with a group rate. Lil' Learning Lane (Preschool Programs) Geared towards ages 3-5. Every 4th Thursday 10:30-11:30AM

Lane Motor Museum website

Radnor Lake State Park is located in Davidson County in the midst of the Overton Hills, south of Metropolitan Nashville in the Oak Hill Community. This natural area provides a variety of scenic spots and a diversity of natural habitats ranging from the lake, to streams and placid sloughs. Wildlife and numerous species of plants are in abundance. It is a place that provides scenic, biological, geological, and passive recreational opportunities not found in other metropolitan areas of Nashville's size.

Radnor Lake State Park website

The Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is located in the shadow of the State Capitol in downtown Nashville. The 19-acre park is designed to complement the Tennessee Capitol Building, give visitors a taste of Tennessee's history and natural wonders, and to serve as a lasting monument to Tennessee's Bicentennial celebration.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park website

The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway commemorates an ancient trail that connected southern portions of the Mississippi River, through Alabama, to salt licks in today's central Tennessee. Today, visitors can experience this National Scenic Byway and All-American Road through driving, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping. The website offers historical information about the parkway for those who cannot visit in person.

Natchez Trace Parkway website

Located off U.S. Hwy. 70, the park is named for Military Governor Andrew Johnson. This 600-acre park on the eastern side of Kentucky Lake overlooks the site of the Battle of Johnsonville. Interpretive tours are available.

Johnsonville State Historic Park website

AMSE tells the story of national and global security, science, research, engineering, technology development, and environmental restoration successes that have occurred in Oak Ridge since the very first days of the Manhattan Project. The museum also has several educational programs and traveling exhibits.

AMSE - American Museum of Science and Energy website

Encompassing 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. The area boasts miles of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, is rich with natural and historic features and has been developed to provide visitors with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area website

The historic park includes the York family farm and the grist mill he operated for many years on the banks of the Wolf River.

Sgt. Alvin C. York Historic Park website

Pickwick Landing State Park is located just south of Pickwick Dam, 12 miles south of Savannah, TN., in Hardin County. The lake and river offer excellent fishing, boating, swimming and a marina. Accommodations on the park include a modern Inn and Restaurant, cabins and camping. There is also a beautiful and challenging golf course. The park contains 1,400 acres of forested hills and hollows. There is a 2.8 mile trail to explore and enjoy the wildlife and plant life around the lake. Picnicking, swimming and play fields are also available.

Pickwick Landing State Park website

A paradise of more than 20,000 acres sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged Cumberland Plateau, Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of the most scenic and spectacular outdoor recreation areas in America. Laced with cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams, and lush stands of virgin hardwood timber, the park beckons those who enjoy nature at her finest. While Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is the highest waterfall in the eastern United States, other waterfalls in the park are Piney and Cane Creek Falls and Cane Creek Cascades.

Fall Creek Falls State Park website

Pinson Mounds, one of two state archaeological park, is a special park, set aside to protect the prehistoric remains found there. Managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's Division of State park, the Pinson Mounds grouping consists of at least 15 earthen mounds, a geometic enclosure, habitation areas and related earthworks in an area that incorporates almost 1,200 acres. Pinson Mounds is a national historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park website

Big Hill Pond State Park lies in the southwestern part of McNairy County and encompasses approximately 5,000 acres of magnificent timberland and hardwood bottom land. Cypress Creek and Tuscumbia River border the property. Several oxbow lakes and sloughs add to the waterway. The flood plain adjacent to both the Tuscumbia River and Cypress Creek contains small oxbow lakes and swamp areas which are desirable habitat for waterfowl, wildlife and fishing.

Big Hill Pond State Park website

Roan Mountain State Park encompasses 2,006 acres of southern Appalachian forest at the base of 6,285 foot Roan Mountain. Park elevation ranges from 3,000 feet in the valley to around 3,700 feet on surrounding ridges. Rich hardwood forests allow for a great diversity of life and a wide range of outdoor activities. Park guests have opportunities to hike along creeks and ridges, fish for trout, play tennis, swim, tour a century old farmhouse, join rangers and naturalists for educational programs, and enjoy mountain music concerts.

Roan Mountain State Park website

The scenic beauty of this wooded park is dominated by the Great Falls of the Caney Fork River - an imposing limestone gorge (called a gulf in southern culture). It provides scenic overlooks, waterfalls and deep pools for fishing, rock-hopping and exploring. Located at the confluence of the Collins and Caney Fork Rivers, this 883-acre park has a natural sand beach on Center Hill Resevoir. Historic features of the park include a 19th century textile mill and one of Tennessee's early hydroelectric plants

Rock Island State Park website

Shiloh National Military Park contains four important Civil War entities: Shiloh Battlefield, Shiloh National Cemetery, Shiloh Indian Mounds, and Corinth Battlefield. The website offers historical information about the park for those who cannot visit in person.

Shiloh National Military Park website

Shiloh National Cemetery was established in 1866 and has more than 3,500 Union graves. In 1933 responsibility of the cemetery was transferred from the War Department to the National Park Service.

Shiloh National Cemetery website

Edgar Evins State Park is located on one of the most beautiful reservoirs in Tennessee. Wildlife is abundant and includes three different owl species, numerous hawks and wintering bald eagles as well as the rare Cerulean Warbler, a summer resident of the park's mixed hardwood forests, which include stands of Tulip Poplar, Oak, Hickory, Buckeye and Wild Cherry. An observation tower at the Visitor Center offers a spectacular view of Center Hill Lake and the surrounding hillsides.

Edgar Evins State Park website

Offering a variety of field trip options on a range of topics from Tennessee History to Hands-on living history farm days. Groups or Co-ops can book a program of their choice from our website or individual homeschooling families can join one of the 5 Homeschool Field Trip Days scheduled for each school year. All ages and grades are incorporated into these programs to allow full families a learning opportunity.

Historic Sam Davis Home and Museum website

The park commemorates the survival of the Cherokee people and their forced removal from their homelands in the Southeastern United States in the 1840s. More than 16,000 Cherokee traveled by foot, horse, wagon, or steamboat along this path with devestating consequences between 1838-1839.

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail website

Burgess Falls State Natural Area, located in Middle Tennessee, lies on the eastern edge of Tennessee's Highland Rim adjacent to the Cumberland Plateau and is noted for its natural beauty. Sheer bluffs, narrow ridges, rolling water and abundant mixed forest, characterize this area. The Falling Water River drops approximately 250 feet, providing numerous waterfalls, breathtaking scenery and overlooks. The park is home to over 300 species trees and plants and an abundance of wildlife. Park visitors can visit the large Native Butterfly Garden located adjacent to the upper parking lot.

Burgess Falls State Park website

Honeysuckle Hill Offers field trips for K-4th grade that include a Plant Life Tour and Rockin' Tour. $8 per person. The Plant Life Tour geared toward children in K-2nd discusses the different stages of the plant life, parts of the plant and what plants need to grow. Students get to plant a seed that they take home. The Rockin' Tour geared toward children in 3rd-4th teaches that rocks and minerals are non-living material found in the ground that can be very useful in our lives. Students get their hands wet panning for gemstones in our Gemstone Sluice, taking their treasures home.

Honeysuckle Hill Farm website

Reelfoot Lake State Park, located in the northwest corner of Tennessee, is one of the greatest hunting and fishing preserves in the nation. The lake encompasses 25,000 acres (15,000 of which are water) and harbors almost every kind of shore and wading bird, as well as the golden and American bald eagles. Other animals are also diverse and abundant here. Its many species of flowering and non-flowering plants attract botany enthusiasts from all over the country. Cypress dominates the margins of the lake, but many other trees and shrubs are also present.

Reelfoot Lake State Park website

This 1,200-acre site is the location of one of the earliest British fortifications on the western frontier, built in 1756. Nearby were the principal towns of the Cherokee Nation including Tenase, namesake of our state, and Tuskegee, birthplace of the genius Sequoyah, commemorated by the Cherokee Nation's Museum. Today the fort and the 1794 Tellico Blockhouse overlook TVA's Tellico Reservoir and the Appalachian Mountains.

Fort Loudoun State Park website

Frozen Head State Park and Natural Area is situated in the beautiful Cumberland Mountains of eastern Tennessee. The 13,122 acres of relatively undisturbed forest contain some of the richest wildflowers areas in Tennessee. The mountainous terrain varies from an elevation of 1,340 feet to over 3,000 feet on 16 different mountain peaks. Frozen Head, elevation of 3,324, is one of the highest peaks in Tennessee west of the Great Smoky Mountains. From its observation tower on a clear day, one can plainly see the Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee Ridge and Valley, and the Great Smoky Mountains. In winter, the mountain peaks are often capped with snow or ice while the lower valleys remain unadorned, thus giving the park's namesake, Frozen Head. The park's lush vegetation, small streams, waterfalls and beautiful mountains make Frozen Head one of Tennessee's most scenic park.

Frozen Head State Park website

Experiencing the Obed - The Obed Wild and Scenic River looks much the same today as it did when the first white settlers strolled its banks in the late 1700s. While meagerly populated due to poor farming soil, the river was a hospitable fishing and hunting area for trappers and pioneers. Today, the Obed stretches along the Cumberland Plateau and offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.

Obed Wild and Scenic River website

With the many acres of scenic woodlands, the park includes four lakes, a swimming beach, a 47 room resort inn and restaurant complex, cabins, group lodge, camping areas, picnicking sites, playgrounds, a ball field, a regulation pistol firing range, picturesque hiking trails, a wrangler camp, 250 miles of horse riding trails, a park store, and archery range.

Natchez Trace State Park website

Tims Ford State Park, located on the Tims Ford Reservoir in the rolling hills of southern middle Tennessee, is an outstanding recreational area and fishing paradise. Long before the construction of Tims Ford Dam on the headwaters of the Elk River, the area was used extensively by the Indians as a hunting and fishing territory. Archaeological excavations uncovered numerous artifacts and occupational sites, indicating that man had occupied the area as much as 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.

Tims Ford State Park website

Most Popular Posts

• Choosing the Best Homeschool Curriculum
• Going from Homeschooling to Public School
• High School Transcript Template
• Homeschool Curriculum Reviews
• Homeschool Planner Files
• What Curriculum Should I Use For My Preschooler?
• What to Use Instead of Homeschool Curriculum
• Get Started Homeschooling
• Getting Homeschool Discounts
• Getting Your Homeschool Organized
• Homeschooling FAQs
• Quickstart Guide to Homeschooling
• The Importance of Deschooling
• What About Socialization

Homeschool Helps

• 6 Steps To Get Started Homeschooling
• High School & Beyond
• Homeschool Field Trips
• Homeschooling on a Budget
• Lapbooks in the Homeschool
• Notebooks in the Homeschool
• Sources for Used Curriculum
• Timelines in the Homeschool

Latest Blog Posts

• Pathways to Reading Homeschool Review
• How We Homeschool 10th Grade: Outsourcing, Interest-Led, and Box-Checking
• 10 YouTube Channels For Kids Who Love The Great Outdoors
• Colleges That Have Accepted Homeschooled Students
• Homeschool Dual Enrollment & More: Earn College Credit While Homeschooling

Popular Topics

• Benefits of Homeschooling
• Transcripts and Record-Keeping
• What to Use Instead of Curriculum
• Right-Brained Learning

As featured on

• Outreach Performances & Programs
• Fundraising
• Field trip lesson plans
• Field Trips Grants
• Service Learning
• Hot Springs
• Little Rock
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Statewide / Region
• Daytona Beach
• Fort Lauderdale
• Gainesville
• Jacksonville
• Orlando-Metro
• Palm Beach Metro
• Space Coast
• Tallahassee
• St. Augustine
• St Petersburg-Clearwater
• Atlanta-Metro
• Chicago-Metro
• Springfield
• Central Region
• East Region
• Indianapolis
• North Region
• South Central Region
• South Region
• West Region
• Bowling Green
• Baton Rouge
• New Orleans
• Baltimore-Metro
• The Berkshires
• Boston-Metro
• Cape Cod/Plymouth
• Greater Lowell
• Greater Springfield
• Capital-River Region
• Delta Region
• Gulf Coast Region
• Hills Region
• Pines Region
• Jefferson City
• Kansas City
• Springfield-MO
• Delaware River Region
• Gateway Region NJ
• Greater Atlantic City
• Shore Region
• Skylands Region
• Southern Shore Region
• Capital District Region
• Central New York Region
• Finger Lakes Region
• Hudson Valley Region
• Long Island
• Mohawk Valley Region
• New York City
• North Country Region
• Southern Tier Region
• Western New York Region
• Canton Ohio
• Cincinnati Ohio
• Cleveland Ohio
• Columbus Ohio
• Oklahoma City
• Allegheny Mts. & Valleys
• Gettysburg/York
• Harrisburg-Metro
• Lakes & Erie Regions
• Lancaster-Metro
• Lehigh Valley
• Philadelphia Metro
• Pittsburgh & Laurel Highlands
• The Poconos
• Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
• Chattanooga
• East Tennessee
• Middle Tennessee
• The Smokies
• West Tennessee
• Bryan - College Station
• Corpus Christi
• Dallas/Fort Worth
• Panhandle Plains Region
• San Antonio
• Central Virginia
• Chesapeake Bay Region
• Coastal Virginia -Eastern Shore
• Coastal Virginia-Hampton Roads
• Northern Virginia
• Shenandoah Valley
• Southern Virginia
• Southwest Virginia-Blue Ridge Highlands
• Southwest Virginia-Heart of the Appalachia
• Virginia Mountains
• Martinsburg
• Madison Wisconsin

East Tennessee Field Trips

The FieldTripDirectory.com is a resource for field trips for students, camp groups, homeschool groups and scout troops for day field trips, overnight field trips and youth retreats. Learn about Tennessee’s museums, zoos and aquariums, botanic gardens, nature centers, historic sites, amusement parks, recreation, performing arts and more in East Tennessee. CLICK on the ACTIVITY FILTER below to learn about these types of field trips.

• Financial Support
• Children's Museums & Indoor Fun
• Historic Places
• History Behind-the-Scenes Tours
• History Museums, Exhibits & Sites
• Multicultural & Heritage
• Sports History
• Transportation: Boats, Planes, Trains, & Trollies
• Agricultural Education
• Aquariums, Marine Life, Hatcheries
• Birds, Butterflies, Bees
• Botanical Gardens & Arboreta
• Caves, Canyons, Mines & Gorges
• Environmental Studies, Outdoor Education, Conservation, Sustainability
• Farms, Mazes, Pick-Your-Own
• Mineral & Gemstone Panning
• Planetariums & Astronomy
• Science Museums & Exhibits
• Zoos, Wildlife, Safari Tours, Reptiles, Animal Shows, Vertebrates
• Community Service Learning
• Art Museums, Design, Exhibits, Photography & Films
• Arts & Crafts
• Early Childhood
• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School

American Museum of Science Energy

American Museum of Science and Energy is a science museum focuses about energy, especially nuclear power, and the role Oak Ridge played in the Manhattan Project.

Appalachian Caverns

Appalachian Caverns is well-known caverns with guided tours, ranging from easy to advanced and access to a picnic area. There are also campsites & a gem mine.

Beck Cultural Exchange Center

The Beck Cultural Exchange center features a range of local & national African-American history thru exhibits & artifacts that focus on the pioneers and trailblazers of yesterday.

Bessie Smith Cultural Center

Bessie Smith Cultural Center, an African-American history museum with exhibits on civil rights, jazz & local figures with tours and events.

Blout Mansion

Blount Mansion , the birthplace of the state of Tennessee and your Field Trip destination for statehood week, US history, colonial government, and life in the 18th century.

Bristol Caverns

Bristol Caverns, one of the oldest attractions in northeast Tennessee features a guided tour of ancient caverns with unique mineral formations & an underground river.

Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center

The Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center memorializes the history of our nation’s highest military award for valor, from 1863 to the present.

Chickamauga National Military Park

Chattanooga National Military Park supports field trips, guided tours, in-school curriculum materials and on-site service learning and volunteer opportunities for students and scout groups.

Coker Museum

The Coker Museum houses Corky Coker’s personal collection with over 100 vintage cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and even 3 airplanes hanging overhead.

Cravens House

This historical mountain home & Civil War battle site, Cravens House, is part of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park. Nearby hiking trails and guided tours can be arranged.

Creative Discovery Museum

Creative Discovery Museum is a children’s museum contains art, music, and field science areas, a water-themed zone, a rooftop exhibit and an inventor’s workshop.

East Tennessee History Center

The East Tennessee History Center focuses on East Tennessee regional & national history in permanent & visiting exhibits of artifacts, art & Civil War items thru tours & hands-on activities.

• Stay Inspired

Get exclusive stories delivered right to your inbox.

Please use a valid email address.

Check your email — trip inspiration will be hitting your inbox soon.

Travel is good for the soul.

We'll email you inspiration.

• Chattanooga
• Pigeon Forge
• Sevierville
• Explore all cities & regions
• Eat & Drink
• Outdoor Adventure
• Scenic Trips
• Explore all Experiences
• Things to Do
• Places to Stay
• Event Calendar
• Trails & Byways
• Trip Inspiration
• Tennessee Music Pathways
• Kid Reviewed
• TN Playcation
• Explore all ways to plan

An Unforgettable Road Trip Through East Tennessee

How a weekend exploring Chattanooga and Knoxville turned a couple Austinites into lifelong fans of Tennessee.

My name is Hunter Lawrence and my wife Sarah and I own a photography and marketing businesses out of Austin, Texas. We had the privilege of exploring Eastern Tennessee, starting in Chattanooga and making our way up north through Knoxville and eventually arrive in Bristol.

Day 1: It all begins…Exploring Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Gorge.

Our trek to Tennessee started at 5:30a.m. The coffee was brewed, car packed, and together with our pup Aspen, we were ready to roll. There’s always this unique excitement that wells up inside us whenever we are heading out to a destination we’ve never experienced before. The navigation said it would take us 17 hours to make the trek to Eastern TN from Austin, Texas and let me tell you, every hour of that drive was worth what we were about to experience.

Chattanooga Choo Choo

Our first morning started off on the right foot, waking up in our tent on the Tennessee Georgia border, just shy of the city. When we arrived in Chattanooga we headed straight to our hotel, The Chattanooga Choo Choo , an incredibly unique hotel that operates out of a former railroad station and offers guests the option to stay in converted rail cars literally sitting on the train track (obviously not in use anymore haha). It was also dog friendly, which we really appreciated.

Tennessee Aquarium

From there we grabbed a quick breakfast and headed to the Tennessee Aquarium for a look at some really amazing exhibits. The location is by far the coolest location of any aquarium I’ve ever seen, sitting right on the Tennessee River. The entire aquarium is set up for you to travel through it as if you were drops of rain in the ecosystem. Escalators move you from level to level allowing you to see everything from local river otters to the new Lemur Forest. We had a blast getting lost in the various environments and found it to be a great way to start our trip.

Songbirds Guitar Museum

After our visit to the Aquarium, we made our way to Songbirds Guitar Museum . The museum is one of Chattanooga’s newest additions and apparently has the largest collection of vinatge guitars in the USA. We really enjoyed seeing the progression of how guitars varied from different decades, and loved getting access to the private vault, where we got to see some of the rarest and most prized guitars in the world. It was truly a special place to visit.

Tennessee River Gorge

The thing we really appreciated about Chattanooga was its easy access to nature. Sarah and I love the outdoors, and really value getting out with our dog Aspen and hiking for miles. We found that this city really appreciated nature as much as we do, and has some of the most accessible trails of any city we’ve ever visited. We asked a few locals what the one spot was that we had to see before leaving town and everyone agreed it was Signal Point. The drive alone was worth the trip; it’s a quick 10-15 trek out of the city but the entire time you’re winding around little mountain roads up to this small parking lot that sits on the edge of the Tennessee River Gorge.  At first we considered just watching the sunset from there, but then we noticed a hiking trail that led you even closer to the river and would give us a completely unobstructed view of the River Valley! I’m telling you, we’ve seen a lot of really beautiful places, but this view, especially at sunset, was one of the most stunning.

Day 2: Exploring the vibrant city of Knoxville and the edges of the Smoky Mountains.

The next morning we grabbed a quick breakfast and coffee at Revelator Coffee Co, and then made the 2-hour trek northeast to Knoxville. We didn’t really know what to expect from Knoxville. We had heard that it was a city currently going through some revitalization, but to be honest, we didn’t have any reference point for what it would be like.

THE TENNESSEAN Hotel

We were welcomed with the warmest of greetings at The Tennessean Hotel . The hotel staff was by far one of the friendliest staff we’ve ever interacted with. Come to find out, it was the hotel’s opening day, which made our time there all the more special. We took an easy 5-minute walk to Market Square and were met by hundreds of people enjoying a beautiful sunny Saturday morning. We LOVED the energy of the square. From there we walked north and enjoyed amazing coffee at Remedy Coffee.

J.C. Holdway

The night continued with dinner at one of Knoxville’s newest restaurants, J.C. Holdway , a beautiful farm to table restaurant serving up some amazing local fare and thoughtfully crafted mixed drinks.  Everything from the appetizers to the dessert was absolutely spot on; definitely don’t miss having a meal there when you visit.  

Navitat Knoxville

Before arriving in Tennessee, we were told that we would be doing an adventure night course at a spot called Navitat . We grew up doing summer camp and on occasion did ropes courses and such, but really didn’t know what this experience would be like. We arrived at the course and after a 5-minute hike through the forest showed up at a fully lit up adventure-forest-world that looked like something out of Avatar.

Seriously, what’s better than zip lining through the forest at night? It was such a fun and memorable experience, and one Sarah and I will talk about for years to come.

Day 3: Southern Food for the Win and the Birthplace of Country Music.

The next morning we felt like we had only skimmed the surface on all the great food we had been hearing about in Knoxville, so we headed to a quaint breakfast spot called OliBea in the old part of the city. Ya’ll, we’re from Austin so we know what good food is, and OliBea’s breakfast is darn good. The space is has a great vibe and best of all, served some truly authentic southern cuisine sourced from local farms in the area.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

From there, we made the easy hour and a half trip north to the birthplace of country music, Bristol, Tennessee. Our stay was brief, but memorable nonetheless. We immediately headed to the Bristol Motor Speedway to check out this world-renowned racetrack. I’ve never stepped foot in such a massive space in my life. They were paving the track for an upcoming race so we weren’t able to take a car around the track, but we enjoyed hiking up the hundreds of steps to the top of the arena and checking out the views. We honestly have never been too interested in Nascar, but we walked away with a deeper appreciation for the sport.

Overall, what more could you want in a trip? From the amazing food of Knoxville to the natural beauty of Chattanooga, we feel like we experienced an area that is a true gem in the states. Our trip offered us everything from amazing adventurous hikes, to world-class cuisine, and everything in between. Tennessee, you were amazing… we can’t wait to return!

Places in this article

The Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic Hotel has Victorian Train Car hotel rooms right in Downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga on the beautiful riverfront, the Tennessee Aquarium is the top-rated aquarium for guest satisfaction.

Navigate 27 miles of the beautiful Tennessee River and 27,000 acres carved through the Cumberland Mountains for an incredibly closeup look at wildlife, nature, history and culture.

Revelator Coffee Company

We believe in cultivating meaningful experiences

THE TENNESSEAN Hotel, Knoxville's only AAA Four Diamond award hotel, is an 82-room personal luxury hotel just steps from the city's iconic Market Square featuring beautiful mountain views.

By using wood-fire techniques, we provide a nod to cooking in an old-world way.

A totally unique — and totally fun! — tree-based adventure park.

NASCAR and NHRA Fans #1 Facility. The Last Great Colosseum. Thunder Valley.

Inspiration just for you

We have a hunch these experiences might be right up your alley.

Spring & Summer Festivals in Tennessee

It's time to start planning for a spring and summer vacation.

Get in Touch (Literally) With Nature at the Tennessee Aquarium

Chattanooga is filled with Tennessee experiences. Just ask lifestyle blogger, Anna Liesemeyer of In Honor of Design, who recently took her family to experience them.

Experience These Knoxville Restaurants

Get a Made in Tennessee taste in Knoxville.

A Made in Tennessee Journey to Knoxville

Culture, creativity, and a wealth of music options, Knoxville beckons with its laid back sophistication.

Tennessee Appalachian History Comes to Life at Museum of Appalachia

A visual feast of the treasures that wait at Museum of Appalachia.

Sign up to receive trip ideas and inspiration from Tennessee Tourism.

No thanks, I’m not into adventure Read our Privacy Policy

Adventure Awaits

World-Famous Grand Ole Opry 

Experience where country music stars and fans align. 

Outland Expeditions

Raft the world famous Ocoee River! Give us a call at 800.827.1442.

SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland

This Is Not A Waterpark. This Is Your New Happy Place.

Get your free 2024 Tennessee vacation guide

Discover the best of Tennessee as told by the people who make it so special.

Get Tennessee Inspiration Sent Straight to your inbox

Build your family’s

EAST TENNESSEE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Calendar of Events   |  Mugs & Steins

ETGS Web Site: Established July 17, 1999 & Updated June 25, 2023 Questions or comments about ETGS or this web site should be directed to [email protected]

Like ETGS on Facebook