Tennessee is, indeed, a jam-packed tourist destination. It is picturesque, features a rich history and countless attractions (from museums to natural parks), and has a glamorous music culture. Whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with your entire squad, Tennessee is bound to give you something you will remember for a lifetime.
For someone planning a trip to Tennessee for the first time, it is natural to feel lost or unaware of how to plan a fun and engaging vacation. One of the many great things about Tennessee is that it doesn’t fall short regarding fun activities and places. Tennessee provides you with an endless supply of enjoyable activities, such as learning about the wonders of nature, touring wildlife sanctuaries, strolling through lovely flowerbeds, exploring historic places, and much more.
However, with so many fantastic options, narrowing them down can seem impossible. But fear not, as this article will help you build your itinerary.
- Visit the Cherokee National Forest in East Tennessee
One of the best places to visit in Tennessee and have a great time is the Cherokee National Forest, which covers over 630,000 acres. This place is perfect if you want to bring your spouse or friend for a nature retreat. Tall trees, plants, shimmering streams, gorgeous mountains, vivid wildflowers, and other natural characteristics may all be found in the Cherokee National Forest. In terms of activities, there’s a lot you can do here. Whitewater rafting on the Ocoee river is an excellent option if you are here with a group. But before you dive into it, ensure to ask your guide about the Tennessee white water rafting rules and safety precautions.
Besides that, you can camp, hike, observe wildlife, fish, and much more.
- Spend some time at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States. It spans the ridges of the Great Smoky Mountains and most of the Blue Ridge Mountains! The park, one of the first federally sponsored parks in the country and inaugurated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1940, is traversed by the renowned Appalachian Trail.
So, why not add this to your list of things to do while in Tennessee? After exploring the main street, don your walking boots and enjoy the park’s fauna, geology, and culture on one of the many routes, such as the Alum Cave Trail. Bring your cameras and let nature amaze you as you explore the surviving ancient structures of Cades Cove. The best part is that there is no admission charge!
- The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge
Tennessee is home to another fantastic and culturally rich place – The Titanic Museum. It debuted in 2010 and was constructed at half the former ship’s size. Four hundred pre-discovery relics are housed in the museum, built with a lavish $25 million design and shown in twenty galleries. Even though a naval museum might not make sense in a landlocked state, don’t miss out on this fantastic Tennessee experience!
A passenger boarding card bearing the name of an actual Titanic passenger and their class of travel will be handed to you when you first arrive. Put yourself in the passenger’s position as you go through the ship; as it was constructed in a pool, it even gives the impression that it is at sea! Discover whether the person mentioned on your ticket survived during a 2-hour self-guided tour that culminates in the Titanic Memorial Room.
- Graceland in Memphis
Graceland was built in 1939 and is home to the legendary Elvis Presley. Visitors are welcome to take tours of it. You can go inside the residence, where the renowned actor and singer formerly resided, and explore the estate. On the Graceland guided tour, you may learn more about Elvis Presley’s beginnings and life. You can also tour the mansion’s several rooms, including the well-known trophy room, jungle room, pool room, kitchen, bedroom, and many others.
- The Parthenon in Nashville
Visit the Parthenon if you’re seeking things to do in Tennessee, where you can see magnificent works of art. The Parthenon is a full-size copy of the Parthenon in Athens that was built in the 19th century. It is a well-known art gallery that is close to downtown Nashville. Various 19th- and 20th-century sculptures and paintings may be found inside this spectacular structure.
Take a little detour to the Parthenon, where you should spend some time admiring the magnificent artwork. This museum occasionally hosts many entertaining programs for your amusement, such as architecture-focused excursions, a symposium, traditional music performances, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
- The Forbidden Caverns in Sevierville
A fascinating cave network may be found close to the Smoky Mountains called the Forbidden Caverns. This unusual site offers excursions and boasts a highly uncommon onyx cave wall. It took millions of years for this great attraction to form, which is breathtakingly gorgeous.
At the Forbidden Caverns, where you can take a tour with a helpful and knowledgeable guide, explore the area’s natural beauty. This tour includes several activities, such as visiting the caves and learning about their history.
- Museums of the Tennessee Valley Railroad in Chattanooga
Paul H. Merriman and Robert M. Soule, along with their team of railroad preservationists, created the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Their goal was to save steam locomotives and other equipment for use in the future.
This prudence has finally paid off for all of us with this interesting historical museum!
So, take their one-hour steam locomotive excursion or the half-day Hiwassee Loop tour. On the train, take it easy, unwind, and discover more about this fantastic mode of transport and how it changed the nation.
Conclusion
As you can see, Tennessee is loaded with fun, entertaining, and relaxing activities. It doesn’t matter which part of the state you go to; Tennessee will always have something to keep you busy and happy. Another good thing is that Tennessee isn’t just a place to unwind and have fun; it is also quite an educational place. Want to learn about the culture and history of this state? Check out some of the many museums. Want to take in the scenic beauty? Visit the national park. The possibilities are endless.
