The landmarks of Tennessee are lovely and impressive, with the promise of a memorable experience. The state is famous for its vibrant music culture and is home to a few music legends. The capital city, Nashville, is called the Music City and has the artistic vibes and scenes to prove it.
Tennessee is also known for its stunning natural landmarks, from the Great Smoky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains to spectacular waterfalls, caves, and rivers. Here are 20 famous historical sites and landmarks in Tennessee you’ll absolutely love.
Most Famous Landmark In Tennessee
Great Smoky National Park
Great Smoky National Park is undoubtedly the most famous Tennessee landmark. It is between the border of Tennessee and North Carolina.
Great Smoky National Park is renowned for its stunning landscapes and biodiversity. It is one of the world’s biodiversity reserves and home to more than 1,500 bears. There is so much you can do and experience at this spectacular destination.
This National Park is among the most popular and scenic natural landmarks of Tennessee. The Park stretches over 500,000 acres, with cascading waterfalls and many trails.
At this site, you can enjoy a picnic, go hiking, camping, rock climbing, view the wildlife and nature, or visit Cades Cove, a beautiful place with lush grasses and other attractions.
Famous Nashville Landmarks, Tennessee
Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is a live music venue founded by George D. in 1925. It is inarguably one of the most famous landmarks in Tennessee because of the top-notch experiences it hosts.
The venue holds weekly events and offers one-of-a-kind entertainment, great country music, and wonderful experiences you’ll enjoy.
The Grand Ole Opry also runs backstage tours, where you’ll learn about the history of the place and other interesting facts. A visit to the grand ole opry guarantees amazing music, show, talent, sound, and an exceptional experience. It is a must-see destination when visiting fascinating landmarks of Tennessee.
We recommend you purchase a ticket in advance because tickets to the Grand Ole Opry are much sought after.
Gaylord Opryland Resort And Convention Center
The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is the number one resort in Nashville.
It offers open attractions to all, and you don’t need to be a guest at the hotel to enjoy the amenities, events, and attractions the resort offers.
Attractions at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center include a conservatory, a four-acre water park, restaurants, live entertainment, family fun, boat rides, and many more.
The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center offers a fantastic experience, making it one of the famous Tennessee landmarks that locals and visitors like to go to for a fun day out.
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Nashville zoo is a 188-acre zoological garden. The zoo offers exhibits of animals, including the white rhinoceros, spider monkeys, clouded leopards, and many other animals from around the world, alongside the most immersive animal habitat you’ll ever see.
The historic plantation farmhouse and home at Nashville zoo are also some of the interesting historical sites in Tennessee.
Nashville zoo also hosts many unique events, and some of the bathrooms at the zoo even have fun exhibits. The zoo is well-kept, and the animals are well-cared for. You’ll have a fantastic time at this spectacular destination, particularly with curious kids.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the world’s largest museums and research centers dedicated to interpreting and preserving American vernacular music. The museum holds the most extensive musical collections and priceless artifacts.
Amenities include wireless internet, a full-service bar, live music, and more. It is one of the most popular and exciting landmarks in Tennessee. The architecture here is superb. You could easily spend a whole day looking at the exhibits here.
You’ll see so many costumes and outfits country stars have worn. You don’t have to like country music to enjoy a day at one of the famous Tennessee landmarks. Be sure to get your tickets in advance to save time.
Famous Memphis Landmarks, Tennessee
Memphis Zoo
Memphis zoo is one of the Tennessee landmarks that remain popular amongst locals. The zoo is home to about 4000 animals representing 500 species from all over the world. What makes this zoo special is that it mimics the animals’ natural habitats.
You can download the zoo app before visiting to help you plan your trip. The Memphis Zoo offers an exciting experience with lots of exhibits. You may even get the opportunity to feed the giraffes. Within Memphis zoo are a tram and a gift shop. It makes a beautiful destination for a fun family trip.
National Civil Rights Museum
The national civil rights museum is one of the most educational historic sites in Tennessee. The museum exhibits over 260 artifacts and offers presentations, oral histories, films, listening posts, and interactive media that guide visitors through civil rights history and modern-day American history.
It is the place of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and is one of the iconic landmarks of Tennessee. The National Civil Rights Museum offers a valuable, outstanding, and inspiring experience.
It is very informative and a must-see destination among the important Tennessee historical sites for visitors.
Shelby Farms Park
Shelby farms Park is a 4500-acres public farm. It is one of the most extensive urban parks in the world. The Park features over 40 miles of trails, ideal for biking, walking, hiking, running, and bicycling.
The Shelby Farms Park is also home to more than 20 water bodies providing fishing, kayaking, and canoeing opportunities.
Attractions at Shelby farms include the 100-acre outdoor dog park, an off-leash playground space for your pet, and the Go Ape Treetop Adventure. The go ape tree top is an outdoor rope course, great for family fun.
Other attractions include the woodland discovery playground, a kid’s fun zone that offers a creative and fun experience. Shelby farms Park is a fun place to visit. Explore everything the Park provides and you can see why it is often on the list of famous Tennessee landmarks.
Graceland
Graceland is a mansion once owned by Elvis Presley, a rock musician. It is the house where his family grew up. If you’re into rock music, it won’t hurt to visit the rock legend when visiting the landmarks in Tennessee.
The Graceland mansion takes you on an immersive experience into the life and legacy of Elvis Presley. The mansion offers an interactive tour featuring the commentary of Elvis and his daughter, Lisa. The tour includes the living room, bedroom, pool room, TV room, his father’s office, and others.
At this classic historic site in Tennessee, you get to experience the life and career of Elvis Presley, see his collection of records, watch movie memorabilia and see more than 100 pieces of clothing and jewelry Elvis wore to the stage.
Famous Pigeon Forge Landmarks, Tennessee
Dollywood
Dollywood is an amusement park and an ideal destination for family vacations. Dolly Parton and Herschend family entertainment own this Park, considered one of the world’s premier theme parks. It is also renowned for hosting award-winning shows and events.
Dollywood features more than 40 rides, attractions, and excellent entertainment. It also has breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains and is home to large festivals. Each season is celebrated with a festival.
Take advantage of this fun-filled Tennessee landmark for a thrilling and fantastic experience when visiting the state.
The Island In Pigeon Forge
The Island in Pigeon Forge is one of the top attractions in Tennessee. It is a 23-acre amusement park that offers fun family activities.
The Island in Pigeon Forge features many attractions, including restaurants, music, shops, go-kart rides, a 200-foot tall observation wheel, performance areas, and much more.
At this spectacular destination, you will enjoy live music, rides, games, and a unique shopping experience; this amusement park has something for everyone. It is usually open on weekends during the day and at night.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a fun-packed destination among the landmarks of Tennessee. It is a dinner attraction that promises fun and an exciting show.
The Dolly Parton’s stampede is a 35,000-square-foot arena with attractions such as music, comedy, singers, dancers, and many more. It offers music productions featuring an original Dolly Parton song, exciting horse stunts, and delicious Tennessee food. This destination is suitable for people of all ages.
After a fantastic time at this location, you can head for other nearby attractions, such as the Island in Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
Titanic Museum Attraction
The titanic museum attraction is a monument to the original titanic ship, its crew, and its members. The museum allows visitors to experience the feeling of being in the original titanic ship, as it exactly mimics it.
Following the classic history of the unfortunate voyage, it comes as no surprise that this is amongst the most popular landmarks in Tennessee. Each visitor to this site will receive a boarding pass of an actual titanic ship passenger, and you can learn about the passengers in the titanic memorial room.
The Titanic Museum Attraction boasts over 400 personal and private artifacts. At this fascinating destination, visitors experience the splendor and beauty of the titanic ship; and feel the spiritual presence of those who lost their lives on the Titanic.
The Titanic Museum Attraction also provides educational devices to learn as you explore the museum.
LANDMARKS IN USA |
Natural Landmarks In Tennessee
Cherokee National Forest
Cherokee National Forest is number 1 on the list of natural landmarks in Tennessee. This 650,000-acre forest is divided into two sections by the Great Smoky Mountains. It is home to over 20,000 species of plants and animals.
The Cherokee National Forest offers over 30 developed trails, scenic byways, opportunities for wildlife viewing, alluring scenery, seven whitewater rivers, waterfalls, and lots more. It is an ideal place to go camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, wind sailing, and other outdoor recreation.
Cherokee National Forest is a remarkable place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature in Tennessee
Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls is one of America’s largest and deepest underground waterfalls and caves. This waterfall is breathtaking. It is a must-see among famous Tennessee landmarks. You’ll see unique geological formations and learn about the cave’s history at this destination.
Ruby falls offers guided tours; the classic waterfall tour, the extended cavern tour, the cave walk tour, and the lantern tour. This is a spectacular nature destination that offers a unique experience.
Fall Creek State Park
Fall Creek State Park is a 30,638-acre park renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and geological rock formations. There are so many things to do here including wildlife viewing, hiking, swimming, picnicking, and lots more.
Falls Creek State Park features playgrounds, a swimming pool, restaurants, waterfalls, a nature center, a visitor’s center, and a gift shop with many souvenir items. The park has over 220 campsites with full facilities, including tables, grills, water, and electricity. You can easily have an enjoyable time at one of the most remarkable landmarks of Tennessee.
Other Landmarks In Tennessee
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is home to North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge.
The bridge is 630-foot-long and 140-foot high. This Tennessee landmark offers the best views of the Great Smoky Mountains and surrounding areas.
The walk across the sky bridge is thrilling, to say the least. Gatlinburg also offers rides on the SkyLift on purchase. The Park features trails, bridge observation towers, a gift shop, and a place to get food.
The Gatlinburg SkyLift park is open every day of the week and promises a memorable experience.
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is among the important historical places in Tennessee. The museum, also known as the Jackson mansion, was owned by the seventh president of the United States, Andrew Jackson. It is called a hermitage because it is his final resting place.
The mansion is an 1100-acre museum, and it was named the number 1 historic house in Tennessee. This landmark takes back in history the life of Andrew Jackson before and after he became president.
If you are a history buff, you will no doubt want to take advantage of this historical landmark in Tennessee.
The Parthenon
Yes, among the famous monuments in Tennessee is, The Parthenon. Sounds familiar? Because this is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens.
The Parthenon was originally built as a part of the Tennessee centennial exposition. The building is part of the centennial park.
It is a monument to the pinnacle of classical architecture and also serves as a museum. The Parthenon exhibits 63 permanent paintings by American artists. It also provides space for events and exhibits.
At this impressive site, you’ll see a recreation of the Athena statue, which stands 42 feet tall. You’ll also learn history and interesting facts about one of the most amazing Tennessee monuments.
Belle Meade Historic Site And Winery
Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery are one of the first attractions in Nashville. It was one of the wealthiest and most prominent estates in the 1800s.
If you are into thoroughbred racing, the Belle Meade is a great destination. Belle Meade raises one of the finest thoroughbred horses in the nation.
Belle Meade also features the first winery in Nashville, gift shops, an outdoor game court, an on-site restaurant, and the most beautiful scenery in Nashville.
As one of the historical landmarks in Tennessee, The Belle Meade historic site lives up to its name. It offers wine tasting and bourbon tasting; the perfect place to visit for wine lovers.
Discovering The Landmarks In Tennessee
There are many notable destinations and landmarks in Tennessee to visit. From the great smoky mountains to Dollywood, a trip to Tennessee can be a fantastic experience.
Every year, the state also hosts festivals, fairs, and events at some of the places that highlight their unique features and culture. Experience thrilling adventures, relaxing moments, and excitement as you visit the spectacular Tennessee landmarks.
