Tennessee is a unique place to explore in the United States. The music scene, the barbecue, the friendly people, and the gorgeous scenery all make it an amazing place to visit. In fact, it can be hard to decide what to do while in the state. This is where a Tennessee bucket list can be helpful. It helps you keep track of which things you want to experience most. Check out our list below to get some bucket list ideas of your own.
Andrew Johnson National Historic Site
Andrew Johnson was the US President from 1865–1869, and his presidency was one of the most complex in history. Because he and Congress disagreed on reconstruction methods following the Civil War, the Constitution served as their guide during this time, evolving as a living document with changes that are still vital today. Learn about this and more at the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Protecting the Big South Fork and the Cumberland River, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area encompasses a full 125,000 acres. With miles of scenery, this is a wonderful place to explore, play, and learn as you spend time outdoors, soaking up the beauty of Tennessee.
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
During the Civil War, Chattanooga was known as the “Gateway to the Deep South.” Union and Confederate forces fought hard for control of this important city. In September of 1863, the Confederates were victorious at nearby Chickamauga. However, in November of that same year, Union troops won a battle and took the city. Learn about these historic events at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the West. Travelers of all sorts traveled this route, heading through the mountains and into modern-day Kentucky. Today, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park stands as a reminder of the challenges these travelers overcame and offers visitors a chance to walk the old trails and admire the scenic features of the area.
Fort Donelson National Battlefield
Fort Donelson National Battlefield started as a Confederate fort. On Sunday, February 16th, 1862, it was won by Union soldiers in a victory that left the North feeling elated and the South absolutely stunned. This surrender allowed both Clarksville and Nashville to fall into Union hands and paved the way to victory for the Union.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. This gorgeous park features mountainous forests, a diverse collection of plant and animal life, and historic sites so you can learn more about Southern Appalachian culture.
Manhattan Project National Historical Park
With locations in New Mexico, Washington, and Tennessee, Manhattan Project National Historical Park certainly is a unique kind of park. The three sites focus on the events and science that led to the creation of the atomic bomb, and ultimately, the end of World War II.
Shiloh National Military Park
Some of the most epic and intense battles of the Civil War were fought in Shiloh and nearby Corinth. Both of these battlefields saw bloody battles that resulted in more deaths than all of the U.S.’s previous wars combined and helped change the course of history. Learn more by visiting both Shiloh and Corinth National Military Parks.
Stones River National Battlefield
Another incredibly bloody and important battle of the Civil War was fought at Stones River National Battlefield on the last day of 1862. This battle resulted in important gains for the Union — gains that would eventually help them win the war.
National Trails
Tennessee is also home to a huge number of national trails. Be sure to check out these trails and their visitor centers while you’re in the state:
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail
- Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
- Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
- Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
Catch a Show at Ryman Auditorium
Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” Ryman Auditorium has quite the history behind it. It was first constructed as a tabernacle in the 1890s. There have since been an enormous number of performances and changes throughout the years. The Ryman even served as home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. It now serves as a world-famous performance venue.
Explore the National Civil Rights Museum
The National Civil Rights Museum tells the story of the Civil Rights Movement of America. It helps visitors connect with the movement in a very personal way and is a powerful attraction that should not be missed.
See The Parthenon
The Parthenon on our list is actually in Tennessee, and is a full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon. It was originally built for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition of 1897, but now stands in Centennial Park in Nashville and serves as a miniature art museum.
Learn at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Have a train enthusiast in your travel party? If so, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is an awesome pick. This museum features a huge variety of historic train engines and cars and allows guests to learn about the history of train travel. Best of all, some of the museum’s trains still run, giving guests the opportunity to take a steam train ride.
Step Back in Time at The Titanic Museum
There are actually a few Titanic Museums across the US, and they offer insight into the impressive ship and deadly voyage. The Tennessee museum is the biggest and possibly the best. Experience what it might have been like to ride aboard the Titanic and immerse yourself in history as you feel the temperature of the water the ship sank into, see artifacts from the actual ship, and read the stories of individual passengers.
Take in the View on Lookout Mountain
One of the prettiest places in Tennessee is Lookout Mountain. This ridge sits slightly overlapping the Georgia state line, and offers an incredible view to anyone who makes their way to the top. The mountain has a rich history, and was the site of the Battle of the Cherokees and the Battle of Lookout Mountain during the Civil War. Be sure to see Ruby Falls and ride the Incline Railway during your visit.
Learn at the Country Music Hall of Fame
Unsurprisingly, Tennessee is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame. This is a must-see for country music fans. It focuses on preserving and sharing the traditions, history, and evolution of country music. The museum does this through touchscreen exhibits, vintage videos, artifacts, and more.
Have a Blast on Beale Street
Another fantastic place for music fans to visit is Beale Street. The numerous clubs offer fantastic jazz and blues performances on a regular basis. The music history behind this street makes it extra fun to visit.
Tour Sun Studio
Sun Studio is the spot known as the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll music. It’s where music legends, including Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash were discovered. Today, guests can tour the studio and hear some of the stories.
Peek Into the Past at Belle Meade Plantation
In 1807, Belle Meade Plantation was just a log cabin set on 250 acres of land. The plantation grew, and in its heyday, it included a mansion, numerous outbuildings, slave quarters, and 5,400 acres of land. During this time, celebrities and even presidents visited the plantation. Today, there are only 34 acres of the plantation remaining. These 34 acres welcome visitors, offering educational tours and a peek into the past.
Dive Deep at Tennessee Aquarium
The Tennessee Aquarium is the perfect spot for families with kids and those with an interest in marine life. The attraction features two buildings—one that focuses on river fish, and the other with a focus on ocean life.
Enjoy the Day at the Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo is considered one of the best zoos in the country and is one of the top things to do in Tennessee. Over 500 species live here, and there are more than 3,500 animals total. We especially love the “Animals of the Night” exhibit, as well as the “Northwest Passage” and “Primate Canyon” areas.
Time Travel at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
The perfect place for history lovers, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is an amazing place to step back in time. This beautiful house was built between 1819 and 1821 and was the home of President Andrew Jackson. The house has been restored to look like it did when Andrew Jackson lived there.
Connect With the King at Graceland
Elvis Presley’s Graceland is another great, historic Tennessee home. Take a digital tour of this amazing mansion and learn all about the King and his home. Visit the various rooms of the house, check out Elvis’ private airplanes and his car collection, and see the rock ’n’ roll legend’s gravesite.
Visit the Grand Ole Opry House
No visit to Tennessee is complete without catching a performance at the Grand Ole Opry. This show started in 1925 as a radio broadcast called the WSM Barn Dance. Eventually, the show grew into what we know it as today. These days, the Grand Ole Opry House plays host to country music concerts each week, which are broadcast across many different channels.
Get Hands-On at Adventure Science Center
The perfect spot for some hands-on fun, Adventure Science Center is fun for kids and adults alike. You can learn about space, biology, and just about any other science topic you can think of. Snap a photo in a photo booth to see what your kids might look like as adults, and hop in a flight simulator to try your hand at being a pilot. No matter what you do here, you’re sure to have a blast!
Be Awed at Lost Sea Cave
A bizarre natural wonder, the Lost Sea Cave is a beautiful spot. It’s located in Craighead Caverns and holds the largest non-glacial lake, known as the Lost Sea. Not only is there an enormous lake in this cave, but there is also a waterfall, some crystal clusters hanging on the cave walls, and a whole lot of history.
Check Out Hatch Show Print
A unique and interesting attraction, Hatch Show Print is one of the oldest letterpress stores in America. It first opened in 1870, and the incredible work the shop put out ensured the company rose in ranks to become one of the most well-known print shops. During the golden age of country music, the shop really took off, creating posters for country music celebrities left and right.
Today, the shop continues to create posters, and guests are invited to tour the shop and learn about the print-making process.
Stop By RCA Studio B
Another famous Tennessee recording studio, RCA Studio B is known for producing “Nashville Sound” country music. Artists such as Waylon Jennings, Elvis, and Dolly Parton have recorded here. Today, the studio is on the US National Registry of Historic Places and hosts activities, tours, events, and more.
Have Family Fun at Discovery Park of America
Discovery Park of America has a giant model of the human body, an earthquake simulator, a 20,000-gallon aquarium, and a whole lot more. The diversity of exhibits ensures nobody in your party will be bored, and the number of them ensures you’ll be busy all day long.
Get Your Thrills at Dollywood
Dollywood is the place to be if you’re looking for thrills. But there are also activities for those who prefer less intense rides. We love the roller coasters, kiddie rides, family rides, performances, and other forms of entertainment, and fans will appreciate that the park incorporates little tidbits about Dolly Parton’s life throughout.
Stroll Through Parrot Mountain and Gardens
Parrot Mountain and Gardens was designed by renowned artist Thomas Kincade. It blends the architectural style of Europe with the bright colors of the Amazon. Birds are everywhere you look, and guests are even invited to feed the colorful animals.
As you can see, Tennessee is an awesome state, and you won’t be bored exploring it. A Tennessee RV rental is a great option when you travel the state. An RV allows you to go from one place to another freely and in comfort.
