Beyond the Nashville country music scene and a great Memphis barbeque, Tennessee is full of historic sites, unique experiences, and cultural treasures just waiting to be discovered. Drive out into the hills to tour a local distillery, explore a 1000-year-old Native American archaeological site, or find peace and quiet in one of the state’s beautiful parks.

Whether you’re a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or a whisky connoisseur, there’s an experience for everyone on the lesser-known paths from the Smoky Mountains to Graceland.

  • 1

    Bell Witch Cave

    Encounter the paranormal at this haunted site

    Bell Witch Cave
    • Families
    • History
    • Unusual

    The Bell Witch Cave is a must-see for anyone interested in the paranormal. Situated in rolling green hills 40 minutes outside of Nashville, the former Bell family property is said to be haunted by the Bell Witch, a spirit so infamous that President Andrew Jackson is said to have steered clear of her.

    According to the legend, the Bell Witch took a grudge against John Bell to her grave, tormenting him and his family after her death by disturbing their home and even physically attacking them. Human interactions with the spirit date back to 1817, and you’re likely to have a strange encounter yourself on a tour of the Bell property, which includes the reconstructed Bell cabin and a karst cave that is a hotspot for paranormal activity.

    Location: 430 Keysburg Rd, Adams, TN 37010, USA

    Open: Hours vary by season

    Phone: +1 615-696-3055

    Map
  • 2

    Burgess Falls State Park

    Follow cascading waterfalls through a scenic park

    Burgess Falls State Park
    • Adventure
    • Families

    A scenic treasure in Middle Tennessee, the Burgess Falls State Park is known for its series of 4 waterfalls that flow through the park. The last and largest is Burgess Falls, the point where the Falling Water River drops off limestone cliffs and plunges 136 feet into a gorge, a beautiful and dramatic scene.

    Designated a Tennessee State Natural Area, the 217-acre park is home to highly diverse forest and aquatic habitats, including showy spring wildflowers and several species of magnolia trees. Hike the River Trail to see all 4 waterfalls as you wind through the forest, or head to the higher vantage points on the Ridge Top for stunning views of the park.

    Location: 4000 Burgess Falls Dr, Sparta, TN 38583, USA

    Open: Daily from 8 am to 4 pm

    Phone: +1 888-867-2757

    Map
  • 3

    The Alex Haley Museum and Interpretive Centre

    Explore the legacy of a Pulitzer Prize-winning American writer

    The Alex Haley Museum and Interpretive Centre
    • History

    The Alex Haley Museum and Interpretive Centre is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the legacy of Alex Haley, author of the 1976 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family. Haley also co-produced the television miniseries adaptation, a landmark event in television history that inspired broad interest in Black American history and genealogy.

    Located an hour north of Memphis, the museum is housed in the former home of Alex Haley’s grandparents, where Haley spent much of his childhood. Exhibits provide insights into Haley’s life and work and explore the impact of Roots on American literature and culture to the present day. The centre also offers genealogy workshops and hosts events that promote cultural understanding, diversity, and social justice.

    Location: 200 Church St, Henning, TN 38041, USA

    Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 5pm (closed on Mondays; Sunday by appointment only)

    Phone: +1 731-738-2240

    Map
  • 4

    Laurel Hill Lake Beach

    A tranquil escape in Middle Tennessee

    Laurel Hill Lake Beach
    • Families
    • Unusual

    Laurel Hill Lake is 325 acres of peace and quiet in Middle Tennessee. This is a great spot for camping, boating, hiking, and nature watching – the area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, from groundhogs and armadillos to blue herons and bald eagles.

    Popular with locals for its fishing, anglers will find largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill at Laurel Hill Lake. Just near the lake is a shop where visitors can rent boats, stock up on fishing gear, and even get a hot meal.

    Location: 39 Peter Cave Rd, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464, USA

    Open: Daily from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset

    Phone: +1 615-781-6622

    Map
  • 5

    Red Clay State Historic Park

    Learn about the Cherokee people at this historic site

    Red Clay State Historic Park
    • Families
    • History
    • Photo
    • Unusual

    A landmark along the Georgia border, the Red Clay Historic State Park was established to commemorate the importance of the site in Cherokee history. This is where the Trail of Tears began, the site of the last seat of the Cherokee National Council before their removal. The Eternal Flame of the Cherokee Nation burns here as a memorial to the many who died.

    The park is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the Cherokee people and offers educational exhibits and programming that highlight their history, lifestyle, and arts and cultural practices. The area also has a number of beautiful trails for leisurely hikes through lush greenery and vibrant red clay.

    Location: 1140 Red Clay Park Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311, USA

    Open: Summer hours: Tuesday–Saturday from 9 am to 5.30 pm, Sunday–Monday from 1 pm to 5.30 pm. Winter hours: daily from 8 am to 4.30 pm

    Phone: +1 423-478-0339

    Map
  • 6

    Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park

    Discover Tennessee’s rich archaeological heritage

    • Families
    • History
    • Unusual

    An essential stop for history buffs, Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park just south of Jackson is a 1,200-acre park and archaeological site with 17 Native American earthen mounds. The largest mound, known as Sauls’ Mound, rises to a height of over 70 feet and is one of the tallest in the United States. The park also has other archaeological features, including ceremonial plazas, village areas, and a geometric earthwork known as the Eastern Citadel.

    Guided tours and an on-site museum offer insights into this ancient Mississippian culture that thrived in the region over 1,000 years ago, including artefacts, maps, and other archaeological discoveries.

    Location: 460 Ozier Rd, Pinson, TN 38366, USA

    Open: November–mid–March: from 7 am to 5 pm. Mid–March–October: from 7 am to 7 pm

    Phone: +1 731-988-5614

    Map
  • 7

    The George Dickel Distillery tour

    Embark on a sensory journey through the art of whiskey-making

    The George Dickel Distillery tour
    • Couples
    • Food

    The George Dickel Distillery, also known as Cascade Hollow Distilling Co., is nestled on 600 acres of wooded land in the picturesque hills of Middle Tennessee. Opened in 1878, this distillery has passed down its traditions through generations and produces high-quality whisky using water from the cascade spring.

    Their distillery tour is a jewel among the Tennessee whisky distilleries. Guides take you on a stroll through the property and provide an in-depth look into the distilling process, from the sourcing of grains to the bottling of the final product. You will have the opportunity to explore the barrel houses where the whisky is aged, and of course, sample their whiskies.

    Location: 1950 Cascade Hollow Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388, USA

    Open: Monday & Thursday–Saturday from 9.30 am to 4 pm, Sunday from 11.30 am to 4 pm (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

    Phone: +1 931-408-2410

    Map
  • 8

    The Tennessee Medieval Faire

    Join the revelry at this annual festival

    The Tennessee Medieval Faire
    • Families
    • Unusual

    Step back in time to the Middle Ages at the Tennessee Medieval Faire. Every year the festival grounds are transformed into a medieval village for this popular event in Harriman, and performers, vendors, and attendees alike are encouraged to come dressed in their medieval best.

    The faire boasts a variety of entertainment, from theatrical performances and comedy shows to knights in armour engaged in sword fights and jousting tournaments. Between performances, grab a roasted turkey leg, browse handmade crafts for sale, or try your hand at archery.

    Location: 550 Fiske Rd, Harriman, TN 37748, USA

    Open: First three weekends in October

    Phone: +1 865-466-1902

    Map
  • 9

    The Mysterious Mansion of Gatlinburg

    A haunted adventure to remember

    The Mysterious Mansion of Gatlinburg
    • Families
    • Unusual

    The Mysterious Mansion of Gatlinburg is not your average haunted house. Housed in a historic Victorian-style mansion, the Mysterious Mansion is known for its thoroughly immersive atmosphere, from its highly detailed sets to the live actors that haunt you throughout your journey.

    Visitors embark on a self-guided tour through dark, winding passages and encounter a variety of creepy scenes accented with special sound and lighting effects. A uniquely thrilling experience, the Mysterious Mansion is likely to be one of your scariest haunted adventures.

    Location: 424 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

    Open: Hours vary by season

    Phone: +1 865-436-7007

    Map
  • 10

    Ride the Tennessee Wine Train

    Taste vintage wines on a vintage ride

    Ride the Tennessee Wine Train
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Unusual

    Head to Nashville’s Tennessee Central Railway Museum for a weekend winery excursion that takes you through the Tennessee countryside on a restored vintage passenger train. Spend the 168-mile journey taking in the scenery and sipping a selection of wines from the award-winning DelMonaco Winery.

    Upon arrival at the winery, take a tour of the vineyards or have a glass of wine on the outdoor patio where you can often catch some live music. The wine excursion is available on select weekends in May and October and sells out fast, so be sure to book your tickets early.

    Location: 220 Willow St, Nashville, TN 37210, USA

    Open: Hours vary by season

    Phone: +1 615-244-9001

    Map