Let’s Visit Tennessee
- Join our virtual tour highlighting the top tourist attractions in Tennessee
- For an overview of the state, see: National Geographic Kids. Tennessee
Highlights
Let’s learn more about some fascinating places worth seeing in Tennessee.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Gatlinburg) is famous for being the most visited national park in the United States. It is renowned for its breathtaking views, hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and the beautiful mist that rises from the mountains.
- Graceland (Memphis) is famous for being the home of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. It attracts millions of fans who come to see his mansion, personal memorabilia, and the Meditation Garden where he is buried.
- Dollywood (Pigeon Forge) is known as a family-friendly theme park co-owned by country music legend Dolly Parton. It offers exciting rides, live music, and attractions celebrating the culture of the Smoky Mountains.
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (Nashville) is renowned for preserving the history of country music and showcasing exhibits on iconic musicians. It’s a must-see for country music fans looking to learn about the genre’s history and legacy.
- Ryman Auditorium (Nashville) is famous as the Mother Church of Country Music and the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. It remains an iconic music venue where visitors can attend concerts and tours.
- The Parthenon (Nashville) is a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. It is famous for its art museum and its towering statue of Athena, blending classical architecture with Tennessee’s cultural heritage.
- Beale Street (Memphis) is renowned as one of the most iconic streets in America for live music, especially blues. Visitors flock to its lively bars, clubs, and restaurants to experience authentic Memphis culture.
- Tennessee Aquarium (Chattanooga) is one of the largest freshwater aquariums in the world. It is famous for its unique exhibits on river ecosystems and its captivating marine life displays.
- Lookout Mountain (Chattanooga) is known for its stunning panoramic views of seven states. It also features the famous attractions Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway, drawing nature lovers and adventure seekers.
- Jack Daniel’s Distillery (Lynchburg) is famous as the home of Jack Daniel’s whiskey, one of the most iconic brands in the world. Visitors can tour the distillery and learn about the whiskey-making process in the small town where it all began.
Intriguing mysteries and weird facts
Discover these little-known facts about Tennessee.
- Tennessee Has the Most Caves in the U.S.
With over 10,000 caves, Tennessee holds the record for the most caves in any state, making it a hotspot for spelunking and underground exploration. - Nashville Is Called “Music City” for a Reason
Nashville earned the nickname Music City in 1874 when the Fisk Jubilee Singers performed for Queen Victoria, who said their voices sounded like “music from the city of heaven.” - Graceland Is the Second Most Visited House in the U.S.
Elvis Presley’s mansion in Memphis, Graceland, is the second most visited house in the United States, right after the White House, drawing millions of fans each year. - Dolly Parton Has Her Own Theme Park
Dolly Parton, one of Tennessee’s most beloved celebrities, co-owns Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, a popular theme park that celebrates her Appalachian roots with rides, live shows, and crafts. - The First Mini-Golf Course Was Invented in Tennessee
The world’s first miniature golf course was created in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, in 1927, bringing a new twist to traditional golf. - You Can See Seven States from Lookout Mountain
From the top of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, you can see seven different states: Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. - Tennessee Is the Birthplace of Country Music
Bristol, Tennessee, is recognized as the birthplace of country music, where the first commercial country recordings were made in 1927, launching a whole new genre of American music. - Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Is Made in a “Dry” County
Jack Daniel’s Distillery is located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, which is in Moore County, a dry county where the sale of alcohol is prohibited—even though the famous whiskey is made there. - Home to the World’s Longest Running Radio Show
The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville has been broadcasting weekly since 1925, making it the longest-running radio show in history. It continues to be a major platform for country music artists. - Tennessee Has a Three-Star Flag for a Unique Reason
The three stars on Tennessee’s state flag represent the state’s three distinct regions: West, Middle, and East Tennessee, each with its own unique geography and culture.
Notable People
Here are 10 famous men and women from Tennessee.
Admission to the Union
June 1, 1796 (16th)
State Capital and Government
Area and Total Population
Area: 41234 square miles | Total Population: 6,549,000 |
Major cities and their population
City | Population |
Nashville | 712,000 |
Memphis | 619,000 |
Knoxville | 198,000 |
Chattanooga | 187,000 |
Franklin | 89,000 |
Gallatin | 50,000 |
Education
- Tennessee Department of Education
- Tennessee Higher Education Commission
- Tennessee State University. Nashville
- University of Memphis
- University of Tennessee. Knoxville
- Vanderbilt University. Nashville
Educational Resources
Fairs and festivals
Flag
Geography
Location
Glimpses Into History
Breathtaking Landscapes
Check out these amazing landscapes and wildlife of Tennessee.
National Landmarks and Historic Sites
National and State Parks
Performing Arts
Sports
Professional Sports Teams
Memphis
- National Basketball Association (NBA): Memphis Grizzlies
Nashville
- Major League Soccer (MLS): Nashville SC
- National Football League (NFL): Tennessee Titans
- National Hockey League (NHL): Nashville Predators
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association) Division I Teams
- East Tennessee State University Buccaneers
- Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders
- Tennessee State University Tigers. Nashville
- Tennessee Technological Golden Eagles
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga MOCS
- University of Tennessee at Martin Skyhawks
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Volunteers
State Motto
“Agriculture and Commerce”
State Nickname
- The Volunteer State
State Symbols
State symbols. Tennessee
Seal
License Plate
State Animal
State Bird
State Flower
Tourism: Enjoy some incredible vacations
Watch a video
- Tennessee (US Embassy Vienna)
- Top 10 best places to visit in Tennessee (Traveloworld)
- Top 25 things to do in Tennessee (Anna and Karl Travel)
- 10 best places to visit in Tennessee (US Historians)
- 10 best places to visit in Tennessee (Sky Travel)
- Chattanooga Travel Guide (TampaAerialMedia)
- Gatlinburg Travel Guide (TampaAerialMedia)
- 17 best things to do in Gatlinburg (Anna and Karl Travel)
- 14 best things to do in Knoxville (Anna and Karl Travel)
- Memphis vacation travel guide (Expedia)
- What to do in Memphis. 36 hours (New York Times)
- 12 best things to do in Memphis (Anna and Karl Travel)
- Nashville vacation travel guide (Expedia)
- 36 hours in Nashville (New York Times)
- 11 best things to do in Nashville (Anna and Karl Travel)
- Pigeon Forge travel guide (TampaAerialMedia)
Weather
- Today’s weather in Chattanooga
- Today’s weather in Memphis
- Today’s weather in Nashville
More Resources For The Best Things To Do
Chattanooga
Franklin
Gatlinburg
Knoxville
Memphis
Nashville