Tennessee – Eloray

Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville (Antony 22, Wikimedia CCA 40)

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

Dollywood (Brian Stansberry, Wikimedia CCA 3.0)

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

Graceland Mansion, Memphis (Joseph Novak, Wikimedia CCA 2.0)

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.

Famous Men

Elvis Presley (1935–1977) was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, but grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. He became the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and is famous for his hit songs like Heartbreak Hotel and Jailhouse Rock, as well as his influence on the development of rock music.
Elvis Presley in 1958 (Wikimedia Commons)
Davy Crockett (1786–1836) was born in Greene County, Tennessee, and became a folk hero, frontiersman, soldier, and politician. He is famous for his adventures and his role in the Texas Revolution, where he died at the Battle of the Alamo.
Justin Timberlake (1981– ) was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and became a world-famous pop singer, actor, and producer. He gained fame as a member of NSYNC and has had a successful solo career with hits like Cry Me a River and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”
Morgan Freeman(1937– ) was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and became one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. He is famous for his roles in films like The Shawshank Redemption, Driving Miss Daisy, and Million Dollar Baby.
Morgan Freeman (Georges Biard, Wikimedia CCA 4.0)
Andrew Jackson (1767–1845) was born in the Waxhaws area, near the border of North and South Carolina, but made his political career in Tennessee. He became the seventh President of the United States and is known for his role in expanding the powers of the presidency and the controversial Indian Removal Act.

Famous Women

Dolly Parton (RCA Records, Wikimedia Commons)

Dolly Parton (1946– ) was born in Sevierville, Tennessee, and became a legendary country singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. She is famous for hits like Jolene and 9 to 5, and for co-founding Dollywood, a theme park in her hometown.
Tina Turner (1939–2023) was born in Nutbush, Tennessee, and became one of the best-selling recording artists of all time. Known as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, she is famous for her powerful voice and hits like What’s Love Got to Do with It.
Wilma Rudolph (1940–1994) was born in Saint Bethlehem, Tennessee, and became an Olympic champion sprinter. She overcame childhood polio to win three gold medals in track and field at the 1960 Rome Olympics.
Pat Summitt (1952–2016) was born in Clarksville, Tennessee, and became one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history. She led the University of Tennessee Lady Vols to eight NCAA championships during her career.
Megan Fox (1986– ) was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and became a well-known actress, gaining fame for her roles in the Transformers film series and her status as a pop culture icon.