Head to Tennessee not just for the mountain scenery, but the exciting things to see and do as well. Throughout the eastern region of the state, you’ll find a variety of museums to explore. Here are eight that offer a peek at history, science, art and fun.
American Museum of Science and Energy, Oak Ridge – Tennessee’s “secret city” brings science and history to life through demonstrations and interactive displays at the American Museum of Science and Energy. The facility showcases the World War II Manhattan Project that was based in Oak Ridge, as well as exhibits covering topics such as Earth’s energy resources, the atom and national defense. 865-576-3200; amse.org.
Exchange Place, Kingsport – Once a self-supporting plantation, this living history farm demonstrates early 1800s life. Re-enactors perform chores on the 62-acre working farm, such as feeding chickens, sheering sheep and tending to cattle. There are also buildings to explore, including a springhouse, schoolroom, kitchen and smokehouse. 423-288-6071; exchangeplace.info.
Tennessee Museum of Aviation, Sevierville – Visitors have an opportunity to admire a variety of aircraft, military vehicles and jet engines in the museum’s 35,000-square-foot hangar or even watch flight demonstrations by vintage planes. The exhibit gallery includes aviation history, a hall of fame and tribute to U.S. Military Chaplains from World War II through present day. 865-908-0171; tnairmuseum.com.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Chattanooga – In addition to seeing railroad artifacts, locomotives and passenger cars, museum guests are able to ride a train either on daily rides, monthly dinner trains and other special events, or weekend trips and extended seasonal excursions. The museum hosts special events throughout the year, including Railfest and Railcamp. 423-894-8028; tvrail.com.
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area and Park, Elizabethton – This site of one of the earliest settlements outside of the 13 original English colonies now features a museum and reconstructed fort that showcase 18th century life. Living history demonstrations, interpretive programming, special events and hands-on experiences help tell the story of this historic site. 423-543-5808; sycamoreshoalstn.org.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, Gatlinburg – It’s a display of the wacky and bizarre that you have to see to believe. The museum boasts three stories of more than 500 Outstanding and Incredible Artifacts, such as a shrunken human head, eight-legged buffalo and a two-headed calf. Interactive exhibits make for even more fun for the whole family. 865-436-5096; ripleys.com.
WonderWorks, Pigeon Forge – Deemed “An Amusement Park for the Mind,” this educational attraction appears to be an upside down building. Inside, visitors enjoy hands-on activities, more than 150 interactive exhibits and demonstrations. Examples include an inversion tunnel, anti-gravity chamber and a hurricane hole with 65-miles-per-hour winds. 865-868-1800; wonderworksonline.com.
Knoxville Museum of Art, Knoxville – Celebrating the art and artists of East Tennessee, this museum houses a wide range of exhibitions featuring many art mediums – paintings, pottery, sculptures – in its 53,200-square-foot facility. Also offered are workshops, artist residencies, lectures, concerts, outreach programs and more. 865-525-6101; knoxart.org.
