8 Great Ideas For A Roundtrip When Visiting Tennessee

Tennessee is a beautiful state full of history, scenery, music, and great food. Whether you are just passing through or live in this state, there is never a shortage of things to do and places to explore. Here are eight ideas for day trips you can take when spending time in The Volunteer State.

President James K. Polk Home & Museum in Columbia, Tennessee

Image By Ron Cogswell via Flickr | CC BY 2.0

Located in beautiful Columbia, Tennessee, the home and museum of President James K. Polk is a history-filled day trip that is fun for kids and adults alike. Visitors of the Polk home and museum can look at the original possessions of the president and his wife, including their clothes, furniture, and china from their time in the White House. The hours of operation for the James K. Polk Home and Museum are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Address: 301 W. 7th St., Columbia, TN 38401

Rock Island State Park in Rock Island, Tennessee

Rock Island State Park, located in Rock Island at the junction of the Collins, Caney Fork, and Rocky rivers, is a gorgeous location to spend a day while in Tennessee. The park is 883 acres of scenic land that includes a 30-foot cascading waterfall, hiking trails, and a cotton textile mill from the 19th century. Activities to partake in while visiting Rock Island State Park include boating, hiking, swimming, and fishing. The park is open at all hours and the park’s office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Address: 82 Beach Road, Rock Island, TN 38581

Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tennessee

Discovery Park of America is a 100,000-square-foot museum that offers entertainment for both children and adults. This museum features art, history, science, technology, and nature exhibits as well as a beautifully landscaped heritage park.

• Experiences include:
• Interactive displays
• Vintage cars
• A real Titan I missile
• A 20,000-gallon aquarium that includes a view into Reelfoot Lake
• A simulation experience of the 1811 and 1812 earthquakes
• Various prehistoric artifacts

Discovery Park regularly has events and exhibitions that are great for people of all ages. The park is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the months of January and February but is otherwise open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the week.

Address: 830 Everett Blvd., Union City, TN 38261

Cedars of Lebanon State Park in Lebanon, Tennessee

Cedars of Lebanon State Park is a gorgeous 1,139-acre park situated in Wilson County, Tennessee. This park is located in the Cedars of Lebanon State Forest and has 117 campsites where individuals can camp in a tent or an R.V. The park regularly has events and festivals that are fun for the whole family. Cedars of Lebanon is a great place to spend the day hiking, picnicking, or camping while in Tennessee.

Address: 328 Cedar Forest Road, Lebanon, TN 37090

Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

If you are interested in true crime, the Alcatraz East Crime Museum is the perfect place to make a day trip to while in Tennessee. Located in Pigeon Forge, this museum boasts 25,000-square-feet of galleries that depict various aspects of well-known crimes and the criminals who committed them.

• Galleries in the museum include:
• Crime Fighting
• Crime Scene Investigation
• A Notorious History of American Crime
• Punishment: The Consequence of Crime
• Counterfeit Crimes and Pop Culture

The museum is two stories high and has more than 100 interactive displays and activities to participate in. The Alcatraz East Crime Museum is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Address: 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a gorgeous park full of wildlife, scenery, and mountains. As the nation’s most visited national park, this destination is a must-see when visiting Tennessee. The park is located in Gatlinburg and offers various activities to participate in. You can hike on one of the many scenic trails, explore historic buildings, go horseback riding, or fish in one of the many rivers. The park is open 24 hours a day every day of the year. However, you should check the park’s website before visiting to ensure there are no seasonal closings or weather hazards.

Address: 1420 Little River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee

Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, is one of the top destinations for people visiting Tennessee. You can tour the place that Elvis called home as well as explore the beautiful onsite gardens, see personal belongings of Elvis, and even hop aboard the plane that took the singer from show to show. You can drive to Graceland yourself or take part in one of the day trips offered by Graceland complete with luxury motorcoach transportation and a guide. Tickets start at $42.50, and hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day of the week.

Address: 3717 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis, TN 38116

The City of Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, nicknamed Music City, is a must-see when visiting Tennessee. There are several attractions that can be seen on a day trip, including museums, well-known restaurants, and landmarks. The following are just a few locations to consider exploring when visiting Nashville:

• Country Music Hall of Fame
• The Greek Parthenon
• Centennial Park
• Grand ole Opry
• Johnny Cash Museum
• Ryman Auditorium
• Shelby Bottoms Nature Center and Greenway
• Radnor Lake State Park
• Nashville Zoo
• John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

There are activities that are great for kids and adults as well as various forms of entertainment to enjoy. Plus, Nashville is ranked #11 in Best Foodie Cities in the United States by U.S. News, so be sure to enjoy a few classic food spots while there.

Whether you are passing through Tennessee or are a resident, there is always a new place to explore on a day trip in this beautiful state. And, when in Tennessee, be sure to stop by Stan McNabb Chevrolet of Columbia to find the perfect car to take you on your next day trip.