Tennessee offers a variety of unique attractions that blend natural wonders, historical landmarks, and cultural curiosities. Here are 13 distinctive destinations to explore, each with its website and address for your convenience:

1. The Lost Sea Adventure
   • Website: thelostsea.com
   • Address: 140 Lost Sea Road, Sweetwater, TN 37874
   • Description: Discover America’s largest underground lake through guided tours of expansive caverns, culminating in a glass-bottom boat ride across the illuminated subterranean waters.
2. Ruby Falls
   • Website: rubyfalls.com
   • Address: 1720 South Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37409
   • Description: Experience the nation’s tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public, located within Lookout Mountain’s limestone caves.
3. The Parthenon
   • Website: nashville.gov
   • Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
   • Description: Explore a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon, housing an art museum and a 42-foot statue of Athena, reflecting Nashville’s moniker as the “Athens of the South.”
4. Thumping Dick Hollow
   • Address: Thumping Dick Hollow Rd, Belvidere, TN 37306
   • Description: Visit this uniquely named cove in Franklin County, noted for its old-growth forest and caves, including Solomon’s Temple.
5. Elkmont Ghost Town
   • Website: nps.gov
   • Address: Elkmont Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
   • Description: Explore the remnants of a once-bustling resort town within the Great Smoky Mountains, now a ghost town with several restored historic cabins.
6. Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary
   • Website: tourbrushy.com
   • Address: 9182 Hwy 116, Petros, TN 37845
   • Description: Tour this former maximum-security prison that once housed notorious criminals, now operating as a museum.
7. Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum
   • Website: thesaltandpeppershakermuseum.com
   • Address: 461 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
   • Description: Discover over 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers from around the world, showcasing vast creativity in their designs.
8. Crystal Shrine Grotto
   • Website: memorialparkfuneralandcemetery.com
   • Address: 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119
   • Description: Visit an artificial cave adorned with intricate religious sculptures and crystals, offering a serene and reflective environment within Memorial Park Cemetery.
9. Discovery Park of America
   • Website: discoveryparkofamerica.com
   • Address: 830 Everett Blvd, Union City, TN 38261
   • Description: Engage with interactive exhibits, including an earthquake simulator that educates visitors about seismic activity in a unique way.
10. The Body Farm (University of Tennessee Anthropological Research Facility)
    • Website: anthropology.utk.edu
    • Address: Knoxville, TN 37996
    • Description: This pioneering research center studies human decomposition, aiding forensic and anthropological advancements. Note: Access is restricted to authorized personnel.
11. Bell Witch Cave
    • Website: bellwitchcave.com
    • Address: 430 Keysburg Rd, Adams, TN 37010
    • Description: Explore the cave linked to the legend of the Bell Witch, a famous haunting from the early 19th century, with guided tours available.
12. American Museum of Science and Energy
    • Website: amse.org
    • Address: 115 Main St E, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
    • Description: Learn about Oak Ridge’s pivotal role during the Manhattan Project in World War II, known as the “Secret City,” through interactive exhibits.