Four Museums You Must Visit Near Kingsport, TN

Whether your interests are in education, archeology, or getting an up-close view of the past, a visit to one of Kingsport’s museums is an enlightening experience. Here are four to consider that will give you something for everyone.

Exchange Place/Gaines-Preston Farm

You’ll find plenty to see and do at the 62-acre Exchange Place, once known as the Gaines-Preston farm. The farm served as a post office and a relay station back in the day. Learn what was involved in the day-to-day life of farmers and the many chores they had to do by watching live performances by actors and actresses dressed in period costumes. You’ll see a blacksmith at work, sheep being shorn, animals being fed, and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to step back in time and explore the granary, smokehouse, schoolroom, cook’s cabin, springhouse, and kitchen. The museum has scheduled events such as the Spring Garden Fair, Hamlett-Dobson Farm Fest, Fall Folk Arts Festival, Heritage Day, Witches Wynd, and Christmas in the Country. The museum is open from May through mid-October. Hours are 2-4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium

Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium is an all-in-one destination where nature meets the stars on over 3,500 acres. On the nature side of things, you’ll find a 44-acre lake with a barge ride, outdoor classrooms where naturalists talk about the park’s many animals, and resident wildlife such as bobcats, wolves, turtles, raptors, otters, deer, and reptiles.  Visit the Nature Center to see the natural exhibits on display. You can also take a hike or bike ride along 40 miles of scenic trails. With a visit to the Planetarium Theater, you can take a look at the stars and the mysteries of the night sky and learn about what makes the universe stick together. Check before going, as the park and planetarium have seasonal operating hours.

Hands On! Discovery Center

Less than 30 minutes from Kingsport in Gray, the Hands On! Discovery Center offers kids a day of fun and excitement. The center is for all ages and provides interesting exhibits, interactive programs, and a look at ancient fossils found at the 5-million-year-old prehistoric site at Miocene Exhibit Hall. Get an up-close-and-personal view of specimens using the Wentzscope, try your hand at an experiment at the Eastman Discovery Lab, have an eye-opening experience at the Archaeology Hall, and then head to the array of interactive projects. The center offers a variety of workshops, projects, and at-home programs. Plan to spend at least two hours to experience all the center has to offer.

Mountain Music Museum

For the country music lover, the Mountain Music Museum in downtown Kingsport is a destination you won’t want to miss. The museum is filled with exhibits including pictures, memorabilia, costumes, and more. On Thursday night, after a day of exploring the museum, enjoy the Pickin’ Porch Show and live music from bluegrass to country.

Whether you’re digging for fossils, taking part in a scientific experiment, reliving the day in the life of a farmer, or tapping your toes to live tunes honoring mountain music, museums offer something for everyone of all ages.

Image via Pixabay

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