Best Attractions Near Kingsport

In and around Kingsport, Tennessee, there are many attractions for visitors and residents alike to enjoy. Here are just a few of the spots to visit near the city.

Kingsport Carousel

Who doesn’t love a ride on a wonderful old-fashioned carousel? Located in Pal’s Roundhouse on Clinchfield Street, the Kingsport Carousel is a fully restored Allen Herschell carousel originally built in 1956. The renovation was a labor of love carried out by a group of passionate volunteers. The carousel’s decoration includes scenes from Kingsport’s history, 24 paintings of local birds, and 24 clown faces.

The historic ride features 32 hand-carved riding animals, two chariots, and 24 carved sweep animals, including raccoons, a skunk, and several birds. Pride of place goes to a flying pig that represents the group’s original hopes of completing the project. The carousel is open Wednesday through Sunday and only costs a dollar a ride.

Centennial Park

Located on East Main Street close to the train depot, Centennial Park was created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Kingsport. The park commemorates the city’s past, present, and future. The green spaces are surrounded by a walkway detailing the history of Kingsport. The park features an illuminated, interactive water fountain and the “Spirit of Generosity,” a Santa sculpture commemorating the 75th anniversary of the famous Santa Train.

Bays Mountain Park

The beautiful Bays Mountain Park covers 3,500 acres and features the 44-acre Kingsport Reservoir. The park has more than 39 miles of hiking trails with 32 miles approved for mountain biking. Take a gentle stroll around the lake, visit tumbling waterfalls or the serene Lily Pad Cove, or for the more adventurous, climb up to the fire tower.

The park is teeming with wildlife, and you may spot white-tailed deer, bobcats, red foxes, river otters, and turtles. Nature programs provide education about the animals, and you could dine with wolves. Take a barge ride on the lake with a naturalist and discover the aquatic creatures and birds that live there. Entry to the park is $5 per vehicle.

Creation Kingdom Zoo

Just 25 minutes north of Kingsport, near Gate City, Virginia, is the Creation Kingdom Zoo. The self-funding zoo features over 200 animals and participates in the Species Survival Programs to help the conservation of endangered species. The zoo enables visitors to get close to and interact with rarely seen animals.

With its highly successful breeding facility, you’ll often see young animals in a natural environment. See and learn about giraffes, bears, leopards, apes, camels, zebras, birds, reptiles, and more. The keepers give regular talks about the various species. Admission is $13.95 for ages 13 and up and $10 for under 13s.

The Kingsport Selfie Trail

A great way to see all the area’s attractions and keep a record is to follow the Kingsport Selfie Trail. At each place you visit, look for the selfie location marker, take your selfie, and share it using the hashtag #CaptureKingsport.

As you can see, Kingsport has a wide variety of nearby attractions. Explore these and more for some fun and excitement.

Image via Pixabay

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