Four Unusual Tennessee Must-See Roadside Attractions

Spanning 440 miles from east to west and 120 miles from north to south, Tennessee is a road trip fantasy world. Throughout the state, there are tons of things to see, ranging from the country music mecca of Nashville to the capitol building of Knoxville. However, there are many bizarre roadside attractions that are definitely worth a look. If you thrive on experiencing the strange or viewing the outlandish, make sure to add these roadside spots to your visit through the Volunteer State.

1. Titanic Replica

If you ever wondered what a tacky yet interesting resort town nestled near the Great Smoky Mountains looks like, don’t forget to head to Pigeon Forge. Located just 5 miles from the mountains, Pigeon Forge is a vacation destination for many locals in the area. While Dollywood, outlet malls, and amusement parks are the most popular attractions, don’t skip out on the Titanic replica. Built to a half-scale of the original ship, the Titanic replica is a museum with over 400 artifacts from the doomed vessel. It’s also built in a pool to simulate what the ride may have been like. Self-guided tours take two hours, but even if you don’t go, it’s well worth a drive-by.

2. Backyard Terrors and Dinosaur Park

With a name like Backyard Terrors and Dinosaur Park, you know it’s a must-visit destination. Located in Bluff City, this park showcases over 20 life-size recreations of dinosaurs that look real enough to take a bite out of your arm. The best part is there’s no admission, although donations are strongly encouraged. Once you’re done viewing the park, hang out in the picnic area for your last views of the bizarre dinosaur sculptures.

3. Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains

If you’re lucky enough to travel through Gatlinburg in June, you can’t miss one of nature’s most amazing spectacles. During this time, fireflies provide a light show that’s unlike anything else in the world. Every six seconds, millions of fireflies illuminate in unison, blink six times, and then disappear. This happens throughout the evening, and to this day, the reason remains a mystery. For you, it’s an excellent chance to experience nature and take amazing photos and videos.

4. The Bloodstained Crypt of Nina Craigmiles

To add a bit of chill and the macabre to your trip, make sure to visit Cleveland, Tennessee. Here you’ll find the final resting place of Nina Craigmiles, who was a 7-year-old girl unfortunately killed in a buggy accident in 1871. What makes this crypt so horrifying is that blood stains appear on the crypt without warning throughout the year, and no amount of scrubbing seems to clean them. To this day, experts, psychics, and paranormal workers have yet to figure out what causes the blood to flow. If you can figure it out, you’ll forever etch your name into the history of this otherwise quaint town.

There’s a seemingly endless amount of weird attractions throughout Tennessee, but these are definitely worth the trip. Make sure to adjust your route to hit these places for an unforgettable road trip.

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay 

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