Things to do on the Tennessee River
At more than 650 miles long, the Tennessee River is the largest tributary of the Ohio River and is one of the most gorgeous spots you can visit in the South. There is so much history on the river, from the Tennessee and Kentucky Bourbon and moonshine being brewed, to massive battles from the Civil War being fought, and its impactful history on African Americans, this is the perfect spot to visit on your next trip. And the best way to visit it is by taking an American Queen Voyages cruise! Enjoy private rooms and verandas or balconies as you sail down the Tennessee River seeing cities like Memphis, Chattanooga, Nashville, and Dover.
Looking for inspiration about what you can see and do while traveling on the Tennessee River? Start planning your trip and put the below sites and activities on your itinerary now:
Fort Donelson River Batteries
See where the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers meet at Fort Donelson in Tennessee. This fort, and Fort Henry a couple of miles up the river, were built by the Confederate Army during the Civil War in 1861. You’ll notice thick walls and large artillery that was designed to take on the armored Union gunboats. This is the spot of a major Union Army victory in 1862. You can also explore the rest of the Fort Donelson National Battlefield Park after your American Queen Voyages ship docks right at the garrison.
National Quilt Museum
The National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky is an included shore excursion on certain American Queen Voyages trips through the Tennessee River. It has been open for more than 30 years and showcases the largest exhibit of quilts in the world. Thanks to the museum, Paducah was named a UNESCO Creative City in 2013. There are more than 600 pieces of modern quilts and art in the museum, which also has rotating exhibits that showcase quilts around the world.
Lloyd Tilghman House
Located in downtown Paducah, Kentucky, this Greek revival house from before the Civil War was the home of Confederate Army General Lloyd Tilghman. Here you will learn about Kentucky’s role during the Civil War and how western Kentuckians fared during and after the war. General Tilghman was killed in 1863, so he never saw what happened to America post-war. But you can learn all about it at this historic museum.
Land Between the Lakes
The Land Between the Lakes is a National Recreation Area made up of 170,000 acres of uninhibited land that you can visit in Dover, Kentucky. You can visit the Elk and Bison Prairie and see the natural wildlife that has been in Kentucky for centuries. You’ll see mammals, small game, and a lot of different bird species. You can also visit the Homeplace 1850s, a recreation village where actors demonstrate to visitors how those who once lived here operated. You can visit the 16 original log structures and learn about Victorian Etiquette and the harvests settlers were able to farm 150 years ago.
Hotel Metropolitan on the Chitlin Trail
An optional shore excursion when visiting the Tennessee River on an American Queen Voyages cruise, learn about the “Hotel Metropolitan” and the Chitlin Trail. This home was frequented by many late-great African American singers in the early 20th century, like Louis Armstrong, B.B. King, and Tina Turner. The Chitlin Trail was a circuit of hotels and safe homes throughout the East Coast, Midwest, and South for African American singers during this time who would travel from place to place and needed a safe room to stay the night in.
Tennessee Whiskey Tasting
Take a couple of hours out of hiking and exploring new parts of the Tennessee River by joining a whiskey tasting tour. You can visit award-winning distilleries and breweries and learn how this good stuff is made. You can visit iconic venues like Jack Daniels, to more craft distilleries run by families. This is a great way to experience the South—and the best way to find souvenirs for your friends and family back home.
Tennessee Aquarium
Located in Chattanooga on the Tennessee River, the Tennessee Aquarium is home to more than 9,000 animals, fish, and critters, and prides itself as a top educational facility on freshwater ecosystems. Staff will explain conservation efforts to guests of all ages and there are tons of interactive displays that will get your hands wet and your mind active.
Chattanooga Riverfront
16.1 miles on the southern bank of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, you can spend an entire day eating, gigging, and playing your way down the river. You can rent standup paddleboards, see beautiful art at the Hunter Museum of American Art, and find foods that will satisfy your entire family.
FAQ – Things to do on the Tennessee River
What can you do on the Tennessee River?
Some of the more popular things to do in the Tennessee River are fishing, kayaking, hiking, and bird watching. It is a lot of fun to explore the riverbank and make your adventures as you wander around trails and find places to rent kayaks or fishing poles from.
Can you swim in the Tennessee River?
Unless there are posted advisors on the shore, you can swim in the Tennessee River.
Can you eat fish from the Tennessee River?
It is safe to eat the fish caught in the Tennessee River and its reservoirs. There may be some posted warnings at certain parts of the river, but otherwise eating your well-earned fish is safe.
Visit an important cultural and heritage spot of the United States on your next vacation as you travel on the Tennessee River. Learn about the heartland of the South and how the Civil War shaped the riverside towns and villages that you will be passing through. Sip on authentic, and locally made, Bourbon and whiskey as you hear tales of local legends. And come home from your trip with a new appreciation of this part of the country, thanks to your luxurious cruise on American Queen Voyages.
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