Discover the Rich Heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains
Explore the cultural history and natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains at the Heritage Center in Townsend, TN.
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, TN offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's natural and cultural history. This museum features engaging exhibits and beautiful grounds, making it a must-visit for tourists seeking to understand the rich stories of the Smokies.
A brief summary to Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
- 123 Cromwell Dr, Townsend, Tennessee, 37882, US
- +1865-448-0044
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience with the exhibits.
- Check the center's schedule for special events, workshops, or guided tours that may enhance your visit.
- Take advantage of the outdoor trails for a relaxing walk after exploring the indoor exhibits.
Getting There
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Public Bus
From downtown Knoxville, head to the Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) bus terminal located at 301 Church Ave. Take bus route 20 (Cleveland) towards Cleveland. Stay on the bus for about 30 minutes until you reach the stop at the intersection of US-321 and TN-73. From there, transfer to the KAT route 10 (Townsend) and continue for another 20 minutes. Get off at the stop near the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, which is just a short walk to the address: 123 Cromwell Dr, Townsend, TN 37882.
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Bicycle
If you prefer biking, you can rent a bicycle from one of the local bike shops in Knoxville. Start at the Knoxville Convention Center and head southwest on Henley St. Continue onto US-441 S (Alcoa Hwy) and follow it out of the city. Once you reach the intersection with TN-73, turn left. Continue on TN-73 for approximately 15 miles. You will see signs for the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center on your right. The center is located at 123 Cromwell Dr, Townsend, TN 37882.
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Taxi or Rideshare
For a more direct route, consider using a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Simply request a ride to 'Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, 123 Cromwell Dr, Townsend, TN 37882.' The driver will take you directly there, which typically takes about 40 minutes from downtown Knoxville, depending on traffic.
Discover more about Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Little River Gorge
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Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church
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Wonderland Hotel - Elkmont Club Buildings
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Elkmont Historic District
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Mayna Treanor Avent Studio
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Dan Lawson Cabin
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Henry Whitehead House
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Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains
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The Goat Coaster at Goats on the Roof
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John Ownby Cabin
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Cataract Falls
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Smokies Life
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Sugarlands Visitor Center
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
17.3 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Cades Cove Heritage Tours
0.0 km
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The Townsend Wye
2.3 km
Explore the serene beauty of The Townsend Wye in Tennessee—your ultimate destination for outdoor adventures and stunning natural scenery.
Little River Railroad/Lumber Museum
2.7 km
Explore the fascinating history of railroads and lumber at the Little River Railroad and Lumber Museum in Townsend, Tennessee, a must-visit for history lovers.
Meigs Falls
4.4 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Meigs Falls, a serene waterfall located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Tuckaleechee Caverns
5.1 km
Explore Tuckaleechee Caverns in Townsend, Tennessee—an awe-inspiring subterranean adventure filled with stunning geological formations and rich natural history.
The Sinks
5.5 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of The Sinks in Great Smoky Mountains National Park—a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Spruce Flats Falls
6.0 km
Explore Spruce Flats Falls in Townsend, TN - a stunning waterfall and hiking paradise in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.
Wears Valley
7.5 km
Experience the natural beauty and adventure of Wears Valley, Tennessee, a serene escape in the Smoky Mountains perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
Little Greenbrier School
7.6 km
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Walker Sisters Place
8.6 km
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Cades Cove entrance
8.9 km
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Foothills Pkwy
8.9 km
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Tennessee Shine Co
9.0 km
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Cades Cove Picnic Area
9.1 km
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Cades Cove Scenic Loop
9.1 km
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Essential places to dine
Burger Master Drive In
0.3 km
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The Riverstone Restaurant
0.4 km
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Pizza Hut
1.8 km
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Trailhead Steak & Trout
2.2 km
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Jim Bob's BBQ
2.6 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue at Jim Bob's BBQ in Townsend, TN – where every bite tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Good Vibes On the River
3.4 km
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Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro
5.1 km
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Elvira's Cafe
5.5 km
Experience the warmth of Southern hospitality at Elvira's Cafe in Sevierville - your go-to spot for breakfast, brunch, and delightful desserts.
The Barn
12.8 km
Experience exquisite American cuisine at The Barn in Townsend, TN—where rustic charm meets gourmet excellence amidst stunning landscapes.
Boss Hogg's BBQ Shack
16.6 km
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The Peddler Steakhouse
18.3 km
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Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que
18.4 km
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The Park Grill
18.5 km
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Crockett's Breakfast Camp
18.5 km
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Cumberland Jacks LeConte Kitchen
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cades Cove Jeep Outpost
1.0 km
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Rocky Top Country Store
5.2 km
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The Dancing Bean
5.3 km
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Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe
5.4 km
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Harper Bros. General Merchandise Store
5.5 km
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The Potter's Bench
6.1 km
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Mountain Brothers General Store
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Cades Cove Campground Store and Bike Rental
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Honeysuckle Rose Boutique
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Puzzled
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Antique Mall
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Lanier's General Store
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Giftville
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Gifts Unlimited
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Season's Best
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Company Distilling
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Peaceful Side Social | Townsend
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The Abbey at the Heartland Chapel
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Little River Pub and Deli
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Snoring Bear Diner
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Salty Bear
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Dude's Daiquiris
18.7 km
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Shamrock Pub
18.9 km
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Old smokey barrelhouse
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Boudicca's Celtic Pub
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Hogg Shed
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Iron Boar Saloon
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Smoky Mountain Brewery
19.4 km
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The Bar At The Top Of The World
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Daiquiri Shack & Grill Margaritaville
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Hard Rock Cafe
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Acoustic Lobby
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Snuggled Inn
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Deer vista
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El Pulpo Loco
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Eros Knoxville
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Yacht Club
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Five Thirty Lounge
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Knox Box Karaoke
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Radius Rooftop Lounge
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Peter Kern Library
36.7 km
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Fat Tuesday Knoxville
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Preservation Pub
36.7 km
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Scruffy City Hall
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