The destination of Kingsport is one of the most visited destinations in the United States, thanks to its scenic location surrounded by nature and a favourable climate. Situated in the state of Tennessee, Kingsport is the largest city in the Kingsport–Bristol area. The city limits extend west into Hawkins and north to Virginia borders. Towards the south lies the majestic Cherokee National Forest. The mountainous city is blessed with diverse natural and man-made attractions and activities that you would love to enjoy. Out of the endless things to do in Kingsport Tennessee, we have listed the best of them. Read on to find out more.
1. Immerse yourself in nature at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
When in Kingsport, you can start with a tour of the scenic Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium. This nature park is tucked away in the Bays mountains and offers breathtaking views of beaver dams, bee hives, cave systems, and more. You can visit the nature center as well as the display of native animals like bobcats, raptor center, river otters, and free-roaming white-tail deer, and see a raptor center, waterfowl aviary, and wolf pen. Howl with the wolves in the Wolf Howling sessions, or go on the famous barge ride through Bays Mountain Reservoir.
Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
Address: 853 Bays Mountain Park Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
Website: Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
Opening hours: 8:30am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD (per vehicle)
2. Take a scenic walk at Warriors' Path State Park
The city of Kingsport is blessed with gorgeous parks and gardens all around the city. One of them is Warriors’ Path State Park located on Hemlock road. This historical park is named after the Great Indian Warpath which was used by Iroquois to fight the historical tribes of Cherokee and its allies. In the contemporary times, it is a great place famous among nature lovers for hiking, aquatics, camping, golfing, etc. You can visit with your family or friends to enjoy a great time. You will also find a reservoir and Duck Island in close vicinity of the park which makes the park even more attractive.
Warriors' Path State Park
Address: 490 Hemlock Rd, Kingsport, TN 37663, USA
Website: Warriors’ Path State Park
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free admission
3. Enjoy the fun rides at Kingsport Carousel & Park
Visiting Kingsport with kids? Don’t miss out on visiting the Kingsport Carousel & Park. This park is suitable for all age groups and has hand-carved carousels. A fun-filled place to hang out with your friends or family, it offers various rides for adults and kids. Children can enjoy the rides and the grown-ups can reminisce. A gift shop and eateries are added along with the playground on the outside. You can also book it for private parties.
Kingsport Carousel & Park
Address: 350 Clinchfield St, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
Website: Kingsport Carousel & Park
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 11am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 1 USD per ride
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4. Get a glimpse of the yesteryears at Exchange Place
Exchange Place is a historical landmark and a living history centre dating back to the 1850s. The site was once a community that served as a self-supporting plantation. Today it is a haven for nature lovers. It is a great place to spend a relaxing time away from the city’s hustle and bustle and take a break to see period rooms, a museum, and what farm life looked like in the 1850s. You can also spot a relay station along the Old Stage Road and the Post Office for Eden’s Ridge here. Revisit 19th-century life here.
Exchange Place
Address: 4812 Orebank Rd, Kingsport, TN 37664, USA
Website: Exchange Place
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 2pm - 4pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
5. Learn about Kingsport's past at Netherland Inn Museum
History buffs would definitely enjoy a visit to Netherland Inn Museum in Kingsport. Built in 1802, the museum lies on Netherland Inn Road, that was possibly named after the historic establishment. The museum that was originally built for salt distribution was turned into a basic inn for travellers going from Tennessee to Kentucky back then. This has led to the museum being added to the National Register of Historic Places of the US. Today, the museum displays the structures from the 19th century as is and has the tavern on first floor, the family quarters of the owners on the second floor, and there are guest rooms on the third floor. Everything here is still as it was.
Netherland Inn Museum
Address: 2144 Netherland Inn Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
Website: Netherland Inn Museum
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 2pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
6. Enjoy a family picnic at the verdant Domtar Park
Lush, green Domtar Park is another must-visit place in Kingsport. It lies on the Long Island of the Holston River and offers a large children’s playground, lighted flagpoles, picnic tables with umbrellas, volleyball court, and restrooms. Play a round of baseball at the lighted baseball diamonds or go for a stroll along the paved walking loop. The ornamental landscaping adds to the beauty of the park which is already a major attraction in Kingsport.
Domtar Park
Address: 1414 Riverport Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
Website: Domtar Park
Opening hours: 7am - 9:30pm (daily)
7. Visit the supposedly haunted Rotherwood Mansion
The historical Rotherwood Mansion is a must-visit place in Kingsport. The majestic red-brick manor is allegedly considered haunted and the isolated location also makes it spooky. Right on the banks of Holston River, on a high hill, the mansion speaks loudly of its history and residents. Although Rotherwood did not begin with malice or evil, with the fate of the house and those related to it, was doomed even as the first brick was laid. Visit for yourself and see this three-storey tall mansion, breathing in the history, surrounded by dried, leafless trees!
Rotherwood Mansion
Address: 3401 Netherland Inn Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
Website: Rotherwood Mansion
8. Go for a stroll along Church Circle
Designed by the famous railroad engineer William Dunlap, is the famous Church Circle in the heart of Kingsport. The circle is a convergence of the main streets of Kingsport and designed in the form of ‘spoke and wheel’. It has also found its way to the National Register of Historic Places in US. The only Presbyterian church of Kingsport is also located here along with four large, brick churches with beautiful white steeples line the circle. The round-about also leads to the downtown shopping district as well as some famous roads in Kingsport.
Church Circle
Address: Kingsport, Tennessee 37660, USA
Website: Church Circle
9. Visit Borden Park where nature meets history
Another famous park in Kingsport is the Borden Park on Lamont St. This historical park was built way back in 1906 and adorned by flower garden, tennis courts and a playground. This massive 17-acre (7 ha) park also offers an arboretum, basketball court, barbecue grills, benches, picnic shelters, horseshoe pits, a mini golf course, kids playground, tennis courts, and a meandering, paved walking trail where you can go on a walk or tour the park. These various facilities attract nature lovers to spend time here relaxing or playing a sport.
Borden Park
Address: 901 Lamont St, Kingsport, TN 37664, USA
Website: Borden Park
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
10. Take a tour of the scenic Long Island of the Holston
The historic Long Island, also known as Long Island of the Holston, is a scenic island in the Holston River at Kingsport. The island lies across the main channel of south branch of Holston river and isa major attraction of town. You will be glad to know that the island is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a US National Historic Landmark District. The island is only 4 miles (6.4 km) long and 0.5 miles (0.8 km) wide and connected to the mainland with a bridge that is linked to Jared Drive on the south.
Long Island Of The Holston
Address: 500-582 Riverport Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
Website: Long Island Of The Holston
11. Solve a mystery puzzle at Escape Room Kingsport
Combine teamwork and mystery at Escape Room Kingsport. The famous escape rooms located all around the US is one of the most fun-filled things to do with your family or friends. The Escape rooms feature live-interactive adventure games to play or solve with your group. You can find games like Virus X, Taken, Houdini, and more here. Until you work properly as a team, you can’t get out! Sounds interesting, right? So don’t miss trying your hand at mystery in the form of adventure games in themed rooms which you can choose from–almost like going on your own treasure hunt.
Escape Room Kingsport
Address: 1101 E Stone Dr #4, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
Website: Escape Room Kingsport
Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 6pm - 11pm; Sat: 12:30am - 11pm; Sun: 6pm - 10pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: 73 USD
12. Take your kids for some water fun to The Splash Pad
Water-babies would love to visit the Splash Pad in Kingsport which has fun rides and a water park. This amazing place offers rides and activities for all age groups and is a lovely place to hangout whether you are visiting with family or friends. This dynamic, 0-depth, aquatic play area features safari-themed fountains, roofed canopies to rest, picnic tables, tennis courts, food joints, and much more. Come and visit this water park to spend a great time and hours of fun.
The Splash Pad
Address: 1101 M.L.K. Jr Dr, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
Website: The Splash Pad
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free admission
13. Have a lovely family time in Brickyard Park
Located on the famous Brickyard Park Drive, the road named after the park itself, is Brickyard Park. The landscaped park features picnic tables, lighted flagpoles, parking spots, meeting rooms, and ball fields with electric scoreboards. This community park is also a premier sports facility and is frequented by sports enthusiasts. The park is completely smoke free-making it ideal for kids, too. However, do note that no pets are allowed either to maintain the cleanliness.
Brickyard Park
Address: 2017 Brickyard Park Dr, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
Website: Brickyard Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Enjoy nature at its best at Kingsport Greenbelt Trail Head
Nature lovers must visit the Kingsport Greenbelt Trail Head. The lush, green Kingsport Greenbelt is also one of the places in the city that is blessed with the luxury of nature. The park spans to acres of land that boast not just the parks but also residential neighbourhoods, shopping places, streets, schools, and entertainment centres of the region. In Greenbelt you will encounter the stone trail that meanders through the streams, marshes, green meadows, and picnic areas. The area is beautifully decorated with fountains, ramps for anchoring boats, and fishing piers where you can come can enjoy fishing with your family. There are some small eateries outside the park where you can refuel yourself.
Kingsport Greenbelt Trail Head
Address: Kingsport Greenbelt, Kingsport, TN 37664, USA
Website: Kingsport Greenbelt Trail Head
Opening hours: 7am to 9pm (daily)
15. Go kayaking with GRIP Outdoor
If you want to engage in adventure sports in Kingsport, try kayaking with Grip Outdoor. This tour and rental store offers one-, two-, four- and eight-hour kayak rental tours at Bays Mountains and Kingsport Greenbelt. GRIP Outdoor is the area’s premier river kayak and river tubing experience! The kayaks are designed to be stable, comfortable, easily navigable, and a lot of fun. Even first-timers can easily go for it. The floating attachable coolers are a huge hit for groups, parties, corporate bookings, or group bookings.
GRIP Outdoor
Address: 1837 Netherland Inn Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
Website: GRIP Outdoor
16. Taste the best cider at Gypsy Circus Cider Company
Gypsy Circus Cider Company is one of the most famous breweries in Kingsport known for producing 100-percent fresh, fermented, and pressed apple juice. Awarded as Tennessee Cider Producer of the Year in 2016 and 2018, this brewery also offers gluten-free products and low-fructose corn syrup also. This lush, green apple vineyard is constantly surrounded by the smell of freshly produced cider. Visit this amazing brewery with your friends to sample a range of fresh brews on your holiday.
Gypsy Circus Cider Company
Address: 2645 Fort Henry Dr, Kingsport, TN 37664, USA
Website: Gypsy Circus Cider Company
Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri: 4pm - 12am; Sat; 2pm - 12am; Sun: 2pm - 7pm (closed on Tue)
17. Watch a show at LampLight Theatre
If you have a things for arts and shows, visit Lamplight Theatre in Kingston to enjoy shows put up by local performing artists. This non-profit theatre is a mecca of performing arts, designed to provide quality entertainment to Kingsport’s locals and visitors. Encouraging artists since the time of its conception, this theatre is also a venue for theatrical productions, dinners, concerts, conferences, and seasonal events. This boosts the talent of the artists and also provides entertainment to the locals.
LampLight Theatre
Address: 140 Broad St, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
Website: LampLight Theatre
18. Take your friends to go racing at Kingsport Speedway
Love speed and crave an adrenaline rush? Go car racing at Kingsport Speedway on John B. Dennis Highway. This concrete jungle is the place for speed lovers who want something different than visiting historical attractions and parks. You can visit with your group and race against each other for real fun. The speedway also organises events throughout the year in which you can participate to win exciting prizes. Enjoy an exciting time competing with friends to cross the finish line and make your time at Kingsport Speedway one to remember.
Kingsport Speedway
Address: 2961 N John B Dennis Hwy, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
Website: Kingsport Speedway
19. Have a fun time with your family at Kingsport Aquatic Center
Have a fantastic and fun-filled time at the Kingsport Aquatic Center with your family or friends. This water park features year-round indoor heated pools and a summer-only outdoor water park with slides and a lazy river as well! This has fast become a major attraction in Kingsport for recreation and enjoy water rides. Bring your kids as they would love to float along the lazy river. Whether you are an expert swimmer or a beginner, there is something for everyone here. There are also three indoor pools for you if you don’t like to get tanned.
Kingsport Aquatic Center
Address: 1820 Meadowview Pkwy, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
Website: Kingsport Aquatic Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5:30am to 9pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 6pm
Price: 10 USD
20. Play games to your heart's content at Putt-Putt Fun Center
If You Are Tired Of Puttering Around The House, Try Putting Your Putt Putt Skills To Play :) Kingsporters are getting...
Posted by Kingsport News Free Media :: Kingsport.ME on Friday, 27 March 2020
Putt-Putt Fun Center is an exciting place for mini golf patrons. The game centre also features arcade games, go karting, batting cages, laser tag, and some eateries where you can refuel yourself afterwards. At only 25 cents per round of games, this is the cheapest way to have fun with your friends. Quality outdoor carpet and aluminum bump boards and unique obstacles are incorporated for a consistent roll and bounce. Today there are various centres present all over America, thanks to the safe and affordable customer-centric approach they have.
Putt-Putt Fun Center
Address: 346 W Stone Dr, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
Website: Putt-Putt Fun Center
Opening hours: 9am - 12am (daily)
21. Shop till you drop at Fort Henry Mall
Located on the Fort Henry Drive is the lively Fort Henry Mall. The state-of-the-art mall is lined with all kinds of stores from clothing, accessories, bath products, and jewellery. Opened in 1976, this two-storey mall offers a one-stop shopping solution at the Henry Fort and Memorial Blvd. intersection. The prime location also makes it a preferred shopping destination, apart from a variety of stores for all budgets. You can refuel at the various restaurants and cafes spread across the mall.
Fort Henry Mall
Address: 2101 Fort Henry Dr, Kingsport, TN 37664, USA
Website: Fort Henry Mall
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm
22. Learn about the history of music at the Mountain Music Museum
If you love history and music both, you must visit the one-of-a-kind Mountain Music Museum in Kingsport. Located on the lively Broad Street, the museum offers a display of music history of local East Tennessee, North Carolina, Southeast Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia music. The exhibits are mainly from the 19th-century era, and are of what is called country music in the contemporary times. Visit the museum to have a glimpse of the vintage musical instruments, musicians and shows photographs, original recordings and more. It is a place wherein music lovers can connect to the deeper history of the region’s music and is for those who want to learn about music beyond those of contemporary times.
Mountain Music Museum
Address: 316 Broad St, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
Website: Mountain Music Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 15 - 20 USD
23. Catch a show at Renaissance Arts Center & Theatre
The Renaissance Arts Center & Theatre, City of Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts is ideally a hub of artists in Tennessee and mecca of art lovers. The centre organises various programs like Public Art, Kingsport Sculpture Walk, Carousel Project, Engage Kingsport Performing Arts Series, Festivals, Carousel Fine Craft Show, Christmas Connection Arts & Crafts Fair, a farmer’s market, and also hold several concerts throughout the year. It is also possible to rent a room at the centre. With such diversity, it is sure to offer a great time.
Renaissance Arts Center & Theatre, City of Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts
Address: 1200 E Center St Ste 224, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
Website: Renaissance Arts Center & Theatre, City of Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 9pm; Sun: 9am - 4:30pm
24. Buy fresh organic produce at Kingsport Farmers' Market
If you are looking for fresh produce in Kingsport, visit the Kingsport Farmers’ Market on Clinchfield Street every Wednesday and Saturday. The market offers the best quality home-grown fruits, berries, and homemade jams. This provides a diverse and local market not only for farmers but also the local buyers giving them a chance to get something nutritional. Visit food vendors for some dinner, then indulge in a local brew as you watch a bluegrass concert each second Thursday of the month.
Kingsport Farmers' Market
Address: 308 Clinchfield St, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
Website: Kingsport Farmers’ Market
Opening hours: Wed, Sat: 7am - 1pm (closed from Sun - Tue & Thu - Fri)
25. Indulge in delicious barbecue at Phil's Dream Pit
Craving for some fresh barbecue delights in Kingsport? Phil’s Dream Pit your one-stop solution to satiate the hunger pangs. This amazing grill and barbecue offers fresh barbecued dishes that is unmatched in the barbecue world. Whether its smoked, tender and juicy pork, or sliced beef brisket, each dish is made with precision and love. As such there is no specialty here as everything is special and perfect in taste, leaving you craving for more. Baby back ribs, boneless skinless chicken breast, beef hotdogs, smoked sausages, and jalapeno cheddar sausage are some other dishes you can try here.
Phil's Dream Pit
Address: 534 Eastern Star Rd Intersection of I 81 and I-26, exit 10 off, I-26, Kingsport, TN 37663, United States
Website: Phil’s Dream Pit
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 7pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
26. Try the best craft beers at Model City Tap House
Model City Tap House on the East Main Street in Kingsport is just the place to enjoy craft beer in taps. Opened just three years ago, it lies at the end of the historic train station next to Centennial Park. The restaurant specializes in craft beer, steamed subs and sandwiches and remains open for lunch and dinner. The taps keep pouring fresh beer all day which you can enjoy with your friends or alone. There’s live music to enjoy all throughout the year as well.
Model City Tap House
Address: 151 E Main St Suite #1, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
Website: Model City Tap House
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 10pm (closed on Sun)
27. Go bowling with your friends at Warpath Bowling Lanes
Try your hand at bowling at Warpath Bowling Lanes on Memorial Boulevard. Opened in 1960, this bowling alley offers a friendly vibe and an alcohol-free facility to enjoy the sport. This makes it good to visit for families with kids as well. You can find a good crowd of youths here that love bowling, and Warpath promotes such engagement. It also offers a free bowling program for kids in the summer. If you have more time in your hands, you can join the youth league coaching every Saturday morning.
Warpath Bowling Lanes
Address: 2449 Memorial Blvd, Kingsport, TN 37664, USA
Website: Warpath Bowling Lanes
Opening hours: Mon: 11am - 9:30pm; Tue: 12pm - 11pm; Wed: 12pm - 9:30pm; Thu: 9am - 10pm; Fri: 12pm - 12am; Sat: 9am - 12am (closed on Sun)
28. Indulge in a relaxing massage at Agota Springs spa
After spending a fun but tiring day with Kingsport’s many attractions, engage in a relaxing session at Agota Springs spa. The spa is a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation and offers a range of therapies for the skin and hair. You can also try hydrotherapy and therapeutic massages here and get rid of all the tiredness from all the travelling. The spa uses exotic beauty products for the best results and takes care of your all-around wellness. For the best services, it is good to book in advance to give the professionals a chance to serve you better.
Agota Springs
Address: 1120 Saratoga Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA
Website: Agota Springs
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
More fun awaits you in Kingsport
Although these are a lot of things to do in Kingsport, Tennessee altogether, there are still a lot more to choose from. There are many more parks, restaurants, breweries, and historical landmarks that you can visit in addition to the above. If you liked any of these or need more information, feel free to let us know by dropping a line in the comments below.
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