15 Best Things To Do In Lenoir City, Tennessee - Updated 2024

1. Explore Lenoir City Museum & Cotton Mill Site

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If you want to get to know more about the city you’re visiting, you have to go see its museums. The city of Lenoir was once just a railroad stop; you can learn all of these stories and history when you explore Lenoir City Museum & Cotton. It features artifacts about the city from the earliest time up to now. It has four rooms that contain school memorabilia, old equipment concerning railroad cars, relics of churches, and the life of Major William B. Lenoir. Also, in the area is the old cotton mill which was spared during the Civil War and operated up to the 19th century. Take a look inside and get a glimpse of what has been a great cotton mill during the war and up to its closure.

Lenoir City Museum & Cotton Mill Site

Address: 110 E Depot St, Lenoir City, TN 37771, USA

Website: Lenoir City Museum & Cotton Mill Site

Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 1pm - 4pm (closed from Sun - Wed)

2. Dine at Aubrey's

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Are you the kind of travelers who always want to explore the food scene of the area you visit? If so, you have to try Aubrey’s, with its delectable food offerings and its wide selection of liquors. Aubrey’s is an American Restaurant that takes pride in providing farm-fresh and homemade dishes that are served beautifully. The menu here is huge, and includes pasta, sandwiches, burgers, ribs, desserts, as well as drought beers and exquisite wines. As for space, it has a casual restaurant ambiance with multiple seating options, such as table and chairs, booths, and bar seating.

Aubrey's

Address: 401 Town Creek Rd E #5612, Lenoir City, TN 37772, USA

Website: Aubrey’s

Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)

3. Unwind by Melton Hill Dam

Located in Clinch River, Melton Hill Dam is a hydroelectric dam that was built in 1960 to help in power generating. Here, you’ll find a park and a campground, where families can enjoy nature while bonding with the many activities they can do here. It features camping sites, recreational trails, playgrounds, restrooms, and a lot more. Also, you can go fishing, hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and other nature activities. It is truly a great attraction for the whole family.

Melton Hill Dam

Address: 2015 Grubb Rd, Lenoir City, TN 37771, USA

Website: Melton Hill Dam

4. Hike Hall Bend trail head

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Nature activities are aplenty in Lenoir City, and another thing you should try here is hiking at Hall Bend trail head. It is a 5-mile (8.05 km) loop trail that all levels of hikers can explore. At the start of your hike, you’ll encounter an open grassy area, then some easy lake access spots that even your dog can cross over. If you’re planning to hike up to the limestone bluff, make sure you bring some light snacks so you can have enough energy to stay a little longer to take in the sceneries. And don’t forget to take some amazing photos to share with your family and friends back home.

Hall Bend trailhead

Address: Lenoir City, TN 37771, USA

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Go for a swim at Lenoir City Pool

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

A public swimming pool, Lenoir City Pool is not just open in summer but also during the winter season. It features a huge lap pool with slides on both ends, which everyone in the family will surely enjoy. Apart from the swimming pool, it also has bathrooms, outdoor showers, and concessionaires that offers snacks and drinks. You’ll also love that everything here is affordable from the entrance up to its food offerings. So, make sure you drop by and bring your friends and family for some swimming when you visit.

Lenoir City Pool

Address: 120 Panther Dr, Lenoir City, TN 37771, USA

Website: Lenoir City Pool

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 5pm; Sat: 12pm - 6pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm

Price: 4 USD

6. Have a delish dinner at Buddy's Bar-B-Q

A family-owned food business in Tennessee, Buddy’s Bar-B-Q started when Buddy, the husband, put his faith in his wife cooking prowess. The locals rave about its tasty barbecue sauce and affordable prices. The menu here is large and includes smoked chicken, pulled pork, ribs, and other barbecue staples. Also, they have here sides, desserts, and sandwiches. As for the venue, the local chain features a laid back ambiance and a traditional diner setting, making it a cozy place for family and friends to dine in. Additionally, the restaurant has other branches in Tennessee.

Buddy's Bar-B-Q

Address: 1104 US-321, Lenoir City, TN 37771, USA

Website: Buddy’s Bar-B-Q

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

7. Spend an afternoon at Lenoir City Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re traveling on a budget and don’t want to spend much on attractions, then why not go to Lenoir City Park with your friends and family? It is a park that features sports facilities such as two tennis courts and beach volleyball courts. It also has two playgrounds for kids, seven picnic shelters where families can have lunch or snacks, walking trail, a fishing pier, and more. This place offers many activities than what it seems, and all you have to do is explore. Additionally, for your convenience, it has restroom facilities.

Lenoir City Park

Address: 6707 City Park Dr, Lenoir City, TN 37772, USA

Website: Lenoir City Park

Opening hours: 7am - 11pm (daily)

8. Enjoy with kids at Lee Russell Recreation Complex

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Another place in Lenoir City that your child will surely have fun at is Lee Russell Recreation Complex. Bring your kids here and give them a chance to play sports instead of being in their phones and tablets all day long. The recreation complex offers two baseball fields and a softball field. Also, they have here concession where you can get your snacks and drinks and bring it over the picnic shelter, where you can eat comfortably with the whole family. Moreover, restrooms are available in the complex.

Lee Russell Recreation Complex

Address: Kingston St, Lenoir City, TN 37771, USA

Website: Lee Russell Recreation Complex

9. Get spooked exploring Dead Man's Farm Haunted House

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Tagged as one of the scariest attractions in Tennessee, Dead Man’s Farm Haunted House is a must-visit for thrill-seekers and adventurous travelers who plan to visit Lenoir City. This attraction is a haunted house with lots of scary features such as a coffin simulator, an electric chair where you have to free yourself, mini escape rooms, and more.

Also, for a more thrilling and scarier experience, you can avail of their five-dollar upgrade, wherein the actors can touch, corner, and separate you from your group. So, if you’re not afraid of the dark and you get excited about the idea of a haunted house, make sure you visit this attraction in the city.

Dead Man's Farm Haunted House

Address: 13100 W Lee Hwy, Philadelphia, TN 37846, USA

Website: Dead Man’s Farm Haunted House

Price: 20 USD

10. Shop till you drop at Franklin Centre

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Located 20 mi (32.18 km) away from Knoxville, Franklin Center is your one-stop shop for anything shopping-related. It is a 31,153 sq ft (2,894.20 sq m) retail paradise mostly occupied by local and international brands and shops like Dollar Tree, Shoe Show, and Sally Beauty Supply.

Apart from the retail shops, it has many entertainment facilities and numerous dining options. Bring your shop-a-holic family members and friends to this hub in Lenoir City for shopping therapy. There’s no doubt they’ll thank you afterward.

Franklin Centre

Address: 835 US-321, Lenoir City, TN 37771, USA

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

11. Explore Fort Loudon Marina

Situated where three rivers, Fort Loudoun Lake, Watts Bar Lake, and Tellico Lake meet at the Tennessee River, Fort Loudon Marina is a marvelous place to visit with the family or friends, for each member will have something to do here. Whether you’re after food, water activities, sports, or just chilling under the tree, the marina got it covered for you, for apart from being in a unique location, it is also in a public park. The park features lakeside picnic areas, sports facilities like volleyball and tennis courts, as well as a boat ramp. As for the dining options, the marina offers numerous restaurants and cafes, such as Key Largo Grill and Calhoun’s Restaurant.

Fort Loudon Marina

Address: 5200 City Park Dr # 101, Lenoir City, TN 37772, USA

Website: Fort Loudon Marina

Opening hours: 7am - 3am (daily)

12. Enjoy a night full of music at Lenoir City Jamboree

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you’re looking for entertainment while in the city, then visiting Lenoir City Jamboree would be a fun thing to do. It is a family-friendly live music venue that doesn’t serve alcohol and is also known to be a smoke-free property. The venue features live music shows and dance, which genres range from blues, and bluegrass up to country and classic rock. You can watch and listen to international bands and local artists here.

Additionally, if you’re feeling brave, you can join the open mic, which starts at 7pm before the first professional band’s performance.

Lenoir City Jamboree

Address: Memorial Building, 103 B Street, North, Lenoir City, TN 37771, United States

Website: Lenoir City Jamboree

Opening hours: Fri: 7am - 10pm (closed from Sat - Thu)

13. Have a picnic at Rock Springs Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Another beautiful park in Lenoir City is Rock Springs Park. If you run out of things to do in the area, and just want to chill with a book in hand while your kids play, then the park is the right place to be. It features a playground for kids of all ages, a picnic shelter for the whole family, and a walking trail when you want to stretch those legs. Also, they have restrooms here in case you suddenly need one.

Rock Springs Park

Address: 211 Rock Springs Annex, Lenoir City, TN 37771, USA

Website: Rock Springs Park

Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)

Nearby things to do

14. Take a boat ride underground at The Lost Sea Adventure

The Lost Sea between Sweetwater and Madisonville is an extraordinary subterranean wonderland that beckons explorers of all ages to uncover its hidden treasures. At the heart of this captivating destination lies the sprawling non-subglacial underground lake where you can take boat rides and admire the ethereal beauty.

You can also venture along a nature trail winding through a cove hardwood forest and, for the more daring, tour the wild cave. As you delve deeper into the cave’s depths, you’ll crawl through narrow cracks, marvel at intricate formations, and discover the mesmerizing anthodites – delicate, sparkling crystal structures. These underground caverns unveil spacious rooms with captivating views, each telling a story millions of years in the making. However, to embark on the cave tour, long pants are a must for explorers, and a trusty flashlight is your beacon into this mysterious underworld.

The Lost Sea Adventure

Address: 140 Lost Sea Rd, Sweetwater, TN 37874, United States

Website: The Lost Sea Adventure

Opening hours: Nov - Feb: 9am - 5pm (daily); Mar - Apr, Sep - Oct: 9am - 6pm (daily); May - Aug: 9am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 26.95 USD (adults); 15.95 USD (children ages 4-12); Free for children 3 and under

15. Learn about the cheese-making process and sample various cheeses at Sweetwater Valley Farm

Sweetwater Valley Farm is a delightful destination for both cheese enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of rural charm. This family-owned farm offers a unique and immersive experience where visitors can learn about the art of cheese-making and even witness the process in action.

The farm provides guided tours where you can explore the dairy barns, meet the resident cows, and observe the cheese production facility. The highlight of any visit is the opportunity to sample a variety of artisanal cheeses, including cheddar, Swiss, and gouda, all crafted right on the premises. From creamy and mild to sharp and aged, there’s a cheese to suit every palate.

Sweetwater Valley Farm

Address: Cheese Shop, 17988 W. Lee Hwy, Philadelphia, TN 37846, United States

Website: Sweetwater Valley Farm

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (open on select Sundays)

Price: 12 USD (adults); 8 USD (children of ages 3-8); Free (children 2 and under)

Charming city of Lenoir

If a peaceful holiday with nature cannot lure you to the city of Lenoir, it still has many things hidden in its sleeves waiting for you to uncover. So, if you’re looking to experience some exciting things to do in Lenoir City this weekend or for your next holiday, make sure to use our list as a guide.

To maximize your time in Loudon County, why not explore more adventures and thrills in nearby areas? The things to do in Loudon are a great addition to your travel plans in this part of Tennessee. The city is just about 8 miles (12.87 kilometers) away from Lenoir proper!