1. HomepageHomepage
  2. United States
  3. Tennessee
  4. Townsend
  5. Current: Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
  Manage this page
4.11 rating
  Save museum

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and its collection

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Source

The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is a private non-profit museum situated in Townsend, Tennessee. It is conveniently located near the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it an accessible destination for tourists visiting the park. The center's mission is to preserve the heritage and culture of the inhabitants of the Great Smoky Mountains, including both the region's Native American inhabitants and the pioneers and residents of the region's Appalachian communities.

Exhibits at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center boasts over 17,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits. These exhibits include a variety of structures from around the region, such as a log cabin, two cantilever barns, an AME Zion chapel, a logging town "setoff" house, a sawmill, and a still once operated by a local moonshiner. These exhibits provide a glimpse into the region's past and the lives of its inhabitants.

Indoor Gallery of the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

The indoor gallery of the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center showcases a variety of items used in the mountain region, including tools, furniture, and musical instruments. Additionally, the gallery houses a significant collection of Cherokee and other Native American artifacts. Some of these artifacts date back to the Archaic period, which spanned from around 8000 to 2000 B.C. This collection provides a rich insight into the region's Native American history.

Read more…

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Ethnology Historic house Open air Archaeology Religion

#34 History & Anthropology in Tennessee #4 Archaeology museums in Tennessee #4 Ethnology museums in Tennessee #24 Historic houses in Tennessee #3 Open air museums in Tennessee #6 Religion museums in Tennessee #141 Archaeology museums in United States #177 Ethnology museums in United States #62 Open air museums in United States #173 Religion museums in United States

#34 History & Anthropology in Tennessee #4 Archaeology museums in Tennessee #4 Ethnology museums in Tennessee #24 Historic houses in Tennessee #3 Open air museums in Tennessee #6 Religion museums in Tennessee #141 Archaeology museums in United States #177 Ethnology museums in United States #62 Open air museums in United States #173 Religion museums in United States

More…

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
123 Cromwell Dr
TN 37882 Townsend
Tennessee

Images of Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

Visitor information Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

Opening hours

Monday
10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 17:00
Thursday
10:00 – 17:00
Friday
10:00 – 17:00
Saturday
10:00 – 17:00
Sunday
12:00 – 17:00

Admission

0 – 4Free
5 – 12US$8.00
13 – 59US$12.00
60+US$10.00
MembersFree

Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.

Location & Map

123 Cromwell Dr, Townsend

Discover all museums in Townsend

Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center have been found.

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center Reviews

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, United States, offers visitors an informative look into the history and culture of the Smoky Mountains region. The museum features exhibits on Native American history, pioneer life, and the area's natural environment. Many visitors appreciate the well-organized displays and the opportunity to explore both indoor and outdoor exhibits. The center includes restored historic buildings, which add authenticity to the experience. While some find the museum relatively small, others feel it provides a comprehensive overview of local heritage. The staff is generally described as friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the visitor experience. However, some guests mention that certain areas could benefit from updates or more interactive elements. Overall, the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is considered a solid choice for those interested in learning about the region's history, though it may not be as extensive as some larger museums.

    Read more…

  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

Write a review

Your review helps other people learn about great and less great museums. If you've visited Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, you can write your review below! Please pay attention to our content guidelines before you post your review.

Nearby and in or around Townsend

Discover museums near Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in or around Townsend.

Discover all museums in Townsend