Free museums in Tennessee

The Tennessee State Museum, located in Nashville, offers a comprehensive depiction of the history of the U.S. state of Tennessee. This large museum provides an in-depth look into the state's past, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and curious tourists alike.

The Fort Donelson National Battlefield is a significant historical site that preserves Fort Donelson and Fort Heiman. These two forts played a crucial role in the American Civil War, particularly in the Forts Henry and Donelson Campaign. Visitors to the battlefield can explore these preserved sites and gain a deeper understanding of their importance in the Civil War.

Fort Pillow State Historic Park, located in western Tennessee, is a significant site that preserves the history of the American Civil War, specifically the Battle of Fort Pillow. The park offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a crucial part of American history, providing a tangible connection to the past. The park's location on the Chickasaw Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River adds to its scenic beauty, making it a worthwhile destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The Old Stone Fort, located in Coffee County, Tennessee, is a prehistoric Native American structure. It was built during the Middle Woodland period, specifically between 80 and 550 AD. This historical site offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural prowess and cultural practices of the Native Americans during this period.

Norris Dam State Park is a state park located in Anderson County and Campbell County, Tennessee, in the southeastern United States. The park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and boating. It is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a great spot for nature lovers.

Stones River National Battlefield is a significant historical site located in Rutherford County, Tennessee. The 570-acre park is dedicated to memorializing the Battle of Stones River, a pivotal battle of the American Civil War. The battlefield offers visitors a chance to explore the grounds where this key event in American history took place.

The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site is a significant location in Greeneville, Tennessee. It is maintained by the National Park Service, ensuring that the site is well-preserved and accessible to the public. This site was established to honor Andrew Johnson, the 17th president of the United States, and includes several key features such as Johnson's homes, his tailor shop, and his grave site within the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery.

Oaklawn Garden, situated at 7831 Old Poplar Pike in Germantown, Tennessee, is a unique combination of a botanical garden, park, and museum. This location offers a diverse range of attractions, from a variety of flora and fauna to historical exhibits, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

Nashville’s one and only Dukes of Hazzard Museum and Shop. And it is operated by ol’Cooter himself! Free admission.

Cumberland Mountain State Park, located in Cumberland County, Tennessee, is a vast expanse of 1,720 acres. The park is centered around Byrd Lake, a man-made lake that was created in the 1930s. This beautiful park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a popular destination for tourists.

Red Clay State Historic Park, located in southern Bradley County, Tennessee, is a significant site that preserves the Red Clay Council Grounds. These grounds hold historical importance as they were the last capital of the Cherokee Nation in the eastern United States, from 1832 to 1838. The park offers a unique opportunity to explore and understand the rich history and culture of the Cherokee Nation.

The Art Museum of the University of Memphis, also known as AMUM, is situated at 3750 Norriswood Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee. This location is the primary art museum of the University of Memphis, offering a variety of exhibits and collections for visitors to explore.

The Dixon Gallery and Gardens is a renowned art museum nestled within 17 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Established in 1976, the museum is conveniently located at 4339 Park Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, United States. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore a wide range of art collections while enjoying the serene beauty of the gardens.

The Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park spans 45 acres and includes a restored log cabin, which is a representation of the place where Hull was born in 1871. The park also houses a museum that displays a number of Hull's personal items, including a replica of his 1945 Nobel Peace Prize.

The Dunlap coke ovens are not just historical remnants, but they are also recognized for their significance and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Sequatchie Valley Historical Society maintains the ovens as part of the Dunlap Coke Ovens Park, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Visitors can appreciate the efforts made to conserve this important piece of industrial history.

The Knoxville Museum of Art (KMA), located in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a unique institution that focuses on showcasing historical and contemporary art pieces from the East Tennessee region. This specialization allows visitors to gain a deep understanding of the region's artistic heritage and contemporary art scene.

The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is situated on the campus of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors, as it is nestled within the vibrant university environment. The museum offers a unique blend of natural history and culture, providing a comprehensive view of the world's history and diverse cultures.

The Fayetteville-Lincoln County Museum offers a vast exhibit space of 33,000 square feet. This allows for a wide range of exhibits and displays, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the local history and culture. The spacious layout ensures a comfortable and engaging visit for all.

The Fite-Fessenden House, located in Lebanon, Tennessee, is a historic site that now serves as the Wilson County Museum. This house, with its rich history, offers visitors a glimpse into the past and the opportunity to learn about the local history and culture.

Fort Negley, a significant historical site, was a fortification constructed for the American Civil War. It is situated approximately two miles south of downtown Nashville, Tennessee, in the United States. This location offers visitors a chance to delve into the history of the Civil War and understand the strategic importance of this fort during that period.

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum, located in downtown Wartrace, Tennessee, is the only museum in the world dedicated entirely to the Tennessee Walking Horse. This unique institution offers a comprehensive look into the history, culture, and significance of this distinctive breed of horse, making it a fascinating destination for horse enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The Cookeville Railroad Depot, constructed by the Tennessee Central Railway in 1909, played a significant role in Cookeville's history until the 1950s when passenger train service to the city was discontinued. This historical site, which is now home to the Cookeville Depot Museum, offers visitors a glimpse into the city's past and the importance of rail travel during that era.

The Pinson Mounds are a significant prehistoric Native American complex situated in Madison County, Tennessee. This complex is located in a region known as the Eastern Woodlands, which is rich in cultural and historical significance. The site offers a unique opportunity to explore the ancient history of Native American civilizations and their architectural prowess.

The Green McAdoo School, located in Clinton, Tennessee, holds a significant place in the history of the United States. It served as the segregated elementary school for African American children until 1965. Today, it stands as a museum, preserving the history and educating visitors about the era of segregation. The school is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, further emphasizing its historical importance.

The Museum Center at 5ive Points, located in Cleveland, Tennessee, is a history museum that showcases exhibits on the history of the local region. It provides a comprehensive view of the area's past, making it an ideal destination for those interested in understanding the historical context of the region.

Shiloh National Military Park is a significant historical site that preserves the battlefields of Shiloh and Corinth from the American Civil War. These battlefields are a testament to the intense struggles that took place during this pivotal period in American history. Visitors can explore these preserved sites to gain a deeper understanding of the events and their impact on the nation.

The Rose Center, located in Morristown, Tennessee, is a community cultural center that is housed in the historic Rose School. The school was built in 1892 and holds the distinction of being Morristown's first coeducational public high school. Today, the center serves as a hub for cultural activities and events in the community.

The University of Tennessee Botanical Gardens is not just a separate entity but rather, it is the entire 250-acre campus of the University of Tennessee. This means that visitors to the gardens are also exploring the university campus, providing a unique blend of educational and natural experiences. The botanical gardens serve as a practical and educational support for the university's biology studies, but they are also open to the public for enjoyment and exploration.

The Tennessee Agricultural Museum is located at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Brentwood, Tennessee. This museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of Tennessee's agricultural history, offering visitors a unique insight into the state's rural past.

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is not open to the public, ensuring the elephants' privacy and well-being. The sanctuary spans over 2,700 acres and consists of three separate and protected natural habitat environments for Asian and African elephants. This vast space allows the elephants to roam freely and live as naturally as possible.

Johnsonville State Historic Park offers a variety of activities for visitors. One of the highlights is a wooded trail where you can observe several species of birds, including Gulls, Sandpipers, Woodpeckers, and White-breasted Nuthatches. Occasionally, you might even spot Bald Eagles. During winter and migration seasons, Bay Ducks and Ring-tailed Gulls are also visible. Additionally, the Tennessee River's impoundment of Kentucky Lake provides opportunities for fishing.

Lot of informative displays and exhibits concerning science and medicine. Worth visiting.