All industrial & heritage museums to visit in Tennessee

Explore the impact of industry on society at 17 industrial heritage museums in Tennessee. These museums showcase the history of manufacturing, technology, and labor.

Are you curious about the history of industry and innovation? These are the top industrial heritage museums in Tennessee:

  1. Titanic Museum Attraction1

    Titanic Museum Attraction

     Pigeon Forge, TN
    The Titanic Museum, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a unique two-story museum that is shaped like the RMS Titanic. This distinctive museum opened its doors to the public on April 8, 2010, offering a unique experience for visitors interested in the history of the Titanic.
  2. Lane Motor Museum2

    Lane Motor Museum

     Nashville, TN
    The Lane Motor Museum, nestled in Nashville, Tennessee, is a unique destination for automobile enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The museum showcases a vast collection of historical automobiles from the 20th century, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the evolution of automotive design and technology.
  3. The Cotton Museum At the Memphis Cotton Exchange3

    The Cotton Museum At the Memphis Cotton Exchange

     Memphis, TN
    The Cotton Museum is situated in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. It is housed on the former trading floor of the Memphis Cotton Exchange, located at 65 Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. This location is steeped in history, as it was once the hub of the cotton industry in the region.
  4. Memphis Museum of Science & History4

    Memphis Museum of Science & History

     Memphis, TN
    The Museum of Science & History - Pink Palace in Memphis, Tennessee, is a significant science and historical museum in the Mid-South. It offers a wide range of exhibits, from archeology to chemistry, providing a comprehensive and diverse learning experience for visitors. The museum's exhibits are designed to engage and educate visitors about various scientific and historical topics.
  5. American Museum of Science and Energy5

    American Museum of Science and Energy

     Oak Ridge, TN
    The American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE) is a unique educational institution located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The museum's primary focus is on teaching both children and adults about various forms of energy, with a particular emphasis on nuclear power. Additionally, the museum serves as a historical resource, documenting the significant role that Oak Ridge played in the Manhattan Project during World War II.
  6. Discovery Park of America6

    Discovery Park of America

     Union City, TN
    Discovery Park of America is an amusement park with an attached museum, located in the far northwest of the state of Tennessee in Lake County. It is situated between the nearby Mississippi River in the west and the immediately adjacent city of Union City in the east, which is the administrative seat of the neighboring Obion County.
  7. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum7

    Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

     Chattanooga, TN
    The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is a significant heritage site located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It was established in 1960 by Paul H. Merriman, Robert M. Soule, Jr., and a group of local railway preservationists. The founders aimed to preserve steam locomotives and railway equipment for future historical display and use.
  8. The Cotton Museum8

    The Cotton Museum

     Memphis, TN
    The Cotton Exchange of Memphis, a significant historical site, is situated in the heart of downtown Memphis, Tennessee, USA. It is conveniently located at the intersection of Front Street and Union Avenue, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.
  9. Dunlap Coke Ovens9

    Dunlap Coke Ovens

     Dunlap, TN
    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.
  10. Ducktown Basin Museum10

    Ducktown Basin Museum

     Ducktown, TN
    The Burra Burra Mine, located in Ducktown, Tennessee, is a significant historical site in the southeastern United States. This copper mine was operational for 60 years, from 1899 to 1959, during which it extracted over 15 million tons of copper ore. The mine's rich history and its substantial contribution to the copper industry make it an interesting site for tourists.
  11. Tennessee Central Railway Museum11

    Tennessee Central Railway Museum

     Nashville, TN
    The Tennessee Central Railway Museum (TCRM) is a non-profit organization situated in Nashville, Tennessee. The museum is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of rail transport in Tennessee and the central South. It is a place where visitors can learn about the history and significance of rail transport in the region.
  12. International Towing Museum12

    International Towing Museum

     Chattanooga, TN
    The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame & Museum, situated in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a unique destination that showcases a collection of restored antique wreckers and equipment from the tow truck industry. Visitors can explore the rich history of the towing industry and appreciate the evolution of towing equipment over the years.
  13. Newbern Depot Museum13

    Newbern Depot Museum

     Newbern, TN
    The Newbern Depot, also known as the Newbern Illinois Central Depot or the Newbern-Dyersburg station, is a unique combination of an Amtrak station and a museum located in Newbern, Tennessee. This historic building, constructed by the Illinois Central Railroad in 1920, serves as a testament to the rich railroading history of the region. It is an unstaffed flag stop on the City of New Orleans route, serving Newbern and the nearby town of Dyersburg when passengers have tickets to and from the station.
  14. Metal Museum14

    Metal Museum

     Memphis, TN
    The Metal Museum, previously known as the National Ornamental Metal Museum, is situated in Memphis, Tennessee. It was established by artist-blacksmith James Wallace. The museum is dedicated to showcasing metalwork exhibitions and hosting public programs featuring metalsmiths.
  15. Falls Mill15

    Falls Mill

     Belvidere, TN
    Falls Mill, located in Belvidere, Tennessee, is a historic textile factory that was built in 1873. It has been recognized for its historical significance and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since February 23, 1972. This mill is not just a relic of the past, but a testament to the industrial history of the United States.
  16. Cookeville Depot Museum16

    Cookeville Depot Museum

     Cookeville, TN
    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.
  17. David Crockett State Park17

    David Crockett State Park

     Lawrenceburg, TN
    David Crockett State Park, located in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, is a significant historical site that commemorates the activities of the famous frontiersman, David Crockett. The park is situated on Shoal Creek, a location where Crockett settled in 1817. It serves as a reminder of the frontiersman's life and his contributions to the local area.