One of the most fascinating destinations in the Smokies is the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, a unique museum complex that focuses on preserving, interpreting and sharing the amazing history and culture of the diverse individuals who lived in the Smoky Mountains region! The museum also offers educational programs, a summer concert series and year-round special events to round out the cultural experience! Here are the top 5 things to know about the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center:
1. What to Expect
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center celebrates the cultural history of East Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains region, complete with authentic 19th century buildings in a historic village, hands-on exhibits, live historic interpreters and more! The Heritage Center has saved and relocated 18 authentic structures of the region, some dating back to the early 1800s. Each building in the historic village has a unique story, and the structures have been furnished according to the period in which they were built. The main gallery of exhibits features a significant Cherokee Native American collection, as well as incredible artifacts from one of the largest archaeological dig projects in Tennessee history. This includes pottery, stone tools and other artifacts that are over 10,000 years old!
2. Festivals, Events and Concerts
Every year, the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center hosts an exciting variety of festivals, concerts and special events! The museum’s 10 acres provide a unique setting for private or public outdoor events including the Blue Ribbon Country Fair, the Holiday Handcrafter’s Festival, Christmas in the Village and the Storytelling Festival. In addition, the Heritage Center’s spacious outdoor covered amphitheater is home to a wildly popular summer concert series!
3. Educational Programs
Another one of the top things to know about the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is that it offers year-round educational programming that appeals to kids and families. Since educating guests is paramount to the mission at the Heritage Center, this is one of East Tennessee’s premier facilities for non-traditional, hands-on learning. Both students and visitors learn about centuries-old Cherokee culture and the immigration of European settlers to the area.
4. Cades Cove Heritage Tours
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center also offers fully guided bus tours for individuals and groups to Cades Cove! While traveling in a comfortable passenger vehicle with an experienced and friendly guide, you’ll learn all about the history, personal stories, and natural resources that make the Smoky Mountains so unique. Most importantly, while leaving the driving to someone else, you can focus on sharing the stunning scenery and wildlife of Cades Cove with your family and friends!
5. Operating Hours, Tickets and Location Information
The operating hours for the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center are Mondays to Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sundays from Noon to 5 PM. The museum is located on 123 Cromwell Drive in Townsend TN, which is easily accessible via Wears Valley Road from Pigeon Forge! The admission tickets for adults are just $12, while seniors (ages 60+) and children (ages 5-12) can take advantage of a reduced rate. Children 4 and under are admitted for free.
Check out all of our cabins in the Smokies today to stay close to the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center! We look forward to seeing you soon!
