10 Quirkiest Tennessee Towns To Visit In 2025

While Tennessee grabs headlines with its rich country music scene, Southern hospitality, and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, there is a quirky side to the Volunteer State that remains hidden within several small towns in the backcountry. A detour to any of these off-the-beaten-path communities exposes weird traditions and eccentric attractions that locals embrace and newcomers marvel at.

From a village that dedicates an entire festival to a domesticated animal to a once-secret society that saw the creation of the first nuclear weapons, these quirkiest Tennessee towns to visit in 2025 provide an alternative visitor experience. Whether a festival freak, outdoor thrill seeker, or a paranormal enthusiast, consider traveling to these unique destinations for out-of-the-ordinary encounters.

Erwin

Erwin is an unassuming village in Unicoi County, historically remembered for carrying out Tennessee's only recorded public elephant execution in 1916. The animal, Mary, was hanged after killing a circus employee. Today, Erwin tries to make up for this stain in its historical tapestry by hosting the Erwin Elephant Revival to honor the memory of Mary and raise funds to combat the plight of elephants in captivity. The Nolichucky River cuts through Erwin and fuels adrenaline-filled rafting excursions when you book a trip with Wahoo's Adventures Nolichucky Outpost.

A lively bar and restaurant scene in downtown Erwin leaves no room for guests to feel hungry or thirsty. You can stop by the Red Fork to enjoy a hearty Southern meal before downing it with a craft beer or cider at the Union Street Taproom.

Brownsville

Brownsville's claim to fame is hosting the state's tallest metal sculpture, a colossal maze of iron that dominates the town skyline. The Mindfield is the brainchild of artist Billy Tripp and serves as a quirky roadside attraction along Main Street, Brownsville. A historic downtown district teeming with unique museums provides a feel for the town's colorful history. This includes the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, where you can tour the world's only dedicated Tina Turner Museum.

Meanwhile, the Dunbar Carver Museum is the only museum in Brownsville preserving African American history and showcases rare interactive exhibits from the past. Beyond the downtown, people seek serene outdoor moments in the lush environment of Webb Banks Passive Park, a popular spot for picnicking, birdwatching, and nature walking.

Paris

Experience a taste of France in this quirky Henry County community with a familiar name. Paris excites first-timers with a conspicuous replica of the Eiffel Tower. This famous landmark is the focal point of the Eiffel Tower Park and rises 70 feet high, which is a 1:20 scale of the original structure in Paris, France. Furthermore, Paris is famous for hosting the World's Biggest Fish Fry, which draws thousands of attendees to the town every April. This annual extravaganza sees over 12,500 pounds of catfish fried and eaten by a high-spirited crowd as part of the festivities.

You can get an idea of the festival's genesis at the Paris Henry County Heritage Center, which is responsible for collecting and preserving the region's history. Finally, the Parisian Theatre welcomes Silver Screen fans to watch the latest Hollywood films in an intimate venue.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater is home to one of the state's most alluring natural treasures. Explorers come from around the country to venture below the surface into Craighead Caverns to witness the "Lost Sea," America's largest underground lake. This storybook wonder is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Tourists can learn about the town's longstanding history at the Sweetwater Heritage Museum, whose collection of old photographs and memorabilia chronicles the region's cultural and transportation heritage.

While strolling down the main thoroughfare, remember to pop into Sweetwater Antiques and sort through a colorful catalog of primitives and vintage souvenirs. But if you need a break from the crowds, you can take it easy in the green atmosphere of Sweetwater City Recreation Park.

Lewisburg

This small village of Marshall County turns heads every October when it stages its annual Goats, Music, and More Fair. This unusual tradition is held in tribute to the fainting goats native to the area. Besides a fair share of whimsical goat shows, the celebration features live concerts, a goat race, and other family-centric activities. Oenophiles are welcome to sample the region's craft winery scene by tasting delicious varieties at Pickers Creek Winery.

Elsewhere, those who need something to eat can always pop into La Fuente Mexican Restaurant for mouth-watering Mexican cuisine. Don't forget to support the lively arts community in Lewisburg by catching a live performance at the Marshall County Community Theatre.

Oak Ridge

Formed as a covert mission by the American government, Oak Ridge was chosen as the home of the Manhattan Project, a "Secret City" that was vital in bringing the world its first nuclear bomb. Today, the beans are spilled, and tourists can visit the town to explore what remains of the infamous project. Visitors can find resourceful information at the American Museum of Science and Energy, which stores rare files from the Manhattan Project. More of Oak Ridge's past is preserved at the K-25 History Center, home to over 250 artifacts about the uranium enrichment programs.

But the town has grown past its atomic past and made amends with its one-time enemies. Today, one can see the International Friendship Bell in downtown Oak Ridge, which weighs about 8,000 pounds and commemorates the shared peace since the catastrophic Second World War attack.

Columbia

This vibrant Maury County town is nicknamed "Mule Capital of the World" and features among the quirkiest Tennessee towns to visit in 2025. This is mainly because of the annual Mule Day, a quirky festival held to celebrate mules. Over 200,000 attendees grace the extravaganza to witness a mule parade, horse shows, craft exhibitions, and various captivating activities.

Columbia's enduring heritage unravels along its historic downtown streets. Several antique buildings, highlighted by the Maury County Courthouse, provide a look into the earlier years. This mid-19th-century structure dominates the townscape and is remembered as the site where the lynching of Henry Choate happened. Columbia is also famous as it houses two residences of America's 11th president, immortalized at the President James K. Polk Home Museum.

Arrington

Arrington's quirky side shows during the Tennessee Renaissance Festival, transporting guests to the peak of 16th-century England. This unusual festival plays out at Castle Gwynn, which transforms into a Covington Glen, a medieval village complete with costumed participants, vintage rides, and related souvenirs. Arrington has a green countryside that supports a thriving wine scene. You can always visit Arrington Vineyards to sip fine wines while soaking in breathtaking landscapes.

Another lovely spot you can escape to for some peace and quiet is The Barn at Sycamore Farms. This charming retreat has plenty of open green space, a small lake, and an event venue for larger get-togethers.

Morristown

Morristown has a hidden relationship with the classic horror flick Evil Dead. This Hamblen County town was chosen as the filming site of the unforgettable movie, and continues to draw fans of the cult classic. Today, people come to see the "Cabin in the Woods" and relive the iconic memory. Horror movies aside, Morristown invites tourists to explore the great outdoors in the sprawling wilderness of Panther Creek State Park. The 1,400-acre playground accommodates hunters, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

The Crockett Tavern Museum pays tribute to the iconic folk hero David Crockett. If you are discovering local history, you can indulge in casual shopping at College Square Mall and relish fine eats at the on-site dining spots.

Sevierville

Sevierville might be known as the home of legendary country music singer Dolly Parton, but it houses a fair share of whimsical attractions that will interest visitors. Prominent among them is the Smoky Mountain Knife Works, an expansive knife showroom christened the world's largest knife showplace. The peculiar collection features knives, guns, minerals, dinosaur fossils, and similar exhibits. Plane enthusiasts can look forward to a fabulous exhibition of vintage aircraft at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation. This 50,000-square-foot space features warbirds and military artifacts from America's different wars.

Another unique attraction to check out in Sevierville is the Forbidden Caverns. This eerie network of underground caves cultivates a rare underground adventure where you can witness storybook crystalline formations and a pristine river.

Final Thoughts

The quirkiest Tennessee towns to visit in 2025 embrace their oddities as a unique part of their cultural fabric. They also offer a glimpse of the diversity that lies hidden in the unexplored countryside of the Volunteer State. New travelers can expect an off-the-beaten-path experience, unlike the typical vacation in the big cities in the United States. From discovering dreamy underground lakes in Sweetwater to celebrating goats in Lewisburg, it doesn't get more peculiar than these adorable communities.