Whether you want some Tennessee fun facts to use for a project or you want to impress people with your knowledge of the Volunteer State, we’ve put together some facts about Tennessee that cover everything from weird laws to natural wonder to strange history.
Tennessee has plenty of history, natural views, and beautiful towns, and these interesting facts about Tennessee are a real tribute to all of the fun Tennessee facts to be found (we could have kept going, but kept it to the 51 best ones!).
Keep reading for weird facts about Tennessee, amazing facts about Tennessee, cool facts about Tennessee, and plenty of fun Tennessee facts to keep you guessing (or help you put together an awesome Tennessee trivia quiz!)
Tennessee Fun Facts
1. Tennessee is located in the southeastern part of the United States.
2. It is the 36th largest state in the United States by land area.
3. The state’s capital and largest city is Nashville.
4. Tennessee is known as the “Volunteer State.”
5. The state is famous for its rich musical heritage, particularly in genres such as country, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll.
6. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is the most visited national park in the United States.
7. Tennessee is home to the birthplace of the blues, Beale Street, located in Memphis.
8. The state’s official bird is the mockingbird.
9. Tennessee is the birthplace of country music, with the city of Bristol hosting the historic Bristol Sessions, known as the “Big Bang of Country Music.”
10. The state is known for its delicious barbecue, particularly Memphis-style barbecue.
11. Tennessee is home to Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley and one of the most visited private homes in the United States.
12. The state’s official flower is the iris.
Interesting Facts about Tennessee
13. Tennessee is known for its whiskey production, with several distilleries producing famous brands such as Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel.
14. The state is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, showcasing the history and evolution of country music.
15. The state’s official tree is the tulip poplar.
16. Tennessee is home to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the largest science and energy national laboratory in the United States.
17. The state has a diverse geography, including the Appalachian Mountains in the east, the Mississippi River in the west, and the Cumberland Plateau in the middle.
18. Tennessee is home to the famous Dollywood theme park, owned by country music superstar Dolly Parton.
19. The state’s official butterfly is the zebra swallowtail.
20. Tennessee is the birthplace of the blues legend B.B. King, who was born in the town of Itta Bena.
21. The state has a strong college sports culture, with passionate fan bases supporting teams like the University of Tennessee Volunteers and the Vanderbilt University Commodores.
22. Tennessee is known for its stunning waterfalls, including Ruby Falls and Burgess Falls.
23. The state’s official fish is the channel catfish.
Weird Facts about Tennessee
24. Tennessee is home to the Great Smoky Mountains, which are among the oldest mountain ranges in the world.
25. The state is known for its annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, attracting music lovers from around the world.
26. Tennessee played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, with important events occurring in cities like Memphis and Nashville.
27. The state’s official horse is the Tennessee Walking Horse.
Tennessee has several iconic landmarks, including the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Tennessee State Capitol.
28. The state is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues.
29. The state’s official reptile is the eastern box turtle.
30. Tennessee is home to the Bristol Motor Speedway, one of the largest sporting venues in the world.
31. The state is famous for its moonshine, a high-proof distilled spirit.
32. Tennessee is known for its southern hospitality and friendly residents.
33. The state’s official gemstone is the Tennessee River pearl.
Random Facts about Tennessee
34. Tennessee is home to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, one of the largest freshwater aquariums in the world.
35. The state’s official amphibian is the Tennessee cave salamander.
Tennessee is known for its vibrant fall foliage, particularly in the Smoky Mountains.
36. The state has a strong history of bluegrass music, with the annual Bluegrass Underground concert series taking place in a cave near McMinnville.
37. The state’s official fruit is the tomato.
38. Tennessee is home to the famous Memphis Zoo, known for its diverse collection of animals and exhibits.
39. The state is known for its scenic beauty, including the Natchez Trace Parkway, which offers a scenic drive through the state.
40. The state’s official dance is the square dance.
41. Tennessee is home to the largest underground lake in the United States, The Lost Sea in Sweetwater.
42. The state is known for its charming small towns, including Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Franklin.
43. The state’s official rock is limestone.
Amazing Facts about Tennessee
44. Tennessee is home to the birthplace of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, in Tupelo, Mississippi.
45. The state is known for its historic sites, including the Hermitage, the former home of President Andrew Jackson.
46. Tennessee has a strong tradition of storytelling and is home to several storytelling festivals throughout the year.
47. The state’s official wild animal is the raccoon.
48. Tennessee is home to the largest artificial skiing surface in the world, the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort.
49. The state’s official slogan is “America at its Best.”
50. Tennessee is home to the largest underground lake in the United States, known as The Lost Sea. Located in Sweetwater, this remarkable underground lake is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can take guided boat tours and explore the caves.
51. The world-famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery, located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, is the oldest registered distillery in the United States. It has been producing Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey since 1866 and attracts visitors from around the world who come to learn about the distilling process and enjoy tastings.
Hey! Want more fun facts about the states? Check these out!
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