25 Fun Facts about Tennessee + Free Worksheets for Kids

Ready to explore the16th state to join the Union? These fun facts about Tennessee are perfect for curious kids and homeschooling families who love mixing learning with adventure. From the misty peaks of the Smoky Mountains to the toe-tapping tunes of Music City, Tennessee is bursting with history, creativity, and a few downright quirky surprises. Let’s dive into what makes this Southern state so unforgettable!

Tennessee Identity & State Nicknames

Ever wonder how Tennessee got its famous nickname, “The Volunteer State”? During the War of 1812, thousands of Tennesseans stepped forward to fight – especially at the Battle of New Orleans. Their spirit of service stuck, and the nickname became part of the state’s identity.

The state motto, “Agriculture and Commerce,” reminds us that Tennessee has always balanced farming with business, trade, and invention. And its state capital, Nashville, isn’t just the state’s center of government – it’s also known worldwide as Music City, thanks to its legendary country and bluegrass roots.

So what is Tennessee known for today? Mountains, winding rivers, soulful music, rich civil rights history, famous whiskey, and yes – a few quirky touches, like small towns with unusual speed limits!

Tennessee State Symbols

Tennessee’s state symbols tell their own story about beauty, creativity, and the outdoors.

• State flower: the Iris, a bright bloom that signals spring across Tennessee hillsides.
• State bird: the Northern Mockingbird, a cheerful mimic known for singing dozens of different tunes (fitting for a musical state!).
• State tree: the Tulip Poplar or Yellow Poplar, a tall, graceful tree you’ll find in many forests.
• State animal: the Raccoon – clever, adaptable, and right at home in Tennessee’s woods.

And if your kids love animals, tell them Tennessee is home to black bears, deer, turtles, and so many salamanders that the Smoky Mountains are known as the Salamander Capital of the World!

Tennessee Geography & Natural Wonders

From caves to craters, Tennessee is full of natural wonders that will surprise your kids

• The state stretches across the southeastern United States, making it a crossroads of culture and nature. It borders eight states (tied with Missouri for the most) and ranks as the 36th largest state in the U.S.
• You’ll find the Appalachian Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains shaping its eastern border, while Lookout Mountain offers sweeping views of up to seven states on a clear day.
• Highest point: Clingmans Dome at 6,643 feet in the Great Smoky Mountains.
• Lowest point: Mississippi River valley, around 178 feet above sea level.
• Major rivers: The Tennessee River winds through the heart of the state, while the Mississippi River defines its western edge.
• A meteor once struck near Gainesboro, Tennessee! The impact created what’s now known as Flynn Creek Crater – one of the best-preserved meteor sites in the eastern United States. Today, it looks like peaceful farmland, but beneath the surface lies the evidence of a powerful cosmic collision.
• Unique sites: Reelfoot Lake was formed by massive earthquakes in 1811-1812, creating a lake in a flash of geological power. Then there’s The Lost Sea, America’s largest underground lake, where you can actually take a boat ride beneath the earth. And for a truly out-of-this-world experience, visit Flynn Creek Crater, a circular valley left behind by an meteor strike – it’s like stepping onto another planet!

Don’t forget the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, shared with North Carolina – it’s the most visited national park in the entire country! With misty ridges, waterfalls, and thousands of plant and animal species, it’s a natural classroom for every age.

Tennessee Music & Culture

If you start humming when you hear “Tennessee,” you’re not alone. Music is woven into the state’s DNA!

• The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville is the longest-running live radio show in the world.
• Bristol, on the Tennessee-Virginia border, is the official Birthplace of Country Music.
• Dolly Parton, born in Sevier County, remains one of Tennessee’s most beloved icons – and her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge celebrates Appalachian music, family, and fun.
• The home of Elvis Presley, Graceland in Memphis, is the second most visited house museum in the U.S., right after the White House.
• The Country Music Hall of Fame keeps Nashville’s music story alive, while folk and bluegrass still thrive in mountain towns and family festivals.

Nashville didn’t earn the nickname Music City by accident – it’s the heart of American sound, and your kids might just recognize a few tunes!

Tennessee History & Notable Figures

Tennessee’s story is full of brave leaders, inventors, and change-makers.

• Three U.S. presidents called Tennessee home – Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson.
• Frontiersman Davy Crockett represented the state in Congress, while Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto was among the first Europeans to explore the area.
• Before all of that, Cherokee and Chickasaw tribes lived across the land, leaving a rich cultural legacy.
• During the Civil War, Tennessee saw more battles than nearly any other state.
• And in the 1960s, Memphis became a central site of the Civil Rights Movement, now remembered through the National Civil Rights Museum at the former Lorraine Motel.
• In World War II, Oak Ridge played a secret but vital role in the Manhattan Project, developing materials for the atomic bomb.
• Later, Knoxville’s 1982 World’s Fair brought international attention and the iconic Sunsphere to the skyline.

Quirky Tennessee Fun Facts

Of course, not everything in Tennessee is serious history – there’s plenty of fun trivia too!

• Mountain Dew was invented in Knoxville and Johnson City.
• Cotton candy was created in Nashville by (believe it or not) a dentist and a candy maker!
• The first self-service grocery store, Piggly Wiggly, opened in Memphis in 1916.
• Nashville has a full-size replica of the Parthenon, and Paris, Tennessee has its own Eiffel Tower.
• Murfreesboro claims to have the world’s largest cedar bucket, holding more than 1,500 gallons.
• The state has over 9,000 caves and some towns with peculiar speed limits just to keep things interesting.
• A few Tennessee counties even call themselves the Turtle Capital of the World.

Print & Go: Free Tennessee Coloring Pages & Worksheets

Grab these free no-prep worksheets to add to any lessons about Tennessee. Be sure to keep reading for learning ideas, field trips, books and more to bring those history lessons to life!

Want even more State Resources?

Springboard Learning Ideas

Use these fun facts about Tennessee as a springboard for hands-on learning, crafts, and mini adventures at home or on the road.

• Learn about William Morrison, the Nashville dentist who invented cotton candy, and explore how heat and motion transform sugar into candy. Try making a simple sweet treat or watch a video of cotton candy being spun.
• Choose a famous Tennessean and create a mini biography or timeline. Include where they lived and how they made a difference.
• Create a “Tennessee Fun Facts” poster with your favorite foods, places, and people.
• Play “Name That Tune” with classic Tennessee hits (country, blues, and bluegrass).
• Map Tennessee‘s major cities and rivers on a blank outline map.
• Make your own “State Symbols” mini-book with drawings or photos of the iris, mockingbird, tulip poplar, and raccoon.

Taste Tennessee!

• Cook a Classic Dish – Try your hand at Memphis-style barbecue, Nashville hot chicken, or biscuits with country ham. Talk about the ingredients and cooking methods while exploring Tennessee’s culinary traditions.
• Sweet Treat Fun – Make banana pudding, funnel cakes, or even spin some cotton candy. Discuss how these treats became popular at fairs and celebrations in the state.
• Food Geography – Map where each dish comes from in Tennessee. Which cities or regions are famous for barbecue, hot chicken, or other specialties?

Books & Videos About Tennessee for Kids

• The Ultimate Tennessee Guide for Kids by Marissa Cleveland – Take your kids on a journey through the Volunteer State! You’ll explore Tennessee’s mountains, music, and fascinating history in a way that keeps your learners curious and smiling all the way through.
• Who Was Dolly Parton? by True Kelley – You and your kids will love discovering how Dolly went from a small-town dreamer to one of country music’s brightest stars. Her story is full of creativity, kindness, and inspiration – perfect for encouraging big dreams!
• Christy by Catherine Marshall – Take a step back in time to Tennessee’s Appalachian Mountains! You and your kids will follow a young teacher learning life lessons, meeting unforgettable mountain families, and discovering the courage and heart it takes to make a difference.
• A is for Appalachia by Linda Hager Pack – Explore the mountains, music, and traditions of Tennessee and the Appalachian region! You and your kids will enjoy learning about local culture from A to Z, with colorful illustrations that make each letter and story come alive.

Watch & Listen: Explore Tennessee

• Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors – Step into Dolly’s childhood in Tennessee and experience her heartwarming story! You and your kids will love seeing her family, faith, and creativity come to life, all while celebrating the values that shaped her into the icon she is today.
• Ken Burns: Country Music (PBS) – Take a deep dive into the sounds of Tennessee with this documentary! You and your kids can explore how Nashville, Bristol, and other towns helped shape the music we still love today, from country to bluegrass, and meet the legends who made it all happen.
• Tennessee Civil War 150 (PBS) – Step back in time with your kids and explore Tennessee during the Civil War. This documentary shows how communities and families lived through the conflict, giving you a deeper look at the state’s role in history. It’s perfect for curious kids and teens who want to see history come alive.
• Stream the Grand Ole Opry online for a live dose of Tennessee’s music tradition.

Field Trip Fun in Tennessee

Ready to take your Tennessee studies on the road? Whether you live nearby or just want to explore virtually, these spots bring history, music, and science to life:

• Parthenon – Step inside a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple built for the 1897 World’s Fair. You and your kids can explore architecture, history, and even spot the giant Athena statue while imagining what life was like in ancient Greece.

• Graceland – Walk through Elvis Presley’s famous home and see how the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll shaped music history. You can peek at his iconic jumpsuits, classic cars, and hear stories that make the music come alive.

• Dollywood – This isn’t just a theme park! Celebrate Dolly Parton, Appalachian music, and family fun while exploring rides, shows, and hands-on exhibits that highlight Tennessee culture.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Explore misty ridges, waterfalls, and wildlife. Hunt for salamanders, identify native plants, or just enjoy the fresh mountain air as you learn about one of America’s most visited national parks.

• Oak Ridge – Discover the science behind the Manhattan Project at the American Museum of Science and Energy. Your kids can see how Tennessee played a secret but crucial role in history.

If travel isn’t in your plans, try a virtual field trip! Many of these sites and more offer videos and online exhibits. You can also stream a little bluegrass music while you read – it’s practically required learning in Tennessee.

Final Thought

Tennessee is full of surprises – from misty mountains and underground lakes to musical legends and quirky inventions. These fun facts about Tennessee aren’t just trivia; they’re a chance for your kids to explore history, science, and culture in a hands-on way. The Volunteer State is ready to delight, inspire, and teach your family one fun fact at a time!