25 Best & Fun Things to Do in Kingsport (TN)

In search of the best and fun things to do in Kingsport, TN?

Kingsport is known as the Mountain Empire, which traverses a piece of southwest Virginia and the uneven areas in northeastern Tennessee.

The name “Kingsport” is a rearrangement of “Lord’s Port,” initially alluding to the space on the Holston River popularly called the King’s Boat Yard, the head of the route for the Tennessee Valley.

Kingsport, Tennessee, is a little city situated on the Holston River in northeastern Tennessee. The city and encompassing region are wealthy in history and typical picturesque excellence. Guests in Kingsport can partake in nature or go through a day inside one of the urban areas displays, exhibition halls, or eateries.

Here are the top things to do in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Things to Do in Kingsport

1. Fun at Kingsport Carousel

Kingsport Carousel
Credits: DM/ Flickr
Kingsport Carousel

The Kingsport Carousel started as an idea of a local citizen Gale Joh. who recruited other local civic leaders, volunteers, and donors to join his dream.

In 2015, his dream came to fruition with the Kingsport Carousel finally opening its doors to visitors.

With 32 animals, 24 sweep animals, and two chariots, each one carved and painted by hand, The carousel truly is an art piece.

It’s located inside Pat’s Roundhouse, which is available for rental for birthday celebrations and other events.

The carousel operates from Wednesday through Sunday. The hours vary according to the season.

Address: 350 Clinchfield Street Kingsport, TN 36770, United States

2. Explore Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium

Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium
Credits: niemand und nichts [CC BY-SA 2.0], Wikimedia Commons
Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium
For some fun time, add a visit to Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium to your list of things to do in Kingsport, TN.

Bays Mountain Park is a spectacular nature preserve owned by the City of Kingsport and spread over 3500 acres of land space.

The park also features a 44-acre lake and 38 miles of trail to enjoy biking, hiking, and running.

There are also wildlife habitats that allow visitors to view bobcats, reptiles, birds, and much more up-close.

For those who love adventure, they can take a spin on the park’s ropes course, which includes 300-foot zip lines, and then end the excitement by viewing an exhibit at the state-of-the-art planetarium.

Bays Mountain Park is open daily. The hours of operation vary depending on the season. Start planning a visit to this wonderful attraction to enjoy what it has to offer.

Address: 853 Bays Mountain Park Road Kingsport, TN 37660, United States

3. Lamplight Theatre

LampLight Theatre
Credits: LampLight Theatre / Facebook
LampLight Theatre

LampLight Theater is a non-benefit office intended to give quality amusement and advance family and Christian qualities. LampLight Theater endeavors to turn into America’s debut Christian Performing Arts Center and develop artisans of all sorts to utilize their gifts. The Theater work as a setting for dramatic creations, supper theater, shows, gatherings, and other occasions.

LampLight Theater functions as a performing expression focused on upgrading the abilities of prepared artisans just as to prepare new entertainers and develop their gifts and skills.

Extended program advancement incorporates diversion for transport visit organizations and travel bundles with nearby lodgings and eateries. New occasions come in every year to offer something fun and fascinating for all ages.

The vision of LampLight Theater is essential for God’s bonus for Billy Wayne Ministries. Lamplight Theater is committed to fulfilling God’s commission through dramatic creations, dinner theater, shows, and gatherings. LampLight Theatre opens every Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Address: 140 Broad St, Kingsport, TN 37660-4202

4. Exchange Place

Exchange Place
Credits: Exchange Place : Kingsport, Tennessee/ Facebook
Exchange Place

The history of the area is revealed in Exchange Place. In its nearly 160 years of existence, this attraction has served as an estate, a stagecoach relay station, and the post office.

Today, it’s an area of 62 acres that is a “living history” farm where visitors can witness the life of farmers and settlers from the 1850s.

Visitors can explore structures like The main residence, the school home, the blacksmith’s forge, the granary, and barns.

The farm also is home to a variety of unique breeds of chickens, cattle, sheep, and horses.

Exchange Place Exchange Place is open from May to October and hosts numerous events and festivals all through the year.

Address: 4812 Orebank Road Kingsport, TN 37664, United States

5. Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Gypsy Circus Cider Company
Credits: Gypsy Circus Cider Company/ Facebook
Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Tennessee’s first specialty cidery utilizes a characteristic methodology with natural supplements, no concentrate, no counterfeit flavors, and sorbates. Gypsy Circus Cider Company is Tennessee’s first art cidery situated in Kingsport, Tennesse. Wanderer Circus utilizes privately sourced apples and natural supplements to deliver a scope of specialty juices.

Gypsy Circus is the South’s most granted cidery. Wanderer Circus Cider won gold, silver, and bronze decorations in the Tennessee Championship of Beers; a gold award in the International East Meets West Challenge; and a silver and bronze award in the New York International Beer Competition.

What a pearl! Quant is a tiny spot with friendly staff, a great environment, and many areas to sit and play inside or outside. The food served in the Gypsy Circus Cider Company is delectable.

You will appreciate great music playing behind the scenes. Gypsy Circus Cider Company offers a fantastic expansion to create refreshments with an accentuation on craftsman regular juice.

Address: 2645 Fort Henry Dr, Kingsport, TN 37664-3760

6. Kingsport Art Guild

Kingsport Art Guild
Credits: Donna Brigance Bird / Facebook
Kingsport Art Guild

Are you an art lover? If yes, add a visit to Kingsport Art Guil to your list of things to do in Kingsport, TN.

Explore and encourage the local-grown talent in the arts of Kingsport in Kingsport Art Guild.

The art studio and gallery provide the opportunity for its members and the entire Kingsport artistic community to show their talents in exhibitions or other events, as well as hands-on classes and talks.

Visitors are invited to visit the two rooms of the Art Guild that is located within the Renaissance Center to see paintings created using various media.

Kingsport Art Guild is open Monday through Friday, from 9 am until 8 pm and from 9 am to 12 noon on Saturdays. Visitors are invited to visit during operating hours.

This answers what to do in Kingsport TN for some art time, do add to your bucket list of Kingsport attractions to visit.

Address: 1200 E. Center Street, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660, United States

7. Putt-Putt Fun Center

Putt-Putt Fun Center
Credits: My Lit’l Eye / Shutterstock

Established in 1954 in Fayetteville, Putt-Putt Fun Center became the world’s solitary protected and marked small golf match-up.

Courses are added for more attractions to make a game delighted in by youngsters and grown-ups the same in Putt-Putt Fun Center.

Putt-Putt spearheaded great outside floor covering, aluminum knock sheets, and one-of-a-kind obstructions for a reliable roll and bob. The ability-based game in the center brought about the Professional Putters Association (PPA) that exists today and has offered awards to some best putters worldwide.

The fun center offers a protected, clean, reasonable diversion setting for families inside their community. The organization developed and added different attractions for complete entertainment.

Such as classic games, go-karts, bumper boats, indoor bumper cars, batting cages, laser tag, a modern arcade, and others.

Putt-Putt is a fun place to enjoy a family activity, and you can also organize birthday parties and hangouts with your loved ones in Putt-Putt Fun Center.

Address: 346 W Stone Dr 4806 South Wind Drive, Kingsport, TN 37660-3274

8. Kingsport Greenbelt

Kingsport Greenbelt
Credits: DM/ Flickr
Kingsport Greenbelt

One of the best places to visit if you want to experience nature is the Kingsport Greenbelt, and it is worth adding to your list of things to do in Kingsport, TN.

Greenbelt is an eight-mile scenic trail that cut across the town and the surrounding forest.

The trail is entirely asphalted and accessible to cyclists, runners, walkers as well as rollerbladers.

The trail is open all year, with the views changing like the seasons, so there’s always something new to explore in the Greenbelt.

Along the trail, hikers will see a protected wetland zone, wildflowers, and the native tree, as well as two historical locations, a natural spring, a skate park, and several picnic spots. The trail is accessible through several other locations in Kingsport.

Planning a road trip in Alabama, do not fail to check out our list of things to do in Auburn , things to do in Montgomery and things to do in Decatur.

9. Kingsport Farmers Market

Kingsport Farmers Market
Credits: Adisa / Shutterstock

Kingsport Farmers Market Kingsport Farmers Market finds its humble beginnings in the year 1977 due to the need for alternative methods to supply fresh products to customers.

A small group of farmers gathered to take part at various fairs for food. In the early 1990s, the farmers officially founded Kingsport Farmers Market.

Kingsport Farmers Market continues to offer amazing products from the farms of Kingsport until this day.

In addition to shopping for the freshest produce, as well as ready-to-eat meals, there are also a variety of activities that customers can take part in, such as baking classes and cooking classes.

There are also a variety of events that are held in Kingsport Farmers Market. Kingsport Farmers Market is usually a great spot to find delicious food.

Kingsport Farmers Market holds every Wednesday and Saturday from April to November, and it is worth adding to your list of things to do in Kingsport.

Address: 308 Clinchfield Street, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660, United States

10. Fort Henry Mall

Fort Henry Mall
Credits: Mike Kalasnik / Flickr
Fort Henry Mall

Do you love shopping? Are you looking for a spectacular place to go shopping with your family or friends? Fort Henry Mall is the best place you need to visit.

Fort Henry Mall is initially known as the Kingsport Town Center in Kingsport; the mall is the only regional shopping mall serving Kingsport.

Fort Henry Mall opened its doors to its guests on March 10, 1976, as a two-level store located at Fort Henry Drive and Memorial Blvd. Hull Property Group owns the Henry Fort Mall.

Go to the Fort Henry Mall and experience your favorite shopping and dining options in Kingsport, Tennessee. The friendly retailers provide items from shoes, clothes, accessories, and many more in the mall. The mall also offers fashion tips, seasonal style ideas, gift guides, and others.

Fort Henry Mall features everything you need, and it has a place you can sit, relax and enjoy the delicious food served. You’re sure to enjoy your visit. Fort Henry Mall opens every Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 am, plus Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm.

Address: 2101 Fort Henry Dr, Kingsport, TN 37664-3658

11. Cattails at MeadowView

Cattails at MeadowView
Credits: S_Wassana / Shutterstock

One of the best places to visit in Kingsport, TN, for golfing is Cattails at MeadowView, and it is worth adding to your checklist if you are a golfer.

Cattails at MeadowView is a spectacular golf course that boasts Bentgrass Greens, Bermuda Fairways, and picturesque holes.

The course, created by Denis Griffiths, was opened in 1998 and soon became a popular local course and one of the best public courses in the whole State of Tennessee.

Golfers can anticipate playing in stunning views from Bays Mountain and traversing the rolling terrain and greenside mounds.

There are bunkers, an average amount of bunkers made of sand, beautiful streams, as well as six stunning lakes that run along the course.

Tee times and golf lessons are required to be booked prior to the time of play. A visit to Cattails at MeadowView is one of the best things to do in Kingsport, TN, for sports lovers.

Address: 1901 Meadowview Parkway, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660, United States

12. The Netherland Inn

The Netherland Inn
Credits: Laura Blankenship/ Flickr
The Netherland Inn

The Netherland Inn has been a Kingsport landmark for more than 200 years, and the property is in the National Register of Historic Places.

The inn was once a vital destination for travelers traveling westward towards Tennessee or further.

It has been used as a boatyard and an event stop for stagecoaches and was home to Presidents Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk.

The inn is now renovated and is now a museum. The schoolhouse and kitchen wing, a children’s museum, and pioneer transportation museum are located within the grounds.

In addition, the Netherland Inn is open for tours on weekends from May through October.

Address: 2144 Netherland Inn Road Kingsport, TN 37660, United States

13. Kingsport Mets Minor League Baseball

Kingsport Mets Minor League Baseball
Credits: Suzanne Tucker / Shutterstock

Minor League Baseball has become more well-known in the United States. They offer a low-cost sports experience that is suitable for kids and adults alike.

Visitors to Kingsport will be able to experience the best American game by joining Kingsport Mets, the city’s minor league team.

The team Mets are among the Appalachian League, and it is an affiliate minor league team in the New York Mets.

They have produced some great professional players like Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden.

The games are played at the stadium with a capacity of 2,500 seats at Hunter Wright Stadium from June to August.

Tickets are available for purchase at the stadium or via the website of the team. Sports lovers should not forget to add watching the team play to their list of fun things to do in Kingsport, TN.

Address: 800 Granby Road Kingsport, TN 37660, United States

14. Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park
Credits: Ray Ray Baldwin / Facebook
Riverfront Park

Boatyard Riverfront Park is a 19-acre community park located along the Holston River, with many recreation components.

The Park consists of bike runs, boat access, park benches, walking trails, water fountains, well-kept restrooms, and picnic tables.

You can as well go fishing with your friends and family in Riverfront Park. Enjoy planning your fun picnic with your loved ones in a friendly environment as there are barbecue grills, picnic shelters, picnic tables, and benches in Riverfront Park. Explore the Park as you can gain access to the Kingsport Greenbelt, bicycle racks, a flatboat replica, fishing piers, historical markers, and others.

Take your kids along with you as there are multi-station kids playgrounds for all ages available for them to play in and have fun. You can sit under the shaded park bench near the garden to watch your kids play.

You can also take a romantic picture walk holding hands with your loved one on the walking trails. Riverfront Park is also pet-friendly. You will discover a swinging bridge connecting to Long Island and water fountains in Riverfront Park.

Address: 2201 Netherland Inn Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660-3013

15. The Inventor Center

The Inventor Center
Credits: The Inventor Center/ Facebook
The Inventor Center

You can experience hands-on arts and crafts, including woodworking and metalworking, fine arts, animation, and coding in The Inventor Center.

The purpose of the Inventor Center is quite simple is to build an artistic community of artisans and thinkers who can contribute to the improvement of their communities as well as the whole region.

Visitors are able to choose from various classes. Residents or regular visitors to the area are also able to choose monthly memberships which offer different degrees of access to The Inventor Center (Maker, Artisan, or Innovator) according to their requirements.

The members of the Inventor Center have round-the-clock access to the facilities.

Non-members are allowed to use the facilities on weekdays from 3 pm to 8 pm, and Saturdays between 10 am and 5 pm.

The Inventor Center is one of the top places educational attraction in the city that is worth adding to your list of things to do in Kingsport.

Address: 118 Shelby Street, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660, United States

Plan to explore the cities of Tennessee, check out our guide on things to do in Memphisthings to do in Jackson, and things to do in Crossville for fun exploration.

16. Allandale Mansion

Allandale Mansion
Credits: Brent Moore / Flickr
Allandale Mansion

If you are interested in history or architecture, add a visit to Allandale Mansion to your list of things to do in Kingsport, TN.

The Allandale Mansion is a key landmark in East Tennessee and a beloved treasure of Kingsport, which was constructed in 1953.

While the mansion is an ideal venue for events, however, visitors looking to just wander around the grounds are allowed to do so.

There’s plenty to discover inside Allendale Mansion. Allendale Mansion itself, which features a stylish interior and is frequently called”the White House of Kingsport.

In addition to the mansion, the grounds of 25 acres include the stunning Heron Dome as well as the Amphitheater and the Harvey’s Barn, and the beautiful Brook’s Pavilion.

Address: 4444 West Stone Drive, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660, United States

17. Mountain Music Museum

Mountain Music Museum
Credits: Rick Dollar [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
Mountain Music Museum
The Mountain Music Museum is a historical center devoted to the historical backdrop of music in East Tennessee, North Carolina, Southeast Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia during the nineteenth century and advanced into what is presently and commonly known as bluegrass music and country music.

The historical center is owned and managed by the not-for-profit Appalachian Cultural Music Association (ACMA). The museum offers exhibits like vintage musical instruments, accounts, photos, and other memorabilia.

Among notable twentieth-century entertainers in the gallery are the Carter Family, the Stoneman Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Flatt and Scruggs, Mac Wiseman, The Stanley Brothers, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Mel Street, Archie Campbell, and others.

Explore the Mountain Music Museum as there are great things on display for you to discover, plus other frequent love shows to promote present kinds of music.

Address: 316 Broad St, Kingsport, TN 37660-4206

18. GRIP Outdoors Kingsport

GRIP Outdoor Kingsport
Credits: GRIP Outdoor Kingsport / Facebook
GRIP Outdoor Kingsport

Since it is surrounded by hills and the Holsten River, Kingsport offers guests a wide range of outdoor adventures and fun.

In GRIP Outdoors, visitors can enjoy a ride along the river in various boats. GRIP provides kayak rentals in two, one, four, eight, or two-hour increments.

Customers can also enjoy an all-day trip through the river in an inner tube that is equipped with floating coolers that allow ease of access to beverages.

Rentals include life jackets as well as transportation to drop-off and pick-up locations on the river.

Fishing equipment rentals are also available, but they must are booked in advance.

Address: 1837 Netherland Inn Road Kingsport, TN 37660, United States

19. Warriors’ Path State Park

Warriors' Path State Park
Credits: M Fletcher / Flickr
Warriors’ Path State Park

Warrior’s Path State Park is a 950-acre nature preserve situated next to the Patrick Henry Reservoir that is worth adding to your list of places to visit in Kingsport, TN.

The park is named after The Cherokee War and Trading Path and is comprised of 12 miles of trails for hiking which take visitors through the gorgeous Tennessee wilderness.

It also has an 8.5-mile mountain biking trail, a campground with 134 sites, and one 18-hole Golf course, as well as a picnic area and pavilions.

Fort Patrick Henry Lake is located within the park and is a great location for fishing, swimming, and boating.

The park’s playground has trails and equipment that are accessible to blind or disabled children.

Address: 490 Hemlock Road Kingsport, TN 37663, United States

20. Hunter Wright Stadium

Hunter Wright Stadium
Credits: Visit Kingsport / Facebook
Hunter Wright Stadium

Established in 1995, Hunter Wright Stadium got its name from a famous multi-term previous city hall leader. Hunter Wright Stadium seats 2,500 people. Hunter Wright is home to the field of the Kingsport Mets, an offshoot of the New York Mets, in the Appalachian League.

The Kingsport Convention and Visitors Bureau runs the stadium. The arena is only several miles from the Tennessee-Virginia line.

The recreation center in Hunter Wright Stadium highlights fantastic seating and reserved seating, baseball fields, outing spaces, full assistance concessions, batting confines, a press box, and group storage and exercise rooms.

Only two or three miles from the Tennessee-Virginia line, the arena’s area permits Gate City High School to lease the field for its ball games, making Hunter Wright the home field for its Blue Devils baseball club. Starting around 1998, it has facilitated the Coca-Cola Classic, a series of ballgames between nearby secondary school groups.

Address: 800 Granby Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660-6929

21. Kingsport Aquatic Center

Kingsport Aquatic Center
Credits: Kingsport Aquatic Center / Facebook
Kingsport Aquatic Center

You’ll have a blast playing in The Kingsport Aquatic Center, a state-of-the-art facility that is open to tourists and locals alike all year.

This Aquatic Center is home to an indoor area of 46,000 square feet. Space with three stunning multi-purpose pools.

One of them is the only Olympic-sized indoor pool in the region. For those who are taking lessons or looking to get some action, there’s a 50-meter lap pool that has eight lanes that are specifically designed for this for recreational swimmers.

Those who want to swim can take advantage of the indoor aqua obstacle course or the outdoor pool that has two slides of water and a water play area.

If that weren’t enough, the center also offers a lazy river that is 900 feet long for those looking to enjoy a relaxing swim in the sun.

Address: 1820 Meadowview Parkway, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660, United States

22. Renaissance Arts Center and Theatre

Renaissance Arts Center and Theatre
Credits: carlos castilla / Shutterstock

Visitors interested in art should add a visit to Renaissance Arts Center and Theatre to their list of things to do in Kingsport, TN.

The Renaissance Arts Center and Theatre is administered by the town’s Office of Cultural Arts and is the hub of the community for everything arts and culture.

Numerous events are held at the center, including art and musical performances, which makes it an ideal location for visitors or residents who wish to experience entertainment.

There is a theatre called the Renaissance Arts’ theatre that can accommodate 350 people, and other amenities that are available include an art gallery that has new exhibits each month, a gym, and a stunning three-story sky-lit atrium which has 50 seats on every level for guests to sit at and relax.

Outside there are many spaces to take a break with your loved ones, like horseshoe pits, picnic tables, as well as green areas.

Address: 1200 E Center Street Ste 224, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660, United States

23. Kingsport Public Library

Kingsport Public Library
Credits: J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
Kingsport Public Library

Are you in search of an excellent place to source historical information relating to the city of Kingsport? Visit the Kingsport Public Library to discover incredible and exciting things about the city.

Kingsport Public Library opens every Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 7:00, and from morning to 6 pm on weekends.

The archives of the City of Kingsport works for consultation and study of the documentary heritage of the City of Kingsport, TN. The archives of the City of Kingsport are on the lower level of the Kingsport Public Library in midtown Kingsport.

The archives feature house papers and photos of people, associations, industry, business, and non-momentum City records relating to the historical backdrop of the City of Kingsport for conservation and examination purposes.

Kingsport Public Library organizes events for kids and teens like storytimes, paws to read, teen book league, and others. There are other events and meetings organized by the Library for adults as well.

Address: 400 Broad St, Kingsport, TN 37660-4262

24. Hook & Ladder Distillery

Hook & Ladder Distillery
Credits: Jag_cz / Shutterstock

Hook & Ladder Distillery is a Kingsport Distillery that takes pride in using the finest homegrown ingredients and traditional distilling methods in producing elegant liquor.

The business is owned and run by a father and son who have mastered the craft of distillery to produce superior taste. Hook & Ladder Distillery employs the use of quality mix in its top-quality products.

The father-and-son establishment offers top-quality moonshine, which they made using ancient methods by hand, but they still use the traditional thumper style.

Hook & Ladder Distillery is the go-to place for people seeking top-tier spirits. You will surely find a flavor of your liking among the distillery’s options. Check out the collection of shines, spiced rum, award-winning vodka, and reserved whiskeys.

The facility has racked up some prestigious awards since its opening till date. If you love spirits and want to see how it is made, book a guided tour at Hook & Ladder Distillery, and when you visit, feel free to purchase your favorite flavor.

Address:316 Broad St #100, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA

25. Kingsport Speedway

Kingsport Speedway
Credits: uznetsov Alexey / Shutterstock

If you are a thrill seeker, going to Kingsport Speedway to watch race cars run laps at top speed on the well-known track while displaying drifting skills would make a nice addition to your list of the best things to do in Kingsport, TN.

Kingsport Speedway has served as a gathering ground for fast car lovers for over 50 years. The track first started as a dirt track in 1965. and has been providing locals and visitors with racing competitions ever since.

The race track has been through several adjustments and reconstructions over the years. In 1969 the dirt track was transformed into asphalt by the management. It became a dirt track again in 1984; in 1996, it was turned concrete.

The changes were subjected to the race type in vogue at different times. The facility has a lot of parking should you come in a privately owned vehicle.

Kingsport Speedway offers a stadium seating set to provide optimum viewpoints from all seats so all spectators can watch the race uninterrupted. The staff is friendly and helpful. Feel free to ask any questions concerning the track and racing. 

Address: 2961 N John B Dennis Hwy, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA

Have more time in Tennessee, check out our list of things to do in Bristol, things to do in Pigeon Forge and things to do in Chattanooga for a memorable vacation.

Start Planning Your Trip to Kingsport

Kingsport, Tennessee, is the unique and incredible destination you have been searching for to experience a fun and engaging vacation with your friends and family.

Kingsport, Tennessee welcomes its visitors with great genres of music, delicious food, locally made crafts, antiques and collectibles, exciting museums, outdoor games, exhibitions and concerts, playgrounds and campsites, malls, parks, wine tasting, hiking and biking trails, and many others.

So why don’t you start planning your next trip to the gorgeous city of Kingsport, Tennessee?