Johnson City TennesseeATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Johnson City, Tennessee.
1. Tweetsie Trail
HISTORIC RAIL-TO-TRAIL PATH
The Tweetsie Trail is a 10-mile rails-to-trails path connecting Johnson City to Elizabethton. This scenic trail follows the former ET&WNC Railroad (affectionately known as the 'Tweetsie' Railroad) and offers a paved surface for walking, running, and cycling through beautiful East Tennessee landscapes. Visitors can enjoy numerous access points, rest areas, and interpretive signage about the region's railroad history along the route.
2. Founders Park
URBAN OASIS DOWNTOWN
Founders Park is a beautifully designed urban green space in downtown Johnson City featuring a creek, walking paths, and an amphitheater. The park serves as both a gathering place for community events and a practical stormwater management solution for the downtown area. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, public art installations, and proximity to downtown restaurants and shops.
3. Yee-Haw Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Yee-Haw Brewing Company is a popular craft brewery located in a historic railroad depot building in downtown Johnson City. The brewery offers a wide selection of craft beers, including their flagship Dunkelweizen, Pale Ale, and Pilsner, in a lively taproom atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy brewery tours, live music events, and a spacious beer garden perfect for socializing.
4. Johnson City Farmers Market
LOCAL FOOD HUB
The Johnson City Farmers Market is a vibrant community gathering place where local farmers, artisans, and food producers sell their goods directly to consumers. Operating since 1976, the market features seasonal produce, meats, baked goods, crafts, and prepared foods from vendors within a 100-mile radius. Visitors can experience the authentic flavors of East Tennessee while supporting local agriculture and small businesses.
5. Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site
REVOLUTIONARY WAR HERITAGE
The Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site preserves the homestead of Colonel John Tipton and later, Landon Carter Haynes, spanning 45 acres with 11 historic structures dating from the late 18th century. Visitors can explore the main house, original cabin, outbuildings, cave, and limestone sink, all representing significant aspects of Tennessee frontier history. The site hosts educational programs, living history demonstrations, and seasonal events that bring East Tennessee's past to life.
6. The Mall at Johnson City
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
The Mall at Johnson City is the region's largest enclosed shopping center, featuring over 60 specialty stores, restaurants, and major department stores. Anchored by retailers like Belk, JCPenney, and Dick's Sporting Goods, the mall offers a climate-controlled shopping experience for visitors throughout the year. The shopping center regularly hosts community events, seasonal displays, and provides a family-friendly environment with a children's play area.
7. Johnson City Public Library
CULTURAL LEARNING CENTER
The Johnson City Public Library serves as a community hub for learning and literacy with its extensive collection of books, digital resources, and public programs. The modern facility features dedicated areas for children, teens, and adults, along with meeting rooms, computer stations, and comfortable reading spaces. Beyond book lending, the library hosts author readings, educational workshops, cultural exhibits, and engaging activities for all ages throughout the year.
8. Main Street Pizza Company
ARTISANAL LOCAL FAVORITE
Main Street Pizza Company is a beloved downtown eatery known for its artisanal wood-fired pizzas made with locally sourced ingredients and house-made dough. The restaurant's rustic-chic atmosphere occupies a renovated historic building featuring exposed brick walls, original hardwood floors, and a comfortable dining space. Visitors can enjoy creative pizza combinations, craft beers, and seasonal specials while experiencing the vibrant downtown dining scene.
9. Buffalo Mountain Park
SCENIC MOUNTAIN RECREATION
Buffalo Mountain Park encompasses 725 acres of protected forest on the northern slopes of Buffalo Mountain, offering extensive hiking trails and spectacular views of Johnson City and surrounding mountains. The park features 5 miles of interconnected trails varying in difficulty, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and peaceful picnic areas. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore diverse ecosystems while enjoying activities like birding, nature photography, and forest bathing in this natural retreat just minutes from downtown.
10. Hands On! Discovery Center
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE MUSEUM
Hands On! Discovery Center is an interactive science museum offering over 100 engaging exhibits that make learning fun for visitors of all ages. The center is located at Gray Fossil Site, where active paleontological digs continue to uncover prehistoric fossils dating back 5 million years. Children and adults alike can participate in hands-on experiments, view fossil preparation in the lab, and explore natural history through immersive displays focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
11. White Duck Taco Shop
CREATIVE TACO SENSATION
White Duck Taco Shop is a popular eatery known for its eclectic and globally-inspired taco creations served in a casual, vibrant atmosphere. The menu features unique combinations like Bangkok shrimp, duck with mole, and jerk chicken tacos alongside fresh salsas and creative sides. Visitors can enjoy outdoor seating, local craft beers, and affordable prices that make this restaurant a favorite with locals and tourists alike.
12. Jonesborough Historic District
TENNESSEE'S OLDEST TOWN
The Jonesborough Historic District showcases Tennessee's oldest town, established in 1779, with well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture lining its charming Main Street. Visitors can stroll the brick sidewalks past historic buildings now housing unique shops, restaurants, and museums that tell the story of the frontier settlement. The district hosts the renowned National Storytelling Festival each October, celebrating Jonesborough's designation as the 'Storytelling Capital of the World.'
13. Warriors' Path State Park
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Warriors' Path State Park is a 950-acre recreation area situated on the shores of Fort Patrick Henry Lake, offering diverse outdoor activities including swimming, fishing, boating, and camping. The park features award-winning mountain biking trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, and miles of hiking paths through scenic woodlands. Families particularly enjoy the Boundless Playground—an accessible play area designed for children of all abilities—and the park's interpretive programs that highlight the natural and cultural history of the region.
14. Bristol Motor Speedway
THE LAST GREAT COLOSSEUM
Bristol Motor Speedway is a legendary NASCAR short track known as 'The Last Great Colosseum' due to its steep banking and stadium-like atmosphere seating over 150,000 fans. The half-mile concrete oval hosts two major NASCAR race weekends annually, including the popular night race that has become one of the most coveted tickets in motorsports. Beyond racing, the speedway transforms for special events including concerts, football games, and the spectacular holiday light display Speedway in Lights during winter months.
15. Watauga Lake
PRISTINE MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR
Watauga Lake is a stunningly beautiful 6,430-acre reservoir nestled in the Cherokee National Forest with crystal-clear waters and surrounding mountain vistas. The lake offers exceptional recreational opportunities including boating, fishing for trophy trout and bass, swimming, and water sports against a backdrop of unspoiled wilderness. Visitors can access the lake through several marinas, public boat launches, and campgrounds that provide amenities while maintaining the pristine natural setting that makes Watauga one of Tennessee's most scenic lakes.