Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
- Historic village
- Cherokee collection
- hands-on activities
- festivals and concerts
A family-friendly museum in Townsend (about a 25-minute drive from downtown Maryville) that tells the story of the Smoky Mountain region through the people who lived here. The centerpiece is a one-acre historic village of original 19th-century log buildings, plus a Cherokee collection and hands-on activities that keep younger kids engaged.
Kids 4 and under get in free, which makes it an easy low-cost outing. Children ages 5-12 are $10, adults (13-59) are $15, and seniors (60+) are $12. Admission is free for members.
Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from noon to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
The center also runs festivals, concerts, and family events throughout the year, so it is worth checking the calendar before a visit. It is the kind of place you can pair with a stop in Townsend or a drive to Cades Cove.