Discover the stories of Cades Cove on a guided bus tour that combines natural beauty with rich history. Perfect for wildlife lovers and history buffs alike, this adventure offers a deep dive into one of Tennessee’s most treasured landscapes.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, requires only mild walking and sitting for extended periods
Wildlife
History
Cades Cove was settled in the early 19th century and has been preserved as part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park since 1934.
Conservation
The Heritage Center actively promotes sustainable tourism and wildlife protection, ensuring future generations can enjoy the area.
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Discover the stories of Cades Cove on a guided bus tour that combines natural beauty with rich history. Perfect for wildlife lovers and history buffs alike, this adventure offers a deep dive into one of Tennessee’s most treasured landscapes.
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, Tennessee preserves and interprets the cultural and natural heritage of East Tennessee. The center operates a museum and village with two indoor galleries and seventeen preserved Appalachian structures, offering visitors exhibits, interactive programs, and live demonstrations that showcase local traditions.
It offers a variety of guided experiences and events including bus tours to Cades Cove (private and public), a special elk bugling bus tour that visits the Oconaluftee/Cherokee area, national park tours with guest hosts, and seasonal sunset concerts featuring bluegrass and traditional music. Tours run on climate-controlled, ADA-accessible buses with experienced drivers and small-group options for private bookings. Additional classes and workshops, such as a folk medicine Fire Cider workshop, expand hands-on learning opportunities.
Annual memberships provide unlimited museum access, free admission to events, complimentary concert tickets, and tiered benefits like discounts, special invitations, and reserved parking. The Heritage Center emphasizes accessible programming and curated cultural interpretation for families, visitors, and researchers interested in Appalachian life. Location in Townsend, Tennessee places the center near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and makes it a convenient base for park tours and regional music events. Visitors can select single experiences like general museum admission or bundled offerings including membership and guided tours to tailor a visit. Programs feature demonstrations, music, interpretation, and year-round educational activities.
Tours Offered
9
Public, private, and specialty bus tours
Location
Townsend, TN
Gateway to Great Smoky Mountains
Village Structures
17 structures
Preserved Appalachian buildings
Memberships
Available
Annual perks and discounts available
Book museum admission, reserve public or private bus tours, sign up for workshops, or join an annual membership to enjoy exhibits, concerts, and regional programming in Townsend, Tennessee.
Bring binoculars
Enhance wildlife sightings by bringing binoculars for better viewing of distant animals.
Dress for the weather
Wear layered clothing as the weather can shift quickly, especially in the mountains.
Arrive early
To secure preferred seats and avoid crowds, arrive at the departure point ahead of scheduled times.
Bring a camera
Capture stunning scenes and wildlife with a good camera or smartphone.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Wearing comfortable shoes ensures easy movement during stops and walking around the cove.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Layered clothing keeps you comfortable through variable weather conditions.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Binoculars
Enhanced wildlife viewing with binoculars adds to the experience.
Camera or Smartphone
Capture picturesque moments and memorable wildlife encounters.