Pigeon Forge to Memphis, Chattanooga to Nashville, there’s a lot of new attractions and experiences coming to Tennessee in 2026. Here are some of the highlights.
New and Updated Museums
Multiple new museums open for the first time throughout the state, with others launching new exhibits or features.
Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum opens in March as the second-largest in the nation’s Army museum enterprise. Picturesque new Memphis Art Museum opens in December 2026. Meanwhile, National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis will open its Legacy Building in the spring, with exhibits focused on the civil rights movement from Dr. King’s assassination to present day.
More Dolly to Love
When driving through the state later this year, you’ll probably see a unique pit stop option. Dolly Parton is rebranding the Tennessean Travel Stop chain with a fresh, new design. Then, at Dollywood, a new hybrid coaster and whitewater river ride debuts in spring.
Outdoor Adventure
Ocoee River State Park was given its own independent designation in 2025. Near Delano, it’s a prime spot for whitewater rafting.
For those in the Smoky Mountains, tour provider A Walk in the Woods will expand its summertime experiences, which include conservation-focused firefly tours and even multiday backpacking trips.
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