Kingsport was initially called Lord’s Port after the space on the Holston River was referred to as the King’s Boat Yard.
Kingsport is often referred to as the Mountain Empire due to its location in Virginia and Tennessee. Interestingly, there’re so many fun things to do in Kingsport, TN.
Kingsport is a city in Tennessee located on the Holston River. It’s surrounded by beautiful countryside and has plenty of history.
Its residents can enjoy various activities and attractions, such as going to the eateries or exhibition halls in one of the urban areas.
The article covers all the exciting activities in Kingsport, Tennessee.
Where Is Kingsport, Tennessee?
Kingsport is located in Sullivan and Hawkins counties in Tennessee, United States. Its population rose to 55,442 as of the 2020 census.
Kingsport is often included in the Mountain Empire, a region that provides for both the mountains in Tennessee and southwest Virginia.
It’s the largest city in the Kingsport-Bristol metropolitan area, with over 300,000 in 2020. The city has a total area of around 50.8 square miles.
According to the US Census Bureau, it has a land area of 49.8 square miles and a water area of 0.93 square miles.
Fun Things to Do in Kingsport, TN
As we earlier opined, there are countless fun things to do in Kingsport, Tennessee.
The following are the various best and fun things to do in Kingsport, Tennessee:
Hold On: Since you’ll be visiting Tennessee, we think you should also check out things to do in Gatlinburg and fun things to do in Downtown Gatlinburg.
1. Kingsport Carousel
Gale Joh, a local citizen, first conceptualized the idea of the Kingsport Carousel.
He recruited various individuals and groups in the community to help him build the facility. In 2015, the Kingsport Carousel was finally opened to the public.
The Kingsport Carousel features 32 animals and 24 sweep animals, all painted and carved by hand. It can be rented out for various events.
It can also be found inside Pat’s Roundhouse, a venue that can accommodate birthday celebrations.
Address: The Kingsport Carousel is located at 350 Clinchfield Street, Kingsport, TN 36770, USA.
2. Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium
Kingsport owns Bays Mountain Park, a spectacular nature preserve with over 3500 acres.
It also features a 44-acre lake, a 38-mile trail, and various wildlife habitats. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and running in the park.
The hours of operation of Bays Mountain Park vary depending on the season. Start planning your trip to the park to ensure you get the most out of your visit.
Address: The Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium is located at 853 Bays Mountain Park Road, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA.
3. Kingsport Art Guild
The Art Guild is an organization that provides the opportunity for Kingsport’s artistic community and members to exhibit their talents.
It also offers various classes and talks. The gallery and studio can be found inside the Renaissance Center.
Through its two rooms, the public can view the works of art created using various media.
The Kingsport Art Guild is open from 9 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday and 9 am to 12 noon on Saturdays. During these operating hours, the public is invited to visit.
Address: The Kingsport Art Guild is located at1200 E. Center Street, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660, USA.
4. Gypsy Circus Cider Company
The Gypsy Circus cidery is Tennessee’s first cidery. It uses natural supplements and no artificial flavors.
It’s located in Kingsport, known for its unique blend of apples and other natural ingredients.
Another local establishment, the Wanderer Circus, uses locally sourced apples to produce its juices.
The Gypsy Circus is known for its unique blend of apples and other natural ingredients. It’s also known for its gold and silver medals at various international competitions.
The Tennessee Championship of Beers and the International East meets West Challenge are among these competitions.
Address: The Gypsy Circus Cider Company is located at 2645 Fort Henry Dr, Kingsport, TN, 37664-3760, USA.
5. Exchange Place
Exchange Place, which has existed for over 160 years, is a historic site showcasing the life of residents during the 1850s.
It features a stagecoach relay station, a post office, and an estate. Today, this property is a living history farm that allows visitors to see the life of local farmers.
The farm features a variety of breeds of horses, cattle, chickens, and sheep. It’s open during the summer season and hosts various festivals and events.
Address: The Exchange Place is located at 4812 Orebank Road, Kingsport, TN, 37664, USA.
6. Lamplight Theatre
The mission of the LampLight Theater is to provide Christian families with quality entertainment and to turn the facility into a center for the arts.
It aims to develop various artisans through its various programs and services. The theater can be used for multiple events, such as dinner theater and dramas.
The goal of the theater is to provide Christian families with high-quality entertainment while also training new actors and artisans.
It aims to develop these individuals through its various programs and services.
Address: The Lamplight Theatre is located at 140 Broad St, Kingsport, TN 37660-4202, USA.
7. Fort Henry Mall
The Fort Henry Mall initially referred to as the Kingsport Town Center, is the only regional mall in Kingsport serving the city.
It opened its doors to the public on March 10, 1976. The property, which the Hull Property Group owns, is located at Memorial Boulevard and Fort Henry Drive.
The Fort Henry Mall is a great place to go for shopping and dining in Kingsport, Tennessee.
It features a variety of retailers that provide various items, such as clothes, shoes, and accessories. The mall also offers gift guides and fashion tips.
Address: The Fort Henry Mall is located at 2101 Fort Henry Dr, Kingsport, TN 37664-3658, USA.
8. Kingsport Farmers Market
The Kingsport Farmers Market was established in 1977 after a group of farmers came up with a solution to the issue of how to supply their customers with fresh produce.
They participated in various fairs to sell their products. In the 1990s, the group that started the market officially established it.
The Kingsport Farmers Market has provided the community with unique products from the area’s farms for over 30 years.
It also offers a variety of activities for its customers. Some of these include cooking classes and baking workshops.
Address: The Kingsport Farmers Market is located at 308 Clinchfield Street, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660, USA.
9. Kingsport Greenbelt
The city has various facilities designed to accommodate multiple activities. One is the 8-mile scenic trail known as the “Greenbelt.”
The trail is maintained all year round and features various viewpoints that change with the seasons. It’s also a great place to explore new areas.
The Greenbelt features various areas protected by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
It also features a natural spring, a skating park, and picnic areas. The trail is accessible through different areas in Kingsport.
Address: The Kingsport Greenbelt is located at Kingsport Greenbelt, Kingsport, TN 37664, USA.
10. Putt-Putt Fun Center
The development of the Putt-Putt game was led by the introduction of various innovations, such as aluminum knock sheets and outer floor covering.
The ability-based game also brought about the game. The Professional Putters Association has since been recognized around the world.
The Putt-Putt Fun Center was first established in 1954 in Fayetteville. It has become the world’s only facility with marked and protected small golf matches.
Address: The Putt-Putt Fun Center is located at 346 W Stone Dr 4806 South Wind Drive, Kingsport, TN 37660-3274, USA.
11. Cattails at MeadowView
One of the best golf courses in Kingsport is the Cattails at MeadowView, which features multiple greens and beautiful Bermuda Farms.
It was established in 1998 by Denis Griffiths. Since it was opened, it has become a popular course in the area.
This course is designed to challenge players with its rolling terrain and beautiful views from Bays Mountain. It also features various bunkers and lakes.
Address: The Cattails at MeadowView is located at 1901 Meadowview Pkwy, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA.
12. The Netherland Inn
The historic Netherland Inn in Kingsport has been a prominent part of the community for over 200 years.
It was once a popular destination for travelers who were headed toward Tennessee.
The inn was originally used as a boatyard and staging area for stagecoaches. It was also home to two presidents, James Polk, and Andrew Jackson.
It has since been renovated and is now a museum. There are also various attractions inside the building, such as a children’s museum and a pioneer transportation museum.
Address: The Netherland Inn is located at 2144 Netherland Inn Road, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA.
13. Warriors’ Path State Park
Located in Kingsport, Tennessee is Warrior’s Path State Park. It’s a 950-acre nature preserve next to the Patrick Henry Reservoir.
The park, named after the Cherokee War and Trading Path, features 12 hiking trails.
It also has a campground with 134 campsites, a mountain biking trail, and a golf course. There are also picnic areas and pavilions.
Address: The Warriors’ Path State Park is located at 490 Hemlock Road, Kingsport, TN, 37663, USA.
14. Grip Outdoors Kingsport
Kingsport is located near the mountains and the Holsten River. It offers a variety of outdoor activities and fun for its residents. In addition, through its subsidiary, GRIP Outdoors, visitors can rent boats for various trips.
Customers can enjoy a day on the river in an inner tube, which can be equipped with floating coolers. It comes with life jackets and transportation to various drop-off and pick-up locations.
Address: The Grip Outdoors Kingsport is located at 1837 Netherland Inn Road, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA.
15. Mountain Music Museum
The Mountain Music Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of music in East Tennessee and other areas such as North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
During the 19th century, the region started to develop what is now known as country and bluegrass music.
The museum is managed and owned by the ACMA, an organization that focuses on preserving and promoting Appalachian music. It features a variety of exhibits and artifacts.
Address: The Mountain Music Museum is located at 316 Broad St, Kingsport, TN 37660-4206, USA.
16. Allandale Mansion
The Allandale mansion is a significant historical site in East Tennessee and is a popular tourist destination in Kingsport.
Although it’s an excellent venue for events, visitors are also allowed to explore the grounds.
The mansion, commonly referred to as the White House of Kingsport, features multiple exciting features.
These include the Heron Dome, Harvey’s Barn, and Brook’s pavilion. The mansion’s grounds, which span 25 acres, also feature various attractions.
Address: The Allandale Mansion is located at 4444 W Stone Dr, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA.
17. The Inventor Center
The goal of the Kingsport Inventor Center is to build an artistic community that will help improve the quality of life in the region.
The Inventor Center has various classes designed to help individuals develop their skills and talents. Members can choose from a variety of classes.
Residents and regular visitors can also enjoy monthly memberships that give them varying access levels.
Address: The Inventor Center is located at 118 Shelby Street, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660, USA.
18. Riverfront Park
The Boatyard Riverfront Park is a community park located along the Holston River in Kingsport. It features various recreational facilities such as boat ramps, walking trails, and picnic tables.
It’s an excellent venue for families and individuals who love to fish. You can enjoy a picnic with your friends and family in the park.
Various areas in the park can accommodate you, such as picnic shelters, grills, and benches.
You can also explore the park by taking advantage of its various attractions. These include the Kingsport Greenbelt, a flatboat replica, historical markers, and bicycle racks.
Address: The Riverfront Park is located at 620 W Spokane Falls Blvd. Spokane, WA 99201, United States.
19. Kingsport Mets Minor League Baseball
In the US, minor league baseball is a popular sport suitable for adults and kids. Kingsport is a great place to enjoy this type of sports experience.
The local minor league team, the Kingsport Mets, is a part of the Eastern Division of the American Association.
Address: The Kingsport Mets Minor League Baseball is located at 800 Granby Road, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA.
20. Kingsport Aquatic Center
The Kingsport Aquatic Center features three large multi-purpose pools. One of these is an Olympic-sized pool.
There’s a 50-meter lap pool that’s designed for recreational swimmers. It’s also an excellent venue for people looking to improve their skills or take lessons.
Address: The Kingsport Aquatic Center is located at 1820 Meadowview Parkway, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660, USA.
21. Hunter Wright Stadium
The Hunter Wright Stadium was named after a prominent local government official.
It’s home to the Kingsport Mets, an affiliate of the New York Mets. This minor league baseball team plays in the Appalachian League.
The stadium features a recreation center to provide various recreational activities.
It features multiple seatings and facilities. These include a press box, a batting cage, and a group storage area.
Address: The Hunter Wright Stadium is located at 800 Granby Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA.
Cost of Visiting Kingsport, TN
The average cost of traveling to Kingsport, TN, for a 7-day trip is $1,077 for a solo traveler, a couple $3,200, and a family of four $4,500.
Best Time to Visit Kingsport, TN
Kingsport is known for its pleasant weather during the spring, summer, and autumn seasons.
In May, September, and June, the temperature in the area ranges from 70 degrees to 85 degrees.
In July, the hottest month in the region, Kingsport experiences a high temperature of 86.6 degrees.