Overlooking the Holston River in north-east Tennessee, Kingsport was established following the Revolutionary War as the settlement of “Salt Lick”. It later flourished as an important fishing port and takes its name from the King’s Boat Yard, which served as a navigation head for vessels traversing the Tennessee Valley.
Things to do in Kingsport
Occupying a Federation-style inn is the Netherland Inn Museum, which originally served as a boatyard for the distribution of salt. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it recreates the living and socialising conditions of an American frontier stage stop. You can explore the period-furnished family quarters and the first-floor tavern, as well as the rooms where guests would have stayed.
A short drive from the city centre is Warriors' Path State Park, which hugs the banks of the Fort Patrick Henry Reservoir. It is named after the Great Indian Warpath once used by Native Americans throughout the Great Appalachian Valley. Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails wind their way through the park while canoes and paddle boats can be rented for exploring the reservoir. Golfers can enjoy the 18-hole Warriors’ Path Golf Course designed by George Cobb.
Want to hear the sound of a howling wolf? Head to the Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium, which is renowned for its pack of grey wolves. In addition to learning about their unique behaviours during “howling sessions”, you can spot free-roaming raptors and white-tailed deer. Coincide your visit with a show at the planetarium theatre or explore 19th-century living at the Steadman Heritage Farmstead Museum.
Getting around Kingsport
Kingsport is around 20 minutes’ drive from Tri-Cities Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Long-distance buses connect to Kingsport while local services travel throughout the city.