Sightseeing Sundays: The World’s Largest Cast Iron Skillet & Weird Things to Do in Tennessee
Looking for weird things to do in Tennessee? We’ve been crisscrossing the state in our 35ft skoolie, tracking down roadside oddities, oversized objects, and stops that make you question how they ended up here in the first place.
Fun Facts About Tennessee
Tennessee has over 9,200 documented caves — more than any other state, because apparently the ground is just… hollow.
Reelfoot Lake was created by earthquakes in 1811–1812 that were strong enough to make the Mississippi River flow backward.
The Lost Sea in Sweetwater is the largest underground lake in the United States — and yes, you can take a boat ride on it.
Tennessee earned the nickname “Volunteer State” after sending way more soldiers than requested during the War of 1812.
Tennessee brings country music, whiskey tours, roadside oddities, and one very large underground lake. Some of these we’ve explored, others are still sitting on our list. When we’ve been somewhere, the link takes you to our page with details and snark. Otherwise, you’ll head to the official site — assuming one exists, which is sometimes part of the adventure.
Unique Attractions & Weird Things to Do in Tennessee
Weird Roadside & Oddities
Bluff City
Backyard Terrors Dinosaur Park – 60+ life-sized dinosaurs scattered through the woods. It’s part roadside stop, part prehistoric fever dream.
Brownsville
Billy Tripp’s Mindfield – An ever-growing welded steel structure that’s been under construction since 1989. It’s chaotic, massive, and somehow still expanding.
Cross Plains
Big Pink Elephant holding a Martini Glass – Exactly what it sounds like, sitting outside an antique mall along TN-25.
Gatlinburg
Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum – Over 20,000 sets of shakers, and somehow it’s more interesting than it has any right to be.
Jackson
Huge Praying Mantis reading a Book – A giant sculpture that looks like it wandered out of a children’s book and never left.
Rusty’s TV & Movie Car Museum – A lineup of famous vehicles from film and television, tucked into an unassuming spot.
Knoxville
World’s Largest Rubik’s Cube – Inside the Knoxville Convention Center, because of course it is.
The Sunsphere – The golden relic from the 1982 World’s Fair that still dominates the skyline.
Memphis
“Big Kids” Sculpture – Giant lounging kids along the greenway. Slightly unsettling, slightly charming.
Murfreesboro
World’s Largest Cedar Bucket – Exactly what it sounds like, and yes, it’s worth a stop.
Nashville
16-Foot Tall Whisk – A giant kitchen utensil just casually existing in the middle of the city.
Pigeon Forge
Cooter’s Place – Dukes of Hazzard nostalgia in full force.
Titanic Museum – A half-scale replica that leans hard into the experience.
Powell
Airplane Service Station – A gas station… with an airplane mounted on the roof. No explanation needed.
Sevierville
Dolly Parton Statue – A tribute to the hometown legend, right in the center of town.
Factory Tours & Behind-the-Scenes
Dandridge
Bush’s Beans Museum – A full visitor center dedicated to beans, including exhibits and behind-the-scenes looks at the brand.
Lynchburg
Jack Daniel’s Distillery – One of the most famous whiskey tours in the country, set in a surprisingly small town.
South Pittsburg
Lodge Cast Iron Museum 🚌 – Home to the world’s largest cast iron skillet and a museum dedicated to cast iron everything. Bonus: plenty of room to park a big rig.
Parks, Trails & Waterfalls
Sweetwater
The Lost Sea – The largest underground lake in the U.S., complete with boat tours through a cave system.
Plan Your Tennessee Road Trip
We’re always adding new weird things to do in Tennessee to this list, so check back for our latest skoolie travel and roadside discoveries.
Where to next? Ready for more roadside oddities? Check out our Sightseeing Sundays: Kentucky guide, explore tips for traveling with pets, or head back to the Right at the Light homepage.
Interactive Map: Tennessee’s Weirdest Stops
Click below to see all our verified locations on Google Maps!