Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in LaFollette, TN

  • Published 2022/09/17

Incorporated in 1897, the city of LaFollette is situated in Campbell County and a part of the Knoxville-Sevierville-LaFollette statistical area.

The present community lies at the Big Creek Gap, which played an integral role in the armed forces during the Civil War.

The city is named after brothers Harvey and Grant LaFollette, who purchased the area’s 37,000 acres sometime in 1890.

LaFollette’s geographical location is near the Cumberland Plateau region, giving locals and tourists access to scenic valleys and hiking trails.

Here are the 15 best things you can do while in LaFollette, TN:

Get a Good Look at Nature’s Finest Views from the Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower

Scenic view from Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower

Matthew Winningham / Shutterstock.com

Drive a few miles from LaFollette to the Sundquist Unit of the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area in Pioneer, and you won’t regret your trip.

Once there, make sure to swing by the Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower to get a good look at nature’s finest views.

The viewing tower first welcomed its guests in 2005 and has since become a favorite spot for wildlife enthusiasts visiting LaFollette and other neighboring cities.

Elk at Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower

Matthew Winningham / Shutterstock.com

If you’re lucky enough, you might even see a herd of wild elk roaming the fields, which is definitely a sight to behold.

The best part is that there’s no admission fee.

Hang around Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower as much as you like and keep yourself entertained by the sight of the dewy grass, lush green trees, and wild animals roaming the area.

Wild elk at Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower

Matthew Winningham / Shutterstock.com

Explore Norris Lake’s Waterways with Sugar Hollow Dock

Spend a relaxing day at Sugar Hollow Dock, the finest marina in the city.

Sugar Hollow Dock offers the people of LaFollette with only the best equipment and services that are sure to give them a memorable experience.

Book a pontoon or a pair of jet skis, and get front-row seats to the best LaFollette views you could possibly lay your eyes on.

Besides offering rental equipment, Sugar Hollow Dock is famed for its galley bar and grill, which treat guests to a night of great food and live music.

The full-service restaurant is situated by the docks, which means you’ll get unparalleled views of Norris Lake as you indulge in hearty meals, like chicken wings, burgers, sandwiches, pretzels, and much more!

Book a Weekend Getaway at Deerfield Resort

Pack your bags, and head to Deerfield Resort on Deerfield Way to get started on an amazing weekend trip while in LaFollette.

Deerfield Resort is a recreational facility near Norris Lake, which means you’ll get unlimited access to exploring the waterways without wasting a single second of travel time.

Swimming in Norris Lake is a great experience while staying in this LaFollette premium resort.

Here, you can also enjoy other amenities like tennis courts, children’s playground, and beach volleyball court, among others.

You can also book a tee time at The Greens at Deerfield, a public par 71 and 6,700-yard championship golf course.

Also located near the area is the Greens Grille, a perfect food spot for those who want to have brunch.

Taste Award-Winning Wines at Chapman Hill Winery

Wine connoisseurs will have a great time exploring LaFollette’s Chapman Hill Winery along Chapman Rd.

Along with great wines, visitors will also be treated to a stunning view of Norris Lake in this quaint winery.

Get comfy in Chapman Hill Winery’s outdoor seating, and share a bottle of wine with your friends while facing the rolling hills.

This LaFollette staple offers about 13 varieties of wine for tasting, so be sure to stick around and take your time sipping on these crafty creations.

And if you’re planning to stay in the city for a while, you’re very much welcome to join the wine club without any additional costs.

Attend the Louie Bluie Music & Arts Festival

If you’re planning to visit Tennessee sometime in October, you might want to get there just in time to attend the Louie Bluie Music & Arts Festival.

The annual festival is celebrated at Cove Lake State Park, only a short drive from LaFollette.

Named after acclaimed string band musician Howard “Louie Bluie” Armstrong, the festival celebrates a day of the arts for everyone to enjoy.

Sing along to the tunes from guest bands, or swing by the ArtSpace Tent to get a glimpse of intricate quilt art from budding and renowned artists hailing from LaFollette and neighboring cities.

Of course, the festivities won’t be complete without food!

So don’t miss out on the awesome selection of regional food and southern cooking by the food court.

Pass through the Big Creek Gap Civil War Trail

There are a lot of sights to see while in LaFollette, but passing through the Big Creek Gap Civil War Trail is certainly one you shouldn’t miss out on.

Situated along Tennessee Ave, the Big Creek Gap is a natural opening that leads to the Cumberland Mountains.

The trail is also known as the “Keystone of the Confederacy” and provided a great advantage in terms of war tactics to whoever controlled the area.

Defensive works plagued the gap, thanks to Confederate military engineers, which only led to the fortification of the area.

Of course, the area isn’t as hazardous as it was before, and it makes a great tourist attraction for the people visiting LaFollette.

So be sure to swing by the trail to get a good look at an important piece of Tennessee’s history.

Have a Relaxing Day at the Lonas Young Memorial Park

Your trip to LaFollette doesn’t always have to be on the extreme end of things一sometimes, you just need to take a step back and admire the city and relax.

So if you’re looking to spend a day of relaxation, head to the Lonas Young Memorial Park on W High Knob Rd.

Lonas Young Memorial Park offers visitors the chance to find some peace and quiet away from the busy streets, as well as engage in a series of physical activities that anyone can surely enjoy.

Read your favorite book under the shade of a big tree, or play a game of soccer, tennis, or baseball.

The park is also situated near Norris Lake, giving you the perfect opportunity to cool off.

On certain nights, Lonas Young Memorial Park also hosts a movie night for the people of LaFollette.

Uncover County Secrets at the Campbell County Historical Society

Learn everything there is to know about LaFollette and Campbell County when you visit the Campbell County Historical Society on E Central Ave.

Uncover county secrets by burying your nose in tons of history books and going through several archives inside the facility.

The Campbell County Historical Society is currently located in the former LaFollette Post Office.

As you tour the area, you’ll learn a lot about coal mining, the early beginnings of LaFollette, and how it turned out to be the city it is today.

The society also uses the area as a culture center, exhibit space, and performance venue.

Swing by the Historic Glen Oaks

Exterior of the Historic Glen Oaks

Brian Stansberry, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There’s nothing quite like the historic Glen Oaks along Indiana Ave, and it’d be a great mistake not to swing by this LaFollette attraction while you’re in the city.

Built by Harvey LaFollette in 1895, Glen Oaks stands as the largest house ever built in the city, featuring a Victorian-style architecture and 27 rooms.

The house was designed by George Barber, a renowned architect during the 19th century.

As you swing by the place, you’ll notice that the estate, which covers the entire block, still retains much of its grandeur even after more than a century.

Also near the area are other LaFollette landmarks, such as the historic stone chapel and the Howard “Louie Bluie” marker, among others.

Chill Out at The Back Door Cafe

Touring the streets of LaFollette can be tiring, even for someone who’s out on vacation.

So if you ever find yourself needing a break, head over to The Back Door Cafe at Jacksboro Pike.

Have a few bottles of your favorite beer and munch on some staple snacks while cheering on your favorite teams on TV.

The Back Door Cafe features a simple yet lively interior, which makes a great space to sit back, relax, and enjoy the company of your friends.

While there, don’t miss out on their best-selling wings topped with their special worm sauce.

The Back Door Cafe also invites local musicians from LaFollette and nearby cities to spruce up the customers’ nights, so be sure to stick around for those surprises!

Celebrate LaFollette’s Founding Anniversary

If you’re planning to visit the city sometime in July, then you’re just in luck because it’s the month when the people of LaFollette celebrate the city’s anniversary.

So get ready for a day filled with festivities and great food, and make a bunch of memories with your closest friends.

LaFollette doesn’t hold back when celebrating its foundation day, so expect a lot of events like antique car shows, free carnival rides, live music, fireworks, and a whole lot more.

Organizers of the celebration also make it a point to tell the history of LaFollette before beginning the festivities, so you’re also in for an educational experience while enjoying the event.

You might also get to see performances from The Campbell County Highschool and hear stories about the Civil War.

Join the Food Truck Rally

Those who have a knack for serving awesome meals will definitely want to join LaFollette’s Food Truck Rally on E Beech St.

The event usually runs for about a month, with food trucks parading the streets every week on Wednesdays.

Here, you’ll get the chance to show off your skills and even generate a bigger following for your food.

Hosted by The Chef’s Workshop and sponsored by Y-12 Federal Credit Union, the Food Truck Rally usually runs from 4 pm to 8 pm.

But if you’re not planning on selling your food, you’re more than welcome to take a good look at the trucks and munch on every snack or take a big bite out of every meal that you can possibly buy.

Shop for Great Finds at the Flea Market

Exploring LaFollette doesn’t always mean going on extreme adventures一sometimes, it’s simply about immersing yourself in the city life by walking down the streets.

And as you get lost in the busy streets, you might want to look for the Flea Market in downtown LaFollette because you’re sure to grab a few great finds that are worth every penny.

The LaFollette Flea Market is usually held at E Beech St and features a bunch of items and crafts you can take home as souvenirs.

Shop for homemade crafts, toys, and other products as you go through every nook and cranny of the entire space.

You might even find a few rare finds you won’t see anywhere else, so keep an eye out for unique and intricate pieces.

If you’re planning to sell a few of your products, you can reserve a space for a few bucks.

Get Ready for the Ride of Your Life With G Rides

Exploring the waterways of Norris Lake is definitely a must when visiting LaFollette, and there’s no better way to do that than getting your equipment from G Rides.

Located along Alder Springs Rd, G Rides offers customers top-notch watersports equipment guaranteed to give them an awesome experience.

Grab the newest wake technology and cruise along the waters while getting up close and personal to nature’s scenic views surrounding the lake.

G Rides also provides watersports enthusiasts of LaFollette with surf-inspired clothing, apparel, and other accessories.

Founded in 2001, G Rides also provides basic and advanced classes for those looking to work on their wakeboarding skills and other sports.

Book Tee Time with LaFollette Golf and Country Club

Practice your swings in one of the most beautiful places in the LaFollette Golf and Country Club along Country Club Rd.

LaFollette’s Golf and Country Club boasts a challenging and scenic 9-hole course decorated with well-kept fairways and rolling hills.

As you go around the course, set your sights on the enchanting mountains of East Tennessee near par 36.

Book tee time as early as 8 am or as late as 6:30 pm while exploring the course in new Yamaha golf carts.

LaFollette Golf and Country Club is a great place to host other events and celebrations.

Final Thoughts

LaFollette is arguably one of the best places to visit while in Tennessee, all thanks to its countryside-like environment.

LaFollette is also a city filled with historical sites and stories that only add to its grandeur.

Make sure to stick to this list of the best things to do in LaFollette, TN, to make the most of your trip.

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