Explore Johnson City through its history, culture, nature and cycling. The Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site brings together historic buildings and landscape features, while each park has a different focus. To plan your visit, start by deciding what interests you most: Tennessee history, the Martin Center for the Arts, nature trails or bike routes each lead to different experiences.
History from pre-colonial times through Reconstruction
The Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site covers 45 acres and includes eleven historic buildings. The grounds also include the Tipton/Gifford/Simerly Cemetery, a limestone cave, a natural spring, a buffalo trail, a nature trail and the Penny McLaughlin Education and Museum Center. The site presents different periods of Tennessee history, from pre-colonial times through Reconstruction. This historical timeline provides a clear point of reference, while the range of features shows that the site is more than just its buildings.
Art and culture in Johnson City
The Martin Center for the Arts has three performance venues. Its location offers a useful reference for getting there: two parking garages and a bus stop are within walking distance. Parking options may change, so check them again before your trip.
Art installations change at Founders Park in downtown Johnson City, so don’t count on individual works being a permanent feature. The park offers a different cultural experience from the Martin Center, whose three venues help define its role.
Two distinct park landscapes
Jacob’s Nature Park covers 28 acres of restored wetlands and steep, wooded slopes. Almost two miles of trails run through the woods and alongside the creek and wetlands. The park brings together several landscape features in one area. Check locally before your visit to see whether the trails are open.
Open spaces take center stage at Willow Springs Park: more than 30 acres of gentle hills and expansive fields define the landscape. Views of the Appalachian Mountains are available throughout the park, though visibility may vary with the weather and season. By comparison, Jacob’s Nature Park is more defined by its woods, creek and wetlands. When choosing between the two park landscapes, consider whether open hills and mountain views or wooded trails and wetlands better suit your interests.
Bike trails and disc golf
Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park has designated riding areas for beginners, intermediate riders and advanced riders. The Tweetsie Trail stands out for its route: it follows the former ET&WNC railway line between Johnson City and Elizabethton. These offer two different points of reference for planning: skill-based riding areas at the mountain bike park and a trail along a former railway line between two cities.
Winged Deer Park has a three-mile wooded bike trail away from Carroll Creek Road, near the disc golf course. The park also has an 18-hole disc golf course designed for recreational use, with multiple basket positions. The bike trail and disc golf offer different ways to enjoy the same park. Trail and course conditions may change, so check before your visit.
More activities
King Commons includes a natural adventure playground for children, with a slide, climbing logs and a Story Walk. Individual play features may change. The Wildabout Walkabout Scavenger Hunt extends from the Public Library to Main Street. If you plan to take part, check the current materials before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Jonesborough.
Return to the regional travel overview: Washington County.
