Fun and Educational Tennessee Facts for Kids to Explore

Welcome to the next addition in our 50 States Unit Study: Interesting Facts about Tennessee!

Tennessee is home to beautiful mountains and forests.

The capital is Nashville, home to country music.

Read on to discover more about Tennessee. Then, check out the other states in the 50 states unit study.

From the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the Grand Ole Opry (the heart of country music), Tennessee is home to several celebrities, beautiful landscapes, and is the 16th most populous state in the US.

Want to bring these facts to life? Try these Tennessee activities for kids to make learning even more fun.

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Quick Trivia for Tennessee Learning Fun

Get ready to test your Tennessee knowledge with some fun and surprising trivia! Did you know Memphis, Tennessee, is home to Graceland, the famous mansion of Elvis Presley? It’s one of the most visited homes in the United States, attracting fans from all over the world who want to catch a glimpse of the King of Rock and Roll’s life.

Here’s another curious fact: Tennessee shares borders with more states than almost any other in the country, tying with Missouri at eight neighboring states! It’s nestled right in the heart of the southeastern United States, making it a central hub for culture and history.

Speaking of music, Memphis and Nashville have earned Tennessee the nickname of America’s Music Highway. From the soulful blues of Beale Street in Memphis to the iconic country tunes in Nashville, it’s no wonder Tennessee is a top spot for music lovers.

And here’s a geographical twist! The Great Smoky Mountains, a stunning natural treasure in East Tennessee, are part of the Appalachian Mountain range but also mark the border with North Carolina. This makes it a fantastic place to explore both the natural beauty and the rich history of the region.

With connections to national icons, fascinating geography, and a rich musical history, Tennessee is brimming with trivia that makes learning about this wonderful state as entertaining as it is educational!

Unusual Facts About Tennessee

Tennessee is home to many celebrities and some of the biggest names in country music, such as Dolly Parton and Trace Adkins.

It’s also home to many mountain ranges, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (fun fact: this is the most visited National Park in the United States!), Blue Ridge Mountains, and part of the Appalachian Mountains.

Its nickname is the Volunteer State, which it received in the War of 1812. There is a little something for visitors of all ages in Tennessee.

Fact One: Tennessee has more tree species than any other state.

Because of the wide variety of mountains and landscapes, Tennessee has more tree species than any other state.

Learn more about trees with these ideas:

Grab Q-tips to make an autumn tree.
Use handprints for this tree craft.
Trees: A Rooted History is a giant book filled with vivid images about the history of trees.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green shows kids how incredible trees are. It includes beautiful watercolor images to bring trees and their beauty to life.
Make a 3D Christmas tree with this engineering craft.

A picturesque stream flows over rocks surrounded by autumn foliage. The text reads: Tennessee Unit Study - 14 Pages of Printables, including Tennessee Handwriting and Coloring Pages. — Tennessee State Unit Study

A Tennessee lapbook with sections labeled state bird, state flower, state tree, and state animal. It includes Tennessee handwriting and coloring pages alongside a map to color and multiple foldable components featuring state symbols and information. — Printable Tennessee Lapbook

Fact Two: The Raccoon is the Tennessee State Mammal.

The raccoon is the Tennessee state mammal. This sly creature is native to North America and are around the size of a small dog. Don’t let their size fool you. Raccoons are known for their intelligence and curiosity. They might be found breaking into your garden or trash can!

Learn more about raccoons with the ideas below:

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Sneaky bandit! Make this acorn holding raccoon.
Try this shape-based raccoon craft.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is a classic picture book about a young raccoon and his mother.
Learn about woodland animals and their habitats with these printables.
Grab a cup for this 3D raccoon craft.

Fact Three: Davy Crockett was from Tennessee.

Pioneer and American folk hero Davy Crockett grew up in East Tennessee.

Learn more about Davy Crockett with these ideas:

Make a Davy Crockett style coonskin cape.
What did kids play with back then? Make this simple pioneer children’s toy.
A Pioneer Sampler shows what life was like during the Pioneer Era.
Who Was Davy Crockett? is a great introduction to Crockett’s life.
Design a colonial settlement that can withstand the elements and challenges with this simulation activity!

Fact Four: The Honey Bee is the Tennessee State Insect.

Honey bees are crucial for agriculture and crops. Honey bees are the only insect that produces food that humans can keep. Bees pollinating flowers helps keep flowers looking fresh and beautiful!

Here are some resources to help you learn more about honey bees:

Make a bee puppet with a paper straw.
The Honeybee by Kirsten Hall is a lovely picture book about honey bees.
Practice coding with this bee-themed game of chance.
Try this 3D life cycle of a bee.
Grab some cardstock for this wooden bee craft.

Fact Five: Nashville, TN is the country music capital of the world.

Tennessee has long been at the heart of American music, earning Nashville the nickname “Music City.” Known as the country music capital of the world, Nashville is home to the iconic Grand Ole Opry, a legendary concert hall that has showcased countless classic performances since it first opened its doors in 1925. But the music scene in Tennessee doesn’t stop there.

The state is widely recognized as the birthplace of country music, a genre that has shaped and defined much of American culture. From the soulful sounds that emerged in East Tennessee to the honky-tonk rhythms flowing from downtown Nashville, the state’s influence is undeniable.

Beyond country music, Tennessee also holds an important place in other significant cultural moments, such as the rise of Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project era. While Oak Ridge is often remembered for its contributions to science and innovation, it also boasts a rich cultural legacy, with music intertwined in the narrative of its history.

Whether you’re strolling down the neon-lit streets of Broadway in Nashville, immersing yourself in the roots of country music at museums and attractions, or exploring the state’s broader heritage through its diverse soundscapes, Tennessee truly lives up to its reputation as a musical powerhouse and cultural landmark in the United States.

Learn more about Nashville and country music with these:

Create a toy guitar out of recycled materials.
Use your footprint for this guitar-themed art activity.
Who is Dolly Parton? can introduce kids to one of the most well-known country singers.
Create a rubber band guitar with this STEM activity.
Make your own country sheet music with this fingerprint activity.