4 Buildings in Tennessee That Are Unlike Anything Else Around

Known for its natural beauty and its vibrant music cities, Tennessee is one of the most exciting states in the South. At least that’s what I think as a Florida girl who’s traveled extensively through the region. Another thing that I love about the Big Bend State is that it isn’t afraid to get whimsical and kitschy. Sure, it has the Great Smoky Mountains and America's country music capital, yet this isn't enough. Tennessee also wants to shine in the department of unusual architectural attractions that you won't find elsewhere.

The Strangest Buildings You’ll Find in Tennessee

Many of the strangest buildings in Tennessee seem fairly random, but that’s exactly what makes them so fun. Why have a full-scale replica of an ancient wonder or a pyramid with alligators and fish inside? In this state the real question is, why not? These four landmarks are a perfect example of this fantastic attitude. 

1.  Nashville Parthenon

First built as a temporary structure for the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition, the Nashville Parthenon is a full-size replica of the one in Athens. What makes it so special is that it recreates what the temple would have looked like before it fell into ruin. Step inside and you’ll even find yourself standing in front of a 42-foot statue of Athena, based on an original statue that now exists only in historical records. Painted in gold, the figure is the largest indoor sculpture in the country — taller even than D.C.’s famed sitting Lincoln. People come to Nashville for country music and bar hopping down Broadway, but I think the opportunity to see the Parthenon in its full glory might be the best reason to visit the state capital.

2. Titanic Museum

Pigeon Forge’s Titanic Museum is another interesting replica. Although you wouldn’t expect to find something like this in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is full of random spots that have earned it a reputation for being Tennessee’s strangest town. You can walk the ship’s famed Grand Staircase, and see original artifacts that museum founder John Joslyn gathered during a 1987 expedition to the wreck site. Each visitor is assigned the name of a real passenger whose fate is revealed at the end of the self-guided tour. The museum immerses you in the history of one of the world's most famous tragedies.

3. The Chattanooga Choo Choo

Chattanooga was once an important railroad city that boasted a beautiful early 20th-century train station. Sadly, as rail travel decreased in the second half of the century, the station closed. It would’ve been torn down if savvy investors hadn’t seen its potential as a unique place for socializing and gathering. Renamed the Chattanooga Choo Choo after the famed Glen Miller Orchestra song, the old station has been kept fairly faithful to its original architecture, and is now home to numerous distilleries and restaurants. It also houses the one-of-a-kind Hotel Chalet, which has transformed 25 original Pullman train cars into luxurious rooms that provide a wonderfully eccentric overnight experience. 

4. Memphis Pyramid

As the sixth-largest pyramid in the world, this steel structure is the epitome of weird architecture in Tennessee. Built in 1991, the pyramid once hosted basketball games, a Mike Tyson boxing match, and concerts headlined by artists like Metallica, Celine Dion, and Elton John. It was abandoned for years after its structure proved unfit for large crowds, and then found a second life as a Bass Pro Shop. This building is the definition of kitsch, with a replica of Florida’s Big Cypress Swamp set in the middle of the store. And I'm not too sure that the resident alligators appreciate being subjected to constant light and loud noises. It seems, however, that people can’t get enough of it. They especially love the 32-story observation deck, whose restaurant offers the undisputed best views over Memphis. 

Photo Opportunities at Tennesse’s Weirdest Buildings

The best part about these Tennessee buildings is that anyone can appreciate them from the outside without spending a dime. If you're interested in getting great pictures of your travels, simply visit each site with a camera on hand. That said, you'll get even better photos if you pay to go into the Titanic Museum and the Nashville Parthenon. While anyone can walk into the Memphis Pyramid, it costs $10 to access the structure's famous panoramic views. Similarly, spending the night at Hotel Chalet at the Chattanooga Choo Choo is a perfect photo op if you want pictures that are special.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.