An Old Airplane On The Side Of The Road In Tennessee Was Once A Gas Station And Has Transformed Over The Years

Here’s the thing: an airplane on the side of the road is usually a cause for concern. Airplanes belong in the air, high in the sky, they’re airborne buses that shuttle folks all over the world! Well, not here in Tennessee. This Airplane Service Station, now a barbershop, has become something of a legend for its solid stance right here on the ground and in the heart of the Volunteer State. Have you heard of this quirky little spot? Learn all about it below, and maybe plan a visit for yourself.

Wikipedia

The Airplane Service Station can be found along US-25, the Clinton Highway, in Powell, Tennessee. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has become quite the tourist attraction.

Juan Gallego - GoogleMaps

Also known as the Powell Airplane, the Airplane Service Station was built in 1930. So no, unfortunately, this is not a *true* airplane, but rather a highly historic reconstruction of those steel birds of the sky.

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cmilton - GoogleMaps

Built by brothers Elmer and Henry Nickle, the entire reasoning behind the structure is for its visual uniqueness. The hope was that folks would go out of their way to visit a visually interesting service station on the newly-built Powell Highway.

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cmilton - GoogleMaps

The brothers enjoyed airplanes, and so they made their interest a reality with an airplane-centric service station. After it shuttered in the '60s, the structure was used as everything from a liquor store to a used car lot. Nowadays, it's the neatest place in Tennessee to get your hair cut.

Mike Curtis - GoogleMaps

The interior is wood-paneled and streamlined, a thoughtfully constructed space that feels larger than it actually is.

Mike Curtis - GoogleMaps

Folks rave about John's Barber Shop, too! The locally owned and operated business isn't just a fun spot to see, but a great place to frequent if you're looking for a quality cut.

John Edwin May - GoogleMaps

Have you been to the famed Airplane Service Station in Powell, Tennessee? If you're ever around Knoxville, it's worth the drive out of town. Folks at the Airplane Filling Station Preservation Association are working to preserve this historic structure, so that folks like you can come on by and see a piece of history.

It’s a pretty incredible sight to see, don’t you think? Learn more about all the fascinating aspects of Tennessee with a visit to our site archives, right here.