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12 Interesting Things to Do in Cleveland, TN

ByPaige Watts

Cleveland, Tennessee, has a lot more going on than you might expect. Between important Cherokee history, local wineries, quirky farm tours, great food, and some interesting small-town finds, there are plenty of things to do here that go beyond the usual quick stop.

I got to spend time exploring Cleveland for myself and found a mix of history, local flavor, and unique experiences that made the trip way more interesting than I expected. There are powerful Trail of Tears sites, scenic vineyard views, local shops, and a few fun surprises you probably wouldn’t guess to look for.

If you’re planning a visit, these are my favorite things to do in Cleveland, TN.

A special thanks to Visit Cleveland, TN for hosting my trip! As always, all opinions are my own.

Rows of bright green grapevines stretch across a hillside vineyard, opening to a wide view of blue mountain ridges beneath a broad sky filled with scattered white clouds at Morris Vineyard & Winery in Charleston, TN. The layered landscape and vineyard foreground make the scene feel open, peaceful, and distinctly wine country.

Best Things to Do in Cleveland, Tennessee

1. Visit Red Clay State Historic Park

Small clear pond sits tucked into a wooded area at Red Clay State Historic Park in Cleveland, Tennessee, with trees and leafy undergrowth reflected in the still water and a narrow wooden footbridge crossing the stream to the right. The shaded forest setting and calm pool make the scene feel secluded, quiet, and naturally peaceful.

Red Clay State Historic Park is a significant historical site where the Cherokee Nation held its last capital and its final council meeting before the Trail of Tears.

The highlight of the park is the sacred Blue Hole Spring, which is still used today by the Cherokee people as a sacred water source.

The park also has replica Cherokee structures, the Eternal Flame of the Cherokee Nation, and a small museum and interpretive center. Be sure to interact with the digital exhibit of Rebecca Ketcher, a girl who walked the Trail of Tears — she’s an AI display, and she can answer your questions about what life was like on the Trail of Tears.

The paved interpretive trail is accessible and allows you to see all the important structures. Meanwhile, the unpaved Council of Trees Trail takes you to higher elevations and offers a closer look at the landscape.

2. Explore Local History at the Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points

Tall carved wooden sculpture of a solemn face stands on a round stone base outside the modern brick and stone building of the Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points in Cleveland, Tennessee, surrounded by shrubs and yellow flowers under a clear blue sky. The oversized totem like figure and formal entrance make the scene feel like a prominent public art piece welcoming visitors.

The Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points is a local history museum that tells the story of the Ocoee Region of Tennessee, including Bradley, Polk, and East Hamilton Counties.

The museum’s permanent exhibit traces the history of Bradley County, from the iconic Red Back Hymnals that were conceived and printed here to Cleveland’s legacy as a major stove manufacturer. There are also rotating exhibits throughout the year that focus on different aspects of the Ocoee Region’s history and culture.

Don’t miss their Museum Gift Gallery where you can find locally made arts and crafts from award-winning artists throughout the region

3. Learn Cherokee History at the Hiwassee River Heritage Center

Museum gallery displays artifacts in glass cases, including bead necklaces, tools, and other small objects, with interpretive panels and painted portraits mounted along the walls behind them at the Hiwassee River Heritage Center in Charleston, Tennessee. The labeled exhibits and historical text make the room feel educational, respectful, and focused on Native history and cultural interpretation.

The small town of Charleston, TN was once the site of the federal Indian Agency and Fort Cass, the US military headquarters for the entire Trail of Tears operation. The Hiwassee River Heritage Center tells that story.

The heritage center has a small museum and interpretive center with the history and artifacts of the Indian Agency and Fort Cass.

Outside, a paved trail called “Voices from the Past” connects the heritage center to Charleston Park and will eventually connect to the Hiwassee River. It’s a short, accessible trail with quotes about the removal from Cherokee people on one side and US political figures on the other.

4. Visit Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park

Tall dark granite memorial panels stand in an open plaza at Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park in Birchwood, Tennessee, with polished surfaces reflecting visitors while long columns of engraved names fill the stone under the heading "GEORGIA." The scale, reflective finish, and solemn engraved text make the monument feel quiet, weighty, and commemorative.

Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park (formerly the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park) is located at the site where detachments of Native Americans waited to cross the Tennessee River on their forced removal.

The park contains a Memorial Wall that lists the 2,535 Heads of Household, along with the number of household members, from the 1835 Census of the Cherokee Nation, taken to identify those to be removed along the Trail of Tears.

The river here was one of the most important river crossings in the region, by way of Blythe Ferry. An estimated 10,000 Cherokee were transported across the river in 1838 as part of the northern route of the Trail of Tears, leaving behind their native land.

5. Support the “Remember the Removal” Bicycle Riders

Group of Remember the Removal cyclists in matching jerseys and helmets rides single file along a curved sidewalk through a grassy park at the Hiwassee River Heritage Center in Charleston, Tennessee while spectators and more riders gather in the background under a bright blue sky. The coordinated gear and procession make the scene feel like an organized community bike ride or charity cycling event.

Every year, 12 members of the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians join together to bike the entire 950-mile journey of the northern route of the Trail of Tears. The Remember the Removal bike ride honors the removal of their ancestors.

The cyclists start in New Echota, Georgia and make their way into Bradley County, TN by day 2. They make stops at historic sites like Red Clay State Historic Park, the Hiwassee River Heritage Center, and the Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park.

If you time your visit right, you may be able to see the cyclists as they come through town and support them at one of their stops.

6. Sip Local at Morris Vineyard & Winery

Four small wine samples in clear tasting glasses sit on a wooden flight board at Morris Vineyard & Winery in Charleston, Tennessee, ranging from pale gold to deep purple and rosy amber, with handwritten flavor notes beneath each pour. Bottles labeled "Blackberry Cider" and "Peach Cider" in the background make the tasting setup feel like a casual wine and cider flight.

Morris Vineyard & Winery has my favorite view in Bradley County. It’s hard to beat that first look at the mountains rising beyond the vines.

This family owned winery makes muscadine and fruit wines. They also have U-pick fruits of grapes, muscadines, and berries.

They offer complimentary tastings up 4 wines. And then I recommend getting a flight of 4 as well so you can taste even more. I enjoyed the White Muscadine, Mountain Falls, Mountain Rouge, Strazberry, and Appleberry.

7. Tour Loof’n Round Gardens

Table display at Loof’n Round Gardens in Cleveland, Tennessee features natural loofah sponges and scrubbers arranged in baskets and trays, with colorful tags that read "Loof'n Round Gardens" and "100% Natural Loofah Scrubber." The dried flowers, handmade soaps, and garden rows blurred in the background make the setup feel like a small farm stand selling natural bath products.

Learn how loofahs are grown with a tour of Loof’n Round Gardens. This is a unique find in Southeast Tennessee, and you’ll be surprised at how much you can do with the loofah plant!

Loof’n Round offers seasonal tours and workshops where you get to see the loofahs growing on their vines, clip your own loofah from the vine, harvest them, purchase your picked loofah, and go home with a sample pack of some of their loofah products.

And they can make a lot from loofah: you have your standard body scrub that you’ve probably heard of; there’s also a facial exfoliator, general cleaning loofahs you can use around the house, leaf tea, and skincare products like seed oil and salve.

They don’t yet have a store onsite, but you can pick products up locally at Grit & Grace Market (which will come up later in this list), or order online for local pick up or delivery.

8. Stop by Apple Valley Orchards’ Store

Rustic store shelves are lined with rows of bottled fruit ciders in shades of gold, red, purple, and brown, with labels such as "Peach Cider" visible on the front bottles at Apple Valley Orchards in Cleveland, Tennessee. The colorful lineup and wood paneled shop interior make the display feel like a country orchard market stocked with many seasonal drink flavors.

Apple Valley Orchards is a great stop in the fall for seasonal fun like U-pick apples, wagon rides, and fresh apple cider. And during the off-season, you can still enjoy their delicious baked goods and cider at their store and bakery.

Their store is stocked full of local fruits in season, locally made goat cheese, jams, and jellies, and fresh-baked items like apple cider donuts, apple fritters, and fried pies.

I recommend getting an apple cider donut and a small bottle of their strawberry cider to-go!

9. Eat Your Way Through Cleveland’s Local Food Scene

Burger with a glossy brioche bun, leafy lettuce, and a thick beef patty sits beside a pile of thin fries on a white plate at a busy restaurant table at Headrick's Gourmet Burger Bar in Cleveland, Tennessee. The close angle and casual dining background make the meal feel hearty, classic, and served for a relaxed dinner out.

Cleveland has a surprisingly good food scene for a small town! Here are some of my favorite places to grab a bite:

10. Browse Local Finds at Grit & Grace Market

Cozy boutique shop filled with home decor and gift items includes shelves of pillows, signs, lamps, framed pieces, handbags, and small seasonal accents arranged in layered displays at Grit & Grace Market in Cleveland, Tennessee. The warm lighting, exposed beams, and crowded tables make the space feel charming, rustic, and fun to browse slowly.

Grit & Grace Market inside the Old Woolen Mill is part antique store and part local goods store. You could easily spend hours shopping their 100 local vendors.

This market makes it easy to shop local for everything from gifts and clothing to handmade jewelry and vintage finds. Loof’n Round Gardens even has their loofahs for sale here, if you’re unable to make it to the garden for a tour!

11. See Local Art at the ArtHouse Project

Small art studio gallery at ArtHouse Project in Cleveland, Tennessee with an easel in the center and walls covered in colorful framed paintings, including landscapes, florals, portraits, and abstract scenes. The scattered artwork, supplies, and display tables make the room feel like a cozy working studio where visitors can browse and watch art being made.

The ArtHouse Project is a local artist and makers space, plus a venue for shows and small events.

They host regular Open Studio events where you can meet the artists-in-residence and learn about their work. Artists also hold classes and workshops where you can learn a new art form yourself.

12. Dig Into Local History at the Cleveland/Bradley Public Library History Branch

Narrow library aisle lined with tall shelves packed with books stretches toward more stacks at the back under bright fluorescent lights at the Cleveland/Bradley Public Library History Branch in Cleveland, Tennessee. The orderly shelves and quiet empty walkway make the space feel studious, enclosed, and built for focused research.

The History Branch and Archives of the Cleveland Bradley County Library is located in the beautiful Craigmiles House, an Italianate home built in 1866. It has served as a library since 1922.

The collection at the History Branch is focused on genealogy and local history, so it’s a great place to continue your research if you’ve been inspired by all the Cherokee history in the area.

Cleveland, TN Activities Map

Ready to explore all these fun things to do in Cleveland, Tennessee? Use the map below to find each activity.

I hope you have a great time exploring Bradley County!

Where to Stay in Cleveland, TN

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cleveland Northwest

Modern hotel room with a king bed dressed in crisp white bedding sits between two lit bedside lamps, with dark wood furniture, a blue accent wall, and a small desk and chair near the window. The clean layout and soft warm lighting make the room feel simple, spacious, and comfortable for an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cleveland Northwest in Cleveland, Tennessee.

During my weekend in Cleveland, TN, I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cleveland Northwest. This hotel has a great location just off I-75, so it’s an easy drive to all the attractions in Cleveland and throughout Bradley County.

My room was large, the bed was comfortable, and I appreciated having a free breakfast to keep me fueled for a day of exploring.

Book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cleveland Northwest here.

More Southeast Tennessee Adventures

Find more fun things to do in this part of Tennessee in my posts below:

Ready to visit Cleveland, TN? Plan your trip with these tips.

Cheers!

Paige

12 Interesting Things to Do in Cleveland, TN

What are your favorite things to do in Cleveland, Tennessee? Let me know in the comments!

Paige Watts is a travel expert and author of What's With Atlanta?, a guide to the quirks and charm of the ATL. A life-long traveler, Paige is dedicated to helping you discover the best things to do in the Southern USA and around the world. Her work has been featured in The Culture Trip, Matador, Newsbreak, MSN, NPR, and countless other interviews and podcasts.

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