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Museums

Athens / McMinn County Living Heritage Museum
Three floors with 30 permanent exhibit areas trace the history of McMinn County, from the Cherokee through the 1940s. Special events and classes throughout the year, including an annual quilt show. Gift shop. Admission. Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-5:00; Weekends 2:00-5:00. 423-745-0329. 512 West Madison, 37303.
 

The Copper Basin as seen from the overlook at the Ducktown Basin Museum

Ducktown /  Ducktown Basin Museum  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum offers seasonal tours of the Burra Burra Mine Shops and Change House to complement exhibits that depict the mining heritage of the Copper Basin. Gift shop. Admission. Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-4:00; closed Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. 423-496-5778. P.O. Box 458, 37326.

Englewood / Women In The Englewood Textile Mills
This museum recounts the history of the textile industry in Englewood and the women who worked in the mills. Seasonal events. Gift shop. Donations accepted. 423-887-5455. 101 South Niota Road, 37329.
 

Etowah / Louisville & Nashville Depot and Railroad Museum  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 18 room, restored Victorian Depot is today home to a railroad museum titled "Growing Up With The L&N: Life and Times in a Railroad Town," the Etowah Arts Commission Gallery and the Etowah Chamber of Commerce Information Center. Seasonal events and festivals. Gift shop. Donations accepted. Hours: Tues-Sat 9:00-4:30; Sun 1:00-4:00. Closed Mondays and major  holidays. 423-263-7840. P.O. Box 390, 37331.

The restored L&N Depot at Etowah contains a railroad museum, art gallery, and visitor center.

McMinn County Airport / Swift Air Museum
See vintage Swift aircraft and exhibits. Annual Swift National Fly-In/Airshow on Memorial Day weekend. Hours: 9:00-4:00 daily except Nov-Mar when the hours are Mon-Fri 9:00-4:00. 423-745-9547. Located off Hwy. 30 between Athens and Etowah on County Road 552. Donations accepted.
 
Sweetwater/Sweetwater Heritage Museum
Memorabilia and photographs are used to help visitors step back in time. Donations accepted. Hours: 2:00-4:00 each Wed, Sat, & Sun. Corner of North and High Streets.
 

Vonore / Fort Loudoun State Historic Area  The first planned British fort in the land of the Overhill Cherokee, this reconstructed fort was originally built in 1756. Reenactments and other celebrations add to museum exhibits on site. Picnicking and swimming. Free. Hours: 8:00 to sunset daily ***As Of 9/11/01 will be closed Monday and Tuesday ; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. 423-884-6217. Rt 2, Box 565, 37885.

  Vonore / Sequoyah Birthplace Museum.
Located on the banks of Tellico Lake on tribal land the museum examines the history of the Cherokee people and honors Sequoyah, creator of the Cherokee written language. Cherokee crafts and historical information are for sale in the gift shop. Admission. Hours: 9:00-5:00 year round; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. 423-884-6246. P.O. Box 69, 37885.