Johnson City is located northeast of Washington Country and has an illustrious historical significance. The city witnessed major occurrences during the American War and World War 1. Beyond all of this, the city was the hub of old music during the early 1900s. It hosted the very famous Colombian Records back in the day. This Tri-City has the perfect mix of rave music to calm hiking trails. People will have a holistic experience with a checklist of things to do in Johnson City TN at the northeastern hub for fun. With multiple options for entertainment, every traveler can enjoy visiting here.
- What can you do in Johnson City?
- 1. Take a Stroll at Founders Park Before Breakfast
- 2. Stop by Maple Street Biscuit Company
- 3. A Fun Day at Just Jump Trampoline
- 4. An Exceptional Experience at Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park
- 5. Take Tweetsie Trail for a Car-Free Experience
- 6. Jonesborough: The Oldest Town in Tennessee
- 7. Leap into History at Tipton-Haynes
- 8. Fun at George L. Carter Railroad Museum
- 9. Dos Gatos Coffee Bar to Taste Counter Culture Coffee
- 10. Buffalo Mountain Park on a Clear Day in Spring
- 11. Take Your Paw Buddy to Willow Springs Park
- 12. Experience the June Weather at Blue Plum Festival
- 13. Surprise Yourself at Hands-on! Discovery Center
- 14. Winged Deer Park on the Weekend
- 15. Meet the Mountains Festival Covers it All
- 16. Live the 70s Vibe at State Line Drive-in Theater
- 17. Brace Yourself for a Magical Evening at Downhome
- 18. Indulge Yourself in Craft Beer at Johnson City Brewing Company
- 19. Appreciate the Preservation of Art at Reece Museum
- 20. Johnson City Christmas Parade for the Ultimate City Tour
- 21. Satiate You Craving at Greg’s Pizza
- 22. Hit Skybar Watauga Brewing Company at the Golden Hour
- 23. Take the Whole Family to Perplexodus Mystery Manor
- 24. Little Chicago Downtown Music & Arts Festival
- Where can You Stay in Johnson City Tennessee?
What can you do in Johnson City?
East Tennessee is the perfect amalgamation of city life and suburb. When you come to Johnson city, this is what you will witness. Walk down the lanes of the city and visit its museum and amusement parks. Picnics with family for free are a highlight of this place. The city will surprise you with its music concerts and blazing parties as well.
Let’s quickly go through these and more such activities that you can do here.
1. Take a Stroll at Founders Park Before Breakfast
Founder Park has been functional since 2014 and is spread across 5-acre. The park has been a hotspot for fun events since its inception. Look at the events list and book a ticket for a fun concert. Also, you must walk through the greenspace to soak in the fresh air and appreciate public art. Founders Park is surely the perfect location to start your activities in Johnson City TN.
2. Stop by Maple Street Biscuit Company
Everyone loves bacon to be cooked to perfection. When you are also fond of it, you must visit Maple Street Biscuit Company to fill your stomach with the best breakfast in the town. The customers share their fun process of taking orders. They ask you a question at the counter. The answer you give will be called when your scrumptious order is ready. Try their classic frittata, veggie frittata, steak & gravy, or chocolate & caramel toasted bread pudding. Don’t forget to try their super fresh orange juice as well.
3. A Fun Day at Just Jump Trampoline
Just Jump Trampoline welcomes people of all ages to jump around. The fun station is spread across 22,000 square feet. It has been designed with several sporty things to do in Johnson City Tennessee, keeping in mind the fitness levels. Moreover, they have a specific Kiddie Jump area for their little guests. In case you want to catch a breath, head to the mezzanine station to observe your family having fun. It will be perfect if you are in a big group because Just Jump Trampoline has special offers. For the lunch break, head to the snack bar here and grab your favorite refreshment.
Note: Make sure to book your tickets online on weekends and holidays to rule out the chance of missing the fun.
4. An Exceptional Experience at Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park
Designed by IMBA Trail Solutions, Tannery Knobs is a crowd favorite. Every nook of the trails is designed to give a premium experience to bikers. It will offer the perfect experience of downtown Johnson City as you bike around. Head to this place to hit the trails with one of the rental bikes, available by the parking lot.
There are seven trails at the park with varying levels of difficulty. Choose one trail as you like and decent downtown. You can even run down the region and soak in the beautiful view. While returning, make sure to enjoy some hot brews at the cafes Downtown and tick off this from activities in Johnson City TN.
5. Take Tweetsie Trail for a Car-Free Experience
Tweetsie Trail is part of the Rails-to-Trails project in Tennessee. The old railroad links two northeastern cities, Johnson City and Elizabethton. This place has been built meticulously and covers rock formations, low forests, mountain views, bridges, and more southern specifics. It is a fine option for a day out during spring.
The trail is car-free which is around 10 miles. The entire trail can be covered by renting a bicycle from the local shop in Johnson City. Such a two-way trip can be intensive for some. Moreover, this place has mile marks and restroom facilities.
Tip: Carry sufficient food and drinks for the trail as there won’t be any eateries. Also, don’t miss the fun craft beer at Southern Craft BBQ.
6. Jonesborough: The Oldest Town in Tennessee
Situated 8 miles west of Johnson City, Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee and the county seat. It was brought to existence in the year 1779 by European Americans. The architecture of the town reflects the rich history of the place.
Take a look at what to do in Johnson City TN, mainly in this region:
- Plan and drive down to Johnsborough to visit the local museum. The museum speaks about the small-scale tobacco industry and how this place blossomed.
- Next in the line for things to do in this old town is Jonesborough Repertory Theater. The theater organizes live shows and storytelling events for tourists. Make sure to attend one.
- Before you end the sightseeing don’t forget to visit Chester Inn. Built during 1797, this state historic site symbolizes the vintage essence of this town.
7. Leap into History at Tipton-Haynes
Tipton-Haynes is an esteemed State Historic Site and a popular Johnson City attraction too. Colonel John Tipton purchased the site in 1784 and, thus, developed this spot. Several families lived at this 45-acre site.
Make sure to see Tipton Cemetery, natural spring, limestone cave buffalo trace, and eleven more historic buildings here. Here, the Visitor Center has a permanent exhibit for visitors. It includes a museum store, archives, educational spaces, and a library. Multiple events are organized at this site, like, Sorghum Festival, Stories from Halloween crafts, and Christmas specials which are worth attending.
8. Fun at George L. Carter Railroad Museum
Located within the bounds of East Tennessee State University, George L. Carter Railroad Museum is open for visitors. It is dedicated to the memory of George L. Carter. This figure has a significant role in the history of railroads in Johnson City as he built the Clinchfield Railroad.
The exhibit space of this museum is spread across 5,000 square feet. It has some prominent displays which include model railroading locomotives, vintage prototypes, and other structures. The museum offers a decent educational discourse to kids, hence, making it among the best things to do in Johnson City TN.
Note: The museum hosts Rail Excursions during spring and fall for the public. The rail excursion package includes fun activities like riding on a diesel/steam locomotive, boat ride, etc., set amidst a scenic backdrop.
9. Dos Gatos Coffee Bar to Taste Counter Culture Coffee
Counter Culture Coffee is the foundation of Dos Gatos Coffee Bar. Every morning, students and traveling nomads come to this bar for its iced specialty. You can catch up on work also as the Wi-Fi has good speed. Vegans can get coffees made from Chobani barista edition oat milk and unsweetened almond milk in the coffee bar. The staff has added sweet treats and salty bites to the menu to go with coffee.
10. Buffalo Mountain Park on a Clear Day in Spring
When you happen to visit Johnson City in the spring, go around Buffalo Mountain Park because plenty of rhododendrons are in bloom. The cherry backdrop indicates why it is among the Johnson City TN attractions. The park offers 8 scenic trails best for hiking. If you want to squeeze in a small hike in your day, then take the White Rock Loop trail.
Other prominent trails for families are Loan Oak to Tip Top Trail, Hartsell Hollow, Tower Ridge, etc. Make your path through the wilderness to catch pretty scenery. Buffalo Mountain Park can be the perfect option for birdwatchers too.
11. Take Your Paw Buddy to Willow Springs Park
Traveling with your paw buddy can be tricky at times. Not all places allow your paw-friend. Even if pets are allowed, they have to be on a leash. Ease your dog by spending some time at Willow Springs Park in Johnson City. Here, you can explore pet-friendly & fun things to do in Johnson City TN.
This recreational park has a hilly terrain and a magnificent view of mountains. Its hilly path will add some fun to your walk. The dog park within Willow Springs Park is well-equipped and safe for your furry baby. Let your pet run around, get dirty, play, and stretch in the park. Meanwhile, you can jog around and catch up on your fitness routine.
12. Experience the June Weather at Blue Plum Festival
Nestled between gorgeous mountain ranges, city dwellers enjoy their early BluePlum Festival. The true essence of the city lies in its music and attending it is one of the Johnson City things to do. The city does love live music. It is freely available at the festival for the public.
The organizers have introduced a free kids zone as well. Additionally, the public has access to a free silent disco and a range of wellness programs during the festival. Head to the Pavilion of the Founders Park for the incredible view of the festival from the Ferris Wheel. Several local vendors sell arts, crafts, food & beverages, and souvenirs that you can buy.
13. Surprise Yourself at Hands-on! Discovery Center
Hands-on! Discovery Center is a place full of interesting surprises for everyone. It is an all-age science center that has created a unique amalgamation of science, art, and nature. Several activities are lined up for you and the curious minds of your kids.
First of all, go around the center and observe all the cool scientific arrangements, onsite fossil observations, and exhibits of facts. To know further what to do in Johnson City Tennessee, you must not miss the Tesla Coil playing the music. Next, climb to the top of the Paleo tower to see the exhibit of the 3D-printed fossils, bones, and femurs. Check out the Gray Fossil Site, which is active and believed to be 5 million years old. Lastly, don’t forget to take your little ones to Draw Alive and General Shael Learning Center.