Wild Adventures Await In An Under-The-Radar Tennessee Town With Elephants, Wine, And History

Tennessee: home to the Country Music Hall of Fame, tasty barbecue, and ... elephants? Tucked away in the rolling hills of Tennessee along the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, about 80 miles southwest of Nashville, is the cute town of Hohenwald (meaning "high forest" in German). This under-the-radar destination has a rich heritage, is surrounded by beautiful nature, and is home to many surprising activities. Founded in 1878 by Swiss-German settlers, this Tennessee town may be small in size, but it packs a punch with its unique attractions.

For history buffs, Hohenwald is home to the Lewis County Museum of Local and Natural History, an interesting stop for visitors to learn about everything from Civil War relics to exhibits and artifacts about Meriweather Lewis, one-half of the famous Lewis and Clark explorers. Nearby, the Meriwether Lewis National Monument on the Natchez Trace Parkway is another unique spot for history enthusiasts to enjoy, as it is the final resting place of Meriwether Lewis. Perhaps even more surprising, the town is also home to a renowned Elephant Sanctuary and Discover Center, award-winning wineries, and fantastic natural scenery. Visitors will leave this underrated small town delighted and surprised by how much it has to offer. 

Surprisingly, one of Hohenwald's most unique claims to fame is its Elephant Sanctuary (literally called The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee), sitting on 3,060 sprawling acres. It is the nation's largest natural habitat refuge that has been built specifically to care for African and Asian elephants. Constructed in 1995, the sanctuary is currently home to 13 elephants and is the only facility caring for elephants that is accredited by both the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The sanctuary was created to provide shelter and refuge to elephants and to provide the public with information regarding the dangers and extinction they face in the wild. 

Unfortunately to those visiting Hohenwald, the sanctuary and its habitats are closed to the public. However, it provides a live stream of the elephants on EleCams, which can be viewed at any time. There is also an Elephant Discover Center in the downtown area, featuring interactive multi-media exhibits, an outdoor classroom, and regularly scheduled programming about elephants, the purpose behind the sanctuary, and conservation efforts in the wild. 

For wine lovers, a fantastic road trip along the Natchez Trace Wine Trail offers visitors the chance to sample award-winning wines, experience beautiful Tennessee landscapes, and immerse themselves in history. The Natchez Trace itself is a historic 444-mile route that was originally a Native American trail, and later a trade route for early European settlers. Hohenwald is a fantastic launch point to explore many of Tennessee's best wineries, as most of them are just a short drive away. Lewis County (where Hohenwald is located) is home to three award-winning wineries: Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, Keg Springs Wineries, and Natchez Hills Vineyard, all located near Hampshire, Tennessee, which is about a 20-minute drive from Hohenwald. 

Amber Falls Winery is a must-visit for its charming setting and eclectic selection of wines. Visitors can relax in the tasting room, take a stroll through the vineyards, or enjoy live music on some weekends. Natchez Hills Vineyard is a boutique family-run winery that uses traditional techniques to create its many unique bottles of wine. It has a cute tasting room and a beautiful vineyard offering stunning views of the Tennessee countryside. Keg Springs Winery offers wine lovers a homey-feeling tasting room and a beautiful patio to soak up the sun while tasting a variety of different wines. The Natchez Trace Wine Trail provides a memorable combination of Tennessee culture, wines, and scenic beauty — making it a must-do for wine, history, and nature lovers alike.