Our History
During the French and Indian War (1754-1763) the British Colony of South Carolina felt threatened by French activities in the Mississippi Valley. To counter this threat, the Colony sent the Independent…
Visitor Center & Book Store
The Visitor Center/Museum is a great place to stop before visiting the reconstructed fort. It offers information on the area’s history and artifacts that were excavated prior to the Fort’s reconstruction…
Picnic Area
Located convenient to the visitors center and reconstructed Fort Loudoun.There are 30 tables, most with grills, scattered along the lakeside and in a wooded area. The tables are available on a first-come…
Hiking Trails
There are three hiking trails that range from easy to moderately strenuous. The trails are the Ridgetop Loop Trail which is approximately 1.5 miles long and provides beautiful views of the mountains and valley…
Fishing
Fort Loudoun State Historic Area and Sequoyah Birthplace Museum share an island that was created by the damming of the Little Tennessee River. The lake is approximately 15,000 acres in surface area…
Reenactments
Fort Loudoun State Historic Area schedules a number of battlefield reenactments that recreate some of the famous battles at our historic park…
Welcome to Fort Loudoun Historic State Park
Fort Loudoun State Historic Park is 1,200-acres and is one of the earliest British fortifications on the western frontier, built in 1756. The fort was reconstructed during the Great Depression and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965.
During the French and Indian War (1754-1763) the British Colony of South Carolina felt threatened by French activities in the Mississippi Valley. To counter this threat, the Colony sent the Independent Company of South Carolina to construct and garrison what became Fort Loudoun. This move helped to ally the Overhill Cherokee Nation in the fight against the French and guaranteed the trade would continue between the Cherokee and South Carolina.
Visit one of our battle reenactments!
Check out our upcoming events calendar to visit during one of our battle reenactments.
Testimonials
Had a wonderful day yesterday viewing the eclipse. The staff did a great job with such a large amount of people. The drive from Knoxville (it took us 2 hours) was absolutely worth it!
It’s one of my favorite places to walk the trails in the woods. U can see alot of deer & sumtimes turkeys during the fall time. It’s open year round & pretty cool 2 walk thru the fort especially when they do the reenactment.
I have been to Fort Loudoun Historic Area multiple times. First for curiosity and with family, then the fall trade festival (2017 & 2018), most recently (June 2019) with my kayak and paddled around the island. Beautiful area and facilities, extremely helpful truly interested and friendly staff, the fort history is captivating and the re-creation…
I only visited here one time but would LOVE to go back! If you’re interested in history, it’s definitely worth the drive. I wasn’t looking for it that day, just driving and looking, but I’m sure glad I happened to see the sign!!
This is a beautiful place to spend the day and so very peaceful. The history here is humbling. We were here today and it couldn’t have been better. I used to go here with my dad when I was young and to see it today brought back a lot of memories and it’s just as…
I love this place…Eric, Will, Tammy, and staff are the best. You can tell they love the Fort and sharing it’s unique story with visitors…Do Not miss this place when looking for some place to take the family.
We have been coming here for years! such and beautiful and peaceful place to come and escape from reality for a while.
Took our kids when they were young and now that we have a grandson, we are going to start taking him. Today was the first day we took him and he loved it, was asking questions and kept saying “wow”. He wants to go again and he is only 4 years old. Can’t start them…
This park is one of the best places to visit in Tennessee and the USA. It gives history while having the best lake, picnic areas, and the Visitor Center is full of good stuff too. My family and I have visited it numerous times, keep up the good work.
Restoration of the old fort is amazing!
Fort Loudoun is an amazing place to visit, very peaceful
This park has excellent picnic areas, including a covered pavilion which can be reserved for groups. Our favorite spot is one of the tables along the lake. A visit to Fort Loudoun is a definite must. In fact, one should visit when they have a re-enactment with Indians and everything! Trails through the park are…
Great fun today! Knowledgeable and friendly. Met some amazing artists.
Hours of Operation
Fort Loudoun State Historic Park
OPEN: 7 days a week
HOURS: 8am – sunset EST
CLOSED: Christmas Day.
HOURS: 8am – sunset EST
CLOSED: Christmas Day.
Museum and Visitor’s Center
OPEN: 7 days a week
HOURS: 8am – 4:30pm EST
HOURS: 8am – 4:30pm EST
Directions
Fort Loudoun is located about 30 miles south of Knoxville, Tennessee.
- Take 75 south to Highway 72.
- Go east to Highway 411.
- North through Vonore, Tennessee and follow the signs to the park.
New! Kayaking & Paddle Board Rentals
Paddles and life jackets are provided. A kayak launch is conveniently located at the boat dock in a no wake zone making it easy to get in/out of the water.
Where to rent: Visitor’s Center, Fort Loudoun State Park
When: 8AM to 4:30PM., rentals are available every day with the exception of garrison weekends and special events.
Price: $20.00 Kayak; $30.00 Tandem Kayak; $20.00 Stand Up Paddle Board; rentals are for three hour minimum, additional hours available for additional fee.
Location
