There’s plenty to explore around Norris Dam State Park! Museum of Appalachia: Just a short drive from the park, this museum offers a look into the history and culture of the Appalachian region. Downtown Knoxville: Just a 30-minute drive away, you can enjoy the vibrant downtown area with great restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, like the Knoxville Museum of Art and the historic Market Square. Gatlinburg & The Smoky Mountains: About an hour’s drive from the park, Gatlinburg offers a mix of shopping, dining, and attractions, with easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for hiking, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking scenery.

Boat Day will take place at the beautiful Sequoia Marina, just a 25-minute drive from Norris Dam State Park. The marina offers a variety of boat rentals, and there's a fantastic restaurant serving great food with live music on weekends. We’ve got the boats taken care of! We just ask that you arrive on time and ready to set sail. Our planned sailing time is from 9 AM to 4 PM. If we're running behind schedule or if weather conditions aren't ideal, we may dock earlier.

Yes! There’s a Walmart about 15 minutes from Norris Dam State Park, located in the nearby town of Clinton. It’s open 24 hours a day for your convenience. There are also a variety of restaurants in Clinton and surrounding areas, offering options from casual to more formal dining.

Unfortunately, public transportation options from Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport to Norris Dam State Park are very limited. The park is approximately 33.4 miles (about a 40-minute drive) from the airport. For airport transfers, options include taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, and rental car services available at the airport.

Yes, we highly recommend renting a car. While most events take place at the park, you'll likely find yourself needing transportation—whether it's to visit the nearest grocery store, grab a meal at a restaurant, or fully explore the park and its beautiful surroundings. Not to mention, having a car will make it much easier to get to and from the airport, as well as to the marina for Boat Day.

Norris Dam State Park is a huge park and offers so many things to do without having to leave the area! Hiking: Explore the park's trails, including the scenic Lakeside Trail and the 1.5-mile Old Trail. Fishing: Enjoy fishing on Norris Lake, known for its excellent bass, crappie, and trout fishing. Water Activities: Rent a pedal boat, kayak, or other watercraft from the Norris Dam Marina and explore Norris Lake’s 34,000 acres of water. Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of bird species in the park. Volleyball: Play a game at the volleyball court. Soccer: Enjoy a game of soccer in the open areas of the park.

For the Bonfire and Boat Day, there’s no dress code—just wear whatever makes you comfortable for the activities. For the Wedding Eve Picnic, the dress code is optional but encouraged! Think romantic, Western garden party vibes with pastel colors, soft fabrics, and a touch of Western flair (cowboy boots are a fun addition!) For the Wedding Day, cocktail attire is required. Check our detailed dress code guide for men and women to ensure you're wedding-ready!