Norris Dam Lenoir Museum
Notification Alert
Campgrounds Closed for Renovations
The East and West Campgrounds are currently closed for renovation with an intended reopening in 2026.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Trailhead Temporarily Closed Due to Construction
Due to construction associated with the campground renovation on the west side of the park, the trailhead at the Canteen Camp Store is currently inaccessible.
Thank you for your patience and understanding, and please contact the park office if you have any questions.
The Lenoir Museum Cultural Complex
A must-see for park visitors, the complex includes the Lenoir Museum, an 18th Century Rice Grist Mill and Crosby Threshing Barn. Exhibits include Appalachian artifacts and a pre-dam pictorial account of the area submerged by the lake. Tours available by request.
The Lenoir Museum Cultural Complex
The Lenoir Museum contains artifacts from Early Americana which were collected for over 60 years by Will G. Lenoir and his wife Helen and donated by the Lenoirs to the State of Tennessee.
Will G. Lenoir, a passionate collector with a deep appreciation for the past, dedicated over 60 years of his life to preserving the treasures that embody the hard work and ingenuity that were fundamental to the early Appalachian lifestyle.
But for Mr. Lenoir, it wasn't just about the items themselves; it was about the stories they held. As he walked through the halls of the museum, he would eagerly share these stories with visitors, transporting them back in time to a world filled with remarkable tales of human endeavor. From the hands that crafted each artifact to the lives they touched, Mr. Lenoir reveled in the power of these stories to connect us to our shared history.
Even in his later years, as he neared the remarkable age of 97, his passion for preserving history remained undimmed. His dedication and unwavering spirit continue to inspire us as we explore the rich tapestry of our past, grateful for the legacy left behind by a man who believed in the power of storytelling through objects.
The Lenoir Museum
Old Timey Bluegrass Music is performed from 2:00 - 5:00 PM most Sundays.
Hours:
Wednesday - Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Free Admission
Other Historic Attractions
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Antique Barrel Organ
When you visit the Lenoir Museum, make sure and get a close look at this antique barrel organ. During restoration, a German newspaper dated 1826 was found inside. The organ plays ten different tunes with 110 wood pipes to make the music. Also, with the turning of one hand crank, four stages of figures perform. In all, 44 figures are in action. These figures include dancers, a clown, marching foot soldiers, a woman churning butter, and a blacksmith hard at work.
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Caleb Crosby Threshing Barn
Oxen once powered the threshing machine inside the main building. The barn stood for about 100 years along the north side of the Holston River. The land was to be flooded by the building of Cherokee Dam, so the family donated the barn to the National Park Service. The barn remained there dismantled for 34 years. In 1978, the barn was reconstructed at its present site. The Barn is open from April to October.
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18th Century Rice Grist Mill
Originally constructed in 1798 along Lost Creek, this mill was operated by four generations of the Rice family. The mill has had many changes throughout its history. At various times, the mill has powered a sawmill, a cotton gin, a trip hammer, and even a dynamo that supplied electrical lights for the Rice home in 1899. The Mill is open from April to October.
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