About McMinn County

From main street to mountains, relax and enjoy McMinn County's warm southern hospitality and simple pleasures. 

Explore our museums, historic sites and small towns to experience a heritage that speaks of Overhill Cherokee, early settlers, textile workers, railroaders and farmers surrounded by the beautiful countryside of East Tennessee.

McMinn County's strong dairy heritage is celebrated at the new Mayfield Dairy Visitor Center, where you can take a plant tour to learn how popsicles are made or enjoy the South's best ice cream in the visitor center ice cream parlor.

The McMinn County Living Heritage Museum in Athens invites you to experience the culture of McMinn County as told in 30 exhibits. While in Athens, stroll around the Historic Courthouse Square, with its restored stores and shops. Ask about the nearby outlets, antique shops and unique places to eat.

In Englewood, the awarding winning Englewood Textile Museum tells the story of the textile mills in Englewood. In keeping with its textile history, one of the museum's neighbors is a fabric outlet.

Etowah, located near the Cherokee National Forest, is home to the restored Louisville and Nashville Railroad Depot. Visitors can tour the depot, including a museum that spins stories of locomotive engineers, shopmen and the people who lived and worked in this railroad town. For information about what to do in the great outdoors, visit the Cherokee National Forest ranger station located in the depot. While there, check to see if there is a performance scheduled at the Historic Gem Theater, across the street.

From specialty stores and factory outlets to antique shops, McMinn County is a great place for shoppers. While you're here, take home a piece of history or find that unique souvenir handcrafted by one of our local artists.

Let McMinn County restaurants and motels, bed and breakfasts and cabins provide you with the perfect place to relax for a family vacation or a weekend getaway. Nestled at the foothills of the Cherokee National Forest you’re sure to find something for everyone in McMinn County.

McMinn County is a convenient gateway to the Cherokee National Forest and the Cherohala Skyway. If you enjoy scenic drives, take Hwy 39 from Englewood, or Hwy 310 from Etowah through farm country to Tellico Plains, where you can choose to ride alongside the Tellico River and over the Cherohala Skyway (Hwy 165) for spectacular views. From Hwy 411 south of Etowah, you can follow Hwy 30 alongside the Hiwassee River to Reliance and up to Hood Mountain Overlook.

For more information contact:

Athens Area Chamber of Commerce
www.athenschamber.org
423-745-0334

Athens Area Visitor's Center
423-745-0334

Etowah Chamber of Commerce
www.etowahcoc.org
423-263-2228

Tennessee Overhill
www.tennesseeoverhill.com