Cumberland Homesteads Historic District - Image 1
1 / 3

Cumberland Homesteads Historic District

4.6
·287 reviews·Crossville, United States

Explore a New Deal-era community, climb an octagonal tower for panoramic views, and uncover the resilience of American homesteaders.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Fall or Spring mornings

Best colors & clear skies

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Cumberland Homesteads Historic District - Image 1

Cumberland Homesteads Historic District

Best Time

Fall or Spring mornings

Best colors & clear skies

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a New Deal-era community, climb an octagonal tower for panoramic views, and uncover the resilience of American homesteaders.

4.6
(287 reviews)

"A real hidden historical gem and time capsule a few miles outside Crossville."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Climb the Tower for Views

Don't miss the trip to the top of the tower on a clear day for incredible fall or spring scenery! :camerawithflash:

🚗 Scenic Neighborhood Drive

See the historic homestead houses by driving through the neighborhood, even if they aren't open for tours. :car:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Octagonal Observation Tower

Octagonal Observation Tower

Top of the tower

Ascend the spiral staircase for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, especially vibrant in fall and spring.

Homestead Museum

Homestead Museum

Main museum building

Discover the fascinating history of the homesteads' establishment and the resilience of those who lived through the Depression.

Historic Homestead Houses

Historic Homestead Houses

Surrounding neighborhood

Drive through the charming neighborhood to admire the unique architecture of the original homestead houses.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Tower Views

Visit the octagonal tower on a clear day, especially in fall or spring, for breathtaking panoramic views. The observation level offers a unique perspective on the changing seasons and the historic homesteads below.

Explore Beyond the Museum

While the museum is informative, make time to drive through the neighborhood to see the historic homestead houses from the street. Some visitors noted the houses aren't always open during museum hours, so a scenic drive is a great alternative.

Best Times

When
Fall or Spring mornings
Why
Best colors & clear skies
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Climb the Tower for Views

Don't miss the trip to the top of the tower on a clear day for incredible fall or spring scenery! :camerawithflash:

🚗 Scenic Neighborhood Drive

See the historic homestead houses by driving through the neighborhood, even if they aren't open for tours. :car:

🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff

Chat with the staff, especially 'Wrenn,' for insightful historical details. They add so much to the visit! :bustsinsilhouette:

🛍️ Unique Gift Shop Finds

The gift shop has many neat items. You might find a perfect souvenir to remember your visit. :gift:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Climb the Tower for Views

Don't miss the trip to the top of the tower on a clear day for incredible fall or spring scenery! :camerawithflash:

🚗 Scenic Neighborhood Drive

See the historic homestead houses by driving through the neighborhood, even if they aren't open for tours. :car:

🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff

Chat with the staff, especially 'Wrenn,' for insightful historical details. They add so much to the visit! :bustsinsilhouette:

🛍️ Unique Gift Shop Finds

The gift shop has many neat items. You might find a perfect souvenir to remember your visit. :gift:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(287 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Cumberland Homesteads Historic District as a 'hidden gem' and 'time capsule' offering a fascinating look into Depression-era history. The knowledgeable staff, particularly 'Wrenn,' and the informative museum are frequently highlighted as major draws. While the octagonal tower offers stunning views, some wish the historic houses were more consistently open for interior tours.

"Cute little place to visit. Lots of great history especially saved right here in the homestead area. Very sweet employee and the gift shop had a lot of neat things to buy. But you've got to make a trip to the top of the tower on a good clear day, especially in the fall when the colors are changing or spring is best. These photos are credit to my girlfriend IG@wanderwitchway who enjoyed the little pieces of history so much herself."

John Michael

"The history of the homesteads and how it got started in very interesting. Makes me appreciate how strong our economy is today regardless what people think because most of us alive today have never really seen hard times. We think because we can't afford a larger house or extravagant vacations that the economy is in shambles. Let me tell you folks, enjoy your lattes and 4000 square ft houses because all things wither away in time."

SF1

"A reak hidden historical gem and time capsule a few miles outside Crossville. Fairly well curated and hosted by "Wrenn" whose encyclopedic knowledge of the place added an intangible element to our visit."

Mike Whitt

What People Like

Fascinating history
Knowledgeable staff
Scenic tower views

What People Dislike

Houses not always open

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Cumberland Homesteads Historic District is located a few miles outside Crossville, Tennessee. It's best accessed by car, offering a scenic drive through the plateau region. Parking is available on-site.

Yes, visitors generally find parking to be readily available at the Cumberland Homesteads Historic District, especially during off-peak hours.

Public transportation options are limited in this rural area. Visiting without a car would be challenging, so driving is highly recommended for accessibility.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees are generally very reasonable, with many visitors highlighting the affordability. It's recommended to check their official website or call ahead for the most current pricing details.

Operating hours can vary, and it's advised to confirm them before your visit. Some reviews mention that the historic houses may not be open during the same hours as the museum.

Advance booking is typically not required for general admission to the museum and tower. However, for any special events or group tours, it's always a good idea to inquire about reservations.

While specific discount information isn't widely detailed, the overall cost is considered a great value. Inquire directly about potential group rates or special offers.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the informative museum detailing the homesteads' history, climb the octagonal tower for panoramic views, and drive through the neighborhood to see the historic houses.

The tower features a spiral staircase. While generally manageable for most visitors, it's something to consider if you have mobility issues. The views from the top are well worth the effort.

Access to the inside of the houses can be limited and may not always align with museum hours. Driving by to see them from the street is a popular alternative.

Yes, an informative movie about the homesteads' establishment and history is often shown, providing valuable context for your visit.

Combine a visit to the museum with a drive through the neighborhood and a climb up the tower. Engaging with the knowledgeable staff, like 'Wrenn,' also greatly enhances the historical understanding.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no on-site dining facilities. Visitors typically bring their own snacks or plan to eat in nearby Crossville before or after their visit.

While not explicitly stated, bringing a picnic to enjoy in the surrounding areas is generally permissible. However, check for any specific rules regarding food consumption on the property.

The closest dining options are located in the town of Crossville, which offers a variety of restaurants ranging from casual eateries to sit-down establishments.

📸 📸 Photography

The top of the octagonal tower offers incredible panoramic shots, especially during fall foliage or spring blooms. The historic houses themselves also make for charming photographs.

Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage within the museum or ask staff if photos are permitted, especially without flash.

Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most flattering illumination for both the tower views and the historic architecture. Clear days are essential for the best tower vistas.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Cumberland Homesteads Historic District offers a unique educational outing for families. The museum provides a tangible connection to history, explaining how people lived during challenging times like the Great Depression. The movie is often engaging for younger audiences, offering a visual narrative of the homesteaders' lives.

While the houses themselves might not always be open for interior tours, driving through the neighborhood to see them from the street can be an adventure for kids. The climb up the octagonal tower, with its spiral staircase, can be an exciting physical challenge (supervise closely!). The panoramic views from the top are a great reward and can spark conversations about geography and the environment. Pack snacks and drinks, as on-site food options are limited.

🏛️ History Buffs

For those passionate about American history, the Cumberland Homesteads is a treasure trove. This district offers a deep dive into a specific New Deal initiative, showcasing the practical application of government programs during the Depression. The museum is curated to provide detailed insights into the planning, construction, and daily life of the homesteaders.

Engaging with staff like 'Wrenn,' who possess encyclopedic knowledge, can elevate the experience significantly. They can offer nuanced perspectives and answer in-depth questions about the project's successes and challenges. Driving through the neighborhood to observe the architectural styles of the original homes adds a visual layer to your historical understanding. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the resilience and ingenuity of the families who built their lives here.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of the Cumberland Homesteads

The Cumberland Homesteads Historic District is a fascinating glimpse into a New Deal-era project designed to provide economic relief and land ownership to struggling families during the Great Depression. Established in 1934, the project aimed to resettle families from impoverished areas onto small farms on the Cumberland Plateau. The community was meticulously planned, featuring a central village area with community buildings and surrounding individual homesteads.

These homesteads were designed to be self-sufficient, with residents expected to cultivate the land, raise livestock, and build their own homes. The architecture of the houses often reflects the era's practical and modest style, with many still standing today. The project was a significant undertaking, showcasing the government's efforts to address widespread poverty and unemployment through land reform and community development.

Today, the district serves as a living museum, preserving the legacy of this unique historical experiment. Visitors can learn about the grit and determination of the homesteaders through exhibits and by observing the preserved structures. It offers a poignant reminder of a challenging period in American history and the resilience of its people.

Experiencing the Octagonal Tower

The iconic octagonal tower is a must-visit at the Cumberland Homesteads Historic District. Its unique shape is not just for aesthetics; it provides a stable structure for the spiral staircase leading to the observation level. The climb itself is an experience, offering a gradual ascent with glimpses of the surrounding landscape through the tower's openings.

Upon reaching the top, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Cumberland Plateau. The best times to experience this are on clear days, particularly during the vibrant fall foliage season or the fresh bloom of spring. The panoramic vistas offer a sense of perspective, allowing you to appreciate the vastness of the plateau and the layout of the historic homesteads below.

This elevated viewpoint is not only visually stunning but also provides a unique vantage point for understanding the geographical context of the homesteads. It’s a popular spot for photographers and anyone looking to capture the beauty of the region. Remember to check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure the clearest possible views from the observation deck.

You may also like