Shiloh
Home to the nation’s most well-preserved battlefield as well as an ancient native community, history comes alive in Shiloh. Shiloh National Military Park is a living monument to what was both the first major Civil War battle of the western theater and one of the war’s bloodiest battles. The Shiloh Indian Mounds inside the park are an incredible vestige of a time gone by, with platform and individual house mounds telling the story of the Mississippi Mound Builders who lived there over 800 years ago. Visitors to Shiloh can explore over 5,000 acres, 150 monuments, 200 cannons, and 650 historic tablets as well as a self-guided driving tour, interpretive trails, and seasonal programs and events.
Pickwick Lake
Originally a riverboat stop, Pickwick got its name from Charles Dickens’s The Pickwick Papers. The Pickwick Dam was built as part of Roosevelt’s New Deal and the land that was home to the construction crews later became Pickwick Landing State Park. Today, the park encompasses over 1,500 acres of land while Pickwick Lake includes over 43,00 acres of water. Enjoy a stay at the Pickwick Inn or one the on-site cabins and enjoy a meal at the in-house restaurant, The Captain’s Galley, with free shuttle rides to the park’s marina. Pickwick provides excellent outdoor opportunities including great year-round fishing, swimming beaches, campsites, hiking trails, and a beautiful golf course.
Savannah
On the banks of the Tennessee River, you’ll find the Hardin County seat of Savannah, a city rich in history and Southern hospitality. Take in the picturesque downtown area with a stroll down Savannah’s revitalized main street and a self-guided driving tour through the architecturally diverse Historic District. Headquarters to U.S. Grant during the Battle of Shiloh and workplace of Queen Haley, grandmother of author Alex Haley, Cherry Mansion is the first stop on the tour. The beautiful Tennessee Street Park is a wonderful spot to cool off or enjoy a walk along the quarter-mile trail. Savannah also holds the title of Catfish Capital of the World and is home to the annual National Catfish Derby held every summer.