Bush's Visitor Center
Discover the history and heart of Bush's Beans at this free, interactive visitor center and cafe in the Smoky Mountains.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Bush's Visitor Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the history and heart of Bush's Beans at this free, interactive visitor center and cafe in the Smoky Mountains.
"A fun, free, and educational stop with surprisingly delicious pie and unique souvenirs!"
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy the entire visitor center and museum experience at no cost. A great budget-friendly stop!
🥧 Try the Pinto Bean Pie
Don't skip the unique chocolate pinto bean pie at the cafe – it's a surprisingly delicious treat!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Bean Exhibits
Visitor Center
Engaging displays detailing the history and process behind Bush's famous baked beans. Fun for all ages!
Bush's Family Cafe
Adjacent to Visitor Center
Savor Southern comfort food, including the surprisingly delicious pinto bean chocolate pie. A must-try!
Unique Gift Shop Finds
Gift Shop
Discover exclusive Bush's merchandise, from apparel to quirky kitchenware. Perfect for souvenirs!
Duke the Dog Sightings
Visitor Center Grounds
Keep an eye out for Duke, the beloved Bush's Beans mascot, especially during special events!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Fun & Bean History
Cafe Delights & Souvenirs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy the entire visitor center and museum experience at no cost. A great budget-friendly stop!
🥧 Try the Pinto Bean Pie
Don't skip the unique chocolate pinto bean pie at the cafe – it's a surprisingly delicious treat!
🛍️ Unique Souvenirs
The gift shop offers exclusive Bush's merchandise you won't find in regular stores. +1
🐶 Look for Duke!
If you're lucky, you might spot Duke, the famous Bush's Beans dog, especially during events.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy the entire visitor center and museum experience at no cost. A great budget-friendly stop!
🥧 Try the Pinto Bean Pie
Don't skip the unique chocolate pinto bean pie at the cafe – it's a surprisingly delicious treat!
🛍️ Unique Souvenirs
The gift shop offers exclusive Bush's merchandise you won't find in regular stores. +1
🐶 Look for Duke!
If you're lucky, you might spot Duke, the famous Bush's Beans dog, especially during events.
⏳ Quick & Easy Stop
Perfect for a short, engaging break during your Smoky Mountains road trip. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Bush's Visitor Center as a fun, free, and educational stop, particularly praising the engaging exhibits and unique gift shop. While the cafe receives mixed reviews for savory dishes, the famous pinto bean chocolate pie is a standout hit. It's highly recommended for families and anyone seeking a quirky roadside attraction in the Smoky Mountains.
"A Bean-Lover’s Dream!
This place has all the lowdown on the world’s best baked bean company! The museum may be small, but they’ve packed it full of cool exhibits and fun facts about the history and process of making Bush’s famous baked beans. There’s even hands-on stuff for kids, making it a great stop for families.
The parking lot is huge, and everything is easy to access. Don’t miss the gift shop, they had cans of beans I’ve never seen in stores before! If you love Bush’s, or just want a quirky and fun roadside stop, this is a great way to spend an hour. So much bean-packed goodness in one place!"
Sam
"I don't know that I would travel very far out of the way to go here, but it is a great little road trip stop. The museum was interesting and interactive for a variety of ages. The gift shop had lots of fun bean swag and knick-knacks. We were really tempted to get canned t shirts and the egg salt and pepper shakers. The cafe was out favorite part! We were told we had to try the chocolate pinto bean pie and enjoyed it quite a bit!"
Elizabeth Lundell
"Museum and general store are such fun. Store has VERY nice things and was fun shopping around. Unique gift items. Staff is super sweet. Grounds are beautifully decorated for Fall.
Restaurant was not great, however. The chicken fried steak was dry and the gravy tasted of raw flour and was really pasty. The fried apples were overly sticky and sweet, like canned pie filling. Not good at all. Hot dog with chili was just okay. Bun was dry and hotdog, while big and juicy, was really salty. The chili on top was tasty though. The bowl of chili and grilled cheese were both very good. We would not eat here again but the museum and shop we will visit again! Staff was very welcoming and nice."
Kristi M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bush's Visitor Center is conveniently located between Gatlinburg and Knoxville, about 30 minutes from Pigeon Forge and Dollywood. Take US-441 S to TN-73 E, then follow signs for Chestnut Hill. +1
Yes, there is ample parking available at the visitor center, and it's easy to access.
Absolutely! It's a popular and easy roadside attraction for those traveling through East Tennessee, offering a fun break.
Use GPS navigation to Chestnut Hill, Tennessee, or follow signs for Bush's Beans off the main highways in the area.
Yes, it's located near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, making it a great addition to a Smoky Mountains itinerary. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Bush's Visitor Center and museum is completely free!
Hours can vary seasonally, but it's generally open daily. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. mentions specific event times.
No advance booking is required as admission is free. You can typically walk in and explore.
Yes, they sometimes host special events, like meeting Duke and Santa during the holidays. Check their social media for announcements.
The visitor center and museum are designed to be accessible, with easy pathways and exhibits.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore interactive exhibits about Bush's history, shop for unique merchandise, and dine at the Bush's Family Cafe.
Yes, the interactive exhibits are very engaging for children, making it a fun family stop.
Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the museum and gift shop. You might stay longer if you plan to eat at the cafe.
Yes, photography is encouraged! Many visitors enjoy taking pictures with the giant bean can and other exhibits. +1
Many visitors highlight the engaging history exhibits, the unique gift shop finds, and the delicious food at the cafe, especially the pinto bean pie. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The cafe offers Southern comfort food, including hot dogs, chili, grilled cheese, and their famous pinto bean chocolate pie.
Reviews are mixed but generally positive, with many calling it a unique and surprisingly delicious treat.
Yes, free bean samples are often available, which visitors enjoy.
Besides the pie, the bowl of chili and grilled cheese are often recommended as good choices.
While some dishes are praised, other reviews mention inconsistencies in food quality. It's great for a snack or a unique dessert.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture memories with the giant Bush's Beans can, the vintage general store facade, and the various quirky exhibits inside.
While Duke is a character, actual sightings might be limited to special events. However, there are often photo ops related to him.
The exterior with the large bean can and the interior exhibits offer plenty of visually interesting backdrops.
Daytime offers the best natural light for photos inside and outside the visitor center.
Popular hashtags include #BushsBeans, #BushsVisitorCenter, #SmokyMountains, #TennesseeTravel, and #RoadsideAttraction.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for about an hour of exploration, and consider a meal at the Bush's Family Cafe for a taste of local flavor. The gift shop also offers fun souvenirs that kids will enjoy. It's a low-stress, high-fun activity that fits perfectly into a Smoky Mountains road trip itinerary.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the gift shop and cafe offer opportunities to spend money, they are entirely optional. You can have a fulfilling and enjoyable experience just by exploring the exhibits. It's a perfect way to add an interesting stop to your itinerary without impacting your budget.
🚗 Road Trippers
It offers a unique break from driving, providing a dose of history, fun exhibits, and a chance to grab a bite or a quirky souvenir. The quick turnaround time means you won't lose much time on your journey, making it a perfect pit stop.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bush's Beans Story: From General Store to Global Brand
Visitors can explore the original general store, which has been preserved, offering a tangible link to the past. Interactive displays make learning about the bean-making process engaging for all ages, and the history of the brand's iconic advertising, including the beloved Duke the dog, is a highlight. It’s a fascinating look at how a small-town business achieved national recognition through dedication and a commitment to their product.
This deep dive into the brand's history provides context for the simple yet profound success of Bush's Beans. It’s a story of family, tradition, and a product that has become a staple in kitchens across America. The visitor center successfully captures this essence, making it a memorable and educational experience for anyone interested in American business history or simply a fan of their famous beans.
+1Culinary Delights: Beyond the Beans
Beyond the famous pie, the cafe serves up other Southern favorites like chili, grilled cheese, and chicken-fried steak. While reviews for some savory dishes can be mixed, the overall consensus is that the cafe provides a satisfying and convenient dining option, especially after exploring the exhibits. Free bean samples are also a popular perk, allowing visitors to taste the product that started it all.
The cafe experience at Bush's Visitor Center is a delightful extension of the brand's heritage, offering a chance to savor local flavors and try something truly unique. It’s a place where you can enjoy a hearty meal or a sweet treat, all while being immersed in the world of Bush's Beans.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit