Charles Hall Museum
A free, high-caliber museum in Tellico Plains, TN, showcasing local history, vintage electronics, and a remarkable gun collection across two buildings...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed browsing
Charles Hall Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, high-caliber museum in Tellico Plains, TN, showcasing local history, vintage electronics, and a remarkable gun collection across two buildings.
"So absolutely amazed! This place does NOT disappoint. Charles Hall Museum really is a museum and of high caliber."
Explore Both Buildings!
Don't miss out! Each building houses unique historical items. :eyes:
Donate to Support
Admission is free, but donations are crucial. Be prepared to contribute if you enjoy the exhibits. :heart:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Gun Museum
Second Building
An impressive collection of firearms, including historical pieces and unique finds. A must-see for enthusiasts.
Vintage Telephones & Electronics
First Building
Step back in time with an incredible display of old telephones, radios, and televisions.
Local History Exhibits
Both Buildings
Discover the rich history of Monroe County through organized displays and unique artifacts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Two Buildings of Treasures
Accessibility & Nearby Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Explore Both Buildings!
Don't miss out! Each building houses unique historical items. :eyes:
Donate to Support
Admission is free, but donations are crucial. Be prepared to contribute if you enjoy the exhibits. :heart:
Photography Challenges
Glass partitions can make photos tricky. Be patient and adjust your angle. :camerawithflash:
Gift Shop Treasures
Find unique souvenirs and local items in the gift shops at each building. :gift:
Tips
from all over the internet
Explore Both Buildings!
Don't miss out! Each building houses unique historical items. :eyes:
Donate to Support
Admission is free, but donations are crucial. Be prepared to contribute if you enjoy the exhibits. :heart:
Photography Challenges
Glass partitions can make photos tricky. Be patient and adjust your angle. :camerawithflash:
Gift Shop Treasures
Find unique souvenirs and local items in the gift shops at each building. :gift:
Combine with Local Exploration
Visit the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center and enjoy nearby Tellico Plains. :map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently amazed by the Charles Hall Museum, praising its high caliber of exhibits and the sheer volume of historical items, especially for a free attraction. The well-maintained displays, including a notable gun museum and extensive collection of vintage electronics, are highlights. While photography can be challenging due to glass partitions, the friendly atmosphere and unique finds make it a highly recommended stop.
"So absolutely amazed! I confess I was not anticipating much of a museum. This place does NOT disappoint. Charles Hall Museum really is a museum and of high caliber. For those who are truly history buffs especially of the local area you will find a lot of historical items and history told with displays throughout the museum. The museum is FREE and it is housed in two separate buildings. Don't neglect touring both buildings as each house unique historical items. They do accept donations so I recommend being prepared to donate if you feel moved to do so. There are gift shops conveniently located at each building so you may enjoy souvenirs as well as local and hard to find items anywhere else. We were warmly greeted when we entered both buildings. Nice and relaxing shopping atmosphere. Wheelchair accessibility just requires going over a short sidewalk through the main entrance doors at both museum buildings."
John Wilson
"This is an incredible collection of everything from old telephones to just about anything you can think of in a very organized and beautiful display. Unbelievable!"
Tim Clement
"A wonderful, well maintained museum. With two full buildings of artifacts collectors items. Old orginal telephones, radios, televisions, washing machines. Motorcycles. My favorite is the fantastic gun museum . Parking free, admission free in a beautiful area. Friendly folks, my grandkids really enjoyed it."
Jim Cody
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Charles Hall Museum is located in Tellico Plains, Tennessee. It's easily accessible by car, and parking is free. Many visitors combine their trip with a drive along the scenic Cherohala Skyway.
Yes, free parking is available for visitors at both museum buildings.
Public transport options are limited in Tellico Plains. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the museum.
The museum is situated in Tellico Plains, TN. If coming from further afield, consider routes that allow you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area, such as the Cherohala Skyway.
Absolutely! The Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center is right there, and the town of Tellico Plains offers charming shops and eateries like Tellico Grains Bakery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Charles Hall Museum is completely free! However, donations are greatly appreciated to help maintain the collections.
No advance booking is required. You can simply walk in and enjoy the exhibits.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media pages before your visit.
Yes, both museum buildings are wheelchair accessible, with short sidewalks leading to the main entrance doors.
Strollers are generally welcome, but space may be limited in certain areas. It's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find an incredible array of local history artifacts, vintage telephones, radios, televisions, motorcycles, and a fantastic gun museum.
To fully appreciate both buildings and their collections, plan for at least 1-2 hours.
Photography is generally allowed, but the glass partitions can make it difficult to get clear shots.
Restroom facilities are typically available within the museum buildings or nearby visitor centers.
Information about Wi-Fi availability is not widely publicized, so it's best to assume it might not be available.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Tellico Plains has several dining options. Tellico Grains Bakery is a popular spot with outdoor picnic tables.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or picnic spots to keep the museum clean.
There isn't a cafe inside the museum itself, but there are eateries nearby.
Tellico Grains Bakery is frequently recommended. You can also find other local diners and cafes in the downtown area.
Yes, places like Tellico Grains Bakery offer outdoor picnic tables, perfect for enjoying a meal before or after your museum visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The vintage electronics, the gun collection, and the unique local history displays offer great photo ops.
While generally allowed, the glass partitions can make photography challenging. Be mindful of glare and reflections.
The 'Bigfoot' mention seems to be a playful hashtag from a reel, not a permanent exhibit. Focus on the historical artifacts for your photos.
Weekday mornings might offer fewer people in the background, but the lighting inside is consistent.
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check with museum staff upon arrival if you plan to use one.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Encourage kids to spot items they recognize or find particularly unusual. The gift shops also offer fun souvenirs. Consider packing snacks and enjoying them at a nearby picnic spot like Tellico Grains Bakery to make a full day of it.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tip: While entry is free, consider making a donation to support the museum's upkeep. You can also save money by packing your own lunch and enjoying it at a nearby picnic area, or by exploring the free scenic drives in the surrounding area like the Cherohala Skyway.
🚗 Road Trippers
The free admission and ample parking make it a hassle-free detour. Tip: Plan your visit to coincide with a drive on the Cherohala Skyway for a day filled with both history and stunning natural beauty. The museum's two buildings offer enough to see without taking up your entire day, leaving plenty of time for scenic drives and exploring the charming town.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Collector's Dream: The Artifacts
One of the standout features is the impressive gun museum, housing a diverse array of firearms that tell stories of history, craftsmanship, and conflict.
The sheer breadth of items, from everyday appliances to historical weaponry, creates a captivating experience for history buffs and casual visitors alike. The museum's commitment to showcasing these artifacts for free makes it an accessible and invaluable community resource.
Planning Your Visit to Tellico Plains
Visitors often pair their museum trip with a drive along the breathtaking Cherohala Skyway, known for its stunning mountain vistas and scenic overlooks. The Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center is also a convenient stop for maps and local information. Tellico Plains itself boasts a quaint downtown area perfect for a leisurely stroll. You can find local shops and eateries, with Tellico Grains Bakery frequently mentioned as a delightful spot for a meal or a coffee break, complete with outdoor picnic tables.
The accessibility of the museum and its proximity to other attractions make Tellico Plains an ideal day-trip destination or a stop on a larger road trip through the Smoky Mountains region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit