Independence on the Frontier, history camps and tours highlight July at Sycamore Shoals

Published 8:27 am Monday, July 7, 2025

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park will bring American history to life this July with a lineup of engaging events and programs, from Revolutionary War reenactments and music jams to living history camps for kids.

Independence on the Frontier
Saturday, July 12 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Free
Step back in time as “Independence on the Frontier” immerses visitors in 18th-century life at Fort Watauga. This living history event features historical interpreters reacting to the long-awaited arrival of the Declaration of Independence on the colonial frontier. Guests can explore demonstrations, displays and a special reading of the Declaration at 1 p.m.

Junior Ranger Camp
Wednesday–Friday, July 16–18 | 9 a.m. – noon | Ages 8–12 | $50 per participant
Children ages 8 to 12 can experience early American life during the park’s first-ever Junior Ranger Camp. Activities will include frontier survival skills, Native crafts, colonial games, and nature walks. Campers will receive a tri-corn hat, snacks and daily take-home items. Registration is required and closes June 30 at tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals.

English Country Dancing with the Sabine Hill Social Society
Sunday, July 20 | 1:30 – 4 p.m. | Free
Held in the Visitor Center Gathering Room, this session welcomes dancers of all levels to learn early 19th-century English country dancing. No partner or experience is required.

Old Time Music Jam
Sunday, July 27 | 1:30 – 4 p.m. | Free
Enjoy an afternoon of traditional folk, gospel and Celtic tunes. Acoustic instruments like fiddle, banjo, dulcimer, guitar and mandolin are encouraged. Musicians and music lovers of all ages are welcome.

Historic Home Guided Tours
Both the Carter Mansion and Sabine Hill will offer guided tours Wednesday through Sunday at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Tour fees: $10 adults; $8 seniors, veterans and active military; $5 ages 17 and under. Each tour is limited to 12 participants.
Registration is required at tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals.

  • Carter Mansion, 1031 Broad St., Elizabethton – Explore Tennessee’s oldest frame house, built between 1775 and 1780, and learn about the Carter family’s role in early East Tennessee history.

    Subscribe to our free email newsletter

    Get the latest news sent to your inbox

  • Sabine Hill, 2328 W. G St., Elizabethton – Tour one of Tennessee’s finest examples of Federal architecture and learn about the influential Taylor family.

Please note: Outdoor programs may be canceled in the event of severe weather. Contact the park for details or visit the event website for updates.