Cleveland, Tennessee travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Cleveland is the county seat of Bradley County, Tennessee. As of 2020, the population was 45,902. Just like in other areas of the South, Native Americans such as the Cherokees were forced to cede their tribal homelands and move west in what was termed "The Trail Of Tears", in which many died. Cleveland was an exhibition in all this in that not only was it the site of the diminishing Cherokee's council at a place called Charleston and then Red Clay nearby, but it also was where federal troops imprisoned tribal members in stockades for forced removal by the time the crafty Treaty of New Echota passed in 1835. These things are represented at the Museum Center At Five Points and Red Clay State Park.

5 sights · 1 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Cleveland

Museum Center at Five Points

Cherokee Removal Memorial

Sticking with this general theme, this is a site where Cherokees were imprisoned and moved across the Tennessee River at Blythe's Ferry. Also here is the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge, where you might see a sandhill crane.

Craigmiles Hall

Just a nice looking former opera house in the Second Empire architectural style that was built in 1877.

Red Clay State Park Museum

Exhibits on the Trail of Tears and Cherokee history.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church

This church is unique in that behind it is Craigmile's Mausoleum where a 7 year old girl who was killed in a horse buggy accident in 1871 is interred and where red stains mysteriously appear on the mausoleum concrete edi…

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Mar–Nov. Summer highs reach about 88°F; winter lows dip to about 31°F. Wettest: Jan and Mar. (climate data from nearby Historic High Country)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
CHA Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (Lovell Field), Chattanooga — 20 mi away. Directions
TYS McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville/Maryville — 67 mi away (major hub). Directions

I-75 passes to the west of the city, going from North to South and has three exits, Exits 20, 25, and 27. Of these, two have plenty of hotel accommodations. From North Carolina, you can come in through U.S Route 64.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Museum Center at Five Points, Craigmiles Hall, St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Afternoon Red Clay State Park Museum, Cherokee Removal Memorial

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder