Loretta Lynn brings tens of thousands of visitors to Tennessee each year, both due to her concerts across the state—including appearances at the famed Ryman Auditorium—and for her eponymous ranch located an hour west of Nashville in Humphreys County. But for three weekends a year, travelers can get both: the ranch experience and Loretta Lynn in person in a trio of concert events that take place in Hurricane Mills throughout the summer on the Saturday of Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends.
Loretta has called the ranch home for more than 30 years—she still resides right in the middle of all the action—and its location on the banks of the Duck and Tennessee Rivers lends itself to a number of active pastimes from kayaking and canoeing to creek swimming and tubing.
Avid equestrians like to bring their horses along with them for trail rides, lessons and arena skills. Plenty of other family-friendly activities abound, from campfire singalongs to chuck wagon races, as well as one of the biggest amateur motocross championships in the country.
Hurricane Mills even has its own old-timey Western Town, which includes an 18,000-square-foot museum of Lynn family memorabilia aplenty and an exact replica of Loretta's childhood home.
Opt Outside
Loretta may be the area's big draw, but Humphreys County has even more to offer than the Coal Miner's Daughter. Its 2,000-acre Johnsonville State Historic Park— named for former Governor and 17th U.S. President, Andrew Johnson—is rife in Civil War history (it was the site of the Battle of Johnsonville) and makes use of its Kentucky Lake perch with a bevy of outdoor pursuits. In addition to eight miles of hiking trails, there are 10 picnic areas, houseboats for rent and a marina with an on-site grille.
Lay Your Head
(Credit: The Inn at Sycamore Landing)
Situated among Loretta's 3,500-acre property are a number of lodging options like RV hookups, tent campsites for primitive camping, and the aptly-named Kozy Cabins: pet-friendly, one-bedroom, stand-alone log houses with en-suite kitchens and sweeping views. For those who prefer a less rustic experience, the county seat, Waverly, is home to a handful of charming B&Bs like The Inn at Sycamore Landing; The Enoch's Farm House Inn down in McEwen is another popular place to stay.
Get Out and Explore
Humphreys County rests along a number of Tennessee Trails and Byways like the Screaming Eagle for those longing for a scenic drive with myriad points of interest. Before you get on the road and wander aimlessly, stop in at the Humphreys County Chamber of Commerce—a distinguishable, rounded building that once served as a Greyhound station—for a list of routes, as well as a rundown on nearby local businesses like Waverly Café, Samuel's on the Square and the Mi-De-Ga, an old school movie theatre that shows current hits.
