Kodak, Tennessee

Kodak, Tennessee, population 10,083, is located in Sevier County, TN. One of the main attractions in Kodak is Douglas Lake and the French Broad River, both with backdrops of the majestic Smoky Mountains.

Kodak was named in 1892 when the local postmaster, Harvey N. Underwood, learned of the new "Kodak" brand of camera.

The closest airport is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS).


Kodak Hotels >>

Douglas Lake; image by Jeaneane Payne

Kodak Attractions:


Douglas Lake - The reservoir extends 43 miles upriver from the dam through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It is set against the backdrop of the Smokies. Douglas Lake is a popular recreation destination, known for picnicking, camping, boating and fishing. Birdwatchers enjoy the fall migration of shore birds, wading birds and other waterfowl.

Great Smokies Flea Market - Features more than 1,000 vendors. It is family friendly and pet friendly. Open year 'round; every Fri, Sat & Sun 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - The park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the southern Appalachians. It straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border for 70 miles. The Cherokee people called this area Shacomage, or "Place of Blue Smoke." The bluish mist, which clings to the mountainsides and fills the valleys, gives the park its name and remains its most distinctive feature. The park is 520,976 acres.

River Islands Golf Club - River Islands Golf Club is spectacularly set on over 175 acres of breathtaking views where bald eagles soar high above the river otters playing along the river banks. Featuring a true, links style, Arthur Hills design, River Islands has been a must play course in Tennessee since it opened in 1991.

Seven Islands State Birding Park - The diverse natural landscape of aquatic and grassland habitats makes Seven Islands State Birding Park a premier birding destination with more than 190 species of birds sighted. The park encompasses 416 acres along the French Broad River in Knox County, approximately 19 miles east of Knoxville. This peninsula of land features more than eight miles of natural trails, rolling hills and views of the Smoky Mountains. In addition to being a wildlife refuge popular for hiking and wildlife observation, the park is a research and educational facility for schools and other groups and a demonstration area for land use and habitat management techniques. Songbirds, hawks and waterfowl can be seen along the meadow trails and several old barns are a favorite refuge for Barn Owls. For paddlers and anglers, there is a small canoe/kayak launch that provides access to the French Broad River.

Smokies Stadium - This is the official site of the Tennessee Smokies baseball team.

Zoo Knoxville - The Knoxville Zoo has been rated as one of the best zoos in America. It is open year round and offers special programs such as Bedtime with the Beasts. Bedtime with the Beasts is where fun and learning come together. The Bedtime with the Beasts program is offered to any organized group of 15 to 30 people ages six and up. Enjoy private tours, activities, and animal encounters. Bring your sleeping bag and spend the night at the Knoxville Zoo! It happens March through November for $30 per person.

Kodak Festivals:

Dumplin' Valley Bluegrass Festival - For 20 years, the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival has been honoring our mountain roots, history, and heritage while entertaining bluegrass fans from across the country. Founders and promoters Joe and Mitzi Soward have been attracting the most talented bluegrass, gospel, and country artists through the years, and the event now features some of the biggest and best names in the genre.

Smoky Mountain Winterfest - Smoky Mountain Winterfest is a three-month long festival held in the cities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. The festival begins in November and runs through February each year. Magnificent parades, craft shows, sleighrides, trolley tours, Christmas on Ice at Ober Gatlinburg, and many other events make this holiday season one to remember for a lifetime.

Tennessee Valley Fair - The Tennessee Valley Fair is fun for everyone! The fair has rides, children's rides, rodeos, livestock events, tractor pulls, demolition derby, concerts, beauty contests, performing arts shows, contests of many types, and competitive exhibits. Daily entertainment includes pig races, hands-on science exhibits, stilt walkers, comedians, karoake, live gospel music, and live broadcasting by WIVK. Daily fireworks are a favorite of all fair goers.

Other area festivals: Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg