Lewis County Tennessee has always been a destination for seekers and explorers.

Early explores and settlers traveled through the lands that became Lewis County on the historic Natchez Trace, including Meriwether Lewis for whom the county is named. In the 1700’s and 1800’s, many early travelers on this route of southern and westward settlement decided to stay and claim their place in the county's rich bottomlands and hardwood forests located along pristine streams. Prior to their arrival, the Cherokees called this rich and abundant area home.

The next group to come were the Swiss who settled the New Switzerland Historic Township in 1895. Their new community was platted in perfect squares with wide streets in keeping with Swiss traditions. Settlers from Germany also arrived during this period and organized Hohenwald - The City of High Forests. In 1897 the towns merged. Hohenwald became the county seat of Lewis County. Hohenwald has many design features found in Swiss Townships and German Villages that offers unique dining, lodging, housing options, event space, parks, and entertainment areas that remain today.

In the mid-1970's, Stephen Gaskin and over 1500 modern day seekers traveled from the West Coast to create The Farm, one of the longest operating intentional communities in the nation. Many innovations have launched there including the Swan Creek Land Trust, solar and sustainable building practices, institutes on sustainability and permaculture, publishing companies, and natural health methods. All continue as successful enterprises today.

Later, the founders of the Elephant Sanctuary located on the western side of the county and the Lewis County Amish Community settled along Highway 20 on the way to The Farm. Our Wine District is located on Highway 412 at our gateway near Maury and Hickman Counties. Finally, Lewis County is home to 50+ homesteader families who came to live off-grid throughout the county. Many are members of our unique Sonneshine Movement today.

The journeys that these folks charted led them to stay to build good lives and our modern-day community. As a result of our diverse settlement and history, we are home to many unique communities and interesting people that enjoy all that Hohenwald and Lewis County have to offer today!

In 2022, Lewis County Tennessee offers the same abundant resources and natural beauty in our landscapes and pristine streams that drew seekers and explorers to our area. Through our leadership in the Nashville’s Big Back Yard and the Buffalo River Blueway regional initiatives, we continue to share our beautiful place and natural resources with visitors and residents. Visit this website for information on our many interesting destination attractions, events, lodging, dining, shopping, and venue options make lifestyles and visits enjoyable.

We welcome you to Lewis County and look forward to knowing you and your plans for your future soon!
Chart your journey today and come for a day, weekend, or lifetime!

Current Access Points and Future Plans for More in Lewis County

Lewis County’s Buffalo River Blueway can be enjoyed through approximately 5-mile floats between the following public access locations:

2022 Access Points:

• Metal Ford – Natchez Trace Parkway
• Mouth of Grinders Creek – Oak Grove

2023 Planned Access Point:

• Texas Bottom

2024 Planned Access Point:

• Riverside

Contact Debbie Landers at 931-796-4084 for more information.

Contact Debbie Landers at 931-796-4084 for more visitor and tourism information.