America 250 - Take the History Challenge

2026 marks America’s Semiquincentennial – the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In partnership with Blount 250, Tremont is honoring the history of our country, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Walker Valley, and all those who have called these spaces home with a special self-guided Level Up Challenge. Check out more Blount 250 events.
Explore the Smokies through a new lens with this self-guided, choose-your-own-adventure experience from Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Pick up your history-themed Level Up Challenge sheet in Tremont’s Visitor Center and set out to discover the stories woven into Walker Valley – from the people throughout history who have called this place home, to the plants, animals, and landscapes that continue to shape it today.
The Tremont Visitors Center is located inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend. The Center is open daily from 10am-4pm, excluding federal holidays. Check our Contact page for closure updates.
Pictured above: Big Will Walker, the first European settler in Walker Valley, using an ox for transportation.