Dunlap Coke Ovens

The Getaway

It was a Tuesday and we found ourselves free for the day from all family and farm responsibilities. And we had no where to go. We had to fix that problem FAST!

Tennessee Bound!

We put the top down on the little red Miata, otherwise known to us as Ruby, and headed to Chattanooga. From there we headed northeast to Signal Mountain where we picked up Highway 127 North. It is a two-lane highway through the rural countryside, dotted with hills and farms. The weather was perfect, too. Cloudy so not too hot and not too cold. A perfect day to be out on a date together with Ruby!

As we drove through the tiny town of Dunlap in the heart of Sequatchie County I saw a sign for “Coke Ovens”. Coke ovens? Was this about Coca Cola? No.  The Monty remembered his Dad telling him about coke ovens being used to convert coal into coke for the iron industries. We had already passed the sign and the turn, so Monty did what he does best. He turned around!

What a great place the historic Dunlap Coke Ovens Park turned out to be. First, there was not a soul around. The museum was closed and the park was deserted. We had the park all to ourselves!

History of the Coke Ovens

Located on 62 wooded acres the park is open daily for self-guided tours. There are remains of 268 beehive coke ovens on the property. The first ovens were constructed in 1902 at the base of Fredonia Mountain. More ovens were built over the course of the next 20 years and were used to convert mountain coal into “coke” and sold to the iron and steel foundries in nearby Chattanooga. These industries used the coke to smelt the iron and steel. By 1927 the onset of the Great Depression had taken it toll and the mining operations were shut down.

The coke ovens lay dormant for more than 50 years, exposed to the ravages of nature, garbage dumpers and rock thieves who dismantled stone from the ovens. In the mid 1980's local citizens formed a historical group and began efforts to clean up the site. Today the ruins of the coke ovens is now a beautiful, wooded park that is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Park is maintained by the Coke Ovens Museum Association and The Sequatchie Valley Historical Association volunteers.

WHAT ELSE?

Museum – The museum building is an exact full-size replica of the original coal company store known as the "Commissary".  It was constructed in 1902 by the Douglas Coal and Coke Company. The museum currently does not have regular hours. The museum currently houses the largest collection of regional historic coal mining photographs in the state of Tennessee. Hundreds of donated mining artifacts are on display inside the museum. If you know ahead that you are going to visit, call to arrange a personal tour.

Incline Hike - There is a beautiful incline hike to the bluffs on Fredonia Mountain. We made it part way up the incline but had to turn back when the rain made us run for shelter. The full hike climbs 3900 feet to the top of the bluffs where you can explore the area where the coal was once mined.

Mine Replica – There is a authentic replica of a coal mine next to the museum. The beautifully landscaped property is dotted with original mine equipment.

RR Caboose – There is an authentic NW railroad caboose located on the property.

Bluegrass Musicians Memorial – A memorial dedicated to Sequatchie Valley region mountain music performers.  

Picnics – There is a shady picnic area across the street from the Museum property near a pretty little babbling brook.

What we liked about the park
Scenic road trip in a day if you live close enough
Free admission
Quiet times with nature
Interesting to adults and kids alike
Educational and historical
Picnic tables and pavilions; hiking trails; photo opportunities

View more images of the historic Dunlap Coke Ovens Park
More Coke Ovens Images

WHERE
The Coke Ovens Park is located in Dunlap, Tennessee in Sequatchie County. (30 miles north of Chattanooga, 50 miles from Crossville, 115 miles from Nashville and 120 miles from Knoxville.)

If driving on U.S. 127 North, turn left on Cherry Street at the traffic light. Cross over the railroad tracks. There is very good signage, so just follow the signs to the Coke Ovens.

HOURS
Open daily for self-guided tours Museum Hours: Call for hours Tours by appointment 423-949-3483

CONTACT INFO
Call 423-949-3483
Coke Ovens Web Site

OTHER ATTRACTIONS NEARBY

Dunlap also proclaims itself as “The Hang Gliding Capital of the East”. The town is the site of the East Coast Hang Gliding Championships and home of the “The Tennessee Tree Toppers”, a hang gliding community of pilots and friends in southeast Tennessee. The Sequatchie Valley boasts some of the best soaring conditions in the United States. Top pilots from all over the world come to Dunlap to fly the winds and marvel at the beautiful valley.

First weekend in June - Annual Coke Ovens Bluegrass Festival
First Saturday in October - Annual Coke Ovens Fall Festival
August 5-8, 2010 – The World’s Longest Yard Sale on Highway 127

Visit Today's Getaway again soon. 

Watch for upcoming details on a new giveaway!