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New 200-Acre Development Coming to Sevierville TN

A new 200-acre development is coming to Sevierville, featuring entertainment attractions and venues, unique shopping experiences, and delicious restaurants. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians purchased the land in 2019 for $13.5 million and recently released some of its plans for the property. Previously known as Project 407, the development has been renamed The 407: Gateway to Adventure. We’ve gathered all the details we have so far on the groundbreaking of the development project in Sevierville TN.

What to Expect at the 200-Acre Development in Sevierville

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians announced its plans to build a new “experiential destination” on the property it purchased in 2019. The development is expected to be home to exciting attractions, dining, and shopping for tourists to enjoy. Some of the possible activities include a world-class golf attraction, a go-kart facility, and a distillery experience. Developers broke ground on construction of the first phase in November 2020, which started with 60 acres mirroring Route 66. Phase one is being called the “Roadside District.” This new destination will feature a combination of well-known companies and unique local businesses that fall into an “American road trip” theme. It will be a place where visitors can stop right off of Exit 407 and have a fun and unique roadside experience.

Watch the video from WBIR below for more information!

Buc-ee’s Family Travel Center

In June 2021, it was announced that a Buc-ee’s Family Travel Center would be coming to the Smokies as part of The 407: Gateway to Adventure project. On Friday, September 24, 2021, there was a groundbreaking ceremony hosted by the site developers and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to start construction on Buc-ee’s Family Travel Center. This 74,000-square-foot travel center will be a flagship store in the area right off of Exit 407. There will be 120 fueling positions, EV charging stations, and a 250-foot-long car wash. Buc-ee’s is known for having pristine bathrooms, fresh BBQ, and friendly service, as well as providing a travel stop experience you won’t find anywhere else!

Buc-ee’s will be located at 3424 Winifield Dunn Parkway, and it is estimated to be open in Spring 2023.

How the Development Came About

exit 407 signIn 2019, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians purchased the 200-acre lot located right off Exit 407 on I-40 for $13.5 million. In addition to those 200 acres, the tribe also owns another 122 acres on the other side of the interstate. Its business arm, Kituwah LLC, was tasked with the plans for development. Kituwah LLC hired Knoxville-based firm OE Experiences to help with the development plans. Plans for the project included a mixed-use site that serves as a nostalgic throwback to the “classic American road trip.” Because the site is located right off the highway, there is easy access from Knoxville and only about an hour from Asheville, NC. Its location is expected to contribute to its success as a “roadside destination” because it can serve as a gateway and first stop for the millions of visitors who travel the highway to get to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s expected to be the first of its kind in East Tennessee.

The new tourism destination broke ground on November 10, 2020, but an official timeline of when construction is expected to be completed has not yet been released.

About Sevierville TN

attractions in Sevierville TN and the mountains.Sevierville is where the Smoky Mountain fun begins! This small town is home to incredible shopping opportunities, delicious restaurants and exciting attractions. Located just minutes from Pigeon Forge and a short drive from Gatlinburg, it’s worth exploring on your visit to the Smoky Mountain area. It’s home to the Apple Barn, one of the most-loved places by visitors, Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf, Ogle Brothers General Store, and so much more. Not to mention, it’s the hometown of Dolly Parton. Head to downtown Sevierville to see a statue of our Smoky Mountains hometown hero on the lawn outside the Sevier County Courthouse! Sevierville is a place that both families and couples love to visit, and the new development project will just add to the incredible experience!

We’ll update you with more details on the new 200-acre development in Sevierville when we get them. In the meantime, learn about more exciting things to do in Sevierville TN when you visit!