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Discover the Bush’s Beans Visitor Center Tour in Tennessee

Visit the Bush’s Beans Visitor Center in Chestnut Hill, Tennessee, and explore one of the South’s most iconic food brands. This family-friendly experience includes the Bush’s museum, interactive exhibits, a behind-the-scenes look at bean processing through factory windows, and the famous “Bush’s Theater” presentation explaining how America’s best-known baked beans are made. Visitors can also enjoy the general store and café serving Southern comfort dishes featuring Bush’s products.

Why it’s special:
Bush’s Beans is a staple of American kitchens, and this visitor center brings that story to life with fun exhibits, brand nostalgia, and a peek into the production process. The combination of history, food, and local storytelling makes it a top stop in rural East Tennessee.

History/Story of Bush’s Beans

Founded in 1908, Bush Brothers & Company began as a small canning operation in Chestnut Hill and grew into one of the nation’s leading bean brands. The Bush family has continued production in the same community for more than a century, building a legacy of quality, tradition, and recognizable products such as Bush’s Original Baked Beans. The Visitor Center was opened to share the company’s history and celebrate the local roots behind this nationally known food manufacturer.

What You’ll See & Do at the Bush’s Beans Visitor Center

Watch the “Bean Production Theater” for a behind-the-scenes look at how Bush’s beans are made
Explore exhibits covering the history of the Bush family, early canning methods, and product development
View the production facility from observation windows (production varies by day)
Take photos with Duke the Dog and classic Bush’s displays
Visit the general store for souvenirs, memorabilia, and Bush’s products
Enjoy a meal at the Bush’s Café featuring recipes made with Bush’s beans

Hands-On Elements: Interactive museum exhibits, brand history displays, food tastings in the café.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography is welcome in the museum and visitor center; production areas can be viewed behind protective glass with no filming.
Souvenirs & Extras: Branded merchandise, cookbooks, pantry products, apparel, children’s items and regional foods.

Pricing of the Bush’s Beans Visitor Center Tour

Admission: Free
Café costs vary per meal
Group tours available upon request

Practical Info for Visiting Bush’s Beans Visitor Center

Duration: 45–90 minutes depending on exhibits and café visit
Format: Self-guided exhibits with production viewing windows; no inside-the-factory walking tour
Schedule & Seasonality: Open Monday–Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; closed Sundays and major holidays
Audience: Families, school groups, food lovers, brand followers and general travelers
Accessibility: Fully accessible museum and gift shop; production viewing windows located indoors
Safety & Restrictions: Children must be supervised; production viewing is behind glass only
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Group visits welcome; call ahead for scheduling
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable clothing and shoes, camera for photos, appetite for the café
Facilities: Visitor center, theater, café, gift shop, restrooms, free parking
Closures & Downtime: Closed Sundays; additional closures on major holidays
Nearby:

Douglas Lake — fishing and outdoor recreation
Smoky Mountain foothills and scenic drives
Historic Dandridge — Tennessee’s second-oldest town

FAQs About Visiting Bush’s Beans Visitor Center

Do I need a reservation to visit?
No reservations are needed for general visitors; groups may arrange ahead for accommodations.

Is this a true factory tour?
The tour is self-guided with production visible through observation windows. Visitors do not walk directly inside the processing plant.

Can children participate?
Yes—this is a family-friendly experience with kid-oriented exhibits and photo spots.

Does the café serve dishes made with Bush’s Beans?
Yes—the menu features several bean-based dishes, soups, salads and homestyle Southern meals.

Is photography allowed?
Photography is welcome in the museum and café; production areas are viewed through no-photo observation windows.