TVA Opens Iconic Dams to Honor America’s 250 Years of Freedom

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – As Americans proudly mark 250 years of independence, the Tennessee Valley Authority invites the public to celebrate our nation’s historic birthday by opening several of its iconic dams for special tours to honor the grit, determination, and visionary spirit that forged both the Tennessee Valley and the United States.

These behind-the-scenes experiences shine a spotlight on monumental public works that helped electrify rural America, fuel wartime production, strengthen national security, and continue to uplift generations of families across the Tennessee Valley. For nearly a century, TVA has carried forward the values that define our national character: service, innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the American people.

To ensure every visitor has an equal opportunity at these complimentary “Built for the People – America 250” experiences, TVA will randomly draw names from submitted requests until capacity for each tour is met. Individuals selected will receive instructions on how to participate.

Registration for morning or afternoon TVA: Building the Next 250 tours is open at tva.com/next250. Registration closes one week prior to the tour.

Tour Locations & Dates

• Raccoon Mountain – July 8
• Kentucky Dam – July 16
• Fontana Dam – July 27
• Norris Dam – July 29

Even if you are not selected for a tour, America 250-themed TVA giveaways will be available at TVA Staffed Visitor Centers beginning July 8 while supplies last, ensuring everyone has a chance to join this nationwide celebration of American heritage.

TVA Staffed Visitor Center Locations

• Fontana Dam – 1001 Fontana Dam Rd, Fontana Dam, NC 28733
• Kentucky Dam – 640 Kentucky Dam Rd, Grand Rivers, KY 42045
• Norris Dam – 1810 Norris Hwy., Norris, TN 37828
• Raccoon Mountain – TVA Access Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37419

Your Story is America’s Story

TVA is launching the America 250 Time Capsule, a collection of messages, reflections, and memorabilia that will be sealed in 2026 and opened for the nation’s 300th birthday in 2076.

The capsule will be housed at the Norris Dam Visitor Center, near one of TVA’s earliest and most iconic public works projects. The time capsule will serve as a snapshot of the Valley during this milestone year—capturing what residents love about the region in 2026 and their wishes for their communities in the next half century, as well as highlighting TVA’s work in energy, environmental stewardship, and economic development.

The public can submit time capsule entries. Messages of up to 75 words may be submitted electronically through TVA’s online form until July 31, or in person at TVA Staffed Visitor Centers between July 7 and July 31. Share your perspective on life in the Tennessee Valley today and your hopes for the region over the next 50 years. All submissions become the property of TVA.

TVA’s Legacy in America’s Story

When President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the TVA Act on May 18, 1933, he helped launch one of the boldest and most patriotic public service efforts in American history—an initiative rooted in the belief that every community deserves opportunity, every family deserves access to electricity, and every citizen deserves the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

Across the decades, TVA has advanced American progress through:

• Affordable, reliable electricity that strengthened industry, communities, and national defense
• Flood control and river management that protected American towns, farms, and families
• Public works that helped lift the nation out of the Great Depression
• Innovation that propelled the United States into the modern era
• Economic development work that creates jobs, attracts industry, and expands opportunity for millions of hard-working American families

Today, TVA operates one of the most affordable and reliable power systems in America, continuing a tradition built on service to the people.

Looking ahead to the next 250 years, TVA is expanding that legacy by constructing 3,770 megawatts of new generation, with plans to reach 6,200 megawatts, helping ensure that the Tennessee Valley remains strong, prosperous, and powered for America’s future.