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Camden, Tennessee: Only Freshwater Pearl Farm in North America

The embayment of Birdsong Creek is the only place where freshwater pearls can be farmed in the U.S. Small gift shop "museum" was destroyed in a Dec. 2016 fire, but reopened in Dec. 2017.

Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Farm

Address:
255 Marina Rd, Camden, TN
Directions:
Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Farm. At the Birdsong Resort and Marina. I-40 exit 133. North on Hwy 191/Birdsong Rd for nine miles, then turn right onto Marina Rd.
Hours:
Daily 8-4:30 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
731-584-7880
Admission:
Free to visit. Guided tours $18 and up.
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Visitor Tips and News About Only Freshwater Pearl Farm in North America

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Pearl Farm.

Only Freshwater Pearl Farm in North America

It may be the only operating pearl farm in North America, but it's not the only water source that's pure enough. In the late 1970s, the same company who owns the pearl farm started an earlier pearl farm by leasing a Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) man-made lake in Henderson County, Cedar Lake. It closed the lake to recreational traffic, which angered citizens, and the five year lease was allowed to lapse. This was probably from 1978-1982 or so.

[Jaynie, 01/22/2021]

Nov. 2022: Photo added.

Tennessee Pearl Farm

The only pearl farm in U.S. It's very interesting and of course it has a shop. I got a unique pearl pendant.

[k6athie vaught, 04/07/2015]

This is supposedly the only place in America with the right kind of pure water that enables pearls to be grown. The farm uses freshwater mussels, not oysters.

Pearl Farm.

Freshwater Pearl Museum, Farm, and Tours

The freshwater pearl farm is the ONLY freshwater culturing pearl farm in North America. They grow freshwater pearls in the harbor of the marina on a 52-acre resort named Birdsong Resort, Marina, and RV Campground. The pearl is the state gem of Tennessee.

[Judy Steward, 09/22/2013]

We always wondered how landlocked Tennessee ended up with the pearl as its state gem. Nov. 2022: Photo added.

North America's Only Freshwater Pearl Farm

This is the only freshwater pearl farm located in the United States. It is absolutely one of the most unique and interesting attractions. It is located at Birdsong Marina and Resort on Interstate 40 which connects Memphis and Nashville, TN.

[Vickie Rose, 06/08/2003]

The freshwater pearl is Tennessee's Official State Gem, and the pristine embayment of Birdsong Creek is the only place where they can be grown.


Nearby Offbeat Places

Loretta Lynn's Ranch and MuseumLoretta Lynn's Ranch and Museum, Hurricane Mills, TN - 15 mi.
Studebaker on a StickStudebaker on a Stick, Waverly, TN - 13 mi.
Buffalo at Loretta Lynn's KitchenBuffalo at Loretta Lynn's Kitchen, Hurricane Mills, TN - 15 mi.
In the region:
Book-Reading Praying Mantis, Jackson, TN - 49 mi.

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