Amidst the beauty of the Tennessee River, 15 miles from Downtown Chattanooga, sits the historic Hales Bar Dam that was once the first hope in taming the impossible to navigate Tennessee River. Although its efforts as an energy creating dam amounted to problem after problem causing TVA to create a replacement dam down river (Nickajack Dam), but Hales Bar still stands and has now taken on new life as Hales Bar Marina & Resort. 

Hales Bar Marina & Resort is the perfect mix of outdoor fun, unique lodging, and a one-of-a-kind distillery inside the historic dam. It's a must-go for history and outdoor fun lovers alike. 

Stay & Play at Hales Bar Marina & Resort

Hales Bar Marina & Resort is a full-service marina where you can store your personal boat or rent one for your own adventure, whether that means a day trip on the water or an overnight stay in one of their many lodging options. Available for rent are single level pontoons and a double decker pontoon that even has a couple slides attached for even more fun on the water. They also have kayaks, water bikes, and paddle boats available at the Marina.  

The resort is also home to one of the area’s only waterfront RV parks with full hookups. While not every site sits directly on the water, even the inland spots are just steps from the shoreline. 

Lodging Options

If RV camping isn’t your style, no worries! They don’t call it “Redneck Bora Bora” for nothing. Hales Bar offers plenty of affordable lodging rentals, including floating cabins, land cabins, and spacious villas for larger groups.  

The floating cabins are especially popular, offering stunning views of Nickajack Lake and a true on-the-water experience. Both the floating and land cabins are available in one, two, and three bedroom layouts, while the villas sleep four to six guests and include a BBQ grill and extra outdoor space—perfect for relaxing lakeside.

Looking for something more spooktacular? Check out their Haunted Mansion themed cabin for a scary fun stay! 

Seasonal Fun

With a pool open every summer through Labor Day and endless opportunities for on-the-water fun, Hales Bar Marina & Resort is the perfect warm-weather getaway. But when fall rolls around, its storied past takes center stage. Steeped in tales of Native American curses, tragic accidents, and eerie encounters, Hales Bar’s haunting history makes it an equally thrilling destination for spooky season. Each October, this legendary site, featured on Ghost Adventures and Kindred Spirits on the Travel Channel, transforms into Hell’s Bar Dam: A Haunted House, where guests can explore chilling scenes and heart-pounding surprises inside one of the region’s most famously haunted landmarks.

Dam Whiskey Co.: Sip History Inside a Haunted Landmark

Hales Bar is also home to Dam Whiskey Co., a distillery housed in the historic dam, it's some damn good whiskey with some interesting history. Located on the premises is also a gift shop where you can take some spirits home with you (only the good kind), pick up souvenirs in the gift shop, or join a guided tour that dives into the dam's fascinating and spooky past. 

Distillery Hours

  • Friday: 5 - 10 PM (bar & gift shop only, no tours)

  • Saturday: 10 AM - 10 PM (hourly tours until 4 PM)

  • Sunday: 12 - 5 PM (hourly tours until 4 PM) 

Distillery & History Tour

The hour-long tour includes the distillery, barrel room, and underground tunnels, plus stories of the dam’s history and the ghosts who may still lurk in the shadows. Tours are $27.50 per person, with half-price tickets available for children 12 and under. 

The tour is not handicap accessible, as it involves stairs and dark spaces in an older structure. However, it is kid-friendly and dog-friendly (leashed dogs only). Guests can even take their drinks along for the tour. 

Insider Tips

Make sure you dress for the weather. Since Hales Bar is a historic building, it does lack heating and air conditioning and can be susceptible to puddles after rain comes through. Dress comfortably and in shoes you don’t care to get a little dirty! 

Bring a flashlight and camera to capture the atmosphere (and maybe a ghostly encounter). 

Why You'll Love It

Hales Bar Marina & Resort is truly a playground for adventure seekers. Whether you love outdoor recreation, handcrafted whiskey, or haunted history, this destination has it all. Equal parts relaxing, entertaining, and spine-tingling, it’s a hidden gem on the Tennessee River just waiting to be explored and just 20 minutes from downtown Chattanooga!