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The Airplane Filling Station (also known as the Powell Airplane), built in 1930 by brothers Henry and Elmer Nickle and opened in 1931, is a gas station shaped like an airplane inspired by Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis. Motorists once pulled under one wing for gas and the other for repairs. After 35 years as a filling station it became, in turn, a liquor store, fruit stand, bait shop, and used-car lot office, then sat abandoned for years before being sold in March 2023 to new owners (via Knox Heritage) who restored it and opened it as an Airbnb rental.
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Powell's Airplane Filling Station (airplane-shaped building)
This pin marks the Big Thing itself. If stopping, choose a safe and legal place nearby.
Approximate location · 36.043° N, 84.009° W
FIELD GUIDE
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PRACTICAL
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WHAT TO EXPECT
A restored airplane-shaped former gas station, now operating as a short-term rental; viewable from the road.
ACCESS
6829 Clinton Highway, Powell, Tennessee.
COMMUNITY
Visitor Log
WHAT'S NEXT
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TRANSPARENCY
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