22 Fun Things To Do In Knoxville Tennessee
I will be very frank here. I have been to Tennessee a number of times but I was completely unaware of Knoxville attractions. During my last visit to Tennessee someone showed me her Instagram pictures from Knoxville and I wondered why I haven’t explored it yet. There are so many things to do in Knoxville Tennessee.
There are beautiful parks, museums, historical monuments, amazing restaurants, zoo, educational exhibits, and the list goes on. This southern city is very diverse and so you will always have something new to experience.
Let’s start with the
Unique Things To Do In Knoxville Tn
1.Ijams Natural Center
This is an ideal place for nature lovers. The beautiful rock formations and wetlands will touch your heart for sure. This 300 acre of land will let you indulge in all sorts of outdoor activities bet it hiking, rock climbing, camping, paddling, and mountain biking. I loved Canoe’s ride.The view from the ride was spectacular. You can enjoy more than 12 miles of trail.
The motto of the Center is to educate the people about the environment but it is done in a very entertaining way. Jo’s Grove is the best option for kids.
They will get educated and be entertained at the same time. There are yoga programs, free tours, and workshops too. You can enjoy swimming or paddling in Mead’s Quarry Lake. During Halloween, you can join Halloween haunted lantern tours. Ijams Crag is great for rock climbing. Ijams Primal Playground is ideal for fitness lovers.
Visit the site to check upcoming events.
2.Market Square Knoxville Tn
Check excellent boutiques there and the beautiful water play fountains. There are a number of concerts and festivals that take place. It also has a number of bars and high-end restaurants. Shakespeare on the Square is a major attraction. check the map
3.World’s Fair Park
This park is most famous for Sunsphere which is a golden ball-like structure placed at an elevation of 266 feet from the ground. Sunsphere is used as a symbol for Knoxville and the logo is used in postcards as well. The other famous structure is the Tennessee Amphitheater. You will see the East Veterans Memorial in the northern area of the park. There is Knoxville Convention Center too.
The park has a beautiful fountain and walking trails. During the holidays you can experience music events here. It is absolutely delightful.
You will experience an amazing view of the Smoky Mountains from the observation deck. For art and craft lovers, Candy Factory is the perfect spot.
4.Knoxville Museum Of Art
The museum which is located in World’s Fair Park has Thorne Miniature Rooms. Higher Ground: A century of the visual arts in East Tennessee showcases the work of East Tennessee artists. It is a permanent exhibition. Currents: Recent Art From East Tennessee And Beyond is also a permanent exhibition. This exhibition showcases new art. Modern and contemporary studio glass is also a permanent exhibition.
There is also the world’s biggest glass installation called Cycle Of Life: With In The Powers Of Dreams and The Wonder Of Infinity.
5.Knoxville Zoo
Home to about 800 species Knoxville Zoo is a 53-acre zoo. I saw the Komodo dragon for the first time in my life. Red pandas are a major attraction here. For children, the other attractions are Wee Play Zoo and Clayton Family Kids Cove. There are outdoor exhibits like Black Bear Falls and Chimp Ridge and the indoor exhibits consist of Night Club and reptile collection. Kids will love the ride on the Zoo Choo train.
Read:
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6.Knoxville Botanical Garden And Arboretum
It has a beautiful butterfly meadow, walking trails, and gardens. The place is also known for beautiful stonewalls and horticulture. The Secret Garden is one of the highlights here.
7.McClung Museum Of Natural History And Culture
The museum is located on the University Of Tennessee campus and mainly focuses on natural history be it archaeology, anthropology, and culture. I was very excited to come here. A big dinosaur statue will welcome you at the front lawn called Monty. Ever since I saw Jurassic Park I am always curious about dinosaurs’ existence. I saw dinosaur bones that were on display. You will also see Egyptian artifacts too.
Few of the permanent exhibits include Freshwater pearl mussels and The Civil War experience in Knoxville.
Visit the site for exhibitions.
8.Blount Mansion
It was the home of William Bount, a former governor of Southwest Territory. The home was made in 1792. It is a National Historic Landmark. The most interesting fact is William Bount was the first and only governor of Southwest Territory.
9.Women’s Basketball Hall Of Fame
If you are a basketball fan this is a must for you. Located in downtown Knoxville this 30-foot tall basketball hall of fame is an excellent tribute to women’s basketball. You will see the memorabilia of all the inductees and their achievements in basketball.
Read: Things to do in Tennessee-top 14
10.House Mountain State Natural Area
It is a beautiful state park in Corryton that is only 25 minutes drive from Knoxville. It is a huge 525-acre park and loved by birdwatchers. The trail is also noteworthy.
11.Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The national park offers tremendous scenic beauty. It is perfect for hikers and bikers. The best time to visit is autumn as there will be less crowd. You can also do camping, fishing, horseback riding. I saw a few wild animals as well. Did I mention I was scared to see a black bear? This is one of the best things to do in Knoxville Tennessee.
Read:
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12.Museum Of East Tennessee History
Located in East Tennessee History Center, it is one of the most reputed museums in Tennessee. Voice Of The Land: The People Of East Tennessee is an exhibit of original artifacts and interactive displays. There are more than 13000 artifacts in the permanent collection that includes civil war items and decorative arts. They also organize travel exhibitions. The best thing is admission is free every Sunday.
13.James White’s Fort
I went there to enjoy the Halloween ghost tours. It is founded by James White. You will learn about city history here. It was an enriching experience. The admission ticket is around $7 and it is open from Monday to Friday.
Read:
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14.Lakeshore Park
It’s time to relax and unwind. Head to the beautiful Lakeshore park. It is popular among tourists as well as locals. It is one of the free things to do in Knoxville, TN for couples. The area is calm and the beauty is enigmatic. Almost one million visitors come here to enjoy every year. The view is captivating.
Read:Top 10 Restaurants-Knoxville
15.East Tennessee History Center and Museum
Do you want to know about American history? Then head to East Tennessee Museum, you will see a number of exhibits. Many exhibits are designed to keep children in mind. I liked Voice Of Land that tells the history of East Tennessee. You will see artifacts like textiles and furniture. There are guided tours available. You will know about the Civil War and other interesting exhibits as well.
Read: New York Travel Guide
16.Muse Knoxville
This 4000 square feet gallery is especially for kids. I went to see the planetarium and it was an enriching experience. There are galleries for both science and art enthusiasts. The museum also offers hands-on exhibits. Kids will learn about the science of sound and gardening. Muse also set up camps for kids.
17.UT Gardens
The garden is truly spectacular. There are a variety of flowers and plants. They organize special events so you have to keep yourself updated with the upcoming events. It is Tennessee’s official botanical garden and a part of the UT Institute of Agriculture. The garden is open throughout the year and there is no entry free.
18.Three Rivers Rambler
You will love the rides, especially during Halloween and Christmas as they have themed rides as per the occasion. The 90-minute journey will remind you of old trains and you will definitely have a nostalgic moment. The train runs mostly on Saturday but you check the schedule before you go there.
19.Fort Dickerson Quarry
The lake is located in Fort Dickerson Park. This is an amazing place for kayaking. You can relax, paddleboard, swim, or just enjoy the scenic beauty.
20.Tennessee Theatre
Previously a movie palace, the theater looks absolutely stunning. Built in 1920, the theater plays some beautiful live music and opera. Check the website for upcoming events. It is included in the National Register Of Historic Places. In 1928 when the theater was built it was Knoxville’s first skyscraper.
21.Dollywood
Located in the Smoky Mountains this amusement park is a perfect gateway for the entire family. Kids and adults both will have a great time. There are a number of train rides, water rides, and amazing restaurants. This theme park is definitely a great way to end your Knoxville journey.
22.Peter Kern Library
Located in Union Avenue at the back of Oliver Hotel is an amazing cocktail bar called Peter Kern Library. You will get a variety of cocktails and the staff is top class.
Other Attractions
Knoxville Food Tours-There are over 1000 food tours.
Bleak House-This memorial hall is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Historic Homes Of Knoxville-You will get guided tours of seven historic homes.
Strong Alley-Located near Market Square, it is known for street art.
Stock And Barrel– If you are looking for delicious burger then visit this place. You will get a variety of beers too.
Maple Hall-If you like bowling you must visit Maple Hall. It is such a cool place.
American Museum Of Science And Energy-A science museum that will tell you a lot about energy and nuclear power.
Star Of Knoxville Riverboat– Enjoy lunch, dinner, wedding and sight seeing cruises.
Beck Cultural Exchange Center– A museum that tells you about African American history and the beautiful artifacts.
Fun Places
Cedar Bluff Racquet Club– A great tennis club for kids and adults.
Farragut Folklife Museum-There is a popular statue of David Glasgow who was the United States navy’s first admiral and also the artifacts of local history.
Civil War Guiding Tour- It is a driving tour that is self guided.
Neyland Stadium-If you are a sport lover you must visit it. I have seen couple of football exhibition games here.
Central Cinema– A great movie theater for movie outing.
Cherokee Country Club– A great place for golf.
Breakout Games-If you love the thrill and adventure of escape rooms, this is for you.
East Tennessee Historical Society-Great museum to understand the history of arts, civil war items and artifacts.
Mural Walk-First mural walk in Knoxville. Don’t miss Postcard From Knoxville and Miller’s Building Mural.
Alex Haley Heritage Square-There is a 13 feet statue of author Alex Haley in a beautiful park.
AMF Fountain Lanes– For people who love bowling.
Candoro Arts And Heritage Center-Displays beautiful art.
Navitat– Are you looking for some adventure sports? Navitat offers a variety of ziplining tours and tree-based adventures. The trails are also interesting. I loved the fish trail and mountain heritage trail. It is one of the best things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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I had a great time visiting Knoxville and I will definitely suggest you to visit Knoxville if you are in Tennessee.
Do share your views and memories of your visit,I would love to share it with my readers.
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