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Where is Knoxville located?
- Knoxville is snuggled between the Great Smoky Mountains and the mighty Tennessee River.
- It is a modern, exciting city known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains.
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What are the top attractions in Knoxville?
- The city is home to many great attractions, including:
- East Tennessee History Center
- World's Fair Park
- Tennessee Theatre
- Ijams Nature Center
- Blount Mansion
World's Fair Park
World's Fair Park, the site of the 1982 World’s Fair, is the ideal place in Knoxville to spend time outdoors and one of the top Knoxville attractions. The park has been renovated to include beautiful lawns, walkways, and water features. The innovative fountains and geysers attract visitors looking to cool off in summer, and the manicured lawns serve as the venue for festivals and live performances year-round.
The man-made lakes and streams make for beautiful scenery while the newly renovated sunsphere’s observation deck provides panoramic views of the Tennessee River and Great Smokey Mountains. A stroll on one of the accessible walkways is the perfect way to observe the park’s beautiful landscaping.
954 World's Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee, Phone: 865-254-1534
East Tennessee History Center
History comes alive year-round at the East Tennessee History Center where the award-winning exhibits, educational programs, and events showcase the rich history of East Tennessee. Operated by the East Tennessee Historical Society, the museum exhibits an array of artifacts and intriguing stories that compose 300 years of life in Tennessee.
Highlights of the annual events include the Blue & Gray Reunion held April-May and the East Tennessee History Fair in August. An interactive educational exhibit and outreach program designed for K-12 students is available for student groups. A variety of free lectures and genealogy workshops are offered throughout the year. Workshops require pre-registration.
601 South Gay Street, Knoxville, Tennessee, Phone: 865-215-8824
Tennessee Theatre
The beautiful Tennessee Theatre opened its doors in 1928 as a “movie palace.” Designed in the magnificent Spanish-Moorish style, the theatre was decorated with the most beautiful pieces available at the time: Czech crystal chandeliers, Italian terrazzo floor, and Asian details in the drapery and carpets. The theatre was meticulously restored in 2005 and today offers a bit for everyone: vintage movies, classical music concerts, Broadway shows, and rock concerts. If you are looking for romantic date ideas in Knoxville, watch a performance at the Tennessee Theatre.
The theatre is home to the Knoxville Opera and Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and is used for many special events, big parties, and even weddings. The theatre is part of the National Register of Historic Places.
604 S Gay St, Knoxville, Tennessee, Phone: 865-684-1200
Ijams Nature Center
Nature lovers have been enjoying Ijams Nature Center for over a century. Developed by Harry Ijams as a bird sanctuary, the 300-acre park has grown into a leading wildlife sanctuary and environmental learning center. Visitors travel just three miles from downtown Knoxville to explore its trails, creeks, groves, boardwalk, homestead, and so much more.
Have an adventurous day in Knoxville’s only outdoor rock climbing area, take in the natural landscape on a slow canoe trip, or relax with a picnic at a scenic overlook. The award-winning attraction offers an impressive range of events and programs for adults and children alike and is one of the best things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee.
2915 Island Home Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee, Phone: 865-577-4717
Blount Mansion
Blount Mansion has been restored and recreated to tell the stories of Tennessee’s formative years. William Blount, signer of the U.S. Constitution and Governor of the Southwest Territory, built the home in 1792 when he declared Knoxville as his capitol. Visitors can enjoy stories of the mansion’s intriguing and sometimes scandalous history as “the house with many eyes.”
The Blount Mansion Association saved the home in 1926 and preserved it to display Knoxville’s rich history. The Merry and Bright Celebration in December and the Legends, Customs, and Myths Tour in October highlight the museum’s year-round events. The Blount Mansion Visitors Center is open Tuesday through Friday.
200 W. Hill Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee, Phone: 865-525-2375
Knoxville Zoo
Have fun experiencing wildlife up close at the Knoxville Zoo . Over 900 animals from all over the world make the zoo one of Knoxville’s best attractions. Visitors can ride a camel or a carousel, feed a giraffe, cool off on Knoxville’s largest splash pad, or relax at a Forest Theater Show or Keeper Chat.
Wee Play Adventure takes kids on an interactive jungle experience where they can catch an intimate view of Khaleesi, the zoo’s Komodo dragon. Awarded for its red panda conservation efforts, the zoo displays exhibits of many endangered and threatened animals. It is open everyday for a fun-filled animal encounter.
3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee, Phone: 865-637-5331
Knoxville Museum of Art
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Knoxville Museum of Art features the culture of the Southern Appalachians and “celebrates the art and artists of East Tennessee.” The building, clad in Tennessee marble, recently received a $6 million renovation that includes the Cycle of Life exhibit, the largest figural glass installation in the world.
Its permanent exhibits now showcase artwork from a century of East Tennessee’s most renowned artists and an intriguing collection from America’s most well known miniature diorama group. Alive After Five brings some of Tennessee’s most accomplished musical talents to provide a fun evening of dancing, food, and spirits.
1050 World's Fair Park, Knoxville, Tennessee, Phone: 865-525-6101
McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture
Stop by the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture to snap a selfie with Monty, the popular dinosaur who stands on the front lawn. Then you can step inside and see the only dinosaur bones found in Tennessee. Located on the UTK campus, the museum displays the historical and artistic past of Tennessee and ancient civilizations world-wide.
The Civil War and Human Origins exhibits are visitor favorites. The museum maintains an eclectic collection of special exhibits from around the world. Opportunities for research are available in the museum’s lab, and educational programs for students, adults, and families are scheduled throughout the year.
1327 Circle Park Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee, Phone: 865-974-2144
Clarence Brown Theatre
Enjoy a taste of Broadway at the Clarence Brown Theatre, a gem on the UT Knoxville campus since 1970. The beautiful venue was made possible by the work of theater teacher Dr. Paul Soper in the 1940’s and generous donations by legendary filmmaker Clarence Brown in the 1960’s. As a cultural resource to the East Tennessee area, the theater thrives on community involvement and features educational programs and school performances as well as general auditions and volunteer opportunities.
Award-winning performances have earned the theatre national distinction. Housed in three impressive facilities, the theater offers visitors a rare Broadway experience in East Tennessee.
1714 Andy Holt Ave, Knoxville, Tennessee, Phone: 865-974-5161
Market Square Farmers' Market
The Market Square Farmers' Market is part of the project Nourish Knoxville, which is designed to develop mutually beneficial relationships between the community, farmers, and local artisans, as well as to help provide the community with healthy food. It is located in the open air in the historic and charming Market Square in downtown Knoxville.
Everything sold in the market is made, grown, raised, or designed by those who are selling it. Locals love to come to the market to grab lunch, enjoy music during their lunch hour, load up on fresh groceries for the week, pick up a plant for the balcony, or buy a thoughtful original gift from one of the local artists.
Market Square, Knoxville, Tennessee, Phone: 865-805-8687
Map:
Knoxville Events:
- Dogwood Arts Festival - April 25-27, 2025
- Big Ears Festival - March 27-30, 2025
- Christmas in the City
Plan Your Trip
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