• Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. American Museum of Science and Energy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© American Museum of Science and Energy

2. Children's Museum of Oak Ridge ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Children's Museum of Oak Ridge

3. Manhattan Project National Historical Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© NPS Photo

4. University of Tennessee Arboretum

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© prajit48/stock.adobe.com

5. Oak Ridge Art Center

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Oak Ridge Art Center

6. Dean's Restaurant and Bakery

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Dean's Restaurant and Bakery

7. Oak Ridge History Museum

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Explore Oak Ridge/Oak Ridge History Museum

8. K-25 History Center

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Explore Oak Ridge/K-25 History Center

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Question: What makes Oak Ridge, TN an interesting place to explore?
  • Answer: Oak Ridge, TN and the surrounding areas are incredibly fascinating places to explore for visitors and residents alike. Most attractions have a history connected to the famous “Manhattan Project”, which was a top-secret mission from 1938-1946 to build the first atomic bomb.
  • Question: Why is Oak Ridge called “The Secret City”?
  • Answer: Oak Ridge was given the nickname, “The Secret City”, because the Manhattan Project was a top-secret mission funded by the US Government, involving over 75,000 scientists, engineers, and experts flown in from around the world.
  • Question: What historic sites can visitors explore in Oak Ridge?
  • Answer: Upon the success of the Manhattan Project, WWII ended, and all the lands, buildings, the nuclear reactor, and uranium and plutonium plants were turned into historic sites for the public to visit.
Visiting these attractions takes you back to a profound time in history. But there are also beautiful places to visit, like the Arboretum, Coal Creek, museums, and fine dining restaurants that serve southern comfort foods. Oak Ridge is truly a place with a rich history and a beautiful community.

More events and things to do

Map:


Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.