Location: Oak Ridge
Top Things to do in Oak Ridge
- 1. American Museum of Science & Energy
- 2. Wind Rock Off Road Park
- 3. Children's Museum of Oak Ridge
- 4. Windrock Park
- 5. Haw Ridge Park
- 6. Erin's Meadow Herb Farm
- 7. Manhatten Project National Historical Park
- 8. University of Tennessee Arboretum
- 9. Coal Creek Motor Discovery Trail
- 10. Emory Valley Greenway
10 Things to Do in Oak Ridge That You Shouldn't Miss
Oak Ridge is a city in Anderson and Roane counties in the eastern part of the U.S. state of Tennessee, about 25 miles (40 km) west of Knoxville. Oak Ridge's population was 29,330 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Knoxville Metropolitan Area. Oak Ridge's nicknames include the Atomic City, the Secret City, the Ridge, and the City Behind the Fence.
Restaurants in Oak Ridge
1. American Museum of Science & Energy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 414 reviews
Reviewed By cafcode - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Very thoughtful and complete museum largely dedicated to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Great museum with hands-on exhibits that kids (of most ages) will love. Highly recommended, especially for readers of, "The Girls of Atomic City" or say, "The Making of the Atomic Bomb".
2. Wind Rock Off Road Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By teacherlady - Nashville, Tennessee
After hearing many rave reviews from family and friends about Wind Rock Park, my husband and I finally decided to check it out for ourselves. I spent several years growing up in a nearby community so I was familiar with the mountain itself but when I saw the park and just a small bit of the trail system I was blown away. From the detailed trail maps to the "chuck wagon" grill to the pressure washer for cleaning off your ride, they've thought of everything. With new cabins going up all around and the vast (and beautiful) area for expansion, I can't wait to see all the rest that is yet to come. Since I keep up with the local news a bit, I have also heard that neighboring communities are allowing riders with proper permits to exit the trail system for additional food/store/etc options. This is a breathtakingly beautiful area and for off road enthusiasts, it really is heaven
3. Children's Museum of Oak Ridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By balinesian - Jacksonville, Florida
Loved this museum! I was amazed by the numerous displays, and here is a short list of my favorites: real log cabins and period clothing for the children to put on; birds in a pond with secret staircase; mining tools and view into tunnel; information about and memorabilia from the Manhattan Project and the birth of this "Secret City"; puppets from all over the world along with a puppet theatre; Tug boat with dams, locks and water; and trains to drive and climb around.
I about lost my mind when I found the doll houses! Told the others to go ahead and I would catch up so that I didn't have to hurry past these.... There is one that is about 160 years old. Wow!!
4. Windrock Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Will S
This is a great way to get away from the hassle of everyday life. All types of trails from easy gravel roads to extreme sections. Well labeled trail heads. Alcohol use on the trail is monitored and not advised or technically allowed. Make reservations early especially for event weekends. Great campground, general store and decent cabins for rent.
5. Haw Ridge Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By PaulyPauly2014 - Knoxville, Tennessee
We arrived on this beautiful Sunday afternoon.... We waked some, walked out on a pier, rode our bikes on the paved trail and near the water front and also rode down toward edgemoore road trail. Plenty of benches to rest on and water fountains too. It's also dog friendly and a water bowl was near one of the fountains! It's a great place and they also have hiking trails off the paved trails too! Very clean and well kept and all around fun in nature! Highly recommend and always look for new places to ride bikes or just walk....
6. Erin's Meadow Herb Farm
Overall Ratings
5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By plindap - Danville, Kentucky
Such a beautiful place to visit and learn about herbs. Employee was very informative and knowledgeable about herbs. They have classes on Saturdays which I'd love to attend. This weeks class was on natural cleaning supplies. That would be a wonderful learning experience. Enjoyed our tour and the one on one experience with the employee. Will definitely return. Love herbs but would love to learn medicinal uses of herbs. They have classes for that also. Website available to learn more and see pics of their hot houses, grounds and show rooms.
7. Manhatten Project National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By 975draker - Frederick, Maryland
Take your time, there is a great deal to: see, read, watch, listen, learn, ask questions, take/arrange a guided tour and enjoy! This is a great piece of History. The Staff is excellent. This is generally geared for Teen Age + and above. Most younger ones will likely be bored, quickly. I have toured several times and will do so again. History Buffs could easily spend all day here... Others maybe not. Staff ~ Please keep up the Great Work ~ Thank you!
8. University of Tennessee Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By TooOldtoRun - Columbia, Maryland
The UT Arboretum is located just outside Oak Ridge, TN. It is a great place to go for a walk during lunch. There are numerous walking trails for any fitness level. Some of the trails are marked to identify and provide information on the trees (it is an arboretum after all). I love to walk there on my lunch hour to get away from the noise and crowds in town. I highly recommend it.
9. Coal Creek Motor Discovery Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Renee B - Americus, Georgia
This is my second trip to Coal Creek Wind Rock and I highly recommend it... Lovely camping facilities from primitive tent to newly constructed cabins and everything in between... There are trails for every level from easy to insane!... The bathroom and shower faclities are extremely clean and well maintained...
10. Emory Valley Greenway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By heyjudithz - Knoxville, Tennessee
Much of this greenway is exposed, which is favorable to those who may want to walk alone. It is very-well maintained, as it is well-used. There are plenty of places to park along the way. You can see the lovely Melton Hill Lake as well as pretty green spaces along the way.
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