Location: Knoxville
Top Things to do in Knoxville
Top 10 Things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee (TN)
During the Civil War, Knoxville's Mabry-Hazen House served as headquarters for both the Confederate and Union armies. Today you can visit the house and other historic homes in this eastern Tennessee city. Among Knoxville's other attractions are museums, a zoo and World's Fair Park, site of the 1982 World's Fair. University of Tennessee sports draw lots of fans, as does the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. To see Knoxville from the water, take a leisurely riverboat ride down the Tennessee River.
Restaurants in Knoxville
1. East Tennesse Historical Society
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 340 reviews
Reviewed By philyfanstukinmi - Ann Arbor, United States
After a short film about East Tennessee, you wonder through rooms full of information beginning with the native americans and the long hunters that settled in the valley (Daniel Boone). Through the civil war to modern day industry. Special sections for the music of the area and the invention of Mountain Dew (especially entertaining. Great place to visit and the price is right.
2. Tennessee Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 697 reviews
Located in the heart of downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee Theatre opened in 1928 as a movie palace. The Tennessee Theatre is the Official State Theatre of Tennessee and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Tennessee Theatre is the region's leading performing arts facility with advanced technology, staging and lighting that draws top entertainment to the Knoxville area.
Reviewed By Vtjtn - Knoxville, United States
A great historical building, smaller venue with great sound, this venue is a wonderful night out, offers various entertainment through out the year. Helpful and friendly staff.
3. University of Tennessee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 429 reviews
Over 26,000 students attend the University of Tennessee.
Reviewed By The_Loup_Garou - Phoenix, United States
Though we had driven past, and through Knoxville, over the decades, our March trip was the first one TO Knoxville. Our hotel, the Knoxville Hilton was very close to the University of Tennessee, so we decided to explore the campus, while in town. So, on a cloudy, cool Spring (yeah, tell that to the weatherman, because we had just driven through snow to get from Washington, VA to Knoxville, TN), we launched out for a walking tour of the University of Tennessee Campus. First, the University of Tennessee campus at Knoxville, covers about 1/4 of the City, and encompasses most of the land bound by Cumberland Ave, US Hwy 129, and Neyland Dr SW, along the Tennessee River. It pinches out at about Henley St, and its bridge across the River. We had already walked around a one of their outlying buildings, the Event Center, across the street from our hotel, and our room had a view of most of the main campus, so we almost felt that we knew it, before we ever walked it. Now, one disclaimer – it was still basically Winter, and the skies were threatening, so not the finest weather to take in the beauty of the campus, but we did our best. We walked The Hill, and took in the beauty of the architecture, and especially Hess Hall, the John C Hodges Library, and then McClung Plaza. While there were some newer buildings, the older ones held the greatest interest for both of us. My wife recounted that several reminded her strongly of the LSU campus, in Baton Rouge, LA, and I had to agree, and especially Ayres Hall. The interesting buildings seemed to be a mix of Federalist, and some exhibited an Ante-Bellum flair, definitely placing them on a college campus in the South. We spent a bit of time in Circle Park, and then walked over to the Clarence Brown Theater. We returned via Volunteer Blvd, and Stokely Hall, before planning to head along Fraternity Park Dr, near the Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Unfortunately, our walking tour was cut short, as the rain came. We did have our umbrellas, but the wind had also picked up, and made them nearly useless. I declared “Wine-thirty” a bit early, and we sadly left the campus, for our hotel. We will be back, and maybe shoot for late Spring, or Autumn, but as we have dealt with UT football traffic, maybe not on a weekend of a home game!
4. Ijams Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 841 reviews
Ijams Nature Center is a 315-acre member- and visitor-supported nonprofit organization, where people of all ages can hike, bike, paddle, climb, learn, explore, or simply enjoy nature in Knoxville, TN. The grounds and trails are open every day from 8:00am until dusk. The Visitor Center, including exhibits, gift shop, offices, and restrooms are open during regular business hours. Admission to the park is free, and we gladly accept donations. Fees for programs and special events vary. Established in 1910 by the Ijams (pronounced "EYE-ams") family for bird-watchers and nature-lovers, Ijams Nature Center has been ranked one of Knoxville's top three attractions by TripAdvisor, winning their 2016 Certificate of Excellence . Your generous support is needed to continue the ongoing legacy for generations to come!
Reviewed By 2Frequent_travelers - Knoxville, United States
I love the river walk, you can sit on the bench to soak up the views of the Tennessee river; you have many trails to walk through nature and just a short walk on the right is the Quarry. Ijams features a very cool zipline through the trees. highly recommend to anyone that just needs to get a break from the city. The quarry just down the road is great for more trails, kayaking (you can rent them, they will not allow you to launch your own), swimming and tubing.
5. Knoxville Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 333 reviews
Reviewed By Kate9099 - Chicago, United States
Given that Knoxville is a smaller city, I wasn't sure what to expect from the museum, I was pleasantly suprised. The bottom level has a commissioned piece that at first seems odd, but watch the film and it will make sense. The glass blowing exhibit was beautiful. At the time we were there, the museum had "traded" some of their permanent collection with a museum in Ashville, NC and we enjoyed that exhibit. The Contemporary exhibit on the 3rd floor was very good, since that is more my style. The traditional Tennesee pieces were not my favorite but a good perspective for the museum to present. Overall an excellent experience. BTW- another guest had brought a dog into the museum, I love dogs but really... a dog in the art museum?
6. Market Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,923 reviews
Reviewed By 304maggiel - Fort Lauderdale, United States
Great place for a fun and relaxed afternoon or evening! friendly atmosphere with welcoming restaurants serving delicious food to choose from in casual outdoor terraces or more formal indoor settings. Regardless of what your choice is you will be sure to satisfy taste buds and hunger pains. There is also a comedy club with a great bar, an outdoor stage and small shops with fun and unique ambiance and beautiful restored old historical buildings housing restaurants and shops. A beautiful suffragette sculpture centerpiece stands welcoming at the entrance of Market Square and on quiet afternoons a street violinist plays in the background. Surely a friendly and relaxed square that everyone will be sure to enjoy!
7. Neyland Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
Reviewed By bradfO7805ED
Season ticket holders. Food and beer selections have gotten much better. We look forward to 2021-22!
8. Sunsphere Tower
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 579 reviews
300 foot tower built for the 1982 World's Fair.
Reviewed By TennesseePostcard - Murfreesboro, United States
This is always my favorite stop in Knoxville. It’s free and offers great views. In walking distance from Market Square, History Museum, Art Museum and convention center. Must see!!
9. Zoo Knoxville
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,339 reviews
Fun on the outside and serious about animals on the inside, Zoo Knoxville is committed to giving our guests an unforgettable experience.
Reviewed By fieryandfitz - Williston, United States
We visited Zoo Knoxville on the way out of town, and it was amazing!! The exhibits were well-designed with both the animals and the visitors in mind. We were able to see exhibits from many different angles and sides, and the animals seemed very content. It took us around 3 hours to tour the exhibits, but we could have spent the entire day. The walkways were wide and fairly flat (I’ve seen some reviews that said they were hilly); it made for a leisurely walk. If the walking does get too much though, there are benches at almost every exhibit and along the paths so that you can easily take a break. The food was reasonably priced and available at many different areas throughout the zoo. However, I think you can bring your own food, just remember no straws or lids though, so keep that in mind when ordering for kids. There are many different areas for children including a splash pad with cabanas for changing and drying stations that will quickly dry off wet kids, a nature park with different areas to explore, and a petting zoo area. It’s a 5+ stars in my book, and to think we almost missed out on it because it was an “on the way out of town” adventure. I’m so glad we came, and when we are ever in Knoxville we will definitely come back!
10. World's Fair Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 687 reviews
Reviewed By 621tracyl
This gem was a nice little surprise on my stay in Knoxville! The tower allows free access to the observation deck which offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding city! Check it out, you won't be disappointed!
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