Things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee
- Knoxville served as the first capital of Tennessee when the state was admitted to the Union in 1796.
- The city's 'Marble City' nickname stems from the early 20th-century industry that produced pink and grey marble found in landmarks like the National Gallery of Art.
- It is the birthplace of the energy research industry in the United States, closely linked to the development of nearby Oak Ridge.
- Knoxville is home to the world's largest collection of art by Beauford Delaney, a prominent 20th-century modernist painter.
About Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville sits at the confluence of the Tennessee River and serves as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. The skyline remains defined by the gold-tinted Sunsphere, a structure built for the 1982 World's Fair that now overlooks the expansive green space of World's Fair Park. Culture thrives in the city's historic core, where the meticulously restored Tennessee Theatre hosts premier performances. Beyond the urban center, residents and visitors frequently access the sprawling trails of Ijams Nature Center to engage with the region's diverse topography.
Highlights of Knoxville, Tennessee
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Take the elevator to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the downtown skyline and the Tennessee River.
Venues
Experience live performances inside a restored 1920s movie palace featuring Spanish Moorish architecture.
Parks
Walk through the sprawling urban park that preserves the site of the 1982 World's Fair.
Parks
Explore over 300 acres of protected forest, wetlands, and crags that feature miles of mountain biking and hiking trails.
Zoos
Visit one of the few zoos in the country that maintains a dedicated medical center for the study and care of endangered red pandas.
Venues
Tour the massive riverside stadium famous for its tradition of fan entry via the Vol Navy boats on the Tennessee River.
Museums
View rotating contemporary exhibitions and the permanent collection of regional art located in a striking modern building.
Venues
Catch an intimate acoustic set at one of the oldest and most historic performance venues in the state.
Top things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee
The 134 highest-rated places in Knoxville, Tennessee, ranked by travellers.
1
Amusement parks
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a mixed-use retail and entertainment complex centered around the 200-foot-tall Great Smoky...
2
Amusement parks
Dollywood is a 160-acre theme park co-owned by Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment, nestled in the Great Smo...
3
Museums
The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge is a half-scale, permanent replica of the RMS Titanic built to look as if...
4
Amusement parks
The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is the longest downhill alpine coaster in the United States, featuring a track length...
5
Places of interest
Gatlinburg SkyPark is a mountain attraction featuring the SkyLift, a chairlift system transporting visitors from the dow...
6
Zoos
Zoo Knoxville is a 53-acre zoological park focused on conservation and education, home to over 800 animals. It is recogn...
7
Museums
Alcatraz East Crime Museum is an interactive facility in Pigeon Forge focusing on the history of American crime, crimina...
8
Places of interest
The Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge features a collection of wax figures modeled after iconic American film and tel...
9
Parks
Parrot Mountain and Gardens is an interactive bird sanctuary nestled on four acres of landscaped botanical gardens in th...
10
Amusement parks
Ober Mountain is a four-season attraction located atop Mount Harrison, accessible via the Aerial Tramway from downtown G...
11
Amusement parks
WonderWorks Pigeon Forge is an interactive science museum housed in a distinctive building designed to appear as if it l...
12
Amusement parks
Legacy Mountain Ziplines offers a series of seven ziplines spanning 4.5 miles, situated in the foothills of the Great Sm...
13
Places of interest
The Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway serves as the primary transport link between downtown Gatlinburg and the Ober Mountain mou...
14
Places of interest
Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Gatlinburg is a three-story Odditorium featuring over 500 exhibits of bizarre, historical...
15
Venues
Neyland Stadium is one of the largest non-racing sports venues in the United States, serving as the permanent home of th...
16
Places of interest
Wahoo Ziplines is a professional canopy tour facility located in Sevierville, Tennessee, near the Great Smoky Mountains....
17
Parks
Dollywood's Splash Country is a 35-acre water park nestled into a steep, wooded mountainside in the Great Smoky Mountain...
18
Amusement parks
Moonshine Mountain Coaster is a gravity-propelled alpine coaster located in downtown Gatlinburg. The track is integrated...
19
Venues
Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center serves as the primary multi-purpose indoor venue for the University of Tenness...
20
Venues
The Tennessee Theatre is a restored 1928 movie palace located in downtown Knoxville that serves as the official state th...
21
Parks
World's Fair Park is a public recreational space built on the grounds of the 1982 Knoxville World's Fair. The site featu...
22
Museums
The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is a collection of iconic vehicles featured in television and film history located in dow...
23
Amusement parks
Wild Eagle is a Bolliger & Mabillard wing coaster situated within Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The ride feature...
24
Amusement parks
MagiQuest in Pigeon Forge is a live-action, role-playing experience where participants use infrared magic wands to inter...
25
Places of interest
The Sinks is a high-volume waterfall on the Little River within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, characterized by a...
26
Parks
Patriot Park is a dedicated tribute to local veterans located along the banks of the Little Pigeon River in Pigeon Forge...
27
Amusement parks
Pigeon Forge Snow is the first indoor snow facility in the United States to utilize real snow generated from water witho...
28
Parks
Norris Dam State Park is situated on the shores of Norris Lake and is anchored by the historic Norris Dam, the first pro...
29
Zoos
The Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo is an interactive animal facility located in Sevierville, Tennessee,...
30
Venues
The Smoky Mountain Opry is a multi-million dollar theater in Pigeon Forge designed for high-production musical variety s...
Around Knoxville, Tennessee
Worth the short trip out of the city.
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Knoxville, Tennessee on the map
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Plan your visit to Knoxville, Tennessee
Late spring and early autumn provide mild temperatures ideal for outdoor exploration at Ijams Nature Center and the city's various parks.
2-3 days, allowing time to explore the historic downtown districts, museums, and local nature preserves.
A car is the most practical way to navigate the city, though the downtown area is relatively pedestrian-friendly.
Downtown Knoxville offers the best access to the historic theaters and waterfront parks, while the University of Tennessee area provides proximity to major venues.
Knoxville is generally a mid-range destination, offering a mix of affordable outdoor activities and moderately priced urban amenities.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 134 curated attractions in and around Knoxville, Tennessee, ranked by traveller ratings.
The Island in Pigeon Forge is the highest-rated place to visit in Knoxville, Tennessee right now.
The largest category is parks, with 26 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
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