Places to see in Knoxville, TN vacation sights in Knoxville, TN Explore things to do in Knoxville, TN

Sometimes you just want to get out and explore. We try to strike a good balance of places that you will really enjoy. Finding ideas for family friendly outings, or interesting places to go in Knoxville, TN with your friends, both are at your fingertips here with America Top 10. We aim to give you plenty of ideas without you having to do all the research. That way you can easily decide if you want to explore Knoxville, TN sites or check out the sites in another state.

You have also heard how it is becoming a lot more popular to have staycations (where you stay home instead of going to far off places) and discover new and interesting places in the near vicinity. We try to make that easier for you. Check out the sites in Knoxville, TN that have become local favorites easily with our site.

We hope that we have provided you plenty of choices in Knoxville, TN whether this is a new area for you or your own back yard. Something a little different from the typical amusement park. If you really loved somewhere but don’t see them on our list let us know, we are always looking to improve our lists and we can only do that with your help.

McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture

Knoxville, TN

The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is a general museum with collections in anthropology, archaeology, decorative arts, local history, and natural history. Admission is free.

Zoo Knoxville

Knoxville, TN

Zoo Knoxville is one of the premiere zoological experiences in the southeast. Committed to sharing ‘wildly fun’ experiences that educate and inspire, they feature acres of creative habitats for animal lovers of all ages to explore.

Sunsphere

Knoxville, TN

The Sunsphere was constructed for the 1982 World’s Fair and during that time, it served as the symbol to the Fair. It was also home to a full service restaurant and the Observation Deck, which used to cost $2.00 for the elevator ride up to visit. The Sunsphere and the Tennessee Amphitheater are the only structures that remain from the 1982 World’s Fair. The 4th level of the Sunsphere houses the Observation Deck. It offers a 360-degree view of the original 1982 World’s Fair site (now World’s Fair Park), downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River, the University of Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountains.

Lakeshore Park

Knoxville, TN

A popular location to runners and walkers, Lakeshore Park provides spectacular vistas of Fort Loudoun Lake and the Smoky Mountains. Results from the City greenway laser counter project proved Lakeshore Greenway to be the most heavily used greenway in Knoxville.

Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum

Knoxville, TN

The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum (KBGA) is located on 47 acres of former Howell Nurseries, featuring walking trails, display gardens, unique & historic horticulture and over two miles of distinctive stone walls and timeless buildings, just five minutes from downtown. KBGA is a privately owned and operated Garden supported through donations and membership.

Beck Cultural Exchange Center

Knoxville, TN

Beck is the place “Where African American History & Culture Are Preserved,” and it is our firm belief that Beck is becoming the place “Where African American History is Transformed.” Beck was established in 1975 with a mission that has remained unchanged. Beck is as an African American teaching and learning museum and cultural center that serves as a State of Tennessee designated primary repository of black history and culture in the city of Knoxville and throughout East Tennessee. For over 40 years, Beck has been entrusted with an extensive collection of historical archives deeming it Knoxville’s storehouse of regional African American History and Culture.

Ijams Nature Center

Knoxville, TN

Ijams Nature Center is a nonprofit, 315-acre educational nature center for all ages, abilities and walks of life. Ijams’ mission is to encourage stewardship of the natural world by providing an urban greenspace for people to learn about and enjoy the outdoors through engaging experiences. Ijams features 12 miles of hiking and mixed-use trails, a public access river dock, swimming, boating, biking and more. The center offers hundreds of educational programs annually, from school field trips and off-site programs to on-site outdoor and classroom education programs that focus on topics from birding and wildflowers to yoga hikes, cooking classes and art programs.

Mabry-Hazen House Museum

Knoxville, TN

The Mabry-Hazen House Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located atop Mabry’s Hill in Knoxville, Tennessee. Built in 1858 and housing three generations of the same family from 1858-1987, the Mabry-Hazen House served as headquarters for both Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War. This stately, elegant home of the Victorian and Civil War periods showcases one of the largest original family collection in America. Containing original artifacts including china, silver, crystal, and antique furnishings, this home is a rare view into the past.

The Muse Knoxville

Knoxville, TN

The Muse Knoxville, is a children’s science museum with exhibit and play spaces for kids up to age 10. They inspire and empower generations at the intersection of science and art.

Knoxville Museum of Art

Knoxville, TN

The Knoxville Museum of Art celebrates the art and artists of East Tennessee, presents new art and new ideas, educates and serves a diverse community, enhances Knoxville’s quality of life and economic development, and operates ethically, responsibly, and transparently as a public trust.

Not find what your looking for? Try one of these other cities. Chattanooga, Clarksville, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Nashville.