Attractions and Places To See around Knoxville - Top 20

Knoxville offers a variety of natural attractions. You can walk along the Tennessee River at the River Trail Boardwalk, which features Maude Moore's cave and views of Otter Island. The Grassy Mound on Third Creek Greenway is a natural monument along a paved path. For a more extensive outdoor experience, explore the 300-acre Ijams Nature Center, offering trails, paddling, and a climbing crag, or the broader Knoxville's Urban Wilderness with over 60 miles of multi-use trails.

Yes, Knoxville has many family-friendly options. The Baker Creek Preserve offers multi-use trails suitable for families within Knoxville's Urban Wilderness. Volunteer Landing provides a riverside park with swings, fountains, and fishing opportunities. Market Square features a wading fountain for children, and Zoo Knoxville is home to over 800 animals, focusing on conservation and education.

Knoxville is rich in history. You can visit James White's Fort, a reconstructed 18th-century frontier fort, or Blount Mansion, the 1792 home of Governor William Blount. The Sunsphere Observation Tower, built for the 1982 World's Fair, offers historical significance and panoramic views. Other notable sites include the Tennessee Theatre, Historic Ramsey House, and the Mabry-Hazen House, which offers insights into Civil War-era family life.

For stunning views, head to the Sunsphere Observation Tower, which provides 360-degree views of the city, the Tennessee River, and the Great Smoky Mountains. The River Trail Boardwalk offers lovely views along the Tennessee River, including Otter Island. Lakeshore Park also provides scenic views of the lake and mountains.

Knoxville's attractions are often close to extensive outdoor activity options. You can find numerous running trails, such as the Waters of the World – Third Creek Greenway loop, or the Tyson Park – Volunteer Landing loop. For hiking, explore trails like Jean Teague Greenway or Lakeshore Park Greenway. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy routes like the South Knoxville loop or the Knoxville Urban Wilderness South Loop. For more details on these activities, visit the Running Trails around Knoxville, Hiking around Knoxville, and Cycling around Knoxville guides.

Yes, the Third Creek Greenway, which includes the Grassy Mound, is a paved path extending over 5 miles and is wheelchair accessible. Many of Knoxville's greenways are designed to be accessible, offering smooth surfaces for various users.

Knoxville attractions can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and fall offer particularly pleasant weather for outdoor activities and exploring historical sites. Spring brings blooming gardens and comfortable temperatures, while fall showcases vibrant foliage, especially in areas leading to the Great Smoky Mountains. Summer can be warm, but many attractions offer indoor options or water-based activities.

Knoxville boasts several cultural institutions. The Knoxville Museum of Art showcases regional and contemporary art, while the East Tennessee History Center preserves and shares local history. The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture on the University of Tennessee campus features exhibits on archaeology and geology. You can also experience the WDVX Blue Plate Special, a live radio show featuring various musical acts, broadcast from the Knoxville Visitors Center.

Absolutely. The Baker Creek Preserve is an excellent MTB park located within Knoxville's Urban Wilderness, just minutes from downtown. It offers a variety of multi-use trails, and it's considered an entry point to the broader Urban Wilderness trail system, which is popular with mountain bikers.

Beyond the River Trail Boardwalk and Volunteer Landing, you can experience the Tennessee River with the Three Rivers Rambler, a scenic steam train excursion, or the Star of Knoxville Riverboat, which offers lunch, sightseeing, and dinner cruises.

Visitors frequently praise the tranquility and well-maintained nature of Knoxville's outdoor spaces. Many appreciate the easy access to nature without leaving the city, as highlighted by the multi-use trails at Baker Creek Preserve. The scenic views along the Tennessee River, such as those from the River Trail Boardwalk, are also highly valued for their peaceful atmosphere, especially in the mornings.