One event that few recall easily due to the chaos that occurred alongside it was the sinking of the S. S. Sultana, and its memorial, made of stone, sits in Tennessee. With no admission cost, its among the free things to do in Knoxville that is a great way to occupy yourself this weekend. Its uniqueness, from appearance to architecture to novelty, has made it quite famous, and visiting it is one of the best things to do in Knoxville. Things to Do in Knoxville, Tennessee: See Tripadvisor's 114,346 traveler reviews and photos of Knoxville tourist attractions. Channon Gail Christian (born April 29, 1985, in Nacogdoches, Texas) moved from Louisiana to Tennessee with her family in 1997. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. Its undoubtedly among the fun things to do in Knoxville that you should make time for! 24. Recent visitors said the gardens are pretty, well-kept, and equipped with informative signage for the curious. By offering two locations in Knoxville and Johnson City, they are able to serve a wide range of the East Tennessee population. Here are a few of the top things to do around Knoxville. On the other hand, the University of Tennessee Gardens was named the state of Tennessee's official botanical garden in 2013. - Address: 504 Market St, Knoxville, TN 37902-2107 - Read more on Tripadvisor. The citys only planetarium is also housed here, so those who love space will get a kick out of learning more about the universe and solar system here. Multiple Living Clean and Green! Black history in Music City is deeply rooted, storied, and influential. Address: 1300 Phillip Fulmer Way, Knoxville, TN 37916, United States. Why not check out some of the things to do in Franklin, TN? Things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee for Families. There are different packages available, such as the Civil War sightseeing cruise and the Know Knoxville tour. 1. We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times. The Seven Islands State Birding Park is just east of Knoxville. He would find one in the Southwest here, in the city that would be known today as Knoxville. From outdoor concerts and movies to Shakespeare on the Squareand other live entertainment, the area is usually bustling. He is also said to be the person behind the Volunteer football tradition. The Knoxville Museum of Art highlights the art and artists of East Tennessee with both permanent and temporary exhibits. Local organzations, such as the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and the Knoxville Opera, also regularly use the theater for shows. Maple Hall lives within the JC Penney building, which is historic in its own right. Address: 810 W Clinch Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States. Besides that, the bonding aspect of this activity makes this one of the best date ideas in Knoxville as well. Its easy to spot the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture from a distance. Save KNOLL w/ God Is War / Rat Punch / Local TBA to your collection. Looking for some cool places to travel to? Knoxville, TN 37996. This exhibit features a collection of objects, most manufactured more than 2,000 years ago, including everday items like shoes and hair combs to ceremonial pieces, such as a coffin and animal mummies. Volunteer Landing is a waterfront destination for families to enjoy the downtown area. "Higher Ground: A Century of the Visual Arts in East Tennessee" is the museum's permanent exhibit. View 3 similar results. It was also not properly repaired a boiler leak was fitted over with a metal patch instead of fixed correctly. An interactive basketball court lets you test out your skill and further engaging, hands-on displays make for an interesting experience. Hours passed as men tried all that they could to hold onto debris and trees if they managed to get to the water. Termed as one of the most beautiful places in the USA, the property spans 47 acres and can be dated back to 1786 when it was a horticultural business privately owned by a family. Metros sending the most people to Knoxville. Its downtown area, Market Square, is especially charming thanks to an early 2000s revitalization project thatincluded the renovation of historic buildings and the addition of new businesses to the area. The work is one of the largest figurative glass and steel sculptures in the world. There are always productions being put on so check out the theater to see whats playing while youre in the area! There are also fountains, water geysers and other splash pad features for families to enjoy. There is also a Visitor Center that sells useful trail maps and educates you on the parks background, attractions, and events, often with exhibits and art shows held onsite. 2. Doing a road trip around Tennessee? A Mabel Pain doll is on permanent loan here from the Smithsonian Museum, as well as the Girl Scout Triumph book that talks about its interesting history. Address: 412 Clinch Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States. Knoxville, Tennessee, United States. Its exhibits have won multiple awards and the center takes you back more than three centuries, chronologically telling you the story of the state up to the current day. Choosing the variety you want to buy most may be your biggest dilemma! This open-air destination offers live music, art displays, theatrical performances, and a myriad of activities in each season. The . After the Worlds Fair was over, The Sunphere sat unused, but it was officially opened again for visits in 2014. This one-of-a-kind Memphis museum is built around the former Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in April 1968. 19. The displays at the history center are made so that even children can be engaged and educated by them, and there are many events held throughout the year that may interest you. The Square is located right in the heart of downtown Knoxville, and it's one of the best places to meet new people. The patriarch of the family was David Howell, a veteran of the Revolutionary War. They also have up-close encounters with the animals like feeding giraffes, having a camel ride, and more. If you prefer indoor activities, the Tennessee Theater may be at the top of your to-do list. Even though Knoxville is the third-largest city in Tennessee (after Nashville and Memphis), it maintains a small-town feel. Youll see things ranging from dinosaur bones and fossils to period-based exhibits, such as showcases dedicated to the Civil War, ancient civilizations, and eclectic finds. By visiting our nature-loving-adventure-seeking-artsy-kinda-town! The park serves as a gathering place for locals, where people can enjoy a wide range of activities including picnicking, relaxing by the lake, walking their dogs, or exploring the beautiful gardens and sculptures. Save Roam Fest Knoxville | A Women + Femme MTB Festival to your collection. 2022 2. If youre looking for some of the best things to do in Tennessee, Knoxville is a fantastic place to go to for a holiday! Its menu is quirky, fiery, and unique, with all the classics plus yummy twists that will have you craving more. Despite the tragic nature of the sinking of the S. S. Sultana, the previous days death of John Wilkes Booth meant attention didnt really get to it. This downtown Knoxville attraction has an appealing interior and exterior design. 1. It has shaped some of the city's biggest icons, starting with the Fisk Jubilee Singers who pioneered early music in Nashville and are the reason why Music City was crowned its now internationally known nickname. Constructed for the 1982 World's Fair, the 266-foot-tall Sunsphere offers a great view of the city from its observation deck on the fourth floor. The Top Things Do in Tennessee Discover fine food , festivals, award-winning theatres and music for every ear. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. In 1790, the fort was chosen as the capital of the Southwest Territory. The sphere itself measures 75 feet while the tower reaches 226 feet into the air, or 26 stories, with an Observation Deck ripe for viewing inside the sphere. Though there are some perks to living in Knoxville if you like fishing, kayaking, hiking, and being murdered in a forest never to be seen or heard from again, for people who are into . Rooms depicted include a 19th-century Victorian parlor and a late 18th-century English dining room. The Mabry-Hazen House Museum is also one of the best ways to gain insight into the ways of life of old. Part museum and part historical preserve, the Blount Mansion teaches the history of the city in engaging ways. Now known as The Muse Knoxville, the East Tennessee Discovery Center is an educational and recreational space full of interactive, fun, and educational activities. The riverboat isnt just a boring sailing ship, either. A large dinosaur stands at the front, affectionately named Monty, ready for photo-taking on the lawn. World's Fair Park. . The park's focal point is the Sunsphere, a giant gold ball that looks like a disco ball set on a large stand. Best Places to Visit in Tennessee The fort is one of the most visited historical sites in Knoxville and recent visitors said it offers a fascinating and authentic glimpse into the past. An Italian terrazzo floor of marble spreads across its expanse, Asian carpets, drapery, and textiles add a warm charm, and the Czech-style crystal chandeliers are nothing short of opulent. Those formerly enslaved celebrated freedom every year on August 8. The French Market Creperie is a restaurant in the downtown area of this city. It helps provide support to farmers and artisans while providing healthy options to consumers in the city. It is an excursion train located at the citys University and opened seasonally, allowing you to take a trip through historical sites near the area. Its been operating since the year 2000 and is made of genuine, historic parts. Save Black Metal - Uada, TBA to your collection. Its also on the National Register of Historic Places. Spanning 35,000 square feet, the facility features the Hall of Honors, which displays the names of noted players inducted into the Hall of Fame. There have also been enhancements to local parks, including the historic Worlds Fair Park, where visitors can attend concerts on the recently renovated Performance Lawn. If youre here in October, check out the Legends, Costumes, and Myths tour. Our ever-growing list of things to do includes everything from historical tours to outdoor adventure. 2. The park is made up of grassy knolls, fountains, and paved walking trails, and if you . Hours Of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, Sundays 1-5 PM. The building was also considered the territory's capitol. Catch a live performance in the city's popular Tennessee theater and Bijoux theater, take a walk around the University of Tennessee and get inspired at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Recent visitors called the museum a great place to learn about the region thanks to a range of informative exhibits. It is situated near the town of Kodak along the French Broad River. Trained and friendly staff, all capable of providing medical care, fighting fires, and providing high-quality customer service, add to the experience. Lets explore the best things to do in Knoxville: 1. As its name suggests, its a pharmacy type store, complete with 1950s charm. Its a great place to get inspired and a spot in the city that sports lovers shouldnt miss. 3. Its one of this Tennessee citys most wonderful things to see, with diverse show options that introduce kids to the arts in friendly and exciting ways. Located near Market Square, Strong Alley is absolutely packed with murals, tags, and other kinds of artwork that provide an avant-garde urban charm to the area. The founder of Knoxville was a man named James White, so its no surprise that one of the best options for Tennessee attractions is the James White Fort itself, especially if youre looking for historical stuff to do. There are also a variety of temporary exhibits. Another popular permanent exhibit is the "Thorne Rooms," a set of intricate miniature dioramas created by Narcissa Niblack Thorne. You can also bring something to leave in the Small Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere (SWAPS) basket and take something from within it to bring home with you! There is a big History Fair in August, a Blue and Gray Reunion between April and May, and even student outreach groups. Browse the following list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to create your personal Knoxville Tennessee bucket list. Entry into the museum has no charge at all and coupled with its high educational value, that makes it one of the top things to do in Knoxville. With a Spanish-Moorish design, the theater is made with stunning and beautiful pieces that add to its magnificent nature. 26 / 30. Crescent Bend The Armstrong-Lockett House W.P. And dont worry about prices admission to the UT Gardens is free! As the first capital of Tennessee, Knoxville is proud of its heritage and committed to preserving it. One of the most amazing things about this zoo is that over 100 red pandas live in Red Panda Village. Address: 205 E Hill Ave #2514, Knoxville, TN 37915, United States. A big of a hidden gem, the unassuming buildings of the Childrens Theater holds a multitude of whimsy within. The organizers worked together with architects local to the area to create an impressive structure that would thematically bring the sun the greatest source of energy down to earth and into what we now call Worlds Fair Park. You can participate in many activities related to them, such as by feeding giraffes, riding camels, playing at the splash pad (which is the biggest in the city), or viewing the endangered species. World's Fair Park. Blacksmith workshops, old-fashioned pioneer cooking, and even spinning are all performed here. Whether you're in search of a quiet speakeasy, a live music venue or something in between, Knoxville can more than satisfy. The S. S. Sultana reached Vicksburg Mississippi on the 24th of April that year in order to bring released Civil War prisoners back to their homes. From May through November on Wednesday and Saturday, the open-air Market Square Farmers Market offers products grown or made by vendors in the East Tennessee region. Thankfully, BlackPeopleMeet has made an effort diversify the dating scene from coast to coast. 1. There is fee associated with her. Mural Walk -First mural walk in Knoxville. One of the museum's main exhibits, "Voices of the Land: The People of East Tennessee," features interactive displays and first-person accounts from locals. Its a full-blown old-school, sleek, shiny place for fun, with a cool bar, restaurant, and boutique added to its activities. We have over 74,000 city photos not found anywhere else, graphs of the latest real estate prices and sales trends, recent home sales, a home value estimator, hundreds of thousands of maps, satellite photos, demographic data (race, income, ancestries, education, employment), geographic data, state profiles, crime data, registered sex offenders, cost of living, housing . Tennessee Theatre The Tennessee Theatre is Tennessee's official state theater. Today, it serves as a public park, and . Sunsphere Address: 2560 University Commons Way, Knoxville, TN 37919, United States. Knoxville is full of brick buildings, street art, country music, Civil War history, outdoor adventures, scenic drives, barbecue, craft beer, and sweet tea. And, to ensure a memorable trip here, check out our roundup of the best things to do in Knoxville, TN. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. Save Doom Night - Howling Giant / Restless Spirit / Dybbuk / TBA to your collection. To learn more, check out some of the free workshops and lectures! However, a few complain that the venue could use some updating and cleaning. Here are the best attractions and things to see in Knoxville, Tennessee. Local author Kristen Combs has written a book to tell people the 100 things they need to do in Knoxville. 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