Location: Knoxville
Top Things to do in Knoxville
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7 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Knoxville That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Gentle Barn
2. 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.
3. High Ground Park & River Bluff Wildlife Area
4. Fort Dickerson Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By flasunnishine - Leesburg, United States
My husband and I drove up here on our trip to Knoxville. There is a nice view from the parking lot, and there are covered picnic tables. It is a short walk up to see the cannons—a slightly rough path up the hill with no handrails. When you drive back down the hill, to the right is an overlook of Lambert’s Quarry which also has a very nice view. We found these through the Knoxville Civil War Trail Drive on the Internet. Be advised that many of the houses and museums are closed on Sundays, with only limited hours on Saturdays.
5. Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By traines51 - Maryville, United States
We went recently to see the biannual sunflowers (over 60 acres). They were stunning, and could be stinging, if you disturbed the millions of bees. There are numerous trails through this area, which is near the better-known Ijams Nature Center. You can stop at Ijams and get a free map of the Knoxville Urban Wilderness of which this area is a part. The maze of trails can be disorienting, so the map is recommended, as well as a compass if you have one. And, please people, wear sensible shoes. Trail shoes, trail sandals, or walking shoes. Leave the flip-flops at home.
6. Sharp's Ridge Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By 702darrele - Cle Elum, United States
Was just across the parking lot from the hotel we were staying at on the “airport strip”...the obvious question was.... how good can it be? The answer is I would probably drive miles out of my way to eat there again. There were 6 of us whose palates ranged from vegetarian to more meat. Everyone was delighted with their food... the salmon chowder was exquisite. Service was excellent. Parking could be a bit sketchy but definitely a “do again”.
