Things to do & places to visit in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

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.

Knoxville city in Tennessee, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 7:43.

Top things to do (24)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Tennessee Theatre (711 reviews)
- Most Beautiful Theatre in Knoxville
Theaters

Located in the heart of downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee Theatre opened in 1928 as a movie palace. The Tennessee Theatre is the Official State Theatre of Tennessee and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Tennessee Theatre is the region's leading performing arts facility with advanced technology, staging and lighting that draws top entertainment to the Knoxville area. See more..
5.0 East Tennesse Historical Society (355 reviews)
- Nice Museum in Downtown Knoxville
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

My wife/I visited this attraction and found it very interesting. The exhibits told a very thorough history of East Tennessee with visual and audio displays. Make sure you visit the archives library on yhe 3rd floor. They have a very extensive collection of historical books and documents of Tennessee. See more..
5.0 Clarence Brown Theatre (210 reviews)
- Best New York theatre experience right here in Knoxville, TN
Sunday: Theaters

I have been going to CBT for years and saw one of the best shows ever tonight! The Curious Incident of the Dog was incredible. All of the actors were amazing, the set, lights, sounds equally wonderful. The main character and the message conveyed was powerful to say the least. If you miss this one, you have missed one of the best among many great and wonderful plays put on by CBT. Please go. You will not be disappointed. See more..
4.5 Market Square (2.968 reviews)
- Very pleasant area!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This great area, in downtown Knoxville, offers great shopping and many places to dine. The grounds are lovely, well kept, and pedestrian only. It is a great place to just stroll. We were lucky enough to visit the weekend of the Chalk Walk. Many artists came out to create their masterpieces for all to enjoy. That was a very pleasant surprise! This square is quite popular for festivals but just as pleasant to stroll around on a lazy afternoon. See more..
4.5 Ijams Nature Center (863 reviews)
- Local place to get close to nature.
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

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! See more..
4.5 University of Tennessee (434 reviews)
- Five big dots for my alma mater!
Educational sites

Over 26,000 students attend the University of Tennessee. See more..
4.5 Knoxville Museum of Art (351 reviews)
- Great Place
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

A wonderful art museum. While not great in size it had lots of nice exhibits, including some great dioramas by by Narcissa Niblack Thorne, Chicago, IL. The gift shop had some nice pieces that were not too expensive. See more..
4.5 Neyland Stadium (309 reviews)
- SEC football at its best
Arenas & Stadiums

A group of friends and I take a yearly Sports Trip consisting of a College football game, NFL and baseball game. This year we went to watch the Tennessee vs. Ole Miss game (10/16/20)... This has been to date the best College Football game and atmosphere that I have been to...and I have been to Notre Dame, Georgia, LSU, Clemson, Texas A&M, USC, UCLA. The crowd was awesome, until you are in a stadium with 102455 fans screaming you have not experienced college football at its best! The fans are nice, unless you are Lane Kiffern but he deserves everything they gave him. I would recommend getting there early enough to watch the Vol walk, and absolutely get a parking pass ahead of time. The G10 parking structure is worth paying for it is literally right next to the stadium. See more..
4.5 McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture (176 reviews)
- Small, pleasant educational experience
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM History Museums

The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is a general museum with collections in anthropology, archaeology, decorative arts, local history, and natural history. We are a free museum with free parking available. Simply ask for your free 2-hour parking pass at the parking kiosk at the head of Circle Park Drive. More details and directions on the museum website. See more..
4.5 Visit Knoxville Visitors Center (148 reviews)
- Stop Here First
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

Visit Knoxville is the official Convention and Visitors Bureau for the City of Knoxville and Knox County. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, private company, our mission is to accelerate sustainable economic growth and development by increasing visitor and convention business to our community. Visit Knoxville is home to the VK Sports Commission, the VK Film Office and the downtown Visitors Center at 301 S. Gay Street. Visit Knoxville is proud to support community initiatives encompassing art and culture, history, entertainment and outdoor adventure to promote Knoxville regionally, nationally and internationally. As a nature-loving-advernture-seeking-artsy-kinda-town, Knoxville will surprise you. See more..
4.5 House Mountain State Natural Area (134 reviews)
- House Mtn.- quick getaway outside of knoxville
State Parks

HMSNA is located about 30 minutes northeast of Knoxville. It doesn’t take long to forget that you are that close to the city. It consists of a picnic pavilion and bathrooms next to the parking lot. Two overlooks can be enjoyed once visitors reach the top. This is a fairly strenuous (ascending) hike. One trail is approximately 1 mile to the western overlooks. The other trail is approximately 1 mile to the rim trail. At that point, the eastern and western overlooks are about .7 miles in the opposite directions. The views are worth it. See more..
4.5 Bijou Theater (124 reviews)
- Great Little Historic Theatre
Sunday: Theaters

The Bijou is an awesome little theatre. If you can catch a show here in this small historic venue, take the opportunity. The architecture is great with the box seats you would expect from an older theatre. The seats are quite comfortable as well. We saw Kenny Wayne Shepard Band here, and it was just a wonderful evening. This is a great venue for just about any concert or comedian. Be sure to dress up to look good in that photo! See more..
4.5 Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (123 reviews)
- One of a Kind
Sunday: Speciality Museums • Educational sites • History Museums

From the 10-ton, 30-foot-high basketball that sits on top of the building to the life-like animatronic figure of Senda Berenson, "the mother of women's basketball," this will not be your typical hall of fame visit. See more..
4.5 UT Gardens (106 reviews)
- Grew Up Going
Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

The UT Gardens function as an outdoor laboratory to evaluate the performance and landscape use of every type of plant, from trees and shrubs to annuals and perennials. The gardens feature a children's garden, formal rose garden, a sustainable kitchen garden, perennial borders, a beautiful hosta collection as well as annual beds, huge old growth trees and seasonal displays. See more..
4.5 James White Fort (106 reviews)
- FABULOUS!!!
Sunday: Historic Sites

The original Pioneer structure of Knoxville's founder. See more..
4.5 Krutch Park (88 reviews)
- Lovely little park
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

We were visiting Knoxville and walked through the park on morning. The park, while small, is very nice with water features and very interesting statues. Be aware that a number of homeless folks hang out in the area so be aware if this is something that is upsetting. See more..
4.5 Blount Mansion (74 reviews)
- Must see for tourists in Knoxville
Sunday: Architectural Buildings

This is a fabulous, interesting, educational tour of the home; you'll learn a lot about the family that lived there, and a lot about the early history of Knoxville, too. It is definitely worth your time when visiting Knoxville, and the entry fee is quite reasonable. I was fortunate to have Penny, a docent, as my tour guide. She gave a great tour, readily takes questions, and know a lot about the home, the family that built the home, and its history. See more..
4.5 East Tennessee Veterans Memorial (63 reviews)
- Honor
Points of Interest & Landmarks

A quiet place to remember the lives loss during all the American conflicts. They recognize medal of honor recepients and others whom have lost their lives. I would recommend visiting this if wandering the World's Fair Park. See more..
4.5 Knox Whiskey Works (61 reviews)
- Whiskey worth stopping for
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Knox Whiskey Works is a small batch, craft distillery based in Knoxville, TN. Our mission is to harness the collective skill, passion and expertise of East Tennessee to create authentic, distinct and delicious hand-crafted spirits. Led by our head distiller, we craft our spirits in small batches from locally sourced products. We work with local farmers and artisans to create unique spirits representative of East Tennessee. Knox Whiskey Works is Knoxville's first (legal) distillery. Established in 2015, we craft award-winning Old City Heirloom Corn Whiskey from local corn. Once distilled, it is placed in new charred oak barrels to rest until it becomes bourbon. Along with our corn whiskey, we produce Jackson Ave Gin, Marble City Pink Gin, Cold City Old Brew Coffee Liqueur, Deals Gap Dragon Tail Whiskey, Dry Gap Gin, Fleur de Vie Liqueur, Tennessee Valley Vodka, Tennessee Tailgate Orange Flavored Vodka, Three Rivers Rum, and new products are always "in the Works." See more..
4.5 Lakeshore Park (57 reviews)
- Modern Upscale Playgrounds
Sunday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Sports Complexes • Parks • Playgrounds

Lakeshore Park is a 185 acre general recreation public park located along the Tennessee River in Knoxville, TN. With approximately 1 million annual visitors, Lakeshore Park is the most visited public park in Knoxville. Whether you are here for a run along our extensive greenways, a youth sporting event, a stroll by the riverside or just to soak in the unparalleled views of the Great Smoky Mountains, we know you’ll find something memorable. See more..
4.5 Schulz Brau Brewing Company (57 reviews)
- A taste of Germany
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Our family has visited several breweries in the Knoxville / Maryville area, all were nice. However the “Schulz Brau” Brewing company is in our opinion the best. Their authentic German menu of food and Beer Is a unique taste experience. The architecture of the building adds to the welcoming atmosphere inside, with its wonderful open courtyard. From the friendly professional staff who waited on us to the owner who genuinely cared about our dining experience, made it a 10. We will be back again and again. See more..
4.5 Historic Ramsey House (57 reviews)
- Great stop
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

Last tour begins at 3 pm. Historic Ramsey House was built in 1797 by Knoxville's first builder, Thomas Hope, for Francis Alexander Ramsey. It was known at that time as the finest home in Tennessee. The house, constructed of Tennessee pink marble, is significant for its original interior and exterior architectural features and its period decorative art collection. Ramsey House was bought in 1952 by the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities, along with one acre of land. Today, the site consists of 101.5 acres, a historic house restored and furnished to the period of Francis A. Ramsey's occupancy, and a Visitor Center located in a beautiful country setting. See more..
4.5 Mabry-Hazen House (56 reviews)
- A Knoxville Treasure.
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

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, three generations of the same family resided in the Italianate-style home overlooking downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River, and Great Smoky Mountains. The museum showcases one of the largest original family collection in America with over 2,000 original artifacts on display. Furnished and decorated in the style of several decades, Mabry-Hazen gives a rare view into 130 years of Knoxville history. Learn about the origins of Knoxville's iconic Market Square, the bitter divisions of the Civil War, the infamous 1882 Gunfight on Gay Street, a mountain city in the New South, the scandalous 1934 breach of promise and seduction trial, and much more through the rich, colorful lives of the Mabry and Hazen families. See more..
4.0 Zoo Knoxville (1.371 reviews)
- We love Zoo Knoxville
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

Fun on the outside and serious about animals on the inside, Zoo Knoxville is committed to giving our guests an unforgettable experience. See more..
4.0 World's Fair Park (696 reviews)
- Stepping Into History
Sunday: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM Parks

World's Fair Park is a public park in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. The park sits on the former fairgrounds of the 1982 World's Fair hosted in Knoxville. Today, the park is home to the Sunsphere and the Tennessee Amphitheater, the two remaining structures from the exposition. See more..
4.0 Sunsphere Tower (598 reviews)
- A piece of Knoxville history!
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Observation Decks & Towers

Built for the 1982 World’s Fair, the Sunsphere is a one-of-a-kind structure. The 4th Floor Observation Deck offers a breathtaking 360-degree view stretching from downtown to the Great Smoky Mountains including World’s Fair Park, the Tennessee River and the University of Tennessee Campus. A 1982 World’s Fair timeline, gallery, memorabilia and gift shop await you! Tours are taken up every half hour, on the half hour. If you are joining us, please meet us at the base of the Sunsphere and we will bring you up for an unforgettable view of Knoxville! See more..
4.0 Old City (176 reviews)
- Don't miss this very interesting and diverse part of town!
Neighborhoods

Rejuvenated section of town with lots of live Jazz, blues and rock music. See more..
4.0 Knoxville Convention Center (163 reviews)
- Lovely surrounds!
Sunday: Convention Centers

The Convention Center is in downtown Knoxville, close to the river and is a lovely venue right next to the former World's Fair Park. The facilities are typically nice -- good rooms for workshops and dinner meetings. Not too many ups and downs. There are some great restaurants nearby. Everyone was raving about the French Market Creperie so my husband and I headed there but got waylaid by a very interesting new restaurant, Kojo. It was delicious and we had a great conversation about Covid, business recovery, Convention business relations, etc. with one of the managers. I went back the next day with a colleague from my weaving workshop at the Convention Center. See more..
4.0 Muse Knoxville (89 reviews)
- Great for kids
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Science Museums • Children's Museums

Muse Knoxville is a children’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math (STEAM) museum located in Chilhowee Park. Our programs in the museum, in schools across East Tennessee, & throughout Knoxville bring STEM, the arts, health & wellness, & emergent literacy to life in the minds of children. We inspire & empower ALL children through transformative learning experiences through a variety of hands-on and inquiry-based, exhibits and Outreach programs for children aged 6 mos. to 10 y/o. *Museum Play - Indoor educational learning & play spaces, a full-dome planetarium, outdoor learning spaces & a playground! *Field Trips - Bring your class, homeschool, daycare or youth group for a day of fun! *Parties/Events - Choose from a variety of packages to celebrate your special day with us. *Planetarium - We house East Tennessee's only public-access planetarium with shows that rotate every hour! See more..
Yee-haw Brewing Company - Knoxville (0 review)
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM Spent 2-3 hours Breweries
Our newest taproom includes an in-house brewery, 62 taps, delicious food offerings, a jumbotron, and a beer garden featuring an outdoor bar, shaded outdoor space, firepits, and an outdoor amphitheater equipped for large concerts From a large watch party to your everyday hangout spot, we have plenty of space for good times! See more..