Things to do & places to visit in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States

Oak Ridge city in Tennessee, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 19:30.

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Adventures Outdoors Kayak & Bike Rentals (13 reviews)
- Nice and easy
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Kayaking & Canoeing

We have rented kayaks and paddle boards here a few times. It has been quick and easy to rent each time. And the lake is always nice. See more..
5.0 Melton Lake Greenway (13 reviews)
- Well maintained lake-side walk
Biking Trails • Jogging Paths & Tracks

Well maintained lake-side walk at molten lake park. Year-around place, next to flat-water lake with lots of activities. See more..
5.0 K-25 History Center (12 reviews)
- Worth the detour off of I-75
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums

We were directed to the K-25 Center by a Park Ranger at the Children's Museum after she described the exhibits at that location as mainly stories about the people involved in the Manhattan project. We were looking for the history of the effort begun in the 1940s. The exhibits and the guide comments showed us what we were looking for. The museum is very near the actual site of the half mile long building where the uranium was enriched. We spent about an hour there but we went out of our trip plan to see the area which is loaded with this history. It was worth the detour. See more..
5.0 Oak Ridge Art Center (7 reviews)
- Great shows and classes
Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Speciality Museums
I have taken several jewelry-making classes at the Art Center. It has equipment available for use by members. Several shows are presented in the gallery throughout the year. The Holiday Gallery of Shops takes place in November, it is a great opportunity to shop for unique Christmas gifts made by the talented members of the center. See more..
5.0 Coal Creek Motor Discovery Trail (6 reviews)
- Coal Creek is Beautiful!
Off-Road & ATV Trails

This was our second trip to Coal Creek to ride ATV's! I absolutely love it! We will be back again in October! See more..
5.0 International Friendship Bell (4 reviews)
- Alright Attraction
Monuments & Statues

A little walk takes you to the Bell, which has the places and dates, atomic bombs were dropped, along with the dates of Pearl Harbor bombing during WR II. I couldn’t find an explanation of where the bell came from or any other info on it but it is a nice place to visit. See more..
5.0 Oak Ridge Outdoor Pool (2 reviews)
- Excellent
Sports Complexes

I would recommend this outdoor activity to anyone visiting the Oak Ridge area or the National Park during the Summer Months in Oak Ridge. Lifeguard Staff are friendly, professional, and most of all Safety minded at all times. The price is outstanding and you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. A family atmosphere and sporting event venue. See more..
5.0 India Trunk Sale (1 review)
- A little taste of an Indian Bazaar
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

We strive for Fair Trade Practices. Our Philosophy We were founded in 2012 under the principle of providing customers with the latest, most authentic Indian products. India Trunk Sale offers our customers a higher level of service and support, our commitment to customer satisfaction shows in everything we do and every product we sell. For quality products and an extensive selection, more people trust India Trunk Sale for traditional and ethnic Indian products, gifts and accessories. From our traditional and ethnic products including apparel, jewelry, handicrafts, and home decor, to our exclusive Hindu and Buddhist, India Trunk Sale has you covered. We want to make it convenient for our customers to buy Indian cultural products in Oak Ridge. India Trunk Sale offers competitive pricing, friendly service and some of the best products you’ll find anywhere. Shop with us today and experience the difference that quality and service can make for you. See more..
5.0 The Shops at Dragonfly Village (1 review)
- Fabulous!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

I had my first visit to The Shops at Dragonfly Village last week and it won't be my last! From the gorgeous, handmade fairy furniture (Willow Weeds Studio) to repurposed items & crafts to amazing, photographic artwork (Carol Erikson Photography), they really have it all!! So much to see! And everything was very reasonably priced!! I know it sounds too good to be true, but seeing is believing. I also had a chance to chat with one of the owners. A beautiful, kind lady who really loves what she's doing. Thank you! I can't wait to go back!! #OhioLovesTennessee See more..
5.0 Secret City Disc Golf Course (1 review)
- Nice 9 Hole Disc Golf Course
Spent < 1 hour Sports Complexes

Well-kept 9 hole disc golf course with adjacent ball field. You can choose from multiple tees and the entire course is shaded. Make a note to pack bug spray, the mosquitoes are numerous here. The 9th hole is a hanging basket which was really cool. See more..
5.0 The Mounds Disc Golf Course (1 review)
- Awesome Disc Golf Course
Spent 1-2 hours Sports Complexes
Known locally as The Mounds, the 18-hole course at Groves Park is a long and mostly open course resting upon a beautifully mature landscape. Lots of fun, great challenging course. See more..
4.5 American Museum of Science & Energy (517 reviews)
- Very enjoyable
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Science Museums • History Museums

WHERE SCIENCE COMES TO LIFE! AMSE tells the story of the advances in science and engineering that have occurred in Oak Ridge since the first days of the Manhattan Project. We are a national resource that is proud to be located in east Tennessee, a region that has been and remains on the cutting-edge of scientific innovation. AMSE is a powerful engine of STEAM education and inspiration. With our fun, interactive exhibits and programs, every day we tell visitors from the globe exciting, world-changing stories and we help explain how our world and universe works. Come join us at AMSE, where science comes alive. See more..
4.5 Children's Museum of Oak Ridge (141 reviews)
- Great time!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Children's Museums

This museum is very much a hands on experience for younger children and has a wealth of information for older children. We took our grandsons, ages 5 and 7 and our granddaughter, age 11. All three enjoyed their time there. Definitely will take the younger two again when they are a little older as then they too will be able to read the signs. (Maybe older sister will come too!) See more..
4.5 Haw Ridge Park (38 reviews)
- wonderful park in OR
Parks

Lot of opportunities for activities here. You can park in several spots and walk on a nice paved greenway from the Edgemoor bridge on Melton Lake Drive to the Solway area. There are even water fountains at both ends. Where do I start: greenway a great place to walk or run or ride bikes. Have done all these as well as gone on birdwalks with local experts (hint start at 8 or 9 and park at west end/walk east on boardwalk through the river (under bridge) and you'll see 30 or 40 species, as did I. Haw Ridge itself has hills and flat trails for serious mountain biking or hiking. On a nice day, the lot near the Solway bridge with dozens of cars as the locals all know what a great place this is. Connected to miles and miles of trails (hint: get free maps at termini, or find online. It gets confusing wiithin the HR park itself). Portapotties, water fountains See more..
4.5 University of Tennessee Arboretum (21 reviews)
- A great way to spend an hr or 2
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

Beautiful! Free! I have not been to such a nice arboretum before that was free! Wide, well-marked trails mean you don't get lost AND you don't walk into spider webs (double bonus). I used the Picture This app to identify trees and fungi not labeled. It was a good time. See more..
4.5 Cinemark Tinseltown (16 reviews)
- GREAT Seats
Spent 2-3 hours Movie Theaters
We've been to the Cinemark Tinseltown location many times but once we decided to check out the Turkey Creek move theater. Welllllll, we were very disappointed because the seats were not at all as comfortable as those at the Cinemark Tinseltown ..... we haven't visited any other theater since. See more..
4.5 Melton Lake Park (13 reviews)
- Great park
Gear Rentals • Kayaking & Canoeing • Jogging Paths & Tracks

We stopped in to look at the lake and made a day out of it. We went swimming and walked around the lake. The swimming area is very large and its sand. Water was so clean amd clear. Definitely will be heading back again. Would highly recommend if in the area See more..
4.5 Oak Ridge Playhouse (11 reviews)
- Sorry we haven't been there sooner
Spent 2-3 hours Theaters
We lived and worked for several years in Oak Ridge but never attended a play at the playhouse. A friend suggested we get tickets to go see the play, "All Shook Up" which is based on Elvis Presley's music. My husband doesn't like plays, especially musicals, but even he enjoyed himself. We were there the first night the play opened and the actors were great, very professional and entertaining. If you get a chance, go see a play and give your support to this historic theater. See more..
4.5 Emory Valley Greenway (5 reviews)
- Trying to find this place
Spent < 1 hour Parks • Hiking Trails

When using Waze, you are directed straight to a neighborhood. Turn right into neighborhood. Park right at unmarked trail head labeled "Cascade Drive". Basically you join the path by either starting right where "Cascade Dr" says not to drive down, or go up by the main road and enter on sidewalk.. We parked on grass by woods, and walked down to an amazing stream with perfect weather. Watch out for chiggers/ and or mosquitoes- I had 3 bites from playing in the creek for less than 20 minutes. This trail is soo undisturbed that I watched two squirrels stroll right across the path. Many houses line either side of the creek, and a few people passed us on the trail. See more..
4.5 Locally Grown Gallery (2 reviews)
- Great little shop for local art
Saturday: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
This is an awesome little shop for local art and crafts in East TN. Don't miss out on this place as it is not widely advertised, but has a fascinating selection of things. From books to jewelry, bags to glassware this shop has a little bit of everything and it is all handmade by local artisans. Small shop with a lot to see in it, has all price points so there is really something for everyone. See more..
4.0 Manhattan Project National Historical Park (48 reviews)
- The main reason for our visit to Oak Ridge was for the Manhatten Project history
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites

As others have said, the National Park is a number of different areas within Oak Ridge. We found that starting at the main museum gave us an over view as well as help from the volunteers to the other locations of interest in the town. There is a bus that goes out early, but we didn't use that, we self toured See more..
4.0 Centennial Golf Course (13 reviews)
- Much Improved!
Spent More than 3 hours Golf Courses

I live in Oak Ridge and have played this course, off and on, for years. Most of that time it was only in fair shape and I played elsewhere a lot. Recently, however, the condition of the course, fairways and greens, has been superb. I started asking around and found out that they have a new superintendant and the city has invested heavily in the course. Slow play has been fixed with the course marshals doing their job. I am really happy with it now and play it at least once a week. Warning-the greens are severely sloped and fast! Put your ego in your pocket and move forward on the tees. It plays much better and its fun to play! See more..
4.0 The Secret City Commemorative Walk (7 reviews)
- Great memorial
Spent < 1 hour Historic Walking Areas

Just a short walk around the path with a large amount of plaques with Secret City information about US history in WWII. See more..
3.5 AK Bissell Park (11 reviews)
- Ate Lunch, Then Rang Bell
Spent 1-2 hours Parks

We brought our lunch to the picnic tables at public library (literally next door, but technically part of the park), and after eating, made our way to the Bissell Park, specifically the Friendship Bell. It is a very well-designed bell, and the area where it is installed is nice as well. Be sure to take advantage of the fact that you are allowed to ring the bell, using the wooden striker. This is certainly a unique experience, and one which is fitting for Oak Ridge, and worthy of a brief stop if you're in town. See more..
3.0 Oak Ridge National Laboratory Visitor Center (2 reviews)
- The Best Science Fair
Spent 1-2 hours Science Museums

Oak Ridge National Laboratory Visitor Center has the best science fair events. My two son’s Diamond and Rain learn a lot of amazing educational information from their science fair downtown. They had trailers of new up to date science and electronic exhibits with volunteers near by to answer any questions. This was a very fun educational family event that was also free to the community. See more..
3.0 Atomic Fibers (1 review)
- Yarn crawl
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
I will probably just visit during the yarn crawl in the future. They didn't have a big selection of yarn. See more..
Gaia's Wisdom (0 review)
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

We carry herbs, hand blended teas, natural bath and body items, clothing, jewelry, candles, books, tarot cards, incense, smudging items, crystals and stones, gifts and more! See more..
Secret City Exchange (0 review)
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

We have 15,000 square feet of New and Retro: Video Games, Vinyl Records, CDs, DVDs, VHS, Toys, Collectables, and electronics repair! See more..
Secret City Improv Festival (0 review)
Cultural Events
See more..
Winter Farmers' Market, by Grow Oak Ridge (0 review)
Spent < 1 hour Farmers Markets

The Winter Farmers' Market by Grow Oak Ridge is indoors all winter, Saturdays from 10 to 1, in the gym at St. Mary's School, 323 Vermont Ave., Oak Ridge, TN. 30 farmers, bakers, artisans and more! Free tastings and prizes for kids, cooking demos and workshops for adults. Debit / Credit / SNAP cards accepted. See more..