Located in the Great Smoky Mountains in Eastern Tennessee, Knoxville takes pride in its scenic beauty, interesting cultural events, and exhilarating outdoor adventures. Home to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a medium-sized city with a number of fun activities and plenty of green space. When you visit, be sure to check out the Knoxville Outdoor Adventure Center, where you can rent kayaks and other water sports gear. You can also get maps and information on outdoor activities in the city.
If you’d like to get out of the city and experience the diversity of the area, you can take a culinary tour. Knoxville is home to a number of world-famous restaurants, including the famous Tennessee Theatre, which screens classic movies and stages off-Broadway productions. Another attraction in the city is the historic James White Fort, which was built in 1780s by a Revolutionary War veteran. The fort served as a diplomatic outpost between Europeans and local Cherokee tribes. It was opened to the public in 1970 and today draws over ten thousand people each year.
Another attraction in the city is the Knoxville Museum of Art. This museum features works by local and national artists, including sculptor Richard Jolly, whose sculpture is considered the largest glass in steel structure in the world. Visitors can also view a variety of permanent exhibits, including works by Loretta Lux, Wade Guyton, and Ulf Pruder. There are also nine miniature rooms created by Narcissa Niblack Thorne between the 1930s and 1940s, which are popular with locals and visitors alike.
If you’re a parent looking for an educational trip for your child, the Muse Museum is a great place to start. As the only children’s science museum in Knoxville, the Muse has interactive exhibits that will keep your kids engaged throughout their visit. The museum also offers a planetarium with a variety of shows throughout the day. While there, don’t forget to take a stroll in the park.
The Sunsphere is another must-see attraction in the city. This iconic structure was constructed for the 1982 World’s Fair and is an essential part of Knoxville’s history. It is located downtown and is a 75-foot-tall gold geodesic dome. Visitors can watch the light dance in the sky at sunset from its observation deck. The Sunsphere is located near many historic sites in Knoxville, including the Tennessee River. For an even more breathtaking view of the city, visit the Sunsphere Observation Deck.
The East Tennessee History Center is a Smithsonian affiliate and offers free admission. The exhibits span 300 years of the state’s history. Another exhibit, “Voices of the Land: The People of East Tennessee,” features first-person accounts of life in Tennessee’s eastern region. Admission to this exhibit is only $5. Once you’re done with the museum, you can explore Knoxville’s cultural and historical significance.