Discover Knoxville: A Must-See Stop Among Tourist Sites in Tennessee

Looking for a fresh way to experience Tennessee? Nestled between Nashville’s music scene and the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville offers a distinct blend of historic charm, outdoor adventure, and creative energy. While Memphis celebrates its blues heritage and Nashville embraces country stardom, Knoxville captivates with riverfront views, a walkable downtown, and easy access to outdoor escapes. It’s the perfect starting point for exploring East Tennessee, offering Southern hospitality and scenic charm.

Explore the Roots of Historic Knoxville

The area’s unique appeal starts with its storied past, evident in historic landmarks that still stand proudly throughout the city. Discover “The Birthplace of Tennessee” when you visit Blount Mansion, home to the U.S. Constitution signer William Blount, and considered one of the region’s oldest standing homes. The downtown property boasts gorgeous blooming gardens, best viewed during guided tours that dive into the mansion’s history and significance.

Step back to 1786 at James White’s Fort, the original home of the city’s founder, and where the town got its start. Today, visitors can explore preserved original structures filled with authentic essentials—from hanging dried herbs to handmade lye soap—that bring frontier life to the present.

Make sure Historic Market Square is on your itinerary, no matter the time of year. This lively downtown plaza blends centuries-old heritage with modern-day amenities. Stroll along and window shop at local boutiques, grab a bite to eat (if you’re looking for a patio to people watch, THIS is the spot!), listen to live music (catch Jazz Tuesdays and Variety Thursdays in the summer months—and of course buskers throughout the week), and enjoy seasonal events. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the local vibrant culture from the original brick pavers near the splash pad to decades-old trees shading the scene. Picture perfect!

Experience Local Art, Culture, & Family Fun

After exploring the city’s past, dive into its lively present by visiting some of the top attractions in Knoxville. The local arts scene abounds with numerous galleries and studios throughout the Arts District. Check out the Knoxville Museum of Art for free to admire current and ongoing exhibitions. If you’re lucky (or really good at planning), you’ll be in Knoxville during First Friday—trust us, the vibes are unmatched with galleries staying open late, live music, opportunities to chat with artists, and more, each first Friday of every month.

Cap off your cultural stroll with a show at downtown’s Tennessee Theatre, a lavish 1920s movie palace turned performing arts hub. View over 150 events a year, from Broadway hits to symphony performances. It’s the Official State Theatre of Tennessee, and just a step into the lobby, you’ll see (and soon hear) why!

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Ijams Nature Center, part of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. Just minutes from downtown, this 1,000-acre recreational, cultural, and historic preservation offers miles of hiking and biking trails alongside peaceful water features. Name your activity: mountain biking, wandering in the woods, paddling a quarry—it’s all here.

If you’re traveling with small children (and children at heart!), Zoo Knoxville will surprise and delight. Watch as kids’ faces light up when they come face-to-face with playful river otters, towering giraffes, and critically endangered Malayan tigers—part of an award-winning habitat voted one of the top 10 zoo exhibits in the country.

Take a Day Trip Beyond the City

With its proximity to popular tourist sites in Tennessee, this area is the perfect launch point for easy day trips to some of the state’s most remarkable destinations. Just an hour east, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomes visitors to explore its lush forests and relish scenic hikes with flowing rivers and waterfalls. 

Science lovers and curious minds will want to make the short trip to Oak Ridge, just 30 minutes west, to explore the American Museum of Science & Energy. This hands-on museum, for kids and adults alike, dives into nuclear power, atomic innovation, and Oak Ridge’s top-secret role in World War II’s Manhattan Project.

Knoxville offers an authentic Tennessee experience for all travelers, whether you seek historic landmarks, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or family fun. Ready to discover what makes this region special for yourself? Start planning your visit and create memories that will last long after you’ve returned home.