Outdoor Recreation
A visit to Knoxville puts you right in the middle of some of the most beautiful and distinct land in the nation.
The city rests on the banks of the Tennessee River and in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The beauty and natural resources surrounding Knoxville mean limitless opportunities for fun and adventure. Not only is our land and water beautiful, but you can also enjoy them year-round as Knoxville is in a temperate climate zone. The summers are green and gentle, and the fall is magnificent as the hills light up in brilliant autumn hues. Winters are brief, and spring arrives early with dogwoods, azaleas and beautiful flowers.
Ijams Nature Center
Read Full StoryIjams Nature Center is a wildlife sanctuary and environmental education center encompassing more than 160 acres of protected woodlands and meadows and the reclaimed Mead's Quarry site, all open for…
Knoxville Botanical Gardens & Arboretum
Read Full StoryA 44-acre "secret garden" that is preserved and restored for the benefit and enjoyment of the public with historic landscape that has been carefully restored and expanded.
Knoxville Market Square
Read Full StoryThe Market Square District is the site of the city's original city market area founded in 1854. The Square has been revitalized with shops.
Knoxville Skate Park
Read Full StoryDevelopment of the Knoxville Skatepark is a public-private partnership between the City of Knoxville and Knox County Parks & Recreation departments and hundreds of skateboard enthusiasts who have…
Knoxville Zoo
Read Full StoryOne of the top zoological parks in the souteast with internationally renowned preservation and breeding program. The Zoo features more than 230 species and 800 animals in natural habitats…
Rossini Festival (May 4-6)
Read Full StoryOne of the Southeast's most alluring cultural attractions, Knoxville Opera's Rossini Festival brings a taste of Europe to East Tennessee and celebrates the color, fun and excitement of opera and…
Sundown in the City (Thursday nights in Spring/Summer)
Read Full StoryKnoxville's celebrated free outdoor concert series, Sundown in the City, will return to Market Square in downtown Knoxville in the spring and summer months with concerts every Thursday night.
Tennessee Riverboat Company - Star of Knoxville
Read Full StoryThe Star of Knoxville is an authentic paddlewheeler with a capacity 325 passengers. The main deck seats 144 passengers and is fully enclosed, air conditioned, and heated for year-round comfort. The…
Three Rivers Rambler
Read Full StoryThis vintage steam engine train takes guests on a 90-minute excursion to the Forks of the River and back, through some of Knoxville's most historic and beautiful countryside including Knoxville's…
Volunteer Landing & Marina
Read Full StoryA one-mile promenade along the Tennessee River with refreshing waterfalls and fountains, historical markers and three locally owned restaurants. Also, the location of the Star of Knoxville riverboat…
