Knoxville Tennessee attractions might just convince you to book a trip to Tennessee sooner rather than later. Beyond popular Memphis and Nashville, there are many more faces of the Volunteer State to discover. Knoxville is becoming one of the most popular, as its combination of attractions and atmosphere has earned a great reputation. Families, couples, and groups of friends will all find something tempting on a list of Knoxville attractions. Whether you’re a history buff looking to discover more about local history or are a family interested in unique forms of entertainment, the best attractions in town will have you planning a return trip as soon as you get back home.

The list of Knoxville TN family attractions is a lengthy one. Kids will love the Knoxville Zoo, where elephants, giraffes, and zebra are all on display. If your family is more interested in science, be sure to check out the American Museum of Science and Energy. To give your kids a treat, bring them to the Candy Factory or the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge. There are many Knoxville attractions that the whole family will love as well. Parents and kids will be equally impressed with the Three Rivers Rambler, a historic steam engine, and the University of Tennessee Football Hall of Fame.

History buffs will find plenty to entertain them, as some of the best Knoxville Tennessee attractions are historical. James White’s Fort is the most popular historic site in the region, and shows visitors original tools and artifacts from the period of early settlement in Tennessee. The World’s Fair Park is the home of the 1982 World’s Fair and today is home to a variety of shops, attractions, galleries, and restaurants. More historical Knoxville TN family attractions include the Cradle of Country Music tour in downtown Knoxville, the Star of Knoxville River Boat, and the Old City Historic District. Simply wandering the shops, antiques, and restaurants of this district is many people’s favorite aspect of visiting Knoxville.

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The list of historical Knoxville attractions could go on and on. The Old Gray Cemetery is over 150 years old, the Ramsey House Plantation offers guided tours of an 18th century home, and the Civil War Sites Tour brings together many important sites in one fascinating tour. Beyond history, some of the best Knoxville Tennessee attractions are cultural. If you’re interested in the arts or music, Knoxville is an ideal destination. Check out the Knoxville Ballet, the Knoxville Museum of Art, the Knoxville Opera or the Bijou Theater Company. From modern dance to the symphony, visitors to Knoxville will find many forms of alternative nightlife.

Knoxville can also be a launching point for enjoying some of the local outdoor adventure activities. Explore the peaks and hiking trails of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, hit the biking trails of Concord Park, or explore the depths of Cades Cove. These Knoxville TN family attractions allow visitors to escape the city and see a whole different side to the state. If you want to continue your Tennessee adventure, plan a road trip and visit other top destinations including Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Chattanooga. For outdoor adventure and more, a vacation to Tennessee will deliver every time.