Best Places to Visit in Knoxville TN
Knoxville, Tennessee’s third-largest city, is home to a number of exciting attractions, places to visit, and things to do.
Although smaller than the cities of Memphis and Nashville, Knoxville, Tennessee is nevertheless an ideal tourist destination, full of exciting attractions and things to do. Whether it’s viewing exotic wildlife from around the world or taking a step back into the past, Knoxville has something to offer every member of the family.
Frank H. McClung Museum
Located on the campus of the University of Tennessee, the Frank H. McClung Museum houses a number of exhibits in such areas as anthropology, archaeology, the decorative arts, local history, and natural history. It is also one of only twelve museums in the state of Tennessee to be recognized by the American Association of Museums, a testament to its intellectual professionalism.
The museum is home to a number of collections, which include ancient Egyptian artifacts and related objects, ancient Roman artifacts, early photographs, local history, and military material from both World War One and World War Two. They also host a number of exhibits, including “Ancient Egypt: The Eternal Voice” (showing a number of objects from Egypt’s past,) and “Discovering American Indian Art” (which features a large collection of artistic items from Native American cultures from throughout the United States.)
This Knoxville attraction is open from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Monday through Saturday, and from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Sundays. They are closed on most major holidays. Admission to the museum is free, making this an ideal vacation choice for those traveling on a budget. Their contact information is as follows:
1327 Circle Park Drive
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
(865)-974-2144
Knoxville Zoological Gardens
For those seeking an attraction that will immerse them in the natural world, the Knoxville Zoological Gardens is the ideal stop. Home to over 800 individual animals, the Knoxville Zoo’s commitment to education and conservation has earned it accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, America’s premier zoo accrediting organization.
The Knoxville Zoo is home to an astonishingly varied selection of animals from all corners of the world. Some of the premier exhibits to be found at the zoo include: Grasslands Africa (home to such animals as African elephants, giraffes, zebras, and elands,) Chimp Ridge (home to a family of four chimpanzees,) and the Kids Cove (home to such animals as Guinea hogs, Nigerian dwarf goats, beavers, and an aviary.) Other animals on exhibit at the Knoxville Zoo include African lions, Red wolves, and White rhinos.
The Knoxville Zoo is open every day from 10 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Current admission prices are $16.95 for adults, with decreasing rates for children and seniors. Their contact information is as follows:
P.O. Box 6040
Knoxville, TN 37914
(865)-637-5331
Ramsey House Plantation
Featuring a house constructed in 1797 and over 100 acres of land, the Ramsey House Plantation is the ideal attraction for those looking to immerse themselves in Tennessee’s past. The plantation features a house (restored to its late 18th/early 19th Century glory,) a visitor center, and a magnificent series of gardens.
The friendly staff of the Plantation is available for guided tours, in addition to an array of educational activities that grant visitors a glimpse into what life would have been like in the 1800s. The gardens present a truly magnificent variety of plants such as the Black-Eyed Susan, Sweet Shrubs, and Love in the Mist, and a variety of wildlife including beaver, deer, and several species of birds.
The Plantation is open year-round (except for Mondays and several major holidays.) Their hours are as follows: Tuesday-Saturday 10 A.M. to 4 P.. and Sunday from 12:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Tours are $7 for adults and $5 for children 6-12. For those wishing to contact the Plantation, their contact information is as follows:
2614 Thorngrove Pike
Knoxville, TN 37914
(865)-546-0745