James White’s Fort
Visitors to Knoxville, Tennessee should not miss the chance to tour James White’s Fort. This historic site was the first settlement in Knoxville, and was named for the city’s founder, James White. The fort is open for tours from December to March, and November to April. Hours of operation vary, so check with the official website or Facebook page for details.
The Fort is located at 205 E. Hill Avenue, between Neyland Drive and Hall of Fame Drive. It is the site of the first settlement in Knoxville, and was founded by General James White in 1786. Inside, visitors will find reconstructed log houses containing pioneer artifacts. The fort has both self-guided and guided tours. You’ll need about one hour to tour the fort.
The fort was named after General James White, a member of the American Revolution. It was the first capital of the Territory South of the Ohio River. The town was renamed Knoxville in 1791, and James White’s fort was restored and opened to the public in the 1970s.
UT Gardens
If you love to visit botanical gardens, you’re going to love UT Gardens in Knoxville, Tennessee. It hosts an annual fall plant sale every fall. The event starts with a preview sale for members, volunteers, and UT employees. Then, the public can shop the sale on September 25 from nine a.m. to two p.m.
The gardens are home to over 4,000 different plant species and are part of the UT Institute of Agriculture. The gardens also feature scenic walking trails, greenhouses, and informative signage. Admission is free. UT Gardens is a great place for families to visit, as it is near UT’s campus.
The gardens are also an excellent venue for family photographs. There are paths that weave through the gardens, which are perfect for posing for family portraits. Children can also enjoy the sprinkler play area and the many programs the gardens offer. Although the gardens do not have restrooms, they do have ample seating and picnic areas.
Zoo
Once known as the Knoxville Zoological Gardens and Zoo, this attraction is located on 53 acres just east of downtown Knoxville. Easily accessible from Interstate 40, the zoo is home to over 1,200 species of animals and attracts 585,000 visitors each year. Originally founded in 1892, the Knoxville Zoo has since evolved into its current name.
The zoo celebrates the wonders of nature and tells the stories of animals and plants. It aims to foster a positive attitude towards nature and encourages responsible conservation. It is one of the premier zoological experiences in the South. It is also accessible to the public and free of charge.
To ensure the survival of endangered species, the Knoxville Zoo has a breeding program. It is home to the first African elephant in captivity in the Western Hemisphere. In addition, the zoo has been successful at breeding red pandas. According to Sarah Glass, curator of red pandas and coordinator of the North American Red Panda Species Survival Plan, the Knoxville Zoo has had more red panda births than any other zoo in the world!
Zoo Choo Train
The Zoo Choo Train in Knoxville, Tennessee is a fun ride for kids that circles around the colorful koi pond. It costs $3 per person and operates daily depending on weather. The zoo has other attractions as well, including a fun carousel.
The Zoo’s Boo! at the Zoo event is one of the most popular Halloween events in Knoxville. This year’s event will feature more than 22 spooky stations and a Halloween-themed party. The zoo will also offer trick-or-treating in its zoo-themed trails. Guests can trick-or-treat on the zoo’s unique spooky scenery, or ride the Zoo Choo Train. Visitors can also enjoy a beer and brat garden.
Children of all ages can enjoy the Zoo Knoxville’s attractions. Guests can see hundreds of species of animals and enjoy fun activities for the whole family. One of the most popular animals at the Zoo are the red pandas. In fact, the Knoxville Zoo is home to more red pandas than anywhere else.
Sunshpere Tower
If you’re a fan of skyscrapers, you might want to pay a visit to the Sunshpere Tower in Knoxville. It’s a 266-foot steel truss structure topped with a 75-foot gold-colored glass sphere. This building served as a symbol for the 1982 World’s Fair.
The observatory level at Knoxville’s Sunsphere is free to visit, and the observation deck offers a great view of downtown Knoxville. The viewing platform features round plaques with information about the structure, and is easily accessible via stairs or elevator. Visitors can purchase tickets online, or purchase them in person at the observatory.
The Sunsphere has served as a symbol for Knoxville, and has influenced many local businesses and sports teams. It has even earned national attention, as shown in the 1996 episode of The Simpsons. The Simpsons featured the Sunsphere in a scene in which Bart accidentally knocked it over. In 2000, nuclear war protesters scaled the tower and hung a banner saying “Stop the Bombs.” The protesters stayed at the tower for three days, holding a demonstration.
Neyland Stadium
Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee is home to the University of Tennessee Volunteers, who will play their home games in the Southeastern Conference’s Eastern Division this season. They will be led by second-year head coach Josh Heupel. The Vols’ home games begin at 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
The football team played on an artificial turf field that was installed in the early 1990s. The artificial surface lasted for the entire 1993 season, but was auctioned off to raise funds for the university. In 1994, the artificial turf was replaced by natural grass. The midfield logo and checkerboard end zones remained. Since 2007, the Tennessee Vols have played on a 12-inch bed of Tifway Bermuda grass.
Aside from hosting the Tennessee Volunteers football team, Neyland Stadium is also home to many large conventions and sporting events. The stadium has hosted NFL exhibition games, concerts, political rallies, and religious gatherings. In 1970, the stadium was the site of the Billy Graham Crusade, during which President Richard Nixon delivered a speech. In 1984, The Jacksons held three concerts at the stadium.
Ijams Nature Center
Ijams Nature Center is an urban nature park filled with rock formations and wetlands. The park has 10 miles of trails and bike and canoe rentals. There are also exhibits featuring the area’s wildlife. The park is open to the public, and there are several ways to learn about its native species.
The Ijams Nature Center is accessible for people of all ages, making it a great family destination. The center is open from 8 a.m. until dusk every day. The nature center’s visitor center is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while Sunday hours are from 11 a.m. to 5 p and are free.
The Ijams Nature Center has a wide array of outdoor activities and programs that are perfect for families and groups of all ages. During the summer, you can find the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, the Great Crested Flycatcher, and the Prothonotary Warbler. The Ijams is also home to several wintering bird species, including the Eastern Screech Owl and Barred Owl. You may even see some Bale Eagles and Osprey while you’re there.