Here's a list of 40 top things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee:

Visit the Sunsphere

Location: 810 Clinch Ave

Details: Iconic 266-foot tower from 1982 World's Fair; observation deck offers 360° views of the city

Explore Market Square

Location: Downtown Knoxville

Details: Historic district with shops, restaurants, and frequent events; great for people-watching

Tour the East Tennessee History Center

Location: 601 S Gay St

Details: Museum showcasing regional history; interactive exhibits and artifacts

Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Location: 30 miles southeast of Knoxville

Details: America's most visited national park; over 800 miles of trails

Visit Zoo Knoxville

Location: 3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr

Details: Home to over 800 animals; known for red panda conservation efforts

Attend a University of Tennessee football game

Location: Neyland Stadium, 1235 Phillip Fulmer Way

Details: Experience "Vol Nation" spirit; one of the largest stadiums in the US

Explore the Knoxville Museum of Art

Location: 1050 World's Fair Park Dr

Details: Free admission; focuses on East Tennessee artists and contemporary art

Walk or bike the Knoxville Urban Wilderness

Location: South Knoxville

Details: 1000-acre outdoor adventure area with over 50 miles of multi-use trails

Visit the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

Location: 700 Hall of Fame Dr

Details: Interactive exhibits celebrating women's basketball; world's largest basketball

Enjoy a show at the Tennessee Theatre

Location: 604 S Gay St

Details: Beautifully restored 1928 movie palace; hosts concerts, Broadway shows, and classic films

Tour the Mabry-Hazen House Museum

Location: 1711 Dandridge Ave

Details: Antebellum home offering insights into 19th-century life; great views of the city

Paddle on the Tennessee River

Location: Various access points

Details: Rent kayaks or paddleboards; enjoy urban scenery and wildlife

Visit the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture

Location: 1327 Circle Park Dr

Details: Free admission; exhibits on geology, archaeology, and Tennessee history

Ijams Nature Center

Location: 2915 Island Home Ave

Details: 315-acre wildlife sanctuary and environmental learning center; hiking, biking, and rock climbing

Attend the Knoxville Opera

Location: Tennessee Theatre or Bijou Theatre

Details: Professional opera company performing classic and contemporary works

Shop at the Emporium Center

Location: 100 S Gay St

Details: Arts and culture center with galleries, studios, and shops featuring local artists

Visit James White's Fort

Location: 205 E Hill Ave

Details: Reconstructed 1786 fort of Knoxville's founder; living history demonstrations

Enjoy Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum

Location: 2743 Wimpole Ave

Details: 47 acres of walking trails, display gardens, and historic marble walls

Take a Historic Homes Tour

Location: Various locations

Details: Visit Blount Mansion, Crescent Bend, and other historic homes open for tours

Attend the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra

Location: Various venues

Details: Professional orchestra performing classical and pops concerts

Visit World's Fair Park

Location: 963 World's Fair Park Dr

Details: Site of 1982 World's Fair; fountains, lawns, and amphitheater for events

Explore the Old City

Location: North of downtown

Details: Historic district with unique shops, restaurants, and nightlife

Tour the Beck Cultural Exchange Center

Location: 1927 Dandridge Ave

Details: Museum dedicated to African American history and culture in East Tennessee

Visit Chilhowee Park

Location: 3301 E Magnolia Ave

Details: 81-acre park with a lake, bandstand, and exhibition halls; hosts Tennessee Valley Fair

Enjoy a performance at the Bijou Theatre

Location: 803 S Gay St

Details: Intimate 1909 theater known for excellent acoustics; hosts various performances

Tour the Knoxville Fire Museum

Location: 5401 Roberts Rd

Details: Showcases firefighting history; antique fire engines and equipment

Visit Sequoyah Hills Park

Location: 1400 Cherokee Blvd

Details: Scenic park along the Tennessee River; walking trails and picnic areas

Explore Marble Springs State Historic Site

Location: 1220 W Governor John Sevier Hwy

Details: Farmstead of Tennessee's first governor; living history events

Attend a Knoxville Ice Bears hockey game

Location: Knoxville Civic Coliseum, 500 Howard Baker Jr Ave

Details: Local minor league hockey team; exciting and affordable entertainment

Visit Candoro Marble Works

Location: 4450 Candora Ave

Details: Former showroom of marble company; beautiful Beaux-Arts building

Explore Lakeshore Park

Location: 6410 S Northshore Dr

Details: 185-acre park with walking trails, sports fields, and views of the Smoky Mountains

Tour the Historic Southern Railway Station

Location: 306 W Depot Ave

Details: Beautifully restored 1903 train station; now houses a brewery and event space

Visit the UT Gardens

Location: 2518 Jacob Dr

Details: Beautiful botanical gardens; free admission; educational programs available

Enjoy a show at Theatre Knoxville Downtown

Location: 800 S Central St

Details: Intimate community theater offering a variety of productions

Tour the Knoxville Soap, Candle & Gifts

Location: 714 S Gay St

Details: Local shop offering handmade soaps and candles; watch the production process

Visit the American Museum of Science and Energy

Location: 115 Main St E, Oak Ridge (30 minutes from Knoxville)

Details: Exhibits on energy, technology, and Oak Ridge's role in the Manhattan Project

Explore Seven Islands State Birding Park

Location: 2809 Kelly Lane, Kodak (20 minutes from Knoxville)

Details: 416-acre wildlife refuge along the French Broad River; great for birdwatching

Attend an event at the Knoxville Convention Center

Location: 701 Henley St

Details: Modern facility hosting conventions, trade shows, and special events

Visit the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial

Location: World's Fair Park

Details: Granite pillars honoring East Tennessee veterans; peaceful place for reflection

Enjoy a performance by the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra

Location: Various venues

Details: Professional big band performing classic and contemporary jazz

This list provides a diverse range of activities. Contact us if you want to be listed!