Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness is a spectacular 1000-acre outdoor adventure area where you can hike, bike, climb, paddle or just wander in the woods – all within the heart of the city. Over 50 miles of trails and greenways connect you to a beautiful nature center, pristine lakes, historic sites, dramatic quarries, adventure playgrounds, five city parks and a 500-acre wildlife area.
A modernistic monument built for the 1982 World's Fair
The East Tennessee Historical Society off Market Square has a new and fascinating museum about the history of the area, from Native Americans through Davy Crockett, the Revolutionary War, industrialization (the city was once called the Underwear Capital of the World), the Civil War, and modern history, including the role of the area in producing the first atomic bomb.
The historic home, studio and gallery of artist Adelia Armstrong Lutz.
Knoxville Zoo
A nice but smallish zoo with 800 animals and a lot of success breeding red pandas. There's also a reptile center and kids play area.
Knoxville Smokies
Watch the AA level Knoxville Smokies play their Southern League rivals at Covenant Health Park. They are an affiliate of Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs, and the park even serves Old Style beer, a Chicago staple.
In addition to being housed in Knoxville's fourth oldest building, the Bijou Theatre has an atmosphere that's perfect for live music and the performing arts. Many performers and music fans consider the Bijou the best-sounding room in Knoxville. Tennessee Shines is a radio show broadcast live from the Bijou the last Wednesday of each month. Sponsored by WDVX, the show celebrates Appalachian and other genres of American music.