Knoxville Tourist Attractions

Once you have found the perfect hotel for your vacation in Knoxville, it's time to plan your itinerary.

With so many attractions and activities to choose from, what should you do first? What should you do last? Will there be anything left to see or do? These are just some questions that might arise when planning your trip and looking for a place to stay.

In this article, we will explore some possible options.

Knoxville is the county seat of Knox County in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 United States census, Knoxville's population was 190,740. It is the largest city in the East Tennessee Grand Division and the state's third-largest city.

When railroads finally began to appear in the middle of the 19th century, the economy took off. When the American Civil War broke out, the city was deeply split over the question of secession.

In 1863, Confederate and Union forces took turns occupying Knoxville.

Successful restoration efforts led by local officials and private investors have given new life to the city, which had been revitalized in part by its hosting of the World's Fair in 1982.

The University of Tennessee's main campus is in Knoxville, and the school's sports team, the Tennessee Volunteers, is well-known across the region.

In addition to being a major economic center, Knoxville serves as a primary entry point to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Knoxville serves as the headquarters for the Tennessee Valley Authority and the East Tennessee courtroom for the Tennessee Supreme Court.

It's worth noting that you may get a ride from the Knoxville Visitors Center from Monday through Thursday.

To see the Historic Old Mill, people may take the Knox-Smokies Shuttle to Pigeon Forge, which is about 27 miles (43 kilometers).

The distance between Nashville and Knoxville is 174 miles (280 kilometers), or around 5 hours of driving time.

For more options on tourist attractions in Knoxville, you may visit getyourguide.com.

Pigeon Forge: Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Ride

The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is a roller coaster that speeds through the scenic Smoky Mountains.

Check out the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster for a thrilling experience and the breathtaking beauty of the Smoky Mountains as you go through tight curves and narrow tunnels.

The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is the world's first roller coaster with four uplifts and the longest in east Tennessee.

After dark, the bright lights provide a breathtaking trip around the park, making for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Explore nearly 20 acres packed with twists, turns, and tunnels among breathtaking Smoky Mountain vistas.

You'll ride a single cart that can reach speeds of up to 30 mph through a series of tunnels, over bends, and around hairpin corners.

Children as young as three and seniors in their nineties ride the coaster together because of how much fun they have.

Nashville: National Museum of African American Music Entry

Tourists here will learn how African American music has affected other areas of culture.

They could also go on an adventure through the halls of musical history with the help of some hands-on displays and experience unique memorabilia from their favorite bands and musicians.

The National Museum of African American Music is the newest must-see attraction in Nashville. Discover your favorite creators' artistic and cultural legacy via hands-on and engaging displays.

Visit the only Museum in the world devoted to teaching about, conserving, and celebrating different kinds of music.

Spirituals, blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, and hip hop are just a few genres that African Americans have contributed to and inspired. Learn about historical items, modern gadgets, and everything in between.

Each gallery is curated to provide a distinct narrative and point of view on the history and music of African Americans. Hear the tale of a unique people and how they changed the world through the power of art.

Nashville: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Nashville's fascinating country music history is revealed via hands-on displays in this Museum.

It offers a unique experience of the histories of the people who shaped country music via the unique recordings, videos, and instruments on display.

You will learn more about the history of this cultural art form by looking at the lyrics, instruments, and clothing.

Take a look at the guitar Mother Maybelle used to play and the banjo used by Earl Scruggs, two of the musicians credited with laying the basis for country music.

Explore the nation's history, present, and future by hopping between picture galleries, listening stations, and fascinating videos.

At the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, you may learn the fascinating backstory of one of the most pivotal movements in 20th-century American music.

Hear the histories and personal testimonies of some of country music's most illustrious ancestors as you get insight into the genre's development and history.

Don't miss the rotating displays that employ technology to convey the tale of how thrilling country music was in the 1970s or how it is evolving now.

You may come to the Taylor Swift Education Center on the weekends for a panel discussion, an instrument workshop, or a songwriting workshop.

(Taylor Swift received an honorary doctorate from the New York University in fine arts in May 2022.)

Plaques commemorating the winners of Country Music's highest accolade are displayed in the Hall of Fame Rotunda, the last stop on the Museum's self-guided tour.

Those interested in seeing how Hatch Show Print is put together may do so by purchasing the Hatch Experience. Find out how this well-known poster store came to be where it is now via a look at its rich history of letterpress printing.

There will be 150 years of colorful posters for popular performers printed while you listen to the sound of the presses. Get your hands on some printing equipment and make a poster to cherish.

Pigeon Forge: Titanic Museum Advance Purchase Ticket

You may take an interactive self-guided tour of a replica of the Titanic if you buy your tickets and walk onboard the ship.

You will also learn about the people on board via exhibits and programs that bring their experiences to life.

  • Experience life on the Titanic as a passenger and learn what happened to them after the tour.
  • Take a seat in a scaled-down lifeboat and listen to accounts from passengers on the Titanic.
  • Explore the world's most extensive collection of authentic Titanic relics, many of which can be verified by their recorded history.

Discover the world's most incredible collection of Titanic relics and engage with interactive displays designed for visitors of all ages. The Titanic's narrative comes to life in this audio tour.

A replica of the Titanic's exterior, complete with an iceberg, greets visitors as they enter the Museum. Here, you may get your hands on an actual boarding card from the Titanic, including the name of an actual passenger or crew member.

Located on the Titanic Walk is a $1 million recreation of the ship's grand staircase.

Once you've tracked them down everywhere on the ship, go to the Memorial Room for details on what became of the assigned passenger.

Every member of the family will enjoy their time at the Museum. It's like being in a real-life classroom full of exciting possibilities to learn and grow.

Each kid will get a personalized boarding ticket featuring a little passenger on the Titanic.

An onboard treasure hunt and a children's audio tour bring the Titanic narrative to life.

Pigeon Forge: Smoky Mountains Rope Obstacle Course Adventure

You don't want to miss the thrill of a high ropes course in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains not far from Hartford.

Participants can test their skills on one of four progressively difficult courses high in the trees.

  • Put yourself to the test high in the treetops, surrounded by breathtaking views.
  • As you go through the trees, take in the pungent aroma of pine.
  • Enjoy a wide variety of difficulties, from simple to very difficult, as you advance.

The entire family is in for a treat as they go on a journey they will never forget.

Consider putting yourself out of your comfort zone and acquiring new talent or taking on the challenge of a high-ropes course in the Great Smoky Mountains while visiting the Hartford area.

Activities in each class develop in difficulty and length as they weave through the trees, beginning with the easiest and ending with the most difficult.

Jump, grab, and pull your way through the more accessible stages initially to gain confidence before tackling the harder ones.

Pigeon Forge: Family-Friendly Floating Tour at the Smokies

This tour will take you to the majestic scenery of the Smoky Mountains as you float down the river and indulge in the exhilaration of whitewater rafting down the rapids.

  • Travel 6 miles down the tranquil Lower Pigeon River, navigating class 1 and 2 rapids.
  • Relax in knowing your experienced guide and your equipment is in good shape.
  • Take the opportunity to play in the water while floating.
  • Amuse yourself with the outpost's activities, playground, and beautiful nature walk.

Tourists here will enjoy a relaxing float along the Pigeon River as a family while taking in breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains.

They could also splash their way across easy rapids that need little skill and bring you closer to nature and enjoy a nature path and a playground on a 10-acre island.

Don't forget your protective gear (helmet and life vest) and meet your guide at the outpost.

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