Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville is located 30 miles northwest of Townsend and is the area’s largest metropolitan area with
numerous things to do, including spectacular scenery, diverse museums, historical attractions,
outdoor activities, the Knoxville Symphony, Opera Company, Ballet Company, restaurants, shopping
and much more.
Knoxville:
Originally the hunting grounds of Cherokee Indians, Knoxville was founded by James White in 1786
and consisted of several cabins and a small fort. Knoxville was capital of the Southwest Territory in
1791 and was later home to the state capital. In 1794, Blount College was founded and remains
today, known now as the University of Tennessee.
Attractions:
 Museums and Galleries: Knoxville is home to numerous museums including Daisy’s Place Girl
Scout Museum, Frank H. McClung Museum, the Knoxville Museum of Art, Farragut Folk Life
Museum and the Knoxville Police Department Museum. Galleries include the Ewing Gallery,
Joseph B. Wolffe Collection of R. Tait McKenzie Sculpture of Athletes, University of Tennessee
Football Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
 Historic Sites: For those interested in a piece of history, Knoxville is home to historic sites
ranging from settlers homes to memorial gardens. Historic highlights include the Beck Cultural
Exchange Center, Blount Mansion, the Confederate Memorial Hall, the Cradle of Country
Music Walking Tour, East Tennessee History Center, James White Fort, Mabry-Hazen House,
Marble Springs State Historic Farmstead, Old Gray Cemetery, Ramsey House Plantation and
the Armstrong-Lockett House & W.P. Toms Memorial Gardens, also known as “Crescent
Bend”.
 The Sunsphere: This 1982 World’s Fair landmark allows visitors to get a birds-eye view of
Knoxville from the observation deck. Informational displays titled "The Faces of Knoxville"
reveal everything from the city's history, culture and attractions to some of its unique
neighborhoods and the University of Tennessee.
 Tennessee Riverboat Company: Enjoy the scenic Tennessee River aboard an authentic stern
wheel riverboat, which offers lunch, sightseeing, dinner and party cruises. The two-hour
dinner cruise features live entertainment and different themes each night.
 Three Rivers Rambler: This vintage steam engine train takes guests on a 90-minute excursion
to the Forks of the River and back, through some of Knoxville’s most historic and beautiful
countryside. Three Rivers Rambler is located at Volunteer Landing on Neyland Drive.
 Ijams Nature Center: Ijams Nature Center is a 180-acre park with mulched and paved trails, a
waterfront boardwalk and wildlife viewing areas. Seasonal activities include music concerts,
owl prowls, canoe trips, plant sales and guided nature walks.
 Knoxville Zoo: The Knoxville Zoo is home to animals such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, kudu,
gazelles, waterbuck, red pandas, bears, chimpanzees and several species of birds.
 Area Lakes: Seven lakes are within a 30-minute drive of Knoxville. They offer an abundance
of recreational boating, skiing, fishing and other water sports. The lakes include Fort Loudoun,
Douglas, Cherokee, Norris, Melton Hill, Tellico and Watts Bar.
For more information, please visit www.knoxville.org.