Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Knoxville

We've collected top 10 mentioned free attractions in Knoxville from other articles such as Best Read Guide Smoky Mountains, Treksplorer, tennesseesmokies.guide.

Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Knoxville

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
4.7 (25162 ratings)4.5 (13207 ratings)
Sprawling aquarium showcasing sharks, sea turtles, string rays, penguins & a glass-bottom boat ride.
88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
AquariumNature & Parks
Ijams Nature Center
Ijams Nature Center
4.8 (2068 ratings)4.5 (749 ratings)
Wetlands & rock formations fill urban nature park with 10 miles of trails plus bike & canoe rental.
2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA
Nature preserveNature & ParksEducation centerHiking areaParkPreschoolNature & Wildlife Areas
World's Fair Park
World's Fair Park
4.7 (1187 ratings)
Site of 1982 World's Fair, with an amphitheater, events & a sunsphere tower with observation deck.
525 Henley St, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA
ParkEvent venue
Mentioned by Downtown Knoxville
Top 10 Insta-Worthy Spots
"This is probably the most popular spot on our list, but the neat thing is the number of places you can capture a shot in World's Fair Park that will keep your feed full for days. To achieve the look in this fun and colorful picture by Instagram influencer Ashley Renne, go to the south side of the park where you'll find boulders, a creek, pond and trees. It's a mix of nature and city all in one snap!"
Mentioned by Cinders Travels
The 48 Best Things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee in 2021
"World’s Fair Park is another fun destination to take a stroll through. The park surrounding the Sunsphere holds the Tennessee Amphitheater (the only other surviving structure in Knoxville from the 1982 World’s Fair), a lake, a sizable splash-pad fountain, and lots of lush green lawn perfect for hosting festivals and events."
Parrot Mountain and Gardens
Parrot Mountain and Gardens
4.8 (3582 ratings)4.5 (3870 ratings)
Peaceful Bible-inspired garden & parrot preserve offering chances to interact with rare birds.
1471 McCarter Hollow Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37862, USA
GardenNature & ParksPark
Sunsphere
Sunsphere
4.5 (1366 ratings)4 (527 ratings)
Iconic tower from the 1982 World's Fair featuring a free observation deck with 360-degree views.
810 W Clinch Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA
Historical landmarkSights & LandmarksObservation Decks & Towers
Mentioned by Busy Tourist
32 Best & Fun Things To Do In Knoxville (Tennessee)
"In 1982, the city of Knoxville hosted the World’s Fair, sloganed Energy Turns The World. The organizers worked together with architects local to the area to create an impressive structure that would thematically bring the sun – the greatest source of energy – down to earth and into what we now call World’s Fair Park. The result of this project was The Sunsphere, a huge round object fitted with reflexive glass pane panels, layered with dusted gold, balanced on a tower of hexagonal shape."
Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area
Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area
4.7 (484 ratings)4.5 (8 ratings)
Sprawling public park with over 50 miles of interconnected trails, forested expanses & a river.
3140 McClure Ln, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA
Hunting preserveNature & ParksParkNature & Wildlife AreasBiking TrailsHiking TrailsBodies of WaterOther Nature & Parks
Mentioned by RootsRated
5 Picturesque Outdoor Spots in Knoxville
"If you're reading this in time, make this next destination an immediate, top priority. During the first few weeks of July, a dazzling sunflower display explodes at Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area . This seasonal sea of yellow swaying in the breeze is one of Knoxville's most stunning unsung sights."
Harold Lambert Overlook
Harold Lambert Overlook
3079 Fort Dickerson Rd SW, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA
Historical landmark
Marble Springs
Marble Springs
4.5 (128 ratings)4 (19 ratings)
Preserved cabin & farm of Tennessee's first governor, set in a scenic woodland with tours & events.
1220 W Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA
Historical place museumSights & LandmarksHistorical societyPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Holston-Chilhowee Ballfields
Holston-Chilhowee Ballfields
3.9 (60 ratings)
5900 Asheville Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37924, USA
Baseball fieldParkPlaygroundSoftball field
Mentioned by The Working Mom's Travels
11 fun things to do with kids in Knoxville, Tennessee
"If the timing is right, attend a game of vintage base ball (yes, two words) and cheer on the home team, the Knoxville Holstons. The team is part of the Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball, which promotes living history, cultural enrichment, honor, respectful conduct, and community pride. It’s an eye-opening experience to see the teams clad in 19th century-style uniforms, adhering to the rules and equipment standards of the day."
Walker Sisters Place
Walker Sisters Place
4.8 (95 ratings)4.5 (55 ratings)
Remains of a primitive log cabin, corn crib & springhouse dating from the mid-1800s.
Sevierville, TN 37862, USA
Historical landmarkSights & LandmarksHistoric Sites

Best Dinner Places to Eat in Knoxville

Puckers Sports Grill
Puckers Sports Grill
4 (1102 ratings)
No-frills sports bar known for drinks, karaoke & American bar food like cheese fries & pickle chips.
745 Parkway # 9, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Bar & grillAmerican restaurantBarHamburger restaurantRestaurant
Mentioned by Sidney James Mountain Lodge in Gatlinburg, TN
Top 4 Bars in Gatlinburg TN You Need to Visit
"Another one of the top bars in Gatlinburg TN you need to visit during your vacation to the Smokies is Puckers Sports Grill. This is the place to go if you want to catch your home team in action while you are in town!. Enjoy a pint of your favorite beer with a variety of menu options, including nachos, burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads, and more!"
Makers Donuts
Makers Donuts
4.6 (163 ratings)
804 Tyson St, Knoxville, TN 37917, USA
Donut shopRestaurant
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
3.9 (1082 ratings)
Lively sports-bar chain dishing up wings & other American pub grub amid lots of large-screen TVs.
11431 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934, USA
Chicken wings restaurantAmerican restaurantBar & grillTakeout RestaurantRestaurantSports bar

Best Rated Movie Theaters in Knoxville

Bijou Theatre
Bijou Theatre
4.8 (822 ratings)4.5 (116 ratings)
Classic live entertainment venue showcases music, dance troupes & films, plus rotating local art.
803 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA
Performing arts theaterConcerts & ShowsHistorical landmarkTheaters
Mentioned by Knoxville News Sentinel
What's so funny? Check out these 5 thriving comedy spots in Knoxville
"Unlike the other venues on this list, whose comedy nights are likely found by people on the Facebook events tab, shows at the Bijou Theatre are advertised on marquee signs. The theater has a seedy past, once acting as a place to see pornographic films, but has since classed up. It now hosts a variety of major comedy acts including Fred Armisen, Aziz Ansari and Michelle Wolf, all within the past six months."
Country Tonite Theatre
Country Tonite Theatre
4.7 (1484 ratings)4.5 (2047 ratings)
Large venue for family-friendly variety shows featuring live music, comedy & dancing.
129 Showplace Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Performing arts theaterConcerts & ShowsEntertainerTheaters
Iris Theater
Iris Theater
4.6 (64 ratings)4.5 (37 ratings)
115 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Performing arts theaterConcerts & ShowsTheaters
Mentioned by Gatlinburg 1 day itinerary
The Ultimate Itinerary for One Day in Gatlinburg
"The Iris Theater at the Gatlinburg Space Needle is another wonderful destination for live entertainment in Gatlinburg. The Iris is currently hosting Impossibilities: An Evening of Magic, Mindreading, and Mayhem."

Best Breweries in Knoxville

Smoky Mountain Brewery in Gatlinburg
Smoky Mountain Brewery in Gatlinburg
4.2 (1468 ratings)
Laid-back brewery featuring housemade beer on tap, multiple HDTVs, pizza, burgers & sandwiches.
1004 Parkway #501, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
BreweryAmerican restaurantBrewpubPizza restaurant
Mentioned by TravelAwaits
The Best Restaurants In Gatlinburg, TN
"Smoky Mountain Brewery is one of East Tennessee’s oldest breweries. The Gatlinburg location was opened in the 1990s, and since then, the place has exploded due to its overwhelming popularity and demand. The brewery vibe combines cozy ski lodge with Bavarian beer hall."
Mentioned by Cabins USA Gatlinburg in the Great Smoky Mountains
Family and Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Gatlinburg, TN
"This Gatlinburg Brewery offers a great selection of local beers that pair well with their menu of American classics. Enjoy a clean atmosphere with prompt service in the Smokies!. family restaurantsfamily restaurantsgatlinburggatlinburg, tntn"
Gatlinburg Brewing Company
Gatlinburg Brewing Company
4.7 (291 ratings)4 (10 ratings)
Locally owned brewpub offering craft brews on tap & artisanal pizzas in a bright, upbeat atmosphere.
458 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
BreweryFood & Drink
Mentioned by Gatlinburg Cabins | Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals | Chalet Village
Top 4 Bars in Gatlinburg Where You Should Grab a Drink
"Then Gatlinburg Brewing Company is the perfect place for you!. Beer is brewed on site, ensuring it is fresh and delicious. You’ll find every kind of beer, from ales to IPAs."
Hi-Wire Brewing - Knoxville
Hi-Wire Brewing - Knoxville
4.7 (110 ratings)
2020 Barber St, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA
BreweryBar

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Knoxville

Cru Loft in the Heart of Downtown Knox
Apartment
$147 /night
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Marble City Cottage
Cottage
$91 /night
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La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Knoxville Papermill
Hotel
$101.15 /night
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