Settled in 1791 and founded in 1792, Knoxville, Tennessee, was named for Henry Knox, President George Washington’s Secretary of the Revolutionary War. Located along the Tennessee River in the eastern part of the state, there is much to love for residents and visitors alike. Its deep history, natural beauty, fun destinations, and relative ease of access to other large southern cities make it a great vacation spot. There are also many great day trips to enjoy from Knoxville. To help you and your family get the most out of your “dirty little town,” we’ve put together a list of recommended day trips in and around Knoxville for all types of tourists.
1. Cumberland State Falls Resort Park, Kentucky
One of the most naturally beautiful day trips from Knoxville is just across the border in Kentucky. More than an hour and a half north of downtown is Cumberland State Falls Resort in Corbin, Kentucky. The area is home to its namesake Cumberland Falls, which is accessed by a moderately strenuous 2.9-mile hike. as Eagle Falls Trail. If you plan on hiking, be sure to bring water, snacks, and appropriate shoes.
The resort offers a lodge, campground, cabin rentals, and a seasonal swimming pool. Fishing, mini-golf, bird watching, and hiking are popular activities, as is viewing the moonbow, the lunar rainbow. Cumberland Falls is one of the few places in the world where moon rainbows can be seen for one to two days at a time. There are still several dates in December 2023 that will give visitors the chance to see this spectacular natural phenomenon.
2. Alabama Space and Rocket Center
About three hours south of Knoxville, galaxy-minded tourists can enjoy a day trip to Huntsville. Alabama Space and Rocket Center. Perhaps best known for Space Camp, you don’t need weeks of training to enjoy this center. The campus has one of the largest collections of space and rocket memorabilia and hosts many events daily.
General admission tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for children. This cost includes access to the G-Force accelerator, which generates three times his normal gravity and simulates astronaut training. Also included is the Moon Shot rocket launch simulator, which can launch up to 140 feet in the air in just 2.5 seconds. Little astronauts will love exploring the simulated surface of Mars and crawling around a pretend replica of the International Space Station.
3. Knoxville Botanical Garden
Looking for an excursion close to the city? The City Botanical Garden consists of 47 acres of trails, exhibit gardens, and distinctive stone walls and is just 5 minutes from downtown Knoxville. The garden was established by his land grant in the 1780s and continued to be managed by the Howell family for nearly 200 years. The garden is currently operated by the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum (KGBA).
For a one-day visit, Recommended by KGBA Start at the Visitor’s Center across from the car park, visit the Stone Terrace, then move on to the Row Gardens. From there, head to Marcia Ash Garden and finish your walk at the Stone Conservatory.
4. Alpine Village of Helen, Georgia
Helen, Georgia, just three hours from Knoxville in the North Georgia Mountains, offers joy and pleasure. Bavaria architecture to the southern United States. This area is lined with classic brown and white cottages commonly found in the Alps. The city is also known for its wine tasting and culture. There’s a little something for everyone here, including outdoor adventures and art exhibits.
Stroll through the collections at the North Georgia Folk Pottery Museum. This museum specializes in living handicrafts and is open seven days a week. The Helen Arts and Heritage Center is also open seven days a week and curates art, but visitors are most interested in learning more about the area’s development, including its iconic European architecture. It could be a short documentary detailing it. Self-guided tours are also available using a downloadable app. guided wine tour.
5. Treetops Adventure Park, Asheville, North Carolina
Just 2 hours from Knoxville, thrill seekers will love it. Treetops Adventure Park Located in Asheville, North Carolina. The Aerial Challenge Course features 77 climbing, rolling, jumping, swinging and rappelling challenges for all ages. The aerial trails are anchored by more than 30 trees and are divided into categories of difficulty for beginners to experts, and are suitable for children as young as 4 years old.
Visitors can purchase single passes or annual passes, and the park is just 5 minutes from downtown Asheville. Due to its close proximity, the zipline course offers great views of the city skyline. For tourists who want to stay on the ground, bike paths are also available.
6. Dollywood in Tennessee
One of Tennessee’s most famous theme parks, located less than an hour from Knoxville. dollywood! Located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood is as fun as it is beautiful. Guests can enjoy seasonal lights, events, roller coasters, dining, shopping, and live music.
Dollywood’s children’s rides include Black Bear Trail, Busy Beads, and Flying Elephants. Adults can also enjoy the thrills of Barnstormer and Dragonflyer. In 2024, a new attraction will offer country music lovers and fans of Dolly Parton the chance to follow her journey from the Locust Ridge to stages around the world.
7. Knoxville Museum of Art
Whether you’re looking for an international experience or an exhibit focused on the heritage and culture of the Appalachian Mountains, Knoxville Museum of Art Especially since admission is always free, please come and join us. Located on the site of the 1982 World’s Fair, the museum opened its pink Tennessee marble facility in 1990.
Current exhibits include a comprehensive overview of Tennessee’s visual arts over the past century, as well as modern and contemporary glass art. Future exhibits will feature student work. The museum is open seven days a week and is closed on Mondays.
8. Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg
Three hours from Knoxville, tourists can find their home here. Jack Daniel’s signature whiskey. Founded in 1866, Lynchburg Distillery is one of the oldest distilleries in the United States and offers tours, tastings, and more. Of course, please visit responsibly! You must be 21 years or older to enjoy this day trip.
Whether you’re looking for a beautiful destination for your wedding, want an outdoor adventure, or just want to visit an art exhibit right away, there are plenty of day trips from within and outside of Knoxville. Whichever you choose, check out the best travel trends for the year ahead of time to prepare and enjoy your trip.
